The FMS Paget facility build in 2021 integrated a variety of energy-efficient solutions to help achieve renewable targets. These included:

• Maintaining star partnership with ecoBiz (CCIQ)
• LED lighting, sensor lighting, insulation
• 100kw solar panel system installed on workshop roof

The team are keen to further their commitment to sustainability in the future with goals of installing a charging station that can be accessed by staff who own electric vehicles. Continuous monitoring and reviewing of energy consumption will identify areas for improvement.

Linked Group Services Managing Director Jason Sharam said it was fantastic to have the opportunity to support FMS Group on their emissions-reduction journey.

“This will be the first EcoPort we have completed in Mackay since we started installing them across the nation over the last four years,” he said. “It’s great to see such a progressive local company adopting local solutions.”

Other local companies involved in the Lot 8 Project include; Veris, Smith Services, Sunstate Garages & Sheds, Becker Sunner Consulting, Paragon Consulting Engineers, Construction Sciences, VMI Engineering, Sutton Built, Leketek Mackay, Roy Powell Security Projects, AJ Sammut Electrical, Reed Plumbing Industries and Mass Concreting.

Ground Force Worldwide is known for its reliable and quality range of mine support equipment, offering support and custom solutions for surface mining applications and heavy-duty construction. Whether it’s fuel delivery, water distribution, cable handling, road maintenance or custom hauling, Ground Force Worldwide has a solution.

Having recently purchased TowHaul in 2022, the company now offers an incredible range of TowHaul lowboy trailers and haul truck towing equipment, capable of moving tracked and wheeled machines like dozers, shovels, graders, and excavators.

Ground Force Worldwide/TowHaul President Luke Stavros said the company was eager to expand their presence in Australia with FMS Group as their preferred agent.

“Partnering with an established mining company was essential for us, and FMS Group’s ability to both sell and service Ground Force and TowHaul products will mean our Australian customers receive the high standard of service we aim for.”

Having just signed the contract, the immediate availability of parts in Australia will still be a few months away while we arrange stock, supply levels and warehousing, however all enquiries regarding orders or service of Ground Force and TowHaul products and parts can be directed to Jason Holt at groundforce@fms-group.com.au or towhaul@fms-group.com.au

To make an enquiry or request a quote for a set of roller stands, please contact Jason Holt or Mick Adams via email or phone:

Website: www.fms-group.com.au and www.gfworldwide.com and www.towhaul.com.

The FMS Group Product and Engineering team have designed and successfully trialled a Hydraulic Motivator to remove and install the carbody/truck frame from under a machine when de-decked.

The motivator reduces the duration and risk of moving the AC powered carbody/truck frame typically moved with a large bulldozer, especially for the finer adjustments required to align the centre pin with the bore when reassembling.

For this project, the client scheduled 17 hours to re-install the undercarriage. Thanks to the electric shovel hydraulic drive system, this was completed in five hours.

Some key benefits of this equipment include:

• Can be used on either AC or DC shovels
• Using a powerful hydraulic motor, the undercarriage can be easily turned making alignment easy
• Eliminates risk associated with current methods, e.g. electrical risks (burning out drive motors) and interaction with mobile equipment (dozer pushing the undercarriage)
• Setup time is much quicker than the electrical drive methods currently used

To find out more, watch our latest video:

Some of his latest projects have included carbody crack repairs and fitting a new tray sidewall alongside the workshop crew.

Growing up in Seaforth and attending Mackay North SHS, Caleb is looking forward to completing his apprenticeship and continuing to learn and grow on the job.

His idea of #fmsliving is a bit of camping, 4wding and fishing on the weekend, if he’s not too busy riding his new motorbike.

Great to have you join the FMS team Caleb!

CQ Field Mining Services, authorised distributor of DIACON AUSTRALIA Products, collaborated on a recent highly successful install of some 240 metres of customised conveyor guarding for a local Bowen Basin mine site.

Fully designed to Australian Standards, the features of the “New and Improved” Guarding for the client was:

• Low Cost
• Corrosion Free
• Lightweight
• Easy and Safe to Install and Remove
• On-site installation

To enquire, contact enquiries@fms-group.com.au

The stick was again removed and repaired offsite by the CQFMS workshop & machining teams with a successful quick turnaround for re-install onsite within the 8-day outage. The involvement of our workshop and machining divisions completing the offsite stick repairs minimised onsite exposure to internal structural repairs and delivered a more streamlined and safer solution for the client and outage team.

Well done to all our execution teams onsite and offsite to collaboratively deliver a safe solution for our client!

A shutdown of this scale is normally a lengthy and cost intensive process, however, with an alternative approach CQFMS were able to save the client both time and money.

Working with their in-house engineering team and collaborating with BHP Operations Services, CQFMS developed a shutdown plan unlike any other. The plan enabled both the engine/hydraulic modules and slew bearing replacement – along with the large component scope – to be completed at the same time.

This alternate approach saved 14 shifts of work compared to the conventional shutdown method which usually involves completing each stage of the shutdown separately.

CQFMS Diesel Division Manager Reahan McBain said the splitting of the machine allowed for multiple work fronts to be carried out, reducing interaction.

“All outstanding defect work and components were completed in a reduced duration due to the machine jacking and outage being combined,” Mr McBain said. “The machine returned to work and has been running at 98% availability.”

FMS Group Engineering and Product Manager Triston Gibson completed multiple lift calculations to ensure the jacking process was safe, using a stability model to test each lift. This process was vital to achieving a successful outcome and providing peace of mind to both the client and the team on the ground.

BHP Maintenance Superintendent Phil Starr said the innovative shutdown approach was a first for the BHP fleet – both in Australia and internationally – and would be highly considered for future projects.

“This is an exceptional example of adopting a collaborative approach and innovative thinking to develop solutions not only to minimise downtime, but also exceed safety, quality and performance outcomes,” he said. “This shutdown method dramatically reduced the risk of traditional safety interactions and provided a far safer work environment. We also had a huge uplift in scope duration and machine performance.”

Field Mining Services Group are equipped to carry out all aspects of large-scale shutdowns – including jacking, engineering and labour – and are excited to continue implementing new methods to achieve quality results for their clients.

For all enquiries, contact the CQFMS team at enquiries@cqfms.com.au or phone (07) 4952 6557.