From Zero to Airstrip Hero: Learn Grading Techniques for the Outback

Join us for a new episode of Jack Out The Back where we introduce you to the basics of driving and operating a 1980's era 120 Caterpillar Road Grader. In this episode, we show Ant how to use the grader so we can build an airstrip to access the remote water point Bloodwood for much-needed repairs. Don't miss this informative and practical episode of Jack Out The Back!

[@bgparsons3]

Really enjoying Antony’s wardrobe of working clothes, and am shocked (shocked!) to see him doing actual work while wearing them!!! Great fun - keep the videos coming.

[@senyaw53]

I was mechanic on DeGrey station ( probably blown inside out last night) in the late 70s. I got the job to 'drag' the airstrip on a little fergie 35 tractor with a homemade railway iron drag. i spent all day in a cloud of dust, all good fun for a young bloke. By comparison an ancient CAT 12 is a bit of luxury. Enjoyed the vid.

[@jack_out_the_back]

Boy do we have something special for you coming up! Something that builds character, brings two pieces of history together and involves a tractor made in Welshpool WA!

[@aaronm2742]

The mighty Chamberlain!!

[@senyaw53]

@@jack_out_the_back Anticipation is building.

[@jack_out_the_back]

@@senyaw53 ag that's perfect!! That's the one liner I missed!!

[@jimdiamond8246]

When I was working in Darwin , my crown for the airstrip was 1 half percent from centre out to 5 metres then 2 percent out another 5 metres .

[@billjoat]

Great instruction!! I feel as though I could hop right in Annie and do it as well. Its amazing that she was left for dead since she does so well; of course after a little TLC.

[@R00RAL]

I've got two run ways to clean up. One at Yarraquin Station for RFDS. Plus a more serious job, final trim for bitumise in town. Mines, RFDS, Power company, Local Station people. etc.. 12M Cat.

[@davidwilson9988]

Thanks for sharing your adventures, really enjoying watching, cheers 👏👏

[@jack_out_the_back]

Glad you like them!

[@marksherwin9110]

Good on you guys.. Ant's getting the hang of being practical.. and Jack's got an off sider
Jack it would be great if you could show more of your on property WIFI setup, in detail. From power source etc.

[@jack_out_the_back]

Hi Mark, Thanks, We will see what we can put together.

[@dondowell7837]

Hey Jack.Hope you realise that offsider of yours is a frickn legend. 🤗🙂

[@edrouse9578]

Yes Ant. A margin of error is very good thing.

[@warrickjones590]

Good onyas you blokes. I was fortunate enough to operate a 12 on Mulga Downs it'd been fully rebuild in Perth new everything. Me boss would fly me to where I'd knocked off each day. I loved the red dot aircon.

[@jack_out_the_back]

That's why we build the airstrips, gets you to the shower and a beer in your hand a lot quicker! The red dot on this girl died a long time ago. As did some of the windows!

[@jamesgless1537]

You got to throw them in the deep end to learn the hard way , like your videos practice makes perfect.

[@robinpedler1239]

and watermellon wine😊

[@jeffrogonzalo5067]

How come you use a plane and not helicopter?

[@jack_out_the_back]

Hi, we use the plane as we are able to maintain it ourselves, it also has a very good range, and is cheaper to run.

[@bigunone]

But did he remember to bring the beer?

[@jack_out_the_back]

Yes, yes he did!! And it was brilliant and cold. Best cure for the dust.

[@bigunone]

@@jack_out_the_back I remember my oil field days, first one went straight down my throat, didn't slow down till it hit bottom!

[@kymmarshall1116]

Good onya Jack . Those old machines will keep going with a bit of TLC .

[@jack_out_the_back]

She's certainly had a bit of TLC!! 😅