In this special episode of TerraQUIP Talk, host Mike Dobrota sits down with Kenny O’Sullivan of O’Sullivan Ground Engineering to talk about the realities of tight-access piling, heritage site challenges, and what it takes to build a resilient contracting business. With over 25 years in the industry, Kenny shares his journey from shotcreting to complex piling projects across Australia, and why trust, adaptability, and the right equipment make all the difference.

Whether you’re a contractor navigating high-pressure jobs, a civil engineer working on heritage sites, or just curious about the future of ground engineering, this episode delivers real-world insights, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you build smarter and lead stronger.

🛠 Ready to find the right piling or drilling rig for your next project?

Get expert guidance and tailored solutions at https://terraquip.com.au/

Follow TerraQUIP Drilling Equipment:

https://www.instagram.com/terraquipdrillingequipment/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/terraquip-drilling-equipment/

https://www.youtube.com/@terraquipdrilling

Follow O’Sullivan:

https://osullivangroup.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/osullivancivil/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/o-sullivan-civil-contractors/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction 

00:01:00 - Kenny O'Sullivan's Background and Experience

00:02:30 - Starting O'Sullivan Ground Engineering

00:03:30 - Transition to Piling and Equipment Choices

00:04:30 - Experience with GNH Computers and Support

00:05:30 - Importance of Relationships in the Industry

00:06:30 - Working with Marini and Project Experiences

00:07:30 - Details on the MRC-20 Project in Queensland

00:08:30 - First Impressions of IMT Machines

00:09:30 - Advantages of IMT Machines and Flexibility

00:10:30 - Design Innovations in Piling Rigs

00:11:30 - Challenges of Tight Access Jobs

00:12:30 - Heritage Projects and Low Headroom CFA

00:13:30 - Current Project Overview and Challenges

00:14:30 - Future of Low Headroom Jobs in Australia

00:15:30 - Discussion on the A90 Winch System

00:16:30 - Market Trends and Future Directions

00:17:30 - Lessons Learned in Contracting

00:18:30 - Advice for Younger Self and Mental Health

00:19:30 - Future of the Australian Market in Construction