Ultra High Reach Demolition Excavator

Leading construction services company, McMahon Services, took delivery of the $3 million Ultra High Reach Demolition Excavator from the United States late last year.

Weighing 160 tonnes and with a reach of up to 45 metres, the excavator is capable of deconstructing buildings up to 12 storeys high, whilst working from the ground.

McMahon Services' Demolition and Operations Manager, Chris Latham, says there is nothing else like it anywhere in Australia.

"The Ultra High Reach Demolition Excavator basically uses a giant hydraulic shear to deconstruct buildings piece by piece," said Mr Latham.

"This means there is less noise and dust emissions, making it ideal for confined suburban projects such as the Fisher Street building demolition in Fullarton.

"This machine not only brings structures down faster but it is safer than other methods of demolition."

Mr Latham says the excavator can operate 2.6 tonne shears at a height of 45 metres and 5.5 tonne shears at 30 metres, and is capable of cutting steel and concrete members up to a metre thick.

"Demolishing large structures is traditionally labour intensive and involves a combination of cranes, small machinery and hand held oxy cutting tools. This means buildings have to be slowly taken apart level by level which is time consuming, expensive and potentially dangerous," he said.

"The excavator's capabilities make it extremely cost effective and minimises the risk to our site personnel, the public and adjoining properties.

"Despite its incredible size the excavator can also be transported anywhere in Australia and we've already had interest from a number of mining companies to carry out mine decommissioning work."