Stabilising for success

An investment in a purpose-built tractor attachment is reshaping how a New Zealand contractor delivers pavement maintenance for its clients.

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In the technical world of road stabilisation contracting, efficiency is the metric that matters most. By consolidating multiple processes and machines into a single high-output platform, Graham Civil has unlocked productivity along with cost and safety gains across its maintenance contracts.

Founded in the Manawatu in 2020, the business has rapidly evolved into a key regional player, delivering projects across earthworks, civil roading, drainage, and residential works.

The company employs a team of 23 staff across the Manawatū and Waikato regions, and has contributed to some of New Zealand's most notable infrastructure builds, including the Waikato Expressway, Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, and the Cambridge/Piarere roundabout.

Graham Civil also services several regional maintenance contracts, with a focus on road stabilisation and pavement repairs.

Multipurpose pavement platform

Graham Civil Director Richie Graham said that under robust performance and cost pressures, the way maintenance work is delivered becomes critical, especially as many pavement contracts are paid by the metre.

To increase output and reduce duplication of plant and labour, Graham Civil partnered with Neilo to transform one of the manufacturer's graders into a versatile, multi purpose pavement maintenance machine.

“We wanted an integrated solution incorporating a cement vane, stabiliser mill, road broom, lifting attachment and front end loader bucket – all on a compact, manoeuvrable tractor platform that had never previously been built in this configuration,” Richie said.

At the heart of the build is a Kubota M5111, selected for its 110 horsepower engine, reputation for reliability, and the availability of an optional front end loader to handle cement bags and support the cement vane system.