North East Link EBTA - Crane and Piling Pads
Compact laser-controlled grading for confined infrastructure works
Precision grading for crane pads and piling pads inside a confined infrastructure work zone.
- Location
- Bulleen, Victoria
- Project type
- Road Infrastructure
The problem
On the North East Link EBTA project, crane pads and piling pads needed to be graded to precise levels inside a highly confined work area.
The project required:
- Precise grading accuracy
- Compact equipment capable of operating in restricted conditions
- A practical alternative to conventional graders with machine control
- Reduced reliance on manual trimming and survey crews
- Efficient production inside a constrained infrastructure work zone
A conventional grader was simply too large for the available footprint, while manual grading methods would have slowed production and increased programme pressure.
The solution
Focus Machinery engineered a compact laser-controlled grading package configured specifically for the project conditions.
Machine configuration
- Cat 259D3 Posi-Track Loader
- Cat BB124 Box Blade
- Trimble Earthworks GO! dual-grade laser system
The dual-grade laser setup provided a more accurate and cost-effective solution than GPS or UTS systems for flat and sloped pad grading applications.
The compact footprint of the Posi-Track loader allowed the client to maintain productivity in an area where conventional grading equipment was unsuitable.
Prior to delivery, the machine and attachment package were configured, tested, and calibrated in the Focus Machinery yard to ensure the system arrived site-ready.
Focus Machinery also attended site to provide commissioning support and operator training.
Configured. Compliant. Ready to perform.
The results
The specialist grading package allowed the client to complete precision grading efficiently inside a restricted infrastructure work zone without relying on larger conventional grading equipment.
Project outcomes
- 140 machine hours completed over 5 weeks on site
- Estimated 98% uptime achieved
- One breakdown event resolved onsite within 2.5 hours
- Zero compliance events recorded
By engineering the machine, attachment, and grade control system around the actual site constraint, the project team was able to maintain productivity while achieving accurate finished levels in confined conditions.
This is what happens when the equipment is specified for the job - not adapted to it.
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