DOM Distribution Delivers Across Continents

After a long journey, two K-Tec 1233 scrapers have arrived in Antarctica for the Australian Antarctic Division's aviation operations at Wilkins Aerodrome. Work has now commenced, as their primary task is to keep the runway operational.

The 3-kilometre ice runway which sits 700 metres above sea level, shifts from being a straight line to a banana-like curve over winter as the glacier moves and is barely visible under the snow.

The scraper's journey started at the K-Tec factory in Manitoba, Canada where they were containerized and shipped to Brisbane, Australia. Once landed, DOM Distribution - Construction assembled the scrapers with custom parts and blades before they made their way down to Tasmania to set off to the icy continent.

Paired up with modified CASE IH Steiger tractors, it is the aviation operations' job to make sure it is surveyed, realigned, strength-tested, and ready to go by the time the first plane arrives during their operating months.

"They've got tracks that are typically used in Arctic conditions, 240-volt heaters on the engines, diesel heaters for when they're not near power sources, the engine is fully enclosed, the fuel tank size has been tripled," Product Manager, Jason Wood from Case IH said.

DOM Distribution enjoyed working with all the parties to get this project up and running to conitnue Australia’s work in Antartic research.