New Holland’s backhoe is a handy machine

The New Holland Construction backhoe loader was chosen by the Argentine Air Force (FAA) to push forward infrastructure works planned for Base Marambio, in Antarctica. Tasks involve reconstructing the foundations of a hangar and building new helicopter bases in the area. Having verified its efficiency to repair runways and paved surfaces, preparations to move the equipment to Antarctica started when the Logistic Department within FAA decided to deploy a B90B from its fleet. The decision was triggered by the Antarctic Affairs Department's need to carry out construction-related tasks. The backhoe loader met the required height and weight to be transported in the Hércules, the plane that reaches Antarctica. Moreover, it was fit to remove the old platform and to anchor the new structure. The machine was adapted before the trip. All its fluids were replaced by special synthetic types, and a resistor was placed within the engine block to heat up the coolant before its start. The technical adjustments necessary to enable the machine to work in extreme cold temperature conditions were performed along with Covema, the New Holland dealer that delivered the backhoe loader to the FAA. Besides, Covema trained those in charge of operating the equipment.