Southern Downs Regional Council Delivery

Southern Downs regional council leading the way with the Cat® 323 Excavator.

In a first for local government, the Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) took delivery of a Next Generation Cat® 323 Excavator in early February.

This handover was a milestone for both the Council and Caterpillar dealer, Hastings Deering and set the Council up as a leader in its field for technology in Infrastructure.

Graham O'Byrne, the Director of Infrastructure Services at Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) said that the significant safety features played a big role in the decision to purchase this machine.

With the machine purchased for use on general works, road maintenance, building water and waste water infrastructure, it was the 2D Cat Grade, safety features and cameras that sealed the deal.

"The 360-degree cameras make it possible to see people walking past and having additional functions to guarantee the safety of the community as we are working close by. Those additional safety features and e-limit fences will make it safer to dig around power lines. This really enabled the decision to add this piece of equipment to our fleet." Said Mr O'Byrne.

With the nation moving towards a greener and more sustainable environment, the improved fuel consumption and lower emissions of the Next Generation Cat 323 helped to ensure selection of this machine.

"The fuel efficiency was a key factor. This machine uses around 11L per hour, we currently use gear that chews up 20L of fuel maximum per hour. That's a significant benefit for the community from a cost point of view, but also from an environmental point of view." Said Mr O'Byrne.

"The excavators boast the highest level of standard factory-equipped technology to boost productivity. Fuel savings can be up to 25 percent less than previous models and a new hydraulic system built for responsiveness and efficiency." Said Brett Lenz, Sales Manager for Hastings Deering.

While SDRC were the first council in Australia to receive the Next Generation excavator, this machine was one of 3 delivered last week to the Council. In addition to the Cat 323 excavator, the Council took ownership of a 12M Motor Grader, as well as the Council’s first CS68B Roller.

Mr Lenz, said that the delivery of the Next Gen 323 excavator, alongside the purchase of a new roller and motor grader, would help council achieve big efficiencies and standard factory technology.

"Council are looking to deliver big efficiencies in the infrastructure projects, nothing will do it better than the 12M motor grader, with the CS68B roller and the Next Gen excavator all working together." Said Mr Lenz.

"We pride ourselves on being a leader, purchasing this excavator is a demonstration that we are prepared to take that leading edge with regard to our work,", said Mr O'Byrne.