Sponsored: New machine set to revolutionise roadway work for WL Contracting

Driveway and roading repairs along with vineyard grape truck lanes and getting roads ready for harvest, just got a serious upgrade, although the team at W L Contracting would probably describe it more as “a handy new toy that makes life a whole lot easier.”

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

The Seddon-based, family-run business has welcomed the Ruts Plus Tow-Behind Road Grader to its fleet, a clever New Zealand–designed machine that promises to transform everything from gravel driveways and farm tracks to dairy lanes and rural roads.

For anyone who’s ever bounced over a pothole or skidded across corrugations, you’ll know the frustration of a quick surface tidy that doesn’t last. Traditional grading often smooths the top but ignores the deeper issues underneath. This machine, however, with its 92 carbide teeth spin at the same pace as the tow vehicle, breaking down the entire road surface and mixing the material instead of just dragging it around. Once everything is churned into a consistent blend, the catch blade steps in, reshaping, spreading, and crowning the road back over a solid base. The result? A smooth, durable finish that doesn’t disappear the next time it rains.

One of the best parts, and a favourite of the W L Contracting crew, is how easy the grader is to operate. It can be towed by almost any 4x4 and is fully road legal, meaning they can move from one job to the next without messing around with trailers or loading ramps. Everything is controlled wirelessly from the cab, and an on-board camera gives the operator a full view of what’s happening behind. Because the machine works the road properly from the bottom up, the rebuilt surface usually compacts beautifully under standard vehicle tyres. That means less downtime, fewer extra passes, and a more efficient job overall.

For business owners Westy and Lauren Howell, the grader is the perfect fit for their no-fuss, get-on-with-it approach. Westy brings over 25 years of heavy machinery and contracting experience and is well known for tackling tough jobs with skill and precision. Lauren keeps operations running smoothly behind the scenes, making sure clients get the reliable service they’ve come to expect. Their team covers everything from earthmoving and roading to excavation, trenching, bulk cartage, slip clearing and demolition.

With this new addition to the fleet, W L Contracting is set to make rough Marlborough driveways, rural roads and travelling through horticultural properties a whole lot smoother, keeping the region moving with less hassle and better value.

See the machine in action here.

For more information about how WL Contracting can help you with your driveway or rural roading needs, get in touch with Westy 0272316425 or [email protected]