ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

CAT WORKING OVERTIME AT ARKAROOLA

Photo courtesy of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.Doug Sprigg, co-owner of Arkaroola wildlife sanctuary, reckons that Caterpillar has saved them over $200,000 in running costs.

Speak with Doug Sprigg, joint owner of Arkaroola, and he is full of praise for the Caterpillar brand, dealer Cavpower and Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA). According to Doug: “Caterpillar has actively supported our efforts to reduce running costs and extend machine life”.

In 1984 Arkaroola purchased its first Cat® 3208 generator to provide all the power needed for the sanctuary’s many tourist facilities. “When we retired this engine (some 14 years later) it had clocked up a remarkable 124,000 hours and only 0.003” cylinder wear,” explained Doug. While this engine was still fully rebuildable, the technology was ageing and, since new Caterpillar engines were exceptional value, Doug and his sister Margaret decided to replace “with some sadness” the old engine. The replacement Cat 3208T has since completed 43,000 hours with no significant maintenance. Its stable mate has also completed 59,000 hours and is in no need of major work.

Arkaroola was purchased in 1968 by Doug and Margaret’s parents – the noted Australian geologist Reg Sprigg and his nature-loving wife Griselda. The property, covering 610 square kilometres in the Flinders Ranges, exemplifies ecotourism at its very best. Using Caterpillar equipment has sat well with this sanctuary’s commitment to sustainable practices.

As Doug explained: “Our first Cat product, a 1960’s 922B loader, was bought second hand by Mum as a birthday present for Dad in the mid 1970s. It remains in use today. We later purchased a 1950’s Cat D4 6UL dozer, followed by a 1950’s Cat 12 8T grader – all still here

and functioning”. Further to the equipment’s longevity, everything in Arkaroola’s fleet (including two aircraft) is being monitored as part of the Caterpillar SOS fluid analysis program. Doug reckoned that this scheduled oil analysis has conservatively saved Arkaroola well in excess of $200,000 in servicing and repairs.

According to Doug, the product’s reliability is matched by Cavpower, the Caterpillar dealer in SA, “going beyond the call of duty”. One example was when a fuel injection pump started leaking just before Christmas 2005.

As Cavpower’s Peter Ormsby recalled: “Doug arranged for an employee who was coming to Adelaide to bring the leaking pump to us for camshaft metalling and machining. Even though we were closing at noon that day for the festive season, we had organised for a machinist to start work without delay. As a result, it didn’t take weeks to repair the fuel pump, just days, with it up and running again in Arkaroola by December 28th”.

“In these remote regions, a breakdown isn’t just an inconvenience, it can cost businesses like Arkaroola thousands upon thousands of dollars. This is why we’re on call out 24 hours a day,” Cavpower’s Don Hamilton added.

As Doug Sprigg surmised: “If not for the reliable equipment and dedicated people at Caterpillar, Arkaroola would be in a very different financial situation today”.

2 – December 2009

When Vegco Pty Ltd planned a systems shutdown at its Bairnsdale processing plant, the company turned to Cat Rental Power to keep its stores of vegetables fresh.

Vegco Pty Ltd, along with Harvest FreshCuts, Oolloo Farm Management and The Harvest Company, operates under the OneHarvest umbrella. Consumers will know this brand as the cut and bagged vegetables located in the fresh food sections of supermarkets that have been conveniently pre-packaged for use in salads and stir fries.

Located close to growers, Vegco’s Bairnsdale plant is the largest freshcut factory in Australia, producing up to 120,000 packs per day. This organisation is well known for its quality end product. So during the shutdown, Cat Rental Power was given the task of maintaining strict temperature control of all produce.

According to Cat Rental Power’s Dave Davies: “For Vegco, Cat Rental Power supplied 500kW and 200kW chillers, air handlers, 160kVA and 350kVA generators, along with all leads hoses and accessories”.

In addition to supplying, delivering and installing the equipment, “Cat Rental Power was required to monitor the operations to ensure that liquid temperature was maintained at minus 5 degrees Celsius,” Cat Rental Power’s Simon Buckley elaborated.

The work took place from August 11 to 13, with one day dedicated to the set up, one day of operating the equipment during the shutdown, then one day removing the equipment from the plant and returning it to Cat Rental Power.

CAT RENTAL KEEPS THOSE VEGGIES FRESH

When Vegco Pty Ltd needed to temporarily shut down systems at its plant, Cat Rental Power reliably delivered a solution that would save this company’s stock.

Cat Rental Power was given just 72 hours to source and deliver three Power Modules and three 2000 kVA Set Up Transformers from Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland for urgent transportation to the Ok Tedi mine in Papua New Guinea.

When one of Ok Tedi mine’s biggest generators experienced technical problems, it became apparent that finding parts for this very old and unique Rolls Royce engine could take weeks if not months. So, in the interim, Cat Rental Power was assigned with the task of urgently supplying replacement equipment.

Cat Rental Power quickly sourced all the required components but they were spread over three states. It was decided that going from Western Australia to the Northern Territory and then across to Townsville would be the quickest route. However, distance was just one of the challenges.

“The Power Modules alone were 40 tonnes in weight and held in 12 metre containers. As the freight was sizeable, certification was required from each state’s Road and Transport Authority,” explained Cat Rental Power’s Adam Homewood.

CAT RENTAL POWER PULLS OUT ALL STOPS FOR OK TEDI

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

3 – December 2009

Issue Nine December 2009

A new, compact generator has been designed to best meet the needs of utility companies. As Cat Rental Power’s Wade Bailey explained: “The pressure on utility companies to provide stable, reliable temporary power is increasing. These smaller generators can be hired and easily transported wherever they’re required, to get power back up in the fastest possible time”.

This generator is among the most advanced to be offered for hire and while it was designed for utility companies, it can be used in any sector.

After all, this smaller, lighter, noise-reduced unit can withstand high ambient temperatures, boasts a state-of-the-art control system and delivers unprecedented power output flexibility. Further to all these features, its array of functions can be controlled remotely.

This new generator is 1.2 metres shorter and more than 4 tonnes lighter than its predecessor.

According to Wade, inside this unit is the latest Cat C18 electronic engine and a Power Management Controller with Utility Plus Software. “ In addition to displaying live telemetry, the machine diagnoses itself and conveys this information by email, SMS or phone call. Readings can also be presented in graph form for further consideration.”

Stop/start functions, fault finding and adjustments can also be made remotely using the 3G network worldwide, while its Caterpillar ProductLink GPS function enables this generator’s location to be tracked.

“If more power is required in the grid, this compact generator can be coupled to another,” Wade added. “It can be linked to up to

32 machines of different output, in fact. You can also reduce this unit’s output to under 600 kVA, whenever less power is required.”

This unit was designed to maximise air flow in a confined space. As a result this generator can operate continuously in very high temperatures of 52 degrees Celsius. What is more, it is remarkably user-friendly.

As soon as the first three units were completed, two went to work for a utility company straight away. Already, Cat Rental Power is planning to apply these design philosophies to other sized generators.

GENERATORS PURPOSE BUILT TO BEST SUIT CUSTOMERS’ DEMANDS

Louise Cook worked on the new sharper, cleaner, streamlined livery.

CAT RENTAL POWER PULLS OUT ALL STOPS FOR OK TEDI cont. “So rather than obtain approvals up front and risk missing the deadline, Simons, our carrier, sought certification as we were in transit.”

Once certification was received from the WA authorities, the freight hit the road. Next the Northern Territory authorities were approached to obtain approval before the freight reached

the border. Once this was secured and the freight was making its way to Katherine, approval was being arranged for entry into Queensland.

Adam says that the work done by Mal Edwards and the team at Cat Rental Power’s Townsville branch ensured the cargo was PNG bound on time.

Ok Tedi conducted the installation with technical advice provided by Cat Rental Power over the phone. In all a job very well done, according to the positive feedback from the mine’s operators.

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

4 – December 2009

If you have a Caterpillar engine or generator, then WesTrac is geared to give you the best possible service whether you are on the west coast or the east coast (NSW). WesTrac has also made arrangements to further enhance the extensive after sales service it offers Caterpillar customers in the harbour city.

“The popularity of the Cat engine has seen customer demand for servicing escalate in Sydney and its surrounds,” explained WesTrac’s Engine Business Manager Gavin Savage. “As customer support is everything, we have met this increasing demand by securing Mobile Marine Repairs as a second tier dealer,” Gavin elaborated.

On the west coast, WesTrac operates in Broome, Port Hedland, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Albany and Esperance. On the east coast, WesTrac services and repairs Cat marine engines with branches in Tweed Heads, Grafton, Newcastle, Parramatta and Wollongong, with a parts outlet at Taren Point and Resident Field Servicemen in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Eden and Forster. “Caterpillar marine customers have come to expect a very high standard of service and convenience. We’re here to see that’s exactly what they get,” Gavin emphasised.

Before being appointed, WesTrac ensured that Mobile Marine Repairs met the stringent criteria required to be a Caterpillar Authorised Marine Dealer. However, there were other considerations.

“As WesTrac often works out of Sydney City Marine, we were pleased that Mobile Marine Repairs also operate from this Rozelle Bay location,” Gavin said. “In addition to offering ship lift straight from the water, Mobile Marine Repairs also has a fully equipped fleet of vans. However, for our customers, the biggest benefit was that Mobile Marine Repairs is a Twin Disc® agent providing a one-stop shop for engine and transmission servicing and repairs,” Gavin added.

WesTrac will continually monitor and manage this support option to ensure the best possible outcomes for Cat customers.

The appointment of Mobile Marine Repairs will not change the excellent relationships that Caterpillar customers have with WesTrac now or in the future. Instead, Mobile Marine Repairs is complementing the service offering in NSW, ensuring that the growing popularity of Cat engines and generators continues to be well catered for on land and on sea.

WESTRAC APPOINTS MOBILE MARINE REPAIRS

In addition to its Sydney City Marine location, Mobile Marine Repairs operates a fleet of seven fully equipped vans.

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

5 – December 2009

Mr Giles Wilson (GMEC Project Manager), Mr CY Lin (Capital Machinery Limited), Mr Ping-Chih Chen (China Corporation Register of Shipping) and Mr Yi-Li Chen (customer representative) at the GMEC facility, Welshpool.

THE GMEC EQUIPS THE TAIWANESE COAST GUARD

Mr Ping-Chih Chen stamps one of the C18 SSDG with the China Corporation Register of Shipping mark.

In April 2008 the Perth based Governmental Marine Excellence Center (GMEC) secured a contract from the Taiwanese Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co (JSSC). It involved equipping an 80m Offshore Patrol Vessel being built for the Taiwanese Coast Guard that will be used for fishery protection duties.

In addition to two Cat C280-12 main propulsion diesel engines, each coupled with a ZF W 43000 reduction gear, the GMEC was also required to supply three Cat C18 ship service diesel generators and a Cat C4.4 generator for emergency power, then conduct the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for these.

The ship service diesel generators arrived at the GMEC facility in Welshpool, WA in May 2009 and were fitted with additional on-engine sensors and a custom control panel permitting load sharing and power management, as well as providing remote indications of all critical engine parameters. The C4.4 gen set was required to operate in ‘black ship’ (no power) conditions and was fitted with a separate hydraulic starter to permit the engine to start when electrical power is unavailable.

In addition to carrying out these modifications to meet the specs, a testing facility also had to be ‘purpose built’ for the project. Combining the resources of WesTrac for load banks

and exhaust silencers, with Cat Rental for chillers, start air accumulators and fuel tanks, a test facility was created on site at the GMEC/Cat Rental Welshpool facility.

Testing was conducted in the second week of August 2009. The FAT was attended by representatives from the shipyard, China Register of Shipping and Capital Machinery Limited, the Taiwanese Caterpillar Dealer with whom the GMEC partnered for this project. Testing ran for four days, with each gen set tested at up to 110 per cent load. The functionality of the custom control system and additional sensors was also demonstrated during the FAT.

Further to these, acceptance testing of the C280-12 main engines was assigned to the Lafayette Engine Center (USA) prior to shipping to Taiwan, with testing of the reduction gears conducted at the manufacturer’s premises in Italy.

Now the FAT testing is successfully completed, the gen sets and ancillary equipment are being shipped to Taiwan for installation. Thanks to the GMEC, WesTrac and Cat Rental Power working together to facilitate the testing, the vessel is on schedule to be launched in February 2010.

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

6 – December 2009

Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA) and William Adams have a long history of working together to provide seamless end-to-end service for Caterpillar customers.

In 2008 EPSA and William Adams in Victoria and Tasmania collaborated to secure Japanese Government Certification for a Caterpillar-powered catamaran that went into service this year. Now more recently they have joined forces for another catamaran being built by Richardson Devine in Hobart – this time for Offshore Unlimited.

According to EPSA’s Roger Davey: “We packaged the two C32 Caterpillar engines with Twin Disc® gear boxes and two Caterpillar 86kVA Gen Sets then delivered these to the Hobart-based boat builder for installation. Following this, William Adams in Hobart conducted the three-day sea trials”.

Coincidentally, for its first charter, this multi-purpose Offshore Support Vessel has been assigned to Lakes Entrance in Victoria assisting with oil rig operations. So while William Adams in Tasmania conducted the sea trials, William Adams in Victoria is carrying out this vessel’s first scheduled service.

That’s the benefit of buying Caterpillar – not only do customers get a first rate product delivered to spec and expertly installed, they also benefit from nation-wide after sales support.

CAT-POWERED CATAMARANPUT THROUGH ITS PACES

NEW REGIONAL MANAGER IN QUEENSLANDEPSA’s new Regional Manager in Queensland is customer focused and outward looking. As Gwynn Spicer explained: “For me and my team this means being in front of customers first – well before they actually realise that they need us”.

After having spent 21 years at Cummins Engine Co, Gwynn has built a career from organising staff and growing business. Now, after a brief sojourn in another industry, Gwynn will use his credentials and experience for the benefit of Caterpillar customers in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

“I have a team of 26 specialists who are all very good technically,” Gwynn said. Through ongoing commitment to training, Gwynn will ensure the customers continue to benefit from the very highest degree of product knowledge, while enabling all staff to achieve their full potential.

At the same time, Gwynn will be looking to maximise EPSA’s long-standing working partnership with Hastings Deering. “We work in remote regions and Hastings Deering’s support is critical. With this in mind, I want to make our very good relationship even better in the months and years ahead especially with all the business developments that are taking place.”

The developments to which Gwynn is referring pertain to the production of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and Coal Seam Methane Gas (CSM or CSG). “In addition to looking after the Gas producers and

delivering the most comprehensive support, contractors and the like will also be relying on us with specifying and supplying Cat engines,” Gwynn explained.

According to Gwynn: “For reputation and reliability, you really cannot beat the Caterpillar brand. Even so, it’s our job to ensure that the customer experience exceeds all expectations, not just while we’re securing the sale but for the life of the engine”.

The Offshore Support Vessel built in Hobart by Richardson Devine and powered by Caterpillar.

Gwynn Spicer is now in charge of Caterpillar engine sales in some of the Asia Pacific’s most remote regions.

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

7 – December 2009

Dave Smith joined Hastings Deering in Queensland as a Trades Assistant in 1969. It was the start of a life-long career with the Caterpillar family.

Jim Walker, Managing Director of WesTrac, did his apprenticeship with Dave in the early 1970s and they remained friends. “Dave was a big guy with an even bigger personality. It was fantastic working with him because in the days before overhead cranes he could lift anything.” Jim said that right from the beginning Dave was an excellent mechanic. In fact, “Dave’s first car, an FJ Holden, was mechanically very sound even if the paintwork was a bit rough.” One weekend the pair was assigned the task of repairing a D9G track type tractor for Don Mearns, at Chermside near Jim’s family home. Dave always loved his food, so when they went to the Walkers for lunch and were served Sunday roast, Dave reckoned this was the best field job he’d ever had.

Noel Langton, General Manager – Branch Operations at Hastings Deering, worked with Dave in the company’s Engine Division in the late 1970s. As Noel tells it: “I remember Dave being very patient with me as I was learning the ropes, a big man with what to me was a gentle nature. Dave was also a very unique character who throughout his long career just got on with the job of looking after our customers in a no nonsense down to earth way that earned great respect in the industry”.

Ian Allison met Dave at Hastings Deering in 1984 and later worked with him again at Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA). “Dave was always sure of himself which is something to be admired. No fence

sitting for Smithy. His knowledge, experience and Caterpillar loyalty saw his sales steadily rise and become the benchmark for all others.”

Sharyn Sullivan, EPSA office administrator, considered Dave to be her ‘work dad’ and over a period of 20 years asked for his advice on a daily basis.

Gwynn Spicer, EPSA’s new Regional Manager Northern, was amazed by how much Caterpillar knowledge Dave had stored in his head. “That was probably not surprising given the time he’d been with Cat but very impressive none the less.”

Phil Canning has been the CEO at EPSA for the last five years and from the onset relied on Dave. “If I needed insight into what was happening on the ground, I could trust Dave to tell it like it was. Dave embodied the Cat and EPSA values of excellence, integrity, team work and commitment.” Dave also did the job of two men because of his contacts, experience and drive.

“Weeks prior to Dave’s death we commemorated his 40th anniversary working with the Caterpillar brand between EPSA and Hastings Deering,” Phil reflected. “It was a very happy occasion with Dave’s wife there by his side. Dave often said that he valued his place with the Caterpillar family. It was a sentiment that would be reiterated by Dave’s son at the celebration of his father’s life.”

Dave lost his life in a road accident whilst en route to the Agquip Trade Show in northern NSW. All who knew him within the Cat family miss him deeply. Dave is survived by his devoted wife, Rhoda, and proud sons, Jamie and Cameron.

IN MEMORY OF DAVE SMITH 4/8/1951 – 17/8/2009

It has been a privilege working with Dave, pictured with (from left) Phil Canning, Noel Langton (Hastings Deering) and Gwynn Spicer (Qld Regional Mgr). His beaming smile will not be forgotten.

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

ENGINE ROOM Issue Nine December 2009

For sales, engineering support and technical advice throughout the lifetime of your plant, call Energy Power Systems:

For service and parts, call:

© 2009 Caterpillar. All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos and “Caterpillar Yellow”, and the POWER EDGE trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Spring Garden Road,Hohola NCD, Port MoresbyTel: (675) 300 8358Fax: (675) 323 5324

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

(Kalgoorlie)

CAT Rental Power8 Epis Street, Kalgoorlie 6430Tel: (618) 9022 4222

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

(Karratha)

CAT Rental PowerLot 2545 Coolawanyah Road, Karratha 6714Tel: (Freecall) 1800 800 441

VICTORIA

(Melbourne)

CAT Rental Power32-42 Spencer Street,Sunshine 3020Tel: (613) 9314 1692Fax: (613) 9314 4863

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

19 Taminga Street,Regency Park 5010Tel: (618) 8244 0088Fax: (618) 8244 0545

NORTHERN TERRITORY

10 Callanan Road,Yarrawonga 0830Tel: (618) 8947 1748Fax: (618) 8947 3364

QUEENSLAND

Hastings Deering (Australia) LtdBrisbaneTel: 131 228Fax: (617) 3365 9228

VICTORIA

William Adams Pty Ltd ClaytonTel: (613) 9566 0666Fax: (613) 9561 6273

TASMANIA

William Adams Pty LtdSomersetTel: (613) 6433 8888Fax: (613) 6435 2375

NEW SOUTH WALES

WesTrac Pty LtdHolroydTel: (612) 9840 4600Fax: (612) 9840 4689

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Hastings Deering (PNG) LtdPort MoresbyTel: (675) 300 8300Fax: (675) 325 0141

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WesTrac Pty LtdSouth GuildfordTel: (618) 9377 9444Fax: (618) 9377 1791

Energy Power Systems Australia Pty Ltd47-51 Westpool Drive,Hallam, Victoria 3803Tel: 1800 800 441www.energypower.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Cavill Power Products Pty LtdAdelaideTel: (618) 8343 1600Fax: (618) 8344 9949

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Hastings Deering (Australia) LtdBerrimahTel: 131 228Fax: (618) 8984 1250

VICTORIA AND TASMANIA

(Head Office)

47-51 Westpool Drive, Hallam 3803Tel: (613) 9703 4000Fax: (613) 9703 4004

NEW SOUTH WALES

8-10 Bosci Road, Ingleburn 2565Tel: (612) 8796 9200Fax: (612) 8796 9299

QUEENSLAND

50 Arc Place, Larapinta 4110Tel: (617) 3722 1400Fax: (617) 3276 8442

QUEENSLAND

(Rockhampton)

CAT Rental PowerPort Curtis Road, Rockhampton 4700 Tel: (617) 4927 8432 Fax: (617) 4927 8476

QUEENSLAND

(Townsville)

CAT Rental Power12 Reward Court, Bohle 4814 Tel: (617) 4774 6244 Fax: (617) 4744 6954

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