Historic Scraper Donated to Power Development Display in New Zealand

A significant addition to New Zealand’s engineering history has arrived: a Terex S24 scraper, donated by philanthropist and Rooney Group director Gary Rooney. This machine is now part of a display showcasing various earthmoving equipment used during the Upper Waitaki Power Development project. The S24 scrapers played a crucial role in the excavation and material placement for canals connecting Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau, as well as for the Pukaki High Dam and several powerhouse sites.

In mid-October, the S24 scraper was transported to Temuka, where it underwent sandblasting and painting before being officially included in the display. According to Rick Ramsay, Heritage Group convener, the arrival of the S24 represents a major enhancement to the exhibit. “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 stated. Ramsay also praised Rooney’s generosity in donating and transporting the machine.

The Terex S24 is powered by a V12 General Motors two-stroke diesel engine, equipped with an Allison CLBT-5865 six-speed powershift transmission. It boasts a top speed of 50 kph and features a hydraulic retarder to assist the shoe brakes. Its bowl capacity is 18 cubic meters struck or 24 cubic meters heaped. Despite having over 400 horsepower and a differential lock to reduce wheel spin, these scrapers were often push-loaded by bulldozers on the Upper Waitaki due to the challenging conditions of the glacial moraine deposits, which made up much of the earthworks.

Clyde Engineering sold a total of 32 S24 scrapers to New Zealand, primarily for use in hydro schemes. Noteworthy fleet operators included Higgins Earthmoving, Earthmovers Waikato, McBreen-Jenkins, Burnetts Motors, and Doug Hood Ltd. In around 1998, Gary Rooney acquired the construction arm of Doug Hood Ltd, which included these scrapers.

The rugged construction and ease of maintenance of the S24 scrapers have allowed many to be rebuilt, enabling them to continue operating in various capacities even today. Some units were adapted as “dump trucks,” with the rear stone guard removed, allowing for easy loading by diggers and smooth material distribution, while the wheels provided necessary compaction.

The specific unit donated to the Twizel display was among three purchased by the Rooney Group from the North Island for their private Rangitata South irrigation Scheme, a project costing over $130 million. These units were exclusively used for this project and were stored at the company’s depot in Ashburton when not in operation.

The inclusion of the Terex S24 scraper in the display not only highlights the importance of this equipment in New Zealand’s construction history but also pays tribute to the contributions of individuals and companies like Gary Rooney and the Rooney Group in preserving this legacy for future generations.