Philanthropist Gary Rooney Donates Historic Scraper for Display

A Terex S24 scraper, generously donated by philanthropist and Rooney Group director Gary Rooney, has been added to the display of earthmoving machinery used in the Upper Waitaki Power Development. This addition highlights the historical significance of the machinery that played a crucial role in shaping the region’s infrastructure.

The S24, along with other notable machines such as the Caterpillar 631 and International 295, was instrumental in the excavation and material placement required to create the canals linking Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau, as well as the Pukaki High Dam, Lake Ruataniwha Dam, and the powerhouse sites at Tekapo B and Ohau A, B, and C. Last month, the Rooney Group transported the S24 to Temuka for restoration, including sandblasting and painting, before it joined the exhibit.

According to Rick Ramsay, convener of the Heritage Group, the addition of the S24 is significant for those who remember these machines. “There are a lot of operators who will fondly recall the distinctive roar of these machines, and to again see one in the Mackenzie Basin on display is a big addition.” Ramsay praised Rooney’s generosity in both donating the scraper and overseeing its transport.

The Terex S24 is powered by a V12 General Motors two-stroke diesel engine and features an Allison CLBT-5865 six-speed powershift transmission. With a top speed of 50 km/h, the scraper also includes a hydraulic retarder to assist its shoe brakes. The bowl capacity is impressive, measuring 18 cubic meters struck or 24 cubic meters heaped, making it a powerful tool for large-scale earthmoving operations.

Despite its robust specifications, which include over 400 horsepower and a differential lock to prevent wheel spin, the S24 scrapers were typically push-loaded by bulldozers at the Upper Waitaki due to the dense glacial moraine deposits prevalent in the area. A total of 32 S24 scrapers were sold by Clyde Engineering in New Zealand, predominantly for use in hydro schemes.

Fleet operators such as Higgins Earthmoving, Earthmovers Waikato, McBreen-Jenkins, Burnetts Motors, and Doug Hood Ltd utilized these machines extensively. In 1998, Gary Rooney acquired the construction arm of Doug Hood Ltd, which included several S24 scrapers. Their rugged construction and maintenance ease allowed many to be rebuilt and continue operating on various projects.

The unit donated to the display was one of three purchased by the Rooney Group from the North Island for the Rangitata South irrigation Scheme, a private initiative that cost more than $130 million. These scrapers were exclusive to this project and remained stored at the company’s depot in Ashburton after completion.

The donation of the Terex S24 scraper not only preserves a piece of New Zealand’s engineering history but also serves as a reminder of the importance of such machinery in the development of infrastructure within the region. Its display enriches the narrative of the Upper Waitaki Power Development and offers a tangible connection to the past for future generations.