A New Broom Sweeps Clean ...

You don't know what a dust storm is like till you drive a broom tractor.
To drive one without a cab takes grit.
And you get plenty of it.

The first time I saw our noble pilot preparing himself for operation I was somewhat amazed.
Scarves, goggles, crash helmet, face masks were all donned as part of the pre-takeoff ritual.

I was sent to one end of a stretch of the Awakino Gorge to slow traffic.
Soon a billowing cloud of dust signalled his approach.
The sun darkened.
The cloud thickened, and went past.
A couple of feeble lights were all I could see.
Later a dirt encrusted, cursing, individual staggered out of it.

Today I went to Rotorua and picked up a new one.
It has a cab, air conditioning, and a radio.

So no more threats of physical violence and complaints of frostbite

Our noble pilot is champing at the bit...

Old Yella

"Old Yella" is our broom tractor. It is as old as dirt. Getting it started sometimes can be a hassle, it is fairly cranky. We curse this in foul weather with it's lack of cab & any semblance of comfort. Yet we also have some affection for it as it is very handy on some jobs. As well as the broom it has a mid mounted grader blade. This means you can do reasonably precise work with it. Here it is being used to take out a bump at a bridge end. Premix has been levelled with it, taking out a slump before the concrete lip of the bridge. This has been done by eye. After compaction I will drive my truck over it at speed. If I spill my coffee we will have another go.


When sweeping, wind direction is all important.
Rest Area 300m