Earthworks Hub Podcast

Earthworks Hub

The Earthworks Hub Podcast connects Australia’s earthmoving, transport and construction industries through real conversations with contractors, operators and suppliers. We talk quoting, equipment, business growth and lessons from the field. Watch full video episodes on YouTube www.earthworkshub.com.au New episodes weekly.

  1. 2d ago

    XCMG in Victoria | Inside Peak Force Machinery Group

    Video version available here: YouTube Episode 180 of the Earthworks Hub podcast In this episode of the Earthworks Hub Podcast, I sit down with Jack and Kayla from Peak Force Machinery Group, the Victorian dealer for XCMG. We talk about their very different journeys into the earthmoving industry, from AFL and hairdressing backgrounds to selling excavators and heavy machinery, and what they’ve learnt along the way. We also get into the XCMG range, from mini excavators through to larger machines, as well as attachments, finance, servicing, parts, demos and what actually goes on behind the scenes when buying a new machine. One of the big topics we discuss is the perception around Chinese machinery brands and whether attitudes are starting to change as more operators get the chance to actually jump in the seat and try the machines for themselves. We also talk about after-sales support, negotiating machinery deals, what makes a good sales rep, and some of the challenges involved in selling equipment in the current market. Kayla shares her experience working as a female sales rep in a traditionally male-dominated industry, while both Jack and Kayla offer some advice for anyone thinking about getting into machinery sales. Then we finish things off with some quick-fire questions covering their favourite XCMG machines, tilt rotators vs tilting hitches, zero-tail vs conventional excavators and plenty more. It was a really relaxed and entertaining conversation and a good chance to learn more about the people behind Peak Force Machinery Group and XCMG in Victoria. Peak Force Machinery Group is an Earthworks Hub Partner. Make sure you subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more podcasts, machinery videos, industry news and conversations from across Australia’s earthmoving industry. Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

  2. 3d ago

    LIVE From The Construction Exchange | Earthmoving Industry Networking Night

    Video version here: YouTubeEpisode 179 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastThis episode of the Earthworks Hub Podcast was a little different — I went live straight from the Construction Exchange networking night. Rather than sitting in the studio, I grabbed the phone and walked around the event, caught up with people from across the earthmoving and construction industry, introduced a few familiar faces and gave everyone watching a look at what was happening on the night. It was definitely a more chaotic and unplanned episode than usual, but that was part of the fun. The Construction Exchange brought together contractors, operators, suppliers and other people from across the industry for a night of networking, conversations and making new connections. I got the chance to meet plenty of people I had previously only spoken to online and finally put some faces to the names. A big congratulations to Jimmy Starbuck and the team for putting the event together. Nights like this are exactly what the industry needs — getting people away from the machines and job sites for a few hours and giving everyone the opportunity to meet, talk business and build relationships. I also gave a quick update on the upcoming Earthworks Hub Open golf and networking day on 12 October, which will bring plenty of the industry together again — this time on the golf course. Not the usual Earthworks Hub Podcast, but definitely a good look at what happens when the online earthmoving community gets together in the real world. Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

  3. 4d ago

    Can You Still Make Money With Tippers? | Earthmoving Open Mic

    Video version here: YouTube Episode 178 of the Earthworks Hub Podcast In this episode of the Earthworks Hub Podcast, I opened the mic up to the community and let the conversation go wherever it took us. We talked about whether there’s still good money to be made as a tipper owner-driver, grading beams, tilt hitches, excavator brands, diesel prices, electric and hydrogen machinery, and plenty more from around the earthmoving industry.Kyle from Tactical Terraforming jumped on with his seven-day-old son Ethan for his first-ever podcast appearance, and Noah joined us live from the UK to talk about working in earthmoving overseas, the differences between Australia and the UK, the machinery they use, tilt rotators, major projects and what he’s learned after nearly two years away.I also gave an update on the upcoming Earthworks Hub Open, drew the winner of the Diggers Cockpit Cleaning Kit, and talked about some of the changes happening on the Earthworks Hub website, including the growing operator network.No script, no set guest and plenty of input from the people watching live — just a genuine earthmoving industry conversation. Earthworks Hub Live PodcastI go live every Sunday night talking everything earthmoving, sharing industry news, updates and conversations with the people behind the businesses, machines and projects shaping the industry.Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

  4. Sep 4

    Truck Scales, Tippers & Staying Legal | ZD Tipper Supplies

    Video version available here: YouTube Episode 177 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode of the Earthworks Hub Live Podcast, I sit down with Ziad Damouni from ZD Tipper Supplies to talk trucks, tippers, onboard weighing systems and how his family-run business came together.Ziad shares how he grew up around truck building, followed his dad into the industry, and eventually started ZD Tipper Supplies in 2017. Today, he works across tipper bodies, hydraulics, tarps, engineering, repairs and onboard truck weighing systems, travelling around Australia to install and support customers.We get into how onboard truck scales actually work, how accurate they can be, why knowing your weights matters, and how these systems can help operators avoid overloading while also making sure they are getting the most out of each load.We also talk about Bluetooth weight monitoring for excavator operators, GPS tracking and load history, calibration, truck and dog combinations, plant trailers, spring and airbag suspension systems, and the new excavator weighing systems Ziad is preparing to bring to the market.There is also a bit of fun with some rapid-fire questions covering Kenworth vs Mack, manual vs auto, truck and dog vs semi, and the one accessory Ziad thinks every tipper should have.If you own a tipper, drive trucks, load trucks with an excavator, or just want to better understand truck weights and onboard scales, there is plenty in this episode for you.Earthworks Hub Live PodcastI go live every Sunday night talking everything earthmoving, sharing industry news, updates and conversations with the people behind the businesses, machines and projects shaping the industry.Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

  5. Aug 26

    From Motocross to Earthmoving: Beau from BRC Dirtworks

    Watch video version here: YouTube Episode 176 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastIn this episode of the Earthworks Hub LIVE Podcast, Ivan sits down with Beau from BRC Dirtworks to talk about more than 20 years in earthmoving, motocross, machinery and building a business from the ground up.Beau’s story started when he was just 20 years old. After struggling to get someone to give him an opportunity in earthmoving, he sold his motocross bikes, scraped together a deposit and bought his first machine — an old Komatsu wheel loader.From there, BRC Dirtworks grew from one machine into an earthmoving operation with excavators ranging from 3-tonners through to a 33-tonner, dozers, loaders, posi-tracks, trucks and its own concrete crushing operation.In this episode we talk about:• Starting an earthmoving business at 20• Beau’s background racing motocross• Building more than 100 motocross and supercross tracks• What actually goes into building a proper motocross track• Growing BRC Dirtworks from one loader into a substantial fleet• Why Beau has remained so loyal to Komatsu• Excavators, dozers, loaders, GPS and machine technology• Starting a concrete crushing operation almost by accident• Recycling concrete and using crushed material on BRC projects• The challenges of finding and keeping good operators• Fuel prices and the real cost of owning earthmoving machinery• Why Beau believes earthmoving rates should be higher• Whether growing a large fleet is actually worth it• Finding the right size for an earthmoving business• The stress of keeping employees and machinery working• Beau’s advice for young operators wanting to start their own business• Why building a successful earthmoving company is a long game• What’s next for Beau and BRC DirtworksOne of the biggest lessons from Beau’s story is that there isn’t one correct way to build an earthmoving business. After years of chasing growth, Beau says he’s reached a point where he enjoys the size of the operation, the machinery, the crew and still being able to do what he loves — operating machines.His advice to young contractors is simple: look at tomorrow, not just today. Play the long game, plan your next few moves and learn from people who have already done it.If you're an earthmoving contractor, operator, owner-operator or you're thinking about starting your own earthmoving business, there are plenty of lessons in this conversation.Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.What do you think — is owning and growing an earthmoving fleet still worth it today?#EarthworksHub #Earthmoving #Excavation #Komatsu #Motocross

  6. Aug 18

    FIFO: Good Money, But What Does It Really Cost? | Paul Melly

    Watch video version here: YouTube Episode 175 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastI'm joined by Paul Melly from How You Travellin', Mate? for an open conversation about the reality of FIFO life in Australia.Paul came to Australia from Ireland almost 20 years ago and has worked across major civil construction projects before eventually moving into FIFO. We talk about what FIFO life is really like — the long days, time away from family, missing important moments, fatigue, loneliness and the "golden handcuffs" that can make the lifestyle difficult to walk away from.Paul also shares why he started How You Travellin', Mate? after going through a difficult period himself, and why he believes a simple conversation between workmates can make a massive difference.We discuss:* The reality of FIFO rosters and camp life* Good money vs the sacrifices that come with FIFO* Missing family, birthdays and important milestones* Why FIFO workers need a plan and an eventual exit strategy* Signs that a workmate might be struggling* How to approach someone when they don't seem themselves* Why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply listen* Paul's Friday Night Yarns* Mental health and mates looking after mates on site* What new FIFO workers should know before their first swingPaul's message is simple: he isn't trying to fix mental health — he's trying to start conversations before things get too far.If someone at work doesn't seem themselves, don't be afraid to ask:"How you travellin', mate?"Subscribe to Earthworks Hub for more conversations with the people working across Australia's earthmoving, civil construction and mining industries.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

  7. Aug 10

    Diggerlid Shares 3 Tips for Getting the Best Out of the Kajo Grease System | Open Mic

    Full video version available here: YouTubeEpisode 174 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastNo guest. No script. Just the earthmoving industry having a yarn.In this Earthworks Hub Open Mic Night, the audience takes over the show as contractors, business owners and industry suppliers jump on live to talk about everything from machinery and GPS to running a business, social media, products and what success actually looks like.Joel from Diggerlid joins the conversation to talk about his earthmoving background, retaining walls, Diggerlid products, grease systems, content creation and building a business around solving problems for earthmovers.Jack Healy from EMBE Hire, Jim from The Dirt Cartel and Drew Excavations also jump in, turning the episode into a two-hour industry roundtable with plenty of laughs, opinions and real-world experience.We also get into:• Rising diesel prices and fuel levies• Joel from Diggerlid shares 3 tips for getting the best out of the Kajo grease system• Moasure and GPS technology• Screening and crushing material• Council and EPA requirements• Retaining walls and finding a niche• Greasing equipment and maintenance• Creating content as an earthmoving business• Using social media to attract customers and operators• New products and ideas for the industry• What success actually looks like as a business owner• Machinery, attachments and plenty of general earthmoving banterThis one is less of an interview and more like sitting around with a group of earthmovers and seeing where the conversation goes.If you enjoy these Open Mic episodes, let us know in the comments and we might make them a regular part of the Earthworks Hub Show.Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.

  8. Aug 5

    The Screening Machine Every Earthmoving Contractor Should Know About

    Video version available here: YouTubeEpisode 174 of the Earthworks Hub PodcastDiscover how one man's journey from earthmoving to entrepreneurship transformed the landscape of construction machinery. In this compelling episode, I welcome Rob Kinnaird from Pro Screen Australia, who shares his incredible story of innovation and resilience in the earthmoving industry.Rob, a former mini excavator operator, reveals how he turned a simple need for efficient soil management into a thriving business, offering cutting-edge screening equipment. You’ll learn how he overcame initial setbacks, including a reluctant manufacturer, to bring high-quality machinery to Australia. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction sector or those looking to pivot their career.Join us as Rob dives into specific insights, including:* The fascinating technology behind Pro Screen's vibratory and Grizzly-style machines.* The unexpected challenges of transitioning from earthmoving to sales and how he navigated them.* Why understanding your market is crucial for success in any industry.* Real-life stories and examples from Rob's experience that illustrate the importance of innovation in construction.This conversation highlights the pressing need for effective equipment in earthmoving and the immense potential for those willing to adapt and innovate. Rob's journey underscores a pivotal question: What happens when necessity meets opportunity?Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or just starting out, this episode provides invaluable lessons and inspiration. Tune in now for an engaging discussion that blends practical advice with motivational storytelling. Perfect for anyone eager to elevate their career in construction!Proudly supported by Earthworks Hub partnersView all partners: https://earthworkshub.com.au/partnersExplore Earthworks HubWebsite: https://earthworkshub.com.auTools & templates: https://earthworkshub.com.au/tools-and-shop/Join Our social platform and discussions: https://earthworkshub.com.au/communityConnect with contractors and suppliers, browse the business directory, access practical templates and calculators, learn through the Earthworks Hub Academy, and join Australia's dedicated online community for the earthmoving industry.Subscribe for more insights and stories from the earth-moving industry!#Earthworks #Entrepreneurship #Construction #earthworkshub #excavation #earthmoving

About

The Earthworks Hub Podcast connects Australia’s earthmoving, transport and construction industries through real conversations with contractors, operators and suppliers. We talk quoting, equipment, business growth and lessons from the field. Watch full video episodes on YouTube www.earthworkshub.com.au New episodes weekly.

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