Murphy Pipe and Civil is continually expanding its capability and capacity to offer more effective, safer and greener pipeline solutions to its clients.

“Our company is increasingly targeting projects within the coal seam gas (CSG) sector, and the T1055 trencher has been added to our plant fleet to ensure we can provide our existing clients – and potential new clients – with efficient delivery of total pipeline solutions,” said Murphy Pipe and Civil Director Tom Dermody.

According to Mr Dermody, Murphy Pipe and Civil chose Vermeer’s T1055 Trencher for two main reasons.

“Firstly, our past experiences with the T1055 Trencher have proved time and again that it is up to the job. Secondly, Murphy Pipe and Civil sees Vermeer’s large network of distributors across Australia as another positive, as it ensures any sourcing of backup parts never becomes an issue or a delay risk to our operations,” he said.

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The T1055 Trencher – capabilities and features

Vermeer’s T1055 Commander 3 is powered by a Caterpillar C13 ACERT Tier 3 engine and generates 309.5 kilowatt of power. The engine is emissionised and features high torque rise, allowing engine revolutions per minute to recover rapidly in situations that demand increased power.

A rotary power headshaft motor and splined headshaft produce lower speed and higher torque, providing superior rock penetration and low chain wear for better production results.

The T1055 is equipped with the new TEC Plus electronic control system, designed for improved diagnostic capabilities and to increase performance by enhancing machine controllability. The system utilises multiple control modules located throughout the machine for real-time performance data and advanced troubleshooting capabilities.

For maximum versatility, the T1055 tractor unit is also available with the Terrain Leveler surface excavation attachment for site preparation, surface mining and soil remediation applications.

Getting the job done

Murphy Pipe and Civil has used Vermeer’s trenchers throughout its extensive CSG pipeline installation work in the Surat Basin.

Mr Dermody said “The T1055 trencher has been very useful in areas where we have encountered rocky terrain, and its inclusion in our plant has ensured our construction crews have been able to keep to our client’s installation schedule.

“It is well suited for heavy duty rock trenching and complements our company’s other plants by ensuring we can productively tackle a wider range of works in a variety of different types of terrain.

“The trencher can also trench up to one metre wide and deep, which is very useful for projects requiring the installation of large diameter pipes,” said Mr Dermody.

A significant advantage of the T1055 trencher for Murphy Pipe and Civil was the weighting of the machine. “Our construction crews have seen first-hand the benefits the trencher has with regard to its weighting. The trencher has enough weight to ensure it can effectively cut through extremely hard rock, but is not weighted too heavily to hinder float loading and transport to other locations.

“Our operators have also benefited from the dual advantage of having sufficient trencher weight and strength when needed, but also easier manoeuvrability on the ground and when loading and transporting,” said Mr Dermody.

The safety features of the trencher are also incredibly important, as Mr Dermody explains. “Vermeer’s ability to retro-fit a number of additional emergency safety mechanisms on our trencher was another big positive with our most recent purchase, as it ensures Murphy Pipe and Civil’s plant effectively meets the safety guidelines of our client.”

Murphy Pipe and Civil is looking forward to continuing its strong relationship with Vermeer into the future, particularly during its expansion and increasing participation within the CSG and slurry pipeline sector throughout Australia.