Laing O’Rourke workshop manager Andrew Shore said it was critical that all work on the track was done quickly, safely and efficiently.

“About 18 months ago we commissioned a Terex 980 Elite backhoe with a Hi-Rail adaptor that allows us to transport the equipment to the work area, drive the machine onto the rails and deploy the Hi-Rail that lets the operator drive along the tracks and carry out the work,” he said.

Specialist railway maintenance tool builder Melrose Mobile Hydraulics designed the Hi-Rail adaptor to fit on to the Terex machine.

“These tools are used to re-sleeper failed sections of track, especially in remote areas or where the use of large and expensive Placer machines is not practical,” MMH founder Tony Melrose said.

“Hi-Rail attachments have been fitted to excavators, backhoes, telescopic handlers and skid steers.

“Rail wheels are hydraulically driven on excavators to enable speeds of up to 28 kilometres an hour. The machines are built to Railcorp and ARTC Rolling Stock Standards.”