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The source for all things Cat in New Zealand. Read, listen to, and watch the latest news and customer stories from Terra Cat, New Zealand's Caterpillar equipment dealer. 

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The Summer 2023–2024 edition of our On The Ground magazine brings you Chris Heaton's first CEO Report, and we trace his remarkable journey from apprentice to CEO of Terra Cat. Meet the lucky winner of our recent jet ski giveaway, and explore ACO Waikato's satisfaction with the Cat AP300 asphalt paver.

Modern hydraulic systems produce more power and have finer control than those of the past due to precision engineering and closer fitting parts. The downside is the increased danger of foreign contaminants damaging machines.

This year signals the start of an all-new training programme for our new recruits. Ranging in age from 16 to 31 years old, this 11-strong group from around the country will undertake a new training programme as Terra begins a partnership with Hastings Deering to provide hands-on training in Brisbane.

The April episode of Breaking Ground features Wanaka's Allan Dippie.

Find out how Matamata-based J Swap Contractors Ltd is using Parts.Cat.com to benefit their operation with just a few clicks to quickly find the exact Cat parts they need, plus all the great features that come with ordering parts online. 

Christchurch-based Heavy Diesel Field Service Technician James Swainson has just returned from the ice after working there since late August. 

The Next Generation Cat 313 excavator with an integrated 2D or 3D system is a bright light on the horizon. One of the first models has arrived at Whanganui-based civil construction company Loaders Wanganui. 

In the latest episode of Terra Cat's Breaking Ground Podcast, we meet Martin Hewitt, who’s a bit of an industry legend.

Olivia Thomson gives a small glimpse into her friend Terry Wooley's life, memories, and how he keeps himself young (at heart).

When it comes to operating mini excavators, it’s important to be aware of how to get the most out of your machine and how to operate it as safely as possible. 

Check out this timelapse of a Caterpillar Marine Engine Rebuild recently carried out by our Component Rebuild Centre (CRC) team in Christchurch.

Terra Power Systems helped the iconic Hanmer Springs Alpine Winter Fest deliver a new winter attraction for the community—a seasonal ice rink—by supplying a rental generator to help power the operation.

In this episode of the Breaking Ground podcast, we chat to Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge.

Ten Terra Cat apprentices arrived in Brisbane in March 2024, signalling the start of our all-new training partnership with Hastings Deering. The group of first-year apprentices, ranging in age from 16 to 31 years old, will travel to Hastings Deering twice a year for training for their first three years. 

As Caterpillar celebrates 100 years, we honour the people who’ve made it possible. Your trust drives us to keep innovating, improving, and delivering machines and solutions that meet the demands of your work.

The team at Terra Cat Christchurch recently customised this Cat 330GC excavator for Antarctica New Zealand, ensuring the excavator can operate effectively in the extreme Antarctica environments.

Founded on 15 April 1925, Caterpillar will celebrate its 100th birthday almost to the day of the fourth and final Wheels at Wanaka, 18 – 20 April 2025.

In the latest episode of Terra Cat's Breaking Ground podcast we meet Stan Goodman from Goodman Contractors based at Waikanae, north of Wellington. 

Welcome to the first edition of our new On the Ground magazine. This magazine is tailored for you our customers, with our lead articles covering who we are, what we’ve heard you telling us and what this new era for Caterpillar in New Zealand holds for you.

Terra’s Christchurch teams will be moving to purpose-built facilities later next year. Owner Sime Darby recently signed an unconditional agreement on a significant long-term lease holding at Waterloo Business Park, about three kilometres west of Terra’s current site. 

With as much as 50% of a machine’s repair costs over its lifetime related to its undercarriage, the need for ongoing maintenance should be apparent.

Hear Chris Heaton’s remarkable journey from young apprentice to Chief Executive Officer in the latest episode of Breaking Ground! From New Zealand orchards to Saudi Arabian oil rigs, he shares pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style and customer-centric vision for Terra's future. 

Earthmovers Media ‘chief dirt enthusiast’ Mack Plovie took a break from his New Zealand travels to join us on the Breaking Ground podcast. 

The first Next Generation models in Caterpillar’s compact track loader line, the Cat® 255 and 265 are ground-up redesigns of their predecessors. For Manawatū-based Stringfellow Contracts Ltd., these industry-leading upgrades make all the difference.

Wheels at Wānaka's Allan Dippie sits down with us for a second time to share how New Zealand's biggest all-vehicle, all-machinery show came to life, and why the 2025 event will be the best (and biggest) yet. 

Terra Cat is partnering with Sitech to offer customers who invest in Cat 2D and 3D a best-in-class product and support service.

In this edition of On The Ground magazine, learn about our new podcast, a Cat 330GC on ice, how technology is paying off for customers, how to reduce undercarriage wear and tear, and Barry's bike trail maintenance using a Cat 302 mini excavator.

In Olivia Thomson's latest blog for Terra Cat, she gives us her tips for getting started in the earthmoving industry.

In this edition of On the Ground magazine we introduce the next generation Cat wheel loaders and the latest models in the mini excavator range. We meet Chris McDonnell our new Canterbury-based travelling hose technician. We also bring you the story of Clint's Cat boots, and a day in the life of Terra Power Systems Sales Consultant Steve Lawson.

It’s been just over a year since we welcomed ten new recruits into our revamped apprentice training programme. We caught up with three of the now-second-year apprentices to learn what drew them to the programme, and how they’ve found things so far. 

Taylor Long Construction Ltd is a small family business with a range of Cat machines in their fleet. They order all their Cat® parts from Parts.Cat.Com because it's good to see the availability and pricing structure on the site, and it's important for them that they get the parts that are right for their machines. 

Jumping out of a plane is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, but Terra’s Brent Findlay and a friend recently completed a staggering 120 skydives in one day. 

Did you know at Terra Cat, we have Equipment Protection Plans (EPP) that ensure you can continue to get the job done without any unexpected repairs or costs?

In this edition of On The Ground, learn about how innovative Cat technology is helping our customers like BenDev, Southeys Group and Gavin’s Logging meet their business needs. We hosted a successful visit from the Sime Darby board, and a Christchurch Antarctic Network event. Alex MacKenzie won Top Apprentice, we exhibited Cat and Weiler products at the Fast and Forward Forestry Expo in Rotorua.

Did you know the newly-opened PAK’nSAVE Papanui is designed to be energy efficient and able to trade continuously for three days in the event of an emergency or natural disaster? 

After 14 consecutive months in Antarctica, Whangārei's Anthony Barge is happy to be back on home soil. The Heavy Diesel Field Service Technician first went down to the icy southern continent in 2021, where he and two others completed power plant rebuilds to support the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) at McMurdo Station and the South Pole.

In the August episode of Breaking Ground we meet Graham Walker who has been in the industry for over 50 years. 

In the latest episode of Terra Cat's Breaking Ground Podcast we hear Brad's economist perspective on the key industries that we work with every day within New Zealand.

Peter Bennett, owner of Auckland-based BenDev Ltd, takes us through the benefits Cat Next Generation mini excavators bring to his civil earthworks and excavation business.

The technological advancements Caterpillar demonstrated with the Next Gen excavator range now come into play in the comprehensively updated Cat wheel loader line-up. One of the first such machines in the country is Graeme Bagrie Contracts’ new Cat 980, loading out at Waitohu Quarry.

As the Southeys Group continues working to reduce its hydro excavator fleet's carbon emissions, noise levels and water use, Cat Industrial Engines are there in support. 

The undercarriage is – quite literally – the component that keeps machines driving along. Not only that, it is also responsible for about half a machine’s owning and operating costs.

We have debuted the new 4-tonne Cat 304, and 5-tonne Cat 305 CR Next Generation Mini Excavators in New Zealand, with these models delivering more power to the pumps, higher bucket breakout forces and deeper standard digging depths to increase performance by up to 20% over their E2 series counterparts. 

The earth of the Greater Wellington region holds the history of Keith Bullock Contracting, a multi-generational business that has shaped the landscape for over 65 years. 

For Allan Dippie, Director of Wanaka-headquartered Central Machine Hire, the arrival of the company’s new Cat 140 motor grader with integrated Mastless Grade technology onboard, is the physical realisation of a step-change in the way his construction team will work in the future. 

Terra Cat is proud to have partnered with OceanaGold Macraes on a major project to resurrect three Cat 789C trucks. 

When you invest in Cat® Hydraulic Hose and Couplings from Terra Cat, you’re investing in decades of expertise, manufacturing excellence, and unrivalled service. Cat hose and couplings work together as a matched system delivering top of the line durability in the most challenging environments to maximize your uptime, every time.

Here are a few core principles that affect fuel efficiency throughout the life of a machine and how to get the most out of each litre.

Having the right gear for the job is part of its success, and West Coast-based MBD Contracting’s brand-new Cat 340 excavators are proving their worth quarrying large rocks. 

The Winter edition of our digital magazine features a mix of updates from across Terra Cat and the industries we work in. We mark 100 years of Caterpillar at Wheels at Wānaka and spotlight the winner of New Zealand’s first Global Operator Challenge. There’s also news on direct parts delivery, product updates, and much more! 

A major new hub for Sime Darby Motors and Industrial operations is under construction at Waterloo Business Park in Christchurch. Development of three separate projects began in late 2023.

With developers demanding more infrastructure on fewer square meters, civil contractors are working ever-tighter job sites.  A line-up of compact machinery that offers the requisite grunt, mixed with an impressive array of ‘bigger digger’ features, allows operators to maximise the bottom line. This is where the Cat Next Generation mini excavator range delivers for Peter Bennett of BenDev.

Involving over 1,000 labour hours, our team at Terra Cat Nelson completed this overhaul in 13 weeks. The overhaul was just 52% of the cost of a new machine, with 0% finance through Cat Finance, and includes a complimentary 4000 hrs/24 month EPP warranty.

In this edition of On the Ground magazine we cover an award we received from NZ Defense for an amphibious vehicle, make the most of new digital tools, introduce rental power, and give you seven tips for choosing a technician. 

In this edition of On the Ground magazine we celebrate turning two years old, empowering women at Terra, Cat mastless grader tech and our top technicians.

In this edition of On the Ground magazine check out the rebuild process for OceanaGold's three Cat 789 haul trucks, see machines on show at Wheels at Wanaka, be in to win Cat merch with our reader survey, and celebrate 50 years of Terra Analytical with us.

Greymouth contractor Mark Morley has successfully beaten 23 of the country’s best heavy machinery operators, to be crowned the New Zealand champion of the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge. 



In the latest episode of Terra Cat's Breaking Ground Podcast, machine operator Olivia Thomson gives us the inside scoop on life in the earthmoving industry.

We catch up with Taupo-based Ron Thomassen, who has been involved in the forestry industry since the early 1980s.

Ryan Contractors has recently invested in a tough-yet-compact Cat 306 CR. Cat’s Next Generation mini excavator is right at home in the fleet of this well-regarded multi-generational family business. 

For the second year running, Terra Power Systems Rentals helped keep the lights on at Illuminate in Christchurch's Botanic Gardens. Featuring over 2.35km of light installations, the interactive event drew more than 80,000 visitors. 

Our September episode of Breaking Ground features Tony Brand from Brand Logging.

A valuable Caterpillar-exclusive technology has helped a Christchurch contractor control and monitor soil compaction.

There are plenty of impressive statistics associated with the massive City Rail Link works in Central Auckland, but one of the most eyebrow-raising stats Cat excavator fleet owner Christian Balemi of CB Earthmoving has seen recently on the job was an absolutely tiny figure—in a very positive way.

Contamination, even by particles too small to see, costs money. Whether that cost comes from low productivity, increased maintenance work or component failures, contaminants can cause serious damage to machinery. 

Hydraulic contamination can have a dramatic effect on your machine - increasing wear, reducing efficiency and costing you money.

In the first Breaking Ground podcast episode of the year we talk to Stuart Thornley, General Manager Product Support and Asset Excellence at Terra Cat.

Terra supports initiatives during Mental Health Awareness Week 2023. We marked Mental Health Awareness Week in September with five days of wellbeing-boosting activities.

Many contractors are looking for ways to get the most out of their equipment by maximising operating efficiency, reducing downtime and monitoring machine health.

Well-known Hawke's Bay contractor Barry Neville recently had a completely new Cat undercarriage fitted to his D8T dozer by Terra Cat and the finished result has the machine impressing everyone.

Cat Certified Used Equipment from Terra Cat is proving to be a popular choice for buyers who need a modern piece of equipment that has low hours and has been thoroughly vetted by qualified technicians. 

Terra Cat has delivered the very first next generation Cat 352 hydraulic excavator to arrive in New Zealand. Owner Ryan Bagrie, of Graeme Bagrie Contracts Ltd near Otaki, says the excavator’s standard technology suite combined with its heavy duty digging and lifting power makes for an unbeatable match.

Find out about the partnership between Terra Cat and St George’s Hospital in Christchurch, and how Terra Power Systems supports them.

With Caterpillar celebrating 100 years in 2025, this edition of our digital magazine takes a look at some of the big moments that shaped our year. You’ll get to read about our progress rebuilding OceanaGold’s 789 fleet, how KiwiRail is shaping a new era of rail, and Keith Bullock Contracting’s 65-year milestone. We also spotlight some standout achievements by Terra Cat team members, showcase the Weiler S340 skidder, and much more!

In this episode of our Breaking Ground podcast, we hear from Bill Hurlstone, a very well-known figure in the New Zealand contracting industry.

The first of OceanaGold’s rebuilt 789 mining trucks has arrived back at Macraes Mine after leaving our Christchurch branch in the wee hours of the morning. OceanaGold General Manager James Isles said choosing to rebuild the trucks rather than purchase new machinery was a “no-brainer”.

We've wanted to feature Murray Francis on our Breaking Ground podcast since we first started, he is the Managing Director of Road Metals Co Ltd and a South Island icon. 

There are plenty of construction equipment options to choose from. Ask yourself the following questions to pick machines that will help you stay safe and productive on your next project.

The facilities of Ruakuri Caves are powered by a Caterpillar Microgrid technology system, using a solar-powered battery system with diesel backup. This off-grid solution powers the ticket and tour office, cave lighting, and a nearby water pump for farm irrigation. 

The latest edition of our digital magazine offers a good mix of industry updates, customer testimonials and Terra Cat success stories. We celebrate Brenton and Josh's top performances in Caterpillar competitions, provide updates on Wheels at Wānaka and Christchurch’s upcoming branch move, and spotlight some of this year's bigger Cat deliveries. You'll also get to read how Cat gensets are increasing community energy resilience, how two new 350s are getting it done for Golden Bay and much more! 

It’s no secret that regular maintenance protects both your machines and your business. But what does good maintenance look like? 

Here's the second part of our Breaking Ground episode podcast with Murray Francis, the Managing Director of Road Metals Co Ltd. 

Passion. It’s what Cat® dealer technicians and Crusaders’ trainers bring to the table. Learn more about how they keep customers and players moving in the right direction! 

Renting or hiring heavy construction and earthmoving equipment from The Cat Rental Store offers numerous benefits for your projects and overall profitability. Here are ten of the key advantages.

In this edition apprentice Quinn wins an international competition, we have branch updates, a rebuild gives a dozer a second life, and much more.

In the July episode of Breaking Ground we catch up with Crusaders captain and New Zealand All Black, Scott Barrett.

Bay of Plenty-headquartered equipment hire company, Hewletts Road Machinery, has recently taken delivery of two new Cat excavators which join an existing hire fleet made up of many more Cat machines of varying sizes. 

Olivia Thomson writes about her career in earthmoving in her first blog for Terra Cat.

This month we meet Ian Pendle, Asset Operations Manager at Terra Analytical.

One of our Tauranga-based technicians Brenton Page will represent Terra Cat at the first-ever Caterpillar Global Dealer Technician Challenge First Regional Qualifier in Melbourne this August. 

For Christchurch-based Tony Carleton, reviving a decade-dormant generator wasn’t the only highlight of his time in Antarctica. The Electric Power Generation (EPG) technician spent a total of eight weeks on the ice, splitting his time between the South Pole and McMurdo research stations.

The 21-year-old edged out two talented Auckland-based contestants – Adam Sivewright and Rizan Mohammed – to win our 2023 competition and confirm his spot at Caterpillar's Dealer Top Apprentice Competition in Melbourne next year.

As proper care greatly extends a machine’s life, selecting the right technician is an essential part of protecting your investment. 

We’ve launched Breaking Ground, a new podcast about earthmoving machinery and characters in the industry. If you’re in the earthmoving industry, a machine owner, a classic machinery lover or anyone interested in this side of New Zealand life, then this is the show for you. First up, Steve Templer, a veteran Terra Cat employee who’s now retired but will be well known to many, looks back on 40 years in the industry.

Owner-operator Kerry Gavin takes us through the Performance of Cat Heavy Duty Undercarriage on his Cat 320D FM and other benefits genuine Cat parts bring to the business.

Terra Cat partnered with OceanaGold Macraes on a major project to resurrect three Cat® 789C Trucks. OceanaGold has been operating at the Macraes mine in an open pit and underground for over 30 years. Terra Cat has been a key business partner in the operation; hear from the team involved in this massive project. 

Looking for an easier way to do your own maintenance on your Cat machines? Take a look at Cat® Planned Maintenance Kits and Self-Service Options.

Grant's CEO Report is an excerpt from our Winter 2023 edition of our On The Ground magazine.

Terra Analytical started its journey on 4 May 1973 as a Caterpillar Dealer Scheduled Oil Sampling (S.O.S) Lab. Over 50 years, the Christchurch lab has grown to become the major equipment fluid testing facility in New Zealand.

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