Historic Scraper Donated to Upper Waitaki Power Development Display

A significant addition to the Upper Waitaki Power Development display has been made with the donation of a Terex S24 scraper by philanthropist and director of the Rooney Group, Gary Rooney. This historic machinery, now showcased in Temuka, played a pivotal role in the excavation and material placement that formed the canals connecting Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau, as well as various dam and powerhouse sites.

The S24 scraper joins a collection of notable earthmoving machines, including Caterpillar 631 and International 295 units. Last month, the Rooney Group undertook the transportation of the S24 to Temuka, where it underwent sandblasting and painting before being integrated into the display. According to Rick Ramsay, convener of the Heritage Group, the addition of the S24 is a considerable enhancement to the display fleet. “Many operators will fondly recall the distinctive roar of these machines. To see one displayed in the Mackenzie Basin is a significant addition,” he stated.

The Terex S24 is powered by a V12 General Motors two-stroke diesel engine, paired with an Allison CLBT-5865 six-speed powershift transmission. It reaches a top speed of 50 kph and features a hydraulic retarder that assists the shoe brakes. The scraper boasts a bowl capacity of 18 cubic meters struck or 24 cubic meters heaped, making it a powerful tool in earthmoving operations.

Despite possessing more than 400 horsepower and a differential lock to prevent wheel spin, these scrapers were typically push-loaded by bulldozers during their use in the Upper Waitaki project. This was primarily due to the dense nature of the glacial moraine deposits that constituted the bulk of the earthworks.

Clyde Engineering supplied 32 S24 scrapers to New Zealand, with the majority employed on hydroelectric schemes. Notable fleet operators included Higgins Earthmoving, Earthmovers Waikato, McBreen-Jenkins, Burnetts Motors, and Doug Hood Ltd. In approximately 1998, Gary Rooney acquired the construction division of Doug Hood Ltd, which included the S24 scrapers.

The robust design and ease of maintenance of the S24 scrapers contributed to their longevity. Many have been rebuilt and remain operational on various projects to this day. Some have even been repurposed as “dump trucks,” with modifications allowing for easy loading by diggers and efficient material distribution.

The unit now on display was one of three purchased by the Rooney Group from the North Island for their private Rangitata South irrigation scheme, a significant investment exceeding $130 million. These scrapers were exclusively used on this project and subsequently stored at the company’s Ashburton depot.

The donation of the Terex S24 scraper highlights the importance of preserving the history of earthmoving machinery and its role in significant infrastructure projects in New Zealand. The display not only serves as a tribute to the machines but also to the skilled operators who have worked with them over the years.