Supplied by distributors HPL Distribution Ltd, the first Kato iC70R tracked dumper is working in New Zealand
When it comes to environmental enhancement projects or something that is outside the comfort zone of many civil construction companies, that’s when Glasgow Contractors step in and shine. Whether it’s working in a stream bed, restoring a wetland area, or other challenging jobs, the long-established Auckland-based business has experienced it all.
One recent job that the company has been involved with is Auckland’s huge 16.2-kilometre Central Interceptor (CI) project that is nearing completion. It’s here that they recently put a Kato iC70R tracked dumper to work helping reinstate the large shafts that were needed during the CI construction phase.
While working on a relatively straightforward task on the day of our visit, it doesn’t take long to understand Glasgow Contractor’s reasoning behind the purchase.
Central Interceptor
Built by Watercare over seven years, the 1.6-billion-dollar Central Interceptor consists of a 4.5-metre tunnel positioned between 15 and 110 metres below the city surface, running from Point Erin (near the Harbour Bridge) in Herne Bay to the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant in South Auckland.
Along with two smaller-link sewer tunnels, the main CI tunnel will soon be collecting wastewater from the existing network and delivering it to Māngere at a controlled flow rate. The tunnel has been built with a slope gradient of 1:1000 to enable wastewater to flow downhill to Māngere.
Tracked dumper utilisation
The Glasgow team are not new to tracked dumper utilisation on their job sites, having a number of smaller machines in their fleet. The Kato iC70R is the second large unit the company has purchased, after buying an 11t IHI dumper in 2023.
“We have also hired large tracked dumpers in the past and for the type of work we undertake; they have worked well,” says company director Oliver Ferrick. “We found that rubber tyre dumpers could not work efficiently in some of our situations.
“With weight spread out over a larger area compared to a wheeled machine, the tracked dumpers exert a lot less ground pressure, so disturbance is minimalised significantly and there is less infrastructure to build and maintain for access.”
Kato iC70R
One of the key features that secured the purchase of the 11.5-tonne Kato iC70R was its ability to swivel 360 degrees.
“The ability to turn in its own body length is a major benefit,” says Oliver. “Being able to do the job without needing to reverse the machine makes the worksite considerably easier and safer.
“We’re a bit spoilt on the CI line because often we have limited space to work, but I can’t tell you how much easier it makes our work in places such as stream embankments and areas where the ground is soft.”
Latest features
The Kato iC70R is relatively new to the construction market, being released in mid-2023. As such, the latest features have been incorporated into the design. Some of the features beneficial to the operator include air conditioning, wide windscreens, and an onboard camera system.
Gone are the two control sticks that are seen on some other brands, with Kato going for a single lever to control all movements, including the dump tray.
With a payload capacity of 7000kg, the whole machine has been designed to keep the load being carried as low as possible to ensure stability on uneven terrain. At just 2680mm overall height (which includes 560mm ground clearance) the iC70R has one of the lowest centres of gravity in its class, according to Kato specs.
“A big feature for us was the load counter and onboard scales,” says Oliver. “As we’re often paid on how much material we shift, from a contract management point of view the measuring devices help to ensure the accuracy of our work.”
Backup and support
Backup and support have also been given the stamp of approval from the team at Glasgow Contractors.
“Overall, we can’t speak highly enough of the backup and exceptional servicing we have received from HPL Distribution and Kato Japan,” says Oliver.
“A technical expert came out from Japan, to ensure the machine was working correctly for us – it was above and beyond what we would expect from a supplier.
“Prior to purchase, we looked at several other tracked dumper brands, but the Kato met our high requirements and was comparatively well-priced, when all of that was taken into account.”
“We can move it around on our own transporter, the operators love it, and we’re very happy with its performance and results.”
For more information, contact hpl.nz
Who are Watercare?
Fully owned by Auckland Council, the council-controlled organisation (CCO) Watercare Services Limited is New Zealand’s largest water and wastewater utility. It provides services to 1.7 million people in the region and manages 16 water treatment plants, 18 wastewater plants, along with over 12,000km of pipes.
Kato iC70R specifications
| Operating weight | 11,525kg |
|---|---|
| Engine | Kubota V6009 |
| Power | 140kW@2200rpm |
| Max payload | 7000kg |
| Capacity | 4m3 (heaped) 2m3 (level) |
| Max length | 5550mm |
| Max width | 2490mm (no mirrors) |
| Max height | 2680mm |
| Min ground clearance | 560mm |
| Max speed | 12km/h |
Images by Watercare – Siimon Runting onsite images