In each project timeline, the stages of operations vary in length depending on individual challenges faced. The bedding material and trench filling stages are now made more efficient with the skilled operators and high-speed conveyor equipment supplied by The Hills Rockslinger.
The Hills Rockslinger has a fleet of slinger trucks capable of installing material at the rate of one tonne per minute via a high-speed conveyor system. The company hires out the machinery and operator to projects where accuracy, time efficiency and cost are essential.
The fleet have backfilled trenches in long tracts of pipeline installations, into retention basins and drainage areas, into fuel tank refurbishments and across renewable energy developments. The Hills Rockslinger General Manager Chris Nattrass says the company’s machines are both unique and versatile in their application on site.
“Here in Australia, we are yet to realise their full potential as a cost saver and accurate applicator,” he says.
“Slinger machines are commonly used across the globe to fill open trenches with specified material, and the equipment and operational expertise found at The Hills Rockslinger is up there with the best in the world.”
The Hills Rockslinger has the largest fleet of slinger equipment in Australia. The company’s specialised knowledge has been built up over more than 10 years, with the capability of the operators and machinery getting better and better as the scope of projects grow.
The company now contracts to projects across the country for both short- and long-term installations.
How does a slinger work?
Material is placed in the back of the slinger bin and transported by conveyor to drop onto the high-speed belt on a movable arm at the rear of the equipment. The slinger is remotely operated and can drive along the line to place the material evenly.
At the volume application rate of a tonne a minute, projects are completed with remarkable and unusual speed, and the manoeuvrability and control of the conveyor arm means the material is placed exactly where it needs to go.
The Hills Rockslinger Managing Director Jon Moon, has invested time in training operators and providing them with experience to ensure the slingers remain an asset to the project they are working on.
“Our team here at the Rockslinger have experience in slinger operation on highly sensitive and time constrained sites,” says Mr Moon.
“This great group of people are the reason why this method of material placement is becoming highly sought after.”
A timesaver in Lidsdale
The Rockslinger trucks and an operator worked on the construction of pipework alongside an access road in Lidsdale, New South Wales. The head client for the project had requested that the works be accelerated to bring the completion of the project in ahead of time.
It was determined that alternative equipment to what was being used on site was required to complete the works within the revised timeline.
Civil construction company Eire Constructions contracted The Hills Rockslinger help accelerate the works to meet the head client’s expectations. Over the course of several days, kilometres of line had trenchfill accurately placed along the pipework, followed by a roadbase layer for the road restoration work.
The process meant that the accelerated program was completed well within the revised deadline.
Supporting you all the way
When a client hires machinery, they gain the benefit of The Hills Rockslinger’s trained and experienced operators who will ensure the best results are achieved from the well-maintained equipment, which is serviced to a documented schedule.
In the lead up to a project, clients are provided with expert advice on set up options and logistics so they are able to make informed decisions on how to proceed. During all Rockslinger projects, mechanical support is provided for the most efficient work flow, with back up options for equipment and staff available.
Finally, The Hills Rockslinger is dedicated to ensuring that its clients’ needs are fulfilled and follows up all projects with customer satisfaction phone calls to continue its excellent track record for quality and service.
For more information visit the Rockslinger website.
If you have news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au
