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Government And Mining Case Studies

NOT ALL ATVS ARE CREATED THE SAME – BECAUSE NOT ALL ISSUES ARE CREATED THE SAME. PLEASE REVIEW THE CASE STUDIES BELOW TO SEE HOW ARGO ATVS HAVE SOLVED ISSUES ACROSS CATCHMENTS, MUDFLATS AND OTHER VARIED TERRAIN FOR SOME OF OUR BIGGEST GOVERNMENT AND MINING BODIES.

CASE STUDY 1: MOSQUITO CONTROL EASTERN SEABOARD AUSTRALIA

CASE STUDY 2: BHP BILLITON

CASE STUDY 3: HINTERLAND AGRICULTURE – TERRESTRIAL WEED CONTROL

CASE STUDY 1: MOSQUITO CONTROL EASTERN SEABOARD AUSTRALIA

A Local South East Queensland Government Agency required a solution for terrestrial and aquatic treatment of environmentally sensitive areas; encompassing Wetlands, Salt Marsh and Intertidal areas for the control or eradication of Mosquito Breeding areas. In addition to access concerns, WHS issues with a previous supplier, a high turnover of fleet, and the potential for more damage to be done to the treated areas, a new solution was required for the treatment of Mosquito areas, to enable the treatment of areas from both on and off the water.

Issue

Action

Result

Need to access environmentally sensitive areas; Wetlands, Salt Marsh and Intertidal areas 

Currently cannot access all areas safely, particularly close to the water’s edge where the ground is softer or due to weed/reed over growth.

Current Vehicles don’t comply with WH&S requirements

And have a high National fatality record due to Rollover

Need access to open mud areas sooner after wetter periods to reduce the breeding cycle

Reduce Costs- Ideally share new equipment with other departments to share costs. Dual Purpose would be Ideal – i.e share with ‘Parks or Water Depts’ for Weed Control

Reduce current high annual turnover of vehicles

Reduce tyre ruts that cause new breeding grounds and cause additional erosion which would lead to a lower water quality

Utilise the Argo for its inherent and extremely low ground pressure on tyres (lower on tracks). Also any spillage from the Argo is captured within the hull of the Argo.

Commission the Argo for its Amphibious capability (Great Safety Net)

Install optional certified ROPS (Roll Over Protections Structure) including seat belts to Argo.

Engage the Argo as it has had ZERO Fatalities in 35years (at the time)

Employ the Argo for its all 8Wheel Drive traction, Low Ground Pressure and Amphibious capabilities

As the 8WD Argo has a large and versatile carry capacity ‘Parks’ can also utilise the Argo (a safer option than previous vehicles) in accessing difficult areas for Weed Control.

Appointed the Argo with a hull design that protects the driveline

Install optional Rubber Track Kit reduces ground pressure to less than 0.7psi

With less ground pressure than the average man walking and possible spillage contained within the Argo; crews can treat areas otherwise banned from access with vehicles

Can now treat areas that couldn’t be accessed before, including shoreline regions

Not only Comply with WH&S requirements but also have one of the safest off road vehicles in use. Operators are positioned inside the Argo directly protected from the elements.

A safer and more complaint vehicle

Now able to treat areas immediately after rain or king tides without down time between treatments; reducing the chance of a plague

Spread acquisition costs across two departments.

Although a slightly higher initial outlay the Argo has a longer life expectancy – Proven up to 3 times longer than previous ATVs. Thanks largely to the drive line being protected from the harsh elements of the treated environment.

No deep ruts left behind in mud to retreat – improving efficiently 2 fold

CASE STUDY 2: BHP BILLITON

The Port Headland Harbor required drilling and sampling for the RPG5 project. Timely and safe access across a large, tidal mud plain, and constant WHS and safety concerns where the same location may be dry, submerged, or in-between across the space of a single action required a solution neither boat nor traditional vehicle could achieve.

Issue

Action

Result

There has been a requirement to drill and sample the sea bed in the Port Hedland harbour and peripheral areas of the harbour such as mud flats and Mangrove forests, for the RGP 5 project.

To get into these areas at high tide is not such a problem, but at low tide it is very difficult and hazardous due to low water levels and mud.

Conventional vehicles are no good nor are boats. What we needed was something that could float and drive on mud, and was environmentally friendly.

The Argo all-terrain vehicle which can run on water, mud or dry land was purchased for the ADP Port projects. The Argo’s tracks reduce the ground bearing pressure when fully loaded to 4.6 kPa (0.67 PSI) allowing the vehicle to traverse soft areas that would be difficult or impossible to access on foot. To date, the Argo has been used to ferry drillers to the Jack Up barge in the harbour and to transport scientists and researchers on the mud flats to collect samples.

The Argo is fitted with various safety accessories including; ROP S, forward facing seats, seatbelts, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, battery isolation, lights on feature, reflectorised striping, rotating beacon, hand holds, radio communications, additional lighting, sun canopy, and reversing and handbrake alarms. A Ferno 71stretcher and custom rack is also fitted for emergency rescue

The Argo now has a towable trailer which handles exactly the same terrain as the Argo itself and a brand new easy access trailer for transport to and from the marine areas.

This was a very good initiative that meant our crews can work around the clock and no longer have to work-in with the tides. This initiative was started and handled by Gary May, the Environmental Superintendent for the MPDJV at the ADP Port projects. Well done Gary and thanks for your ideas and continued contribution to HSEC.

CASE STUDY 3: HINTERLAND AGRICULTURE – TERRESTRIAL WEED CONTROL

Acreage Block in Queensland in a dam catchment required extensive aquatic treatment of a declared weed. Varied and steep terrain, coupled with erosion concerns required a treatment solution that would leave minimal impact upon water edges whilst allowing complete access to waterway.

Issue

Action

Result

Acreage block Qld. Partially fenced property and mostly unimproved land covered in declared weeds .

Steep Terrain covered in heavy brush – Difficult to gain traction and maneuvre tight turns between trees on quad bike.

Occasional heavy annual rain fall creates slippery and sometimes dangerous conditions.

Existing grazing paddock covered in Giant Rats Tail and Groundsel weed.

Large gullies covered in Lantana.

Current ATV is extremely unstable particularly with spray tank fitted to front or rear carry rack.

Run down and unmaintained fences and some in steep areas.

Current ATV is extremely unstable particularly with spray tank fitted to front or rear carry rack.

Acquired Argo Frontier 8WD

The Argo’s very low center of gravity and skid steer capability allows easier maneuverability and safer access

The Argo’s all eight wheel drive (8WD) provides more than double the traction with all 8 wheels ‘locked’ and working together. (Like a ‘Locked Diff’ in a 4wd but with 8wd).

Utilising a C-Dax Weed Wiper (2.4m wide wipe) towed behind the Argo with a 200lt spray tank installed ‘low down’ in the back of the Argo

Hand sprayed at closer range with a 200lt spray tank and HG2 Pistol Gun from the driver’s seat of the Argo.

With a spray tank installed in the rear of the Argo and simply drive through and amongst the Water Hyacinth; hand spraying from within the safety of the Amphibious Argo.

Swap the fitted Argo Spray Tank with a fitted Argo Hard Liner to carry ALL fencing gear and protect the Argo seat cushions.

The Argo has a lower point of roll over and a lower mounting of spray tank and cargo.

Can now access steep gullies and paddocks and over come most, if not all obstacles and perform tasks safer than with previous Quad bike.

Now able to carry up to 200lts of poison or all tools and materials for the task at hand a lot closer if not right up to the job.

Doesn’t matter how much rain is experienced access to more paddocks is easier and safer and much sooner after if not during rain events.

Easily treated 10 times more ground weed than ever before and able to control a clean paddock with more feed for livestock.

LESS Over growth = MORE Feed = BETTER Efficiency
 = FATTER Livestock = FATTER Wallet

The Photos say it all! Very Impressed in deed!
(Before and After photos below)

All fences repaired in a lot less time and less risk. Easier maintenance means it gets done, which means no loss of stock.

An extremely safe vehicle unloaded and loaded, And carries more!

Before and After

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