Philanthropist Donates Historic Scraper to Upper Waitaki Exhibit

A significant addition to the Upper Waitaki Power Development display has arrived, thanks to a generous donation from philanthropist and Rooney Group director Gary Rooney. The Terex S24 scraper, a vital piece of earthmoving machinery, is now showcased alongside other equipment that played a crucial role in the region’s hydroelectric projects.

The S24 scrapers, along with other units like the Caterpillar 631 and International 295, were instrumental in excavating and placing materials to create the canals connecting Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau, as well as the Pukaki High Dam and various powerhouse sites. Last month, the Rooney Group transported the S24 to Temuka for restoration work, which included sandblasting and painting, before adding it to the display.

In a statement, Heritage Group convener Rick Ramsay emphasized the historical importance of the scraper. “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 noted. He also expressed gratitude towards Rooney for his generosity in both donating and transporting the machine.

The Terex S24 is powered by a V12 General Motors two-stroke diesel engine, paired with an Allison CLBT-5865 six-speed powershift transmission. This configuration allows the scraper to reach a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour. The transmission system includes a hydraulic retarder that supports the shoe brakes, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. The scraper features a bowl capacity of 18 cubic meters struck or 24 cubic meters heaped, making it a robust tool for substantial excavation tasks.

Despite its impressive specifications, including over 400 horsepower and a differential lock to reduce wheel spin, the S24 scrapers often relied on bulldozers for push loading on the Upper Waitaki project. This was primarily due to the dense glacial moraine deposits that characterized the earthworks.

Historically, Clyde Engineering sold 32 S24 scrapers in New Zealand, with most used in hydroelectric schemes. Prominent fleet operators included Higgins Earthmoving, Earthmovers Waikato, McBreen-Jenkins, Burnetts Motors, and Doug Hood Ltd. Rooney acquired the construction division of Doug Hood Ltd around 1998, which included the S24 scrapers.

These machines have proven their durability and ease of maintenance, leading many to be rebuilt and continue operating on various projects. Some were even repurposed as “dump trucks,” with modifications allowing for efficient loading and material distribution, thus providing a degree of compaction with their wheels.

The scraper now displayed in Twizel is one of three purchased by the Rooney Group specifically for the Rangitata South irrigation Scheme, a private initiative exceeding $130 million in costs. These units were exclusively utilized for this project and remained stored at the company’s Ashburton depot when not in use.

The addition of the Terex S24 scraper to the Upper Waitaki display not only honors the history of the region’s industrial efforts but also serves as a reminder of the significant role earthmoving machinery played in shaping New Zealand’s hydroelectric landscape.