Long reach excavator tailored to the Broads
The Broads Authority continues to modernise its dredging operation with the purchase of a new specially designed JCB 360° excavator which can get to parts of the river bank other JCBs can’t reach.
Its long reach capabilities will be able to access disposal sites and set-back areas on river banks which are out of the reach of traditional grab dredgers. It has already begun unloading sediment from Haddiscoe Cut into a setback area on the River Yare near Polkey’s Mill.
Rob Rogers, Head of Construction and Facilities, said: “This new JCB heralds a new era for the Broads Authority’s dockyard. It is the first piece of new equipment purchased for very many years. Its versatility will enable us to carry out pre-site preparation, site restoration and remove navigation hazards, which will reduce our hired plant costs, so it is a good all rounder.”
The Broads Authority is hopeful that some of the cost of the new machine can be supplemented with European funding if a bid for money via the Intereg Two Seas Project is successful in July.
The Broads Authority took over the task of dredging the Broads in October 2007 when it bought May Gurney’s dockyard and dredging equipment and employed its dredging team. Since then it has achieved 25% more dredging for the same money.
27/04/10
