The Queensland Government is helping new drivers learn how to drive a 20-tonne, 12-metre long road machine with a second dual-cab road grader in action.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the second of two specially-commissioned dual-cab graders had hit the road, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government, to help train road work crews across Queensland. 
“Previously all operator training had to be done with pre-start instructions and two-way radios, but this grader allows the trainer to sit next to the operator while they are in the hot seat,” Mr Bailey said.
“This new state-of-the-art training grader has a wider cabin which can accommodate an extra seat for the trainer.
“RoadTek has been working with Komatsu for the past year to build this second dual-cab training grader worth $662,000, which will move around the state providing safe, practical training, which started in Bundaberg,” he said.
Mr Bailey said the new grader was commissioned because the first one had been so successful.
“The grader has provided valuable training for Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council trainees working on Endeavour Valley Road in the Far North.
“This new training grader will be another huge asset to the department and will allow our trainee operators to gain new skills under direct tuition by skilled operators,” Mr Bailey said.
Trainees on these sites undergo practical training and receive real-world experience in handling heavy machinery, including operating in built-up areas with traffic according to Mr Bailey.
Komatsu National Business Manager Government and Construction Graders Phillip Atley said it was a great experience for the team to build and supply the new Komatsu GD655-5 Grader.
“We held several meetings to ensure we delivered a training grader that included all of RoadTek’s desired features, while also meeting safety and compliance certification,” Mr Atley said.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when government and industry work together and we are very proud of the end result.”
The State Government is investing $21 billion over the next four years into transport infrastructure.
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