Earthworks Hub Podcast

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Episode 184 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastEARTHMOVING UNFILTERED: MACHINE REGRETS, FUEL PRICES, TILT ROTATORS & INDUSTRY TALK | EARTHWORKS HUB LIVEThis week's Earthworks Hub Live Podcast was a little different! I've always wanted to get a group of people from the industry together in the studio for a proper roundtable discussion, and with everyone in Melbourne ahead of our Earthworks Hub Open Golf Day, it was the perfect opportunity.Joining me in the studio were:* Jack from EMBE Hire* Brendan Lawton from Lawton Earthworks* James Lawton from Precision Environmental* Charlie from Little Bear Earthworks* Sara from Vertu EquipmentThere was no set agenda, just a group of people from different parts of the earthmoving industry sharing their experiences, opinions and a few good laughs along the way.We kicked things off talking about machinery purchases we've regretted, including some expensive lessons about buying equipment that doesn't get used enough or ties up too much money in the business.From there, we got into some of the bigger issues facing contractors, including rising diesel prices, fuel levies, managing operating costs and whether there's enough work around to keep everyone busy.We also discussed electric machinery, hydrogen technology, the future of diesel equipment, tilt rotators and which excavator attachments we reckon are worth their weight in gold.And of course, with this group around the table, the conversation didn't stay serious for long! We shared plenty of stories about machinery, mistakes on the job and the things that happen when you're working in this industry.What I really enjoyed about this episode was hearing everyone's different perspectives. Whether you're running your own earthmoving business, operating machinery, hiring equipment or selling it, there's always something to learn from other people's experiences.A massive thanks to Jack, Brendan, James, Charlie and Sara for making the effort to come into the studio, and to everyone who joined us live and got involved in the conversation.This episode is proudly sponsored by Norm Engineering.If you're involved in earthmoving, excavation, civil construction, plant hire, trucking or machinery, make sure you subscribe and join the conversation.Visit Earthworks Hub to explore Work Leads, the Business Directory, operator profiles, Marketplace, Tip Sites, Academy resources and Earthworks Hub Membership.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.Subscribe to the channel for more earthmoving podcasts, machinery content, site visits, industry discussions and interviews.#EarthworksHub #Earthmoving #Excavators #ConstructionAustralia #HeavyEquipment #EarthmovingAustralia #Podcast

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Episode 183 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode, I wanted to talk about something I think a lot of earthmoving business owners are starting to feel — the cost of doing business is getting harder from every direction.Diesel is still expensive. Interest rates have gone up again. Credit card surcharge rules have changed. The ATO is removing direct credit-card tax payments. Finance is getting more expensive, and at the same time I’m hearing from contractors who are actually being offered lower rates.That’s why I wanted to open this one up and hear what everyone else is experiencing.Are you raising your rates?Are customers accepting fuel levies?Are you tightening your payment terms?Are you charging properly for attachments and variations?Or are you finding yourself busier than ever but making less money?The Dirt Cartel jumps on during the live and talks about exactly that — being offered a lower hourly rate while fuel costs are going up, and the different ways contractors may need to start recovering some of those costs.We also get into undercutting, dry hire rates, finance, reducing overheads, invoicing faster, knowing when to walk away from bad work, and why I think every contractor needs to sit down and recalculate what their machine actually needs to earn.One of the biggest points I wanted to make in this episode is simple:Being busy does not automatically mean you’re making money.If your costs have gone up but your rates haven’t, something has to give.I also share some practical things I think contractors should be looking at right now, including fuel levies, payment terms, finance, overheads, variations and knowing your true hourly rate.Plus, I give a few Earthworks Hub updates, including Elmore Field Days, the Earthworks Hub Open, Norm Engineering’s Sydney opening and my plans to bring more guests and panel-style discussions back into the studio.If you're involved in earthmoving, excavation, civil construction, plant hire, trucking or machinery, make sure you subscribe and join the conversation.Visit Earthworks Hub to explore Work Leads, the Business Directory, operator profiles, Marketplace, Tip Sites, Academy resources and Earthworks Hub Membership.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.Subscribe to the channel for more earthmoving podcasts, machinery content, site visits, industry discussions and interviews.#EarthworksHub #Earthmoving #Excavators #ConstructionAustralia #HeavyEquipment #EarthmovingAustralia #Podcast

Video version available here: YouTubeEpisode 182 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode of the Earthworks Hub Live Podcast, I’m back from a big few days in Sydney and there’s plenty to talk about.I run through my visit to Henty Field Days, the latest from Diesel Dirt & Turf, catching up with Kajo Lubricants, visiting The Asset Finance Shop’s new facility and stopping by the new Norm Engineering Sydney branch ahead of their grand opening.We also get into some of the bigger conversations happening across the earthmoving industry right now — rising diesel prices, fuel levies, keeping good operators, Chinese machinery, the future of AI and automation, and what all of this could mean for contractors and owner-operators.As always, the live audience gets involved and the conversation goes in a few unexpected directions along the way.I also share the latest updates on the Earthworks Hub Open – Victoria, including the final player position, sponsorship opportunities and a reminder for everyone already attending to send through their player details.In this episode:• Henty Field Days and Diesel Dirt & Turf updates• Kajo Lubricants and The Asset Finance Shop• Norm Engineering Sydney grand opening and Rototilt• The rising cost of diesel and fuel levies• Chinese excavators and owner experiences• Operator shortages and staff retention• AI, automation and the future of earthmoving• Earthworks Hub Open – Victoria update• Latest Earthworks Hub news, membership and community updatesIf you're involved in earthmoving, excavation, civil construction, plant hire, trucking or machinery, make sure you subscribe and join the conversation.Visit Earthworks Hub to explore Work Leads, the Business Directory, operator profiles, Marketplace, Tip Sites, Academy resources and Earthworks Hub Membership.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.Subscribe to the channel for more earthmoving podcasts, machinery content, site visits, industry discussions and interviews.#EarthworksHub #Earthmoving #Excavators #ConstructionAustralia #HeavyEquipment #EarthmovingAustralia #Podcast

Video version available here: YouTube

Episode 181 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode of the Earthworks Hub Sunday Live Podcast, I cover some of the biggest conversations happening across the earthmoving industry right now.Diesel prices are pushing towards — and in some areas already past — $3 per litre, so I talk about what contractors are doing to manage the increase, including fuel levies, rate increases, bulk fuel and making sure rising costs aren't simply coming out of your own pocket.I also revisit the conversation around tipper owner-drivers and whether there is still money to be made running trucks. I share some of my own experience running tippers, why I believe simply buying a truck doesn't automatically mean you've bought yourself a profitable business, and some of the ways operators can make themselves more valuable and improve their margins.There's also an update on the Earthworks Hub Work Leads, Tenders & Opportunities section, where I'm working with plant hire agencies and other industry contacts to bring genuine machine, truck and contracting opportunities directly to Earthworks Hub members.I also announce three $50 fuel voucher winners after originally planning to give away just one, give an update on the upcoming Earthworks Hub Open golf and networking day, talk about my trip to Henty Field Days and Sydney, and share the latest news from around Earthworks Hub.Plus, I share an update from Norm Engineering on Rototilt and their upcoming Sydney grand opening, along with plenty of live questions, industry discussion and a few laughs along the way.The Earthworks Hub Sunday Live is where I catch up with the industry every Sunday night at 8PM Melbourne time — covering industry news, Earthworks Hub updates, business conversations, guests and whatever else comes up live.If you're involved in earthmoving, excavation, civil construction, plant hire, trucking or machinery, make sure you subscribe and join the conversation.Visit Earthworks Hub to explore Work Leads, the Business Directory, operator profiles, Marketplace, Tip Sites, Academy resources and Earthworks Hub Membership.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

Video version available here: YouTube

Episode 180 of the Earthworks Hub podcast

In this episode of the Earthworks Hub Podcast, I sit down with Jack and Kayla from Peak Force Machinery Group, the Victorian dealer for XCMG.

We talk about their very different journeys into the earthmoving industry, from AFL and hairdressing backgrounds to selling excavators and heavy machinery, and what they’ve learnt along the way.

We also get into the XCMG range, from mini excavators through to larger machines, as well as attachments, finance, servicing, parts, demos and what actually goes on behind the scenes when buying a new machine.

One of the big topics we discuss is the perception around Chinese machinery brands and whether attitudes are starting to change as more operators get the chance to actually jump in the seat and try the machines for themselves.

We also talk about after-sales support, negotiating machinery deals, what makes a good sales rep, and some of the challenges involved in selling equipment in the current market.

Kayla shares her experience working as a female sales rep in a traditionally male-dominated industry, while both Jack and Kayla offer some advice for anyone thinking about getting into machinery sales.

Then we finish things off with some quick-fire questions covering their favourite XCMG machines, tilt rotators vs tilting hitches, zero-tail vs conventional excavators and plenty more.

It was a really relaxed and entertaining conversation and a good chance to learn more about the people behind Peak Force Machinery Group and XCMG in Victoria.

Peak Force Machinery Group is an Earthworks Hub Partner.

Make sure you subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more podcasts, machinery videos, industry news and conversations from across Australia’s earthmoving industry.

Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

Video version here: YouTubeEpisode 179 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastThis episode of the Earthworks Hub Podcast was a little different — I went live straight from the Construction Exchange networking night.

Rather than sitting in the studio, I grabbed the phone and walked around the event, caught up with people from across the earthmoving and construction industry, introduced a few familiar faces and gave everyone watching a look at what was happening on the night.

It was definitely a more chaotic and unplanned episode than usual, but that was part of the fun.

The Construction Exchange brought together contractors, operators, suppliers and other people from across the industry for a night of networking, conversations and making new connections. I got the chance to meet plenty of people I had previously only spoken to online and finally put some faces to the names.

A big congratulations to Jimmy Starbuck and the team for putting the event together. Nights like this are exactly what the industry needs — getting people away from the machines and job sites for a few hours and giving everyone the opportunity to meet, talk business and build relationships.

I also gave a quick update on the upcoming Earthworks Hub Open golf and networking day on 12 October, which will bring plenty of the industry together again — this time on the golf course.

Not the usual Earthworks Hub Podcast, but definitely a good look at what happens when the online earthmoving community gets together in the real world.

Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

Video version here: YouTube

Episode 178 of the Earthworks Hub Podcast

In this episode of the Earthworks Hub Podcast, I opened the mic up to the community and let the conversation go wherever it took us.

We talked about whether there’s still good money to be made as a tipper owner-driver, grading beams, tilt hitches, excavator brands, diesel prices, electric and hydrogen machinery, and plenty more from around the earthmoving industry.Kyle from Tactical Terraforming jumped on with his seven-day-old son Ethan for his first-ever podcast appearance, and Noah joined us live from the UK to talk about working in earthmoving overseas, the differences between Australia and the UK, the machinery they use, tilt rotators, major projects and what he’s learned after nearly two years away.I also gave an update on the upcoming Earthworks Hub Open, drew the winner of the Diggers Cockpit Cleaning Kit, and talked about some of the changes happening on the Earthworks Hub website, including the growing operator network.No script, no set guest and plenty of input from the people watching live — just a genuine earthmoving industry conversation.

Earthworks Hub Live PodcastI go live every Sunday night talking everything earthmoving, sharing industry news, updates and conversations with the people behind the businesses, machines and projects shaping the industry.Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

Video version available here: YouTube

Episode 177 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode of the Earthworks Hub Live Podcast, I sit down with Ziad Damouni from ZD Tipper Supplies to talk trucks, tippers, onboard weighing systems and how his family-run business came together.Ziad shares how he grew up around truck building, followed his dad into the industry, and eventually started ZD Tipper Supplies in 2017. Today, he works across tipper bodies, hydraulics, tarps, engineering, repairs and onboard truck weighing systems, travelling around Australia to install and support customers.We get into how onboard truck scales actually work, how accurate they can be, why knowing your weights matters, and how these systems can help operators avoid overloading while also making sure they are getting the most out of each load.We also talk about Bluetooth weight monitoring for excavator operators, GPS tracking and load history, calibration, truck and dog combinations, plant trailers, spring and airbag suspension systems, and the new excavator weighing systems Ziad is preparing to bring to the market.There is also a bit of fun with some rapid-fire questions covering Kenworth vs Mack, manual vs auto, truck and dog vs semi, and the one accessory Ziad thinks every tipper should have.If you own a tipper, drive trucks, load trucks with an excavator, or just want to better understand truck weights and onboard scales, there is plenty in this episode for you.Earthworks Hub Live PodcastI go live every Sunday night talking everything earthmoving, sharing industry news, updates and conversations with the people behind the businesses, machines and projects shaping the industry.Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

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Episode 176 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode of the Earthworks Hub LIVE Podcast, Ivan sits down with Beau from BRC Dirtworks to talk about more than 20 years in earthmoving, motocross, machinery and building a business from the ground up.Beau’s story started when he was just 20 years old. After struggling to get someone to give him an opportunity in earthmoving, he sold his motocross bikes, scraped together a deposit and bought his first machine — an old Komatsu wheel loader.From there, BRC Dirtworks grew from one machine into an earthmoving operation with excavators ranging from 3-tonners through to a 33-tonner, dozers, loaders, posi-tracks, trucks and its own concrete crushing operation.In this episode we talk about:• Starting an earthmoving business at 20• Beau’s background racing motocross• Building more than 100 motocross and supercross tracks• What actually goes into building a proper motocross track• Growing BRC Dirtworks from one loader into a substantial fleet• Why Beau has remained so loyal to Komatsu• Excavators, dozers, loaders, GPS and machine technology• Starting a concrete crushing operation almost by accident• Recycling concrete and using crushed material on BRC projects• The challenges of finding and keeping good operators• Fuel prices and the real cost of owning earthmoving machinery• Why Beau believes earthmoving rates should be higher• Whether growing a large fleet is actually worth it• Finding the right size for an earthmoving business• The stress of keeping employees and machinery working• Beau’s advice for young operators wanting to start their own business• Why building a successful earthmoving company is a long game• What’s next for Beau and BRC DirtworksOne of the biggest lessons from Beau’s story is that there isn’t one correct way to build an earthmoving business. After years of chasing growth, Beau says he’s reached a point where he enjoys the size of the operation, the machinery, the crew and still being able to do what he loves — operating machines.His advice to young contractors is simple: look at tomorrow, not just today. Play the long game, plan your next few moves and learn from people who have already done it.If you're an earthmoving contractor, operator, owner-operator or you're thinking about starting your own earthmoving business, there are plenty of lessons in this conversation.Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.What do you think — is owning and growing an earthmoving fleet still worth it today?#EarthworksHub #Earthmoving #Excavation #Komatsu #Motocross

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Episode 175 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastI'm joined by Paul Melly from How You Travellin', Mate? for an open conversation about the reality of FIFO life in Australia.Paul came to Australia from Ireland almost 20 years ago and has worked across major civil construction projects before eventually moving into FIFO. We talk about what FIFO life is really like — the long days, time away from family, missing important moments, fatigue, loneliness and the "golden handcuffs" that can make the lifestyle difficult to walk away from.Paul also shares why he started How You Travellin', Mate? after going through a difficult period himself, and why he believes a simple conversation between workmates can make a massive difference.We discuss:* The reality of FIFO rosters and camp life* Good money vs the sacrifices that come with FIFO* Missing family, birthdays and important milestones* Why FIFO workers need a plan and an eventual exit strategy* Signs that a workmate might be struggling* How to approach someone when they don't seem themselves* Why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply listen* Paul's Friday Night Yarns* Mental health and mates looking after mates on site* What new FIFO workers should know before their first swingPaul's message is simple: he isn't trying to fix mental health — he's trying to start conversations before things get too far.If someone at work doesn't seem themselves, don't be afraid to ask:"How you travellin', mate?"Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.