Earthworks are an important part of maintaining and developing rural properties throughout the Riverina.
From building driveways and preparing house sites to drainage, trenching and land clearing, the right earthmoving contractor can make a significant difference to the efficiency and outcome of a project.
Before hiring someone, it's worth understanding the type of work required and what to ask prospective contractors.
Earthworks broadly involve moving, excavating, grading or compacting soil and other materials to prepare or improve land.
Common rural earthworks can include:
Driveway construction
Driveway repairs
Site preparation
House and shed pads
Excavation
Trenching
Drainage
Land clearing
Dam-related earthworks
Track construction
Paddock access
Landscaping preparation
Material spreading
Property maintenance
The machinery required depends heavily on the scale and conditions of the project.
Reliable property access is particularly important in regional areas.
A poorly constructed driveway can develop corrugations, potholes, drainage problems and erosion, especially after heavy rain.
Good preparation may involve:
Assessing existing ground conditions.
Establishing appropriate drainage.
Preparing and grading the base.
Adding suitable material.
Compacting the surface.
Ensuring water can move away from the driveway.
Maintenance is equally important for established rural driveways.
Building a house, shed or other structure often requires site preparation before construction can begin.
Depending on the site, this may involve excavation, levelling, filling and compaction.
The contractor needs to understand the required finished levels and work with the specifications supplied for the project.
Larger building projects may also require coordination between earthmoving contractors, builders, surveyors and other trades.
Water can cause significant damage to rural roads, driveways and building sites if drainage isn't considered.
Earthworks may be used to establish:
Table drains
Diversion drains
Culvert approaches
Runoff channels
Property drainage
Erosion control measures
Understanding where water naturally travels across a property is important before changing levels or constructing new access routes.
Excavators are commonly used for trenching on rural properties.
Trenching may be needed for water lines, drainage or other services.
Before excavation starts, underground services need to be considered and the requirements of the particular project confirmed.
Earthmoving machinery is also frequently required around farm dams and rural water infrastructure.
These projects can be considerably more complex than straightforward excavation because soil conditions, water movement, site characteristics and regulatory requirements may all be relevant.
For significant dam construction or alteration, obtain appropriate professional advice before commencing work.
When comparing contractors, don't look at price alone.
Consider:
Experience
Ask whether the contractor regularly undertakes the type of project you require.
Rural earthworks can be very different from small residential excavation jobs.
Machinery
Different projects require different equipment.
Depending on the job, this could include excavators, skid steers, loaders, graders, rollers, trucks and other machinery.
Local knowledge
Contractors familiar with regional properties may have useful knowledge of local soil, access and drainage conditions.
Insurance and licensing
Ask the contractor about the licences, qualifications and insurance relevant to the work being performed.
Quote inclusions
Make sure you understand what the quote includes.
Possible additional expenses include:
Material
Transport
Machinery mobilisation
Disposal
Additional excavation
Rock
Unexpected site conditions
A clear scope helps reduce misunderstandings once work begins.
Before engaging an earthmoving contractor, consider asking:
Have you completed similar rural projects?
What machinery will you use?
Is transport included?
Are materials included?
What site access is required?
How will drainage be managed?
What happens if rock is encountered?
Is waste removal included?
What insurance do you carry?
How long is the project expected to take?
For larger projects, obtain the scope and price in writing.
You can also make the contractor's job easier by providing good information before they arrive.
Identify:
Property access
Gates
Work area
Known underground services
Overhead powerlines
Existing drainage
Areas machinery should avoid
Stock or livestock considerations
Desired finished levels where applicable
Providing photographs when requesting a quote can also help a contractor understand the site.
Whether you're constructing a driveway, preparing a building site, improving drainage or undertaking general property works, finding a contractor experienced in rural earthworks is an important first step.
Riv Business Finder connects residents, landholders and businesses with regional trades and service providers across the Riverina and surrounding areas.
Browse the directory to find earthmoving and rural contracting businesses like R Con Civil servicing your location.
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