Shipping coal from the NSW Hunter Valley's coalfields to Newcastle's bulk loader is a non-stop, around the clock operation. Keeping all the networked rail loop tracks fully operational throughout this high load environment is the task of Laing O'Rourke.

"About 18 months ago we commissioned a Terex 980 Elite backhoe with a Hi-Rail adaptor that allows us to transport the equipment to the work area, drive the machine onto the rails and deploy the Hi-Rail that lets the operator drive along the tracks and carry out the work", says Laing O'Rourke's workshop manager, Andrew Shore.

The Hi-Rail adaptor was designed and fitted to the Terex 980 Elite by Melrose Mobile Hydraulics. Tony Melrose explains: "These tools are used to re-sleeper failed sections of track, especially in remote areas or where the use of Placer machines is not practical.

Hi-Rail attachments have been fitted to excavators, backhoes, telescopic handlers and skid steers. Rail wheels are hydraulically driven on excavators to enable speeds of up to 28 km/h. The machines are built to Railcorp and ARTC Rolling Stock Standards."