Historic Scraper Donated for Display at Upper Waitaki Power Development

A significant addition to the Upper Waitaki Power Development display has been made with the donation of a Terex S24 scraper. Philanthropist and director of the Rooney Group, Gary Rooney, facilitated the transportation and display of this historic machinery, which played a crucial role in the construction of essential infrastructure in the region.

The Terex S24 joins other notable earthmoving equipment, including Caterpillar 631 and International 295 units, that were instrumental in the excavation and material placement for canals connecting Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau. These machines also contributed to the construction of the Pukaki High Dam, Lake Ruataniwha Dam, and the powerhouse sites at Tekapo B and Ohau A, B, and C.

The scraper arrived in Temuka last month, where it underwent sandblasting and painting before being added to the exhibit. Rick Ramsay, convener of the Heritage Group, expressed enthusiasm about the S24’s inclusion, stating, “There are a lot of operators who will fondly recall the distinctive roar of these machines, and to again see one in the Mackenzie Basin on display is a big addition.” He praised Rooney’s generosity, highlighting the significance of both the donation and the logistical effort involved.

The Terex S24 is powered by a V12 General Motors two-stroke diesel engine, which is paired with an Allison CLBT-5865 six-speed powershift transmission. This combination allows the scraper to reach a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour. The hydraulic retarder in the transmission enhances the effectiveness of the shoe brakes, making it a formidable machine for heavy earthmoving tasks. With a bowl capacity of 18 cubic meters struck or 24 cubic meters heaped, it was designed for substantial material handling.

Despite its impressive specifications, the S24 scrapers were often push-loaded by bulldozers during the Upper Waitaki project due to the dense glacial moraine deposits that characterized the earthworks. Clyde Engineering sold a total of 32 S24 scrapers to New Zealand, primarily for use in hydroelectric schemes. Fleet operators included Higgins Earthmoving, Earthmovers Waikato, McBreen-Jenkins, Burnetts Motors, and Doug Hood Ltd.

In approximately 1998, Gary Rooney acquired the construction arm of Doug Hood Ltd, which included several S24 scrapers. Known for their rugged construction and ease of maintenance, many of these units have been rebuilt and continue to be operational. Some scrapers have even been repurposed as “dump trucks,” with modifications that allow for efficient loading by diggers and effective material distribution.

The specific unit donated to the Twizel display is one of three that the Rooney Group purchased from the North Island for use on the Rangitata South irrigation scheme, a private initiative with costs exceeding $130 million. These machines were exclusive to this project and were stored at the company’s Ashburton depot after their use.

The inclusion of the Terex S24 scraper not only enhances the historical narrative of the Upper Waitaki Power Development but also serves as a testament to the legacy of earthmoving machinery in New Zealand’s infrastructure development.