Stop selling. Start helping. In Episode 26 of TerraQuip Talk, Mike Dobrota reflects on a 15-year career that has seen over $165 million in drilling equipment sales. This isn't your typical "sales guru" fluff—it’s a deep dive into the specialized world of high-ticket piling equipment.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Technical Nerd Factor: Why knowing your rig’s hydraulic pressures and torque values is the only way to gain respect on-site.

• The Kelly Bar Debate: A real-world look at how market feedback changed the way IMT builds rigs for Australia.

• The 18-Month Lead: Why you need extreme patience to survive in the drilling industry.

• Radical Transparency: How being honest about shipping delays and "bugs in the cargo" actually wins you more business.

Mike shares his 10 Pillars that any niche industry professional can use to build stronger foundations and make smarter equipment decisions.

Connect with Mike and the TerraQuip Team:Visit our website at terraquip.com.au to see our latest fleet of IMT drilling rigs and attachments.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TerraQuipDrillingEquipment

"If it’s not turning, you’re not earning."

#Drilling #Piling #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #TerraQuip #ConstructionEquipment #AustraliaBusiness

What happens when you take an Italian engineering expert and drop him into the Australian sun to commission a brand-new MRA 300?

In this episode of TerraQuip Talk, Mike catches up with Fabio Zaninetti, the Aftersales Director at Marini. Fabio doesn't just sit in an office; he’s the guy on-site when things get technical. We’re moving past the sales brochures and getting into the real stuff.

What we cover:

The MRA 300 Breakdown (14:44): We talk about the Euro Drill drifter, the rod carousel, and why the weight-to-performance ratio is the secret sauce.

The 2-Hour Conversion (17:49): A step-by-step on switching from Top Hammer to DTH without losing a day of work.

Avoid the "Falling Boom" (21:46): A quick masterclass on why over-center valves are non-negotiable for excavator-mounted rigs.

The Family Business (05:07): Fabio talks about working for his father and why "doing it better" is a requirement, not a suggestion.

It’s a technical chat with a lot of heart. If you care about the gear that keeps your business moving, give this a listen.

Connect with TerraQuip:

Website: terraquip.com.au

YouTube: @TerraQuipDrillingEquipment

Why your concrete pump is just as important as your rig (and why we chose Klein) 🏗️

Ask anyone in CFA piling what keeps them up at night, and they’ll tell you: a pump breaking down midway through extracting a pile. It’s messy, it’s expensive, and it leaves your crew standing around doing nothing.

In this episode, I’m talking about why we waited four years to partner with Klein, a German family-owned business that treats pump manufacturing like watchmaking. We get into the "boring" technical details that actually matter on-site—like why moving the engine a few feet away from the electronics prevents meltdowns in the Australian heat, and how a magnetic strip can make a pump so quiet you’ll barely know it’s running.

If you’re tired of gear that "bangs," vibrates, and costs a fortune in sensors, this one is for you.

Check out the gear:

🌐 Our New Website: terraquip.com.au

📺 More Piling Tech: youtube.com/@TerraQuipDrillingEquipment

#piling #drilling #concretepumping #CFA #constructionlife #heavyequipment #foundations #pilingrig #engineering #terraquip

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 - 15 years in the piling game

01:13 - The high stakes of CFA and concrete pressure

02:13 - Why it took us 4 years to commit to Klein

03:15 - From losing everything to building a 30-year legacy

05:33 - The story behind the $350k "handshake" spare parts

07:02 - The Magnetic Strip: No more "banging" hoses

09:16 - Smart design: Making life easier for the technicians

11:32 - Don't buy a pump with the engine next to the computer

12:53 - It’s not just for piling: Tunnels, towers, and bridges

14:03 - Staying alive in a market full of cheap imports

16:02 - The $19k sensor setup that actually works

18:45 - AI and the future of pumping 20:11 - "If it's not turning, you're not earning."

terraquip.com.au will be officially closed for the next two weeks for the Christmas break.We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our clients, suppliers, and collaborators who have been part of our journey this year. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.We will be back re-energized and ready to continue our mission on 5 January.In the meantime, should you have any urgent matters to discuss, please feel free to contact us.All the best,Terraquip Drilling Equipment Team#Terraquip #TerraquipDrilling #DrillingEquipment #DrillingIndustry #MiningEquipment #MiningIndustry #IndustrialEquipment #HeavyEquipment #ConstructionEquipment

In this episode of TerraQuip Talk, we break down the key differences between winch crowd systems and cylinder crowd systems on drilling and piling rigs.

With over 15 years’ experience in drilling equipment, we explain:

• What a crowd system does on a piling rig

• Pros and cons of winch vs cylinder crowd systems

• CFA, Kelly drilling and casing applications

• Conversion time, maintenance, cost and safety considerations

• Which system best suits Australian ground conditions and projects

If you’re a piling contractor, drilling operator, engineer or project manager, this episode will help you choose the right rig configuration and avoid costly mistakes.

🔗 Learn more about drilling & piling equipment: https://terraquip.com.au

00:00 Introduction01:05 What is a crowd system?03:30 Cylinder crowd advantages12:27 Winch crowd advantages22:30 Choosing the right system25:24 Final thoughts

#DrillingRigs #PilingRigs #CFA #KellyDrilling
#WinchCrowd #CylinderCrowd #FoundationEngineering
#ConstructionAustralia #Terraquip

Want to keep your piling rig operating safely, efficiently and profitably? In this episode of TerraQuip Talk, Mike Dobrota breaks down how to correctly perform a full 250-hour service on a piling rig — using the same procedures trusted by industry technicians across Australia and New Zealand.With over 15 years of hands-on experience working with more than 20 drilling rig manufacturers, Mike details every stage of the service process: oils, filters, hydraulics, winches, rotary systems, safety checks and critical inspections that protect both your team and your asset.Whether you service rigs in-house, use subcontractors or rely on your dealer, this episode gives you the exact steps, best practices and safety considerations needed to keep your rig in top condition.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔧 Full step-by-step 250-hour piling rig service procedure🔧 Which oils, filters and components must be replaced (and why)🔧 How to correctly check the main winch, auxiliary winch and rotary head🔧 How to safely drain and refill engine, hydraulic, rotary and winch oils🔧 Essential safety system tests (e-stops, limit switches, seat switch & more)🔧 Sliding pad adjustment, track tension and hose condition checks🔧 Environmental and contamination considerations🔧 How long a professional service should take (5–8 hour benchmark)🔧 Why proper servicing protects uptime, safety and asset valueFor more information about piling rigs, drilling equipment and servicing support across Australia and New Zealand, visit:👉 https://terraquip.com.au

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/TJuZN0DxCnwPlease like, subscribe and leave a comment.Got a story, project or technical topic worth discussing? Want to be a guest?Send Mike a message — we’d love to hear from you.#ConstructionAustralia #CivilEngineeringAustralia #AustraliaConstruction #MiningAndConstruction #AussieContractors #TerraQuip

In this episode of TerraQuip Talk, Mike Dobrota takes a closer look at one of the most misunderstood and underrated machines in the piling and drilling industry: the IMT F218 built on a Doosan/Develon DX300 base.

Despite Doosan having a mixed reputation across Australia, this rig has delivered impressive performance in operator testing both in Italy and in real-world drilling conditions.

From IMT’s background and engineering approach to cost advantages, parts availability, servicing, and hard-rock capability, this episode covers everything contractors need to know about Doosan-based IMT rigs — and why they may be one of the best-value options in the Australian market.

• IMT’s history and why they entered Australia later than expected

• The reputation of Doosan/Develon base machines in Australia

• Overview of IMT’s Doosan-based range: F75, F125, and F218

• Detailed breakdown of the IMT F218

• Operator feedback from hands-on testing in Italy

• Kelly bar options: J-lock vs multi-lock

• Drilling performance in hard rock

• Cost differences between Doosan, proprietary and premium European bases

• Servicing, support, and local parts availability

• Why only one Doosan-based IMT rig exists in Australia

• Who the IMT F218 is best suited to

• Teaser for next week’s episode: “How to Service a Piling Rig”

Episode Highlights

• IMT has over 50 years’ experience in piling machinery but only entered the Australian market in 2018.

• The Doosan DX300 base offers strong reliability and cost-efficiency with extensive dealer support.

• Operators were impressed by the rig’s smoothness, power, stability, and cab comfort.

• IMT drilling gear performs exceptionally well in hard rock — one of its standout strengths.

• Choosing a Doosan base can save contractors hundreds of thousands while maintaining top-tier performance.

• Parts and support are readily available nationwide through the Develon dealer network, reducing downtime.

For specs, machines and detailed information about IMT equipment in Australia, visit: 👉 terraquip.com.au

In this episode of TerraQuip Talk, Mike dives into why Terraquip has partnered with Marini, the premium Italian drilling equipment manufacturer. From in-house machine design and specialized product ranges to 50 years of legacy, innovation, and a commitment to quality, discover the top 10 reasons Marini is a game-changer for the drilling industry in Australia.

Mike also shares real-world stories highlighting the importance of customer service, reliability, and long-term partnerships. Whether you’re in civil construction, micro piling, quarrying, or foundation work, this episode is packed with insights for operators, project managers, and equipment enthusiasts alike.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Marini designs and tests every machine in-house

• Their extensive product range for specialized drilling and foundation work

• The legacy and evolution of a 50-year-old family-owned company

• Premium European components and global dealer network

• Innovation in large-diameter rigs and micro drilling equipment

• High-tech factory processes and commitment to people & quality

If you’re looking to understand what sets premium drilling equipment apart, this is the episode for you!

Follow Terraquip Talk for more insights on:

• Drilling technology and machinery

• Project planning and case studies

• Industry trends and innovations

Stay connected:
🌐 terraquip.com.au

#DrillingEquipment #ConstructionTech #Marini #MicroPiling #CivilEngineering #FoundationWork #HeavyMachinery #EngineeringInnovation #Terraquip

The wait is finally over — the legendary IMT + Caterpillar partnership is officially back. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest moves in piling-rig history: the global reintroduction of CAT-based IMT rigs, starting with the brand-new IMT AF135.

After years of demand from contractors across Australia and around the world, the industry’s most trusted combination returns with more power, more versatility, and unmatched support. I walk you through the story behind the partnership, why it matters, and how it’s about to change the game for operators, business owners, and anyone serious about productivity and reliability.

We cover:

• The history of IMT’s groundbreaking 1993 collaboration with Caterpillar

• Why the market demanded a CAT-based IMT comeback

• The all-new IMT AF135: torque, power, features, and multipurpose versatility

• Operator comfort upgrades and CAT’s new-generation cab

• Australia’s unique needs and why this rig fits perfectly

• Real insights from operators who tested the machine in Italy

• The massive advantages in support, servicing, and resale value

• What’s coming next: the new 60-ton and 80-ton CAT-based models

• How this partnership impacts your bottom line

If you’re in piling, you know how rare it is for the industry to get a genuine game-changer. This is one of those moments. And for those waiting to see the first units land in Australia — two are already on order.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember:

If it’s not turning, you’re not earning.

In this episode of TerraQUIP Talk, we uncover the real reason why warranties are one of the most valuable — and misunderstood — parts of owning heavy equipment.

When you buy a new drilling rig, concrete pump, or piling machine, you’re not just investing in performance. You’re also investing in peace of mind. A good warranty isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about protecting your business, reducing downtime, and giving you the confidence to take on bigger projects.

Mike Dobrota breaks down how warranty programs from trusted manufacturers help contractors:

• Understand what a warranty actually covers (and why that matters) 🧾
• Build trust and long-term partnerships with equipment suppliers 🤝
• Improve resale value and equipment reliability 🚜
• Manage risk and plan smarter for project success 🏗️

Whether you’re a construction business owner, equipment dealer, or site manager, this episode will change how you see warranties — not as paperwork, but as a business growth strategy.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• How the right warranty can strengthen your bottom line
• Why confidence in your equipment leads to better performance
• Real-world insights from the jobsite on warranty impact

🧱 Episode Highlights:

00:00 – What most people get wrong about warranties

04:12 – Confidence and coverage: the hidden value of support

10:45 – Warranties and business reliability

18:20 – Real examples of downtime protection

26:50 – Final thoughts: warranties as a trust tool

💬 Connect with TerraQuip Talk:

Subscribe for mor episodes about construction equipment, business reliability, and industry insights that help you make smarter decisions in the field.

📲 Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7QPvmSzpbSi58NhcNupG6g

🔗 Learn more: https://terraquip.com.au/

#TerraQuip #HeavyEquipment #ConstructionWarranty #DrillingRig #ConcretePump #IMTInternational #MariniDrills #KleinPumps #G&HComputers #ConstructionBusiness #SafetyNet #OwnerOperator #ACL #businessstrategy