5 minute read
On a roll
Queensland-based JRT Group has recently taken delivery of five brand new Ammann rollers from Porter Equipment. Marked by innovation, the new fleet is providing greater fuel efficiency compared to similar models and lower environmental impact – two things high on JRT managing director Jason Thomasson’s list.
Established in 2000 as a small, familyrun business, JRT Group started with just one excavator. Twenty years on, the business has grown to be one of the largest civil construction firms on the Capricorn Coast, in Queensland. It specialises in areas of bulk earthworks including disaster remediation, demolition, roadworks, site clean-ups and plant hire throughout Central Queensland.
“We generally work in the civil construction industry. We do a lot of subdivisional work, road works, property development and land clearing. For the last six months we have been working at the Army area at Shoalwater Bay. We’re currently doing a lot of principal contract work and subcontract work for Tier I companies to major civil companies for the hire of machinery, and dry and wet hire. We’ve recently started to branch out in the mining sector as well,” JRT Group managing director Jason Thomasson says.
Over the last two decades, often in remote and challenging environments, JRT Group has delivered large scale infrastructure projects to a wide range of clients in both government and private sectors. What began as a family business is now a 200-people strong workforce. JRT has added over 160 machines to its fleet, which consists of rollers, graders, excavators, dozers, scrapers, articulated trucks, road trucks, tipper trucks, and a fleet of transport trucks.
“JRT is always promoting new ways to do business and we work hard to maintain close, long-term relationships with every client, whether government or private business, larger developer or small enterprise,” Thomasson says.
“In line with the projected growth of the Capricorn Coast, Bowen Basin and Central Queensland, JRT Group is committed to playing a leading role by delivering consistent excellence in civil engineering and construction projects. We’re proud to be one of the largest contractors in the region, continually driving sustainable growth in our fleet and capabilities, backed by a skilled, local workforce. Wherever possible, we choose local expertise and support local enterprise.”
Earlier this year, JRT Group added five more machines to its fleet: a 2019 Ammann ARS130 single drum roller, a 2019 Ammann ARS170 single drum roller, a 2020 Ammann ARS170 single drum padfoot roller, a 2019 Ammann ARS200 HX single drum padfoot roller, and a 2019 Ammann ART280H hydrostatic pneumatic tyred roller.
JRT owns a number of Hyundai models
JRD Group MP Jason Thomasson says he was looking for machines that would allow his business to stay productive and profitable on job sites, and the new Ammann fleet has ensured that
THE AMMANN BENEFIT
“When we look for equipment, we don’t have a preference for brands in general. What we look for is reliable products that can stand the test of time. Productivity and performance is what we look for in machines and we get that from the Ammann brand. We have used Ammann brand of machines before and have been pleased with their performance and fuel efficiency. Ammann soil compactors deliver good compaction outputs in different applications,” Thomasson says.
The compact design of Ammann ARS single drum rollers improves manoeuvrability and flexibility. The proprietary ACE force intelligent compaction system offers absolute compaction measurement, better efficiency and quality. The availability of a wider range of centrifugal forces make the machines a good fit for many applications and different materials. The new cab design offers safety improvements with 360 degree visibility and a conveniently-located control display. The ARS 130 has a Deutz TCD 3.6L4 engine, operating weight of 12,580 kg and drum width of 2130 mm. Meanwhile, the ARS 170 soil compactor has an operating weight of 16,340 kg, drum width of 2130 mm and is powered by a Deutz TCD 4.1L4 engine. Both machines are suited for medium and large applications including, transport construction, industrial zones and dumpsite construction works.
The ARS130 soil compactor hard at work at JRT's Koumala site in the Mackay region
The ARS 200 T3 soil compactor is one of the most efficient machines in the Ammann range of equipment. The machine meets high operator standards, with intuitive control through a centralised multifunctional display built into the steering wheel. The ARS 200 features all productivity, ergonomic and serviceability improvements as the other range of Ammann soil compactors. Powered by a Deutz TCD 6.1L6 engine, the ARS 200 has an operating weight of 19,750 kg and a drum width of 2130 mm. It is particularly suited to large applications such as heavy transport construction including, sub-base of railways, airfields, water dams and harbours.
Meanwhile, the Ammann pneumatic tyred rollers provide excellent kneading and sealing effect. The tyred rollers are flexible enough to perform on both asphalt and aggregates. The modular, easy-load ballasting system of the ART 280 hydrostatic pneumatic tyred roller allows weight to be adjusted from 9 tonnes to 28 tonnes in an hour with the help of only a forklift. The new cab design offers more space for the operator, while better serviceability increases productivity and reduces maintenance costs.
The ART 280 roller is powered by a EU Stage 3 Deutz engine with EGR and muffler. With an operating weight 9700 kg and maximum weight 28,000 kg, this model is suited for medium and large applications.
“We bought the Ammann models to upgrade our fleet with equipment using the latest technology that not only boosts productivity but supports the environment through lower emission levels. Plus, they are better on fuel savings, which is another benefit,” Thomasson says.
All the five models were purchased through Porter Equipment.
“We also prefer the Hyundai brand of excavators and have bought a number of Hyundai models from Porter in the recent times. Ensuring that we invest in quality products is one thing but backup with that brand is just as important for us and we get that from Porter,” he says.
“We have managers come over from New Zealand to meet us at our office in Yeppoon. That’s the kind of people they are. They are a very family-oriented business and it shows in their customer support and how they manage their business. Porter’s territory manager Garth Meineke has done a great job selling us decent products over the years and supporting us through good customer service.”
