Historic Terex S24 Scraper Donated for Display in Temuka

A historic Terex S24 scraper, donated by philanthropist and director of the Rooney Group, Gary Rooney, has been officially added to the display of earthmoving machinery in Temuka. This scraper played a vital role in the excavation and material placement for the Upper Waitaki Power Development, which involved the construction of canals connecting Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau.

The S24 scrapers, alongside units like the Caterpillar 631 and International 295, were instrumental in forming the infrastructure that supports the Pukaki High Dam, Lake Ruataniwha Dam, and the powerhouse sites of Tekapo B, Ohau A, B, and C. Last month, the Rooney Group transported the S24 to Temuka, where it underwent sandblasting and painting in preparation for its display.

Heritage Group convener Rick Ramsay emphasized the significance of this addition. He stated, “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 commended Rooney’s generosity, noting that the donation included both the scraper and its transportation.

The Terex S24 is powered by a V12 General Motors two-stroke diesel engine, paired with an Allison CLBT-5865 six-speed powershift transmission, allowing it to reach a top speed of 50 km/h. The unit features a bowl capacity of 18 cubic meters struck or 24 cubic meters heaped, making it a powerful asset for earthmoving tasks.

Despite its impressive specifications, the S24 scrapers were often push-loaded by bulldozers at the Upper Waitaki project due to the challenging glacial moraine deposits that comprised the majority of the earthworks. During its operational peak, Clyde Engineering sold 32 S24 scrapers to New Zealand, where they were predominantly utilized in hydro schemes. Notable fleet operators included Higgins Earthmoving, Earthmovers Waikato, McBreen-Jenkins, Burnetts Motors, and Doug Hood Ltd.

Rooney’s connection to the S24 scrapers dates back to around 1998, when he purchased the construction arm of Doug Hood Ltd, which included these machines. Known for their rugged construction and ease of maintenance, many S24 scrapers have been rebuilt and continue to operate on various projects today. Some have been repurposed as “dump trucks,” allowing for efficient loading by diggers and smooth material distribution.

The unit now on display in Temuka is one of three purchased by the Rooney Group for the Rangitata South irrigation Scheme, a private initiative costing more than $130 million. These scrapers were exclusively used for this project and remained stored at the company’s Ashburton depot when not in use.

As the Terex S24 scraper takes its place in the Temuka display, it serves as a reminder of the essential machinery that has shaped the landscape and infrastructure of New Zealand’s hydroelectric projects.