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Building Safer Forests: How RAS Training & Services Delivered a Land Management Solution for NSW Forestry
When bushfire season looms across New South Wales, preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. For Ross Beeching, Manager of RAS Training & Services, that responsibility is personal. His team doesn’t just train operators; they provide the machinery and expertise that keep communities safe.
“We give people the key skills so they can enter the workforce and rely on the training and processes we provide,” Ross explains.
Based in the Hunter Valley, RAS has spent over 15 years shaping careers in heavy machinery operation while running its own earthworks division. From major infrastructure projects like the John Holland bypass to forestry fire mitigation, RAS combines training with real-world contracting.
The Challenge: Fire Management in Remote Terrain
Forestry Corporation of NSW manages two million hectares of public forests—land that demands constant care. Almost 60,000 kilometres of roads and fire trails must remain clear for emergency access and hazard reduction work is critical to protect homes near bushfire-prone areas.
Andrew Lynch is Lead Fire and Operations Officer at Forestry Corporation of NSW:
“Part of our obligations is to maintain and manage our fire trails. They range from tracks for large fire tankers to general-purpose access routes. Keeping them open is about community safety,” Andrew explains.
Forestry relies on contractors like RAS to deliver this work. But the job isn’t easy. It requires equipment that’s powerful, versatile, and safe. Machines that can handle rugged terrain without leaving a heavy footprint.
The Solution: Cat 265 Compact Track Loader + Cat BRX318 Brushcutter
Enter the Cat 265 Compact Track Loader, paired with the Cat BRX318 Industrial Brushcutter—a land management powerhouse. For Ross, this wasn’t just a purchase; it was a strategic investment.
“The reason we went with the 265 was for its versatility. It’s nimble, powerful, and comfortable for operators working long hours in remote areas.”
The Brushcutter attachment was equally important:
“We wanted to minimise the footprint on roads and verges. This setup meets Forestry’s requirements for fire trail maintenance and hazard reduction.”
From clearing vegetation to maintaining access tracks, the combination delivers a complete solution. It’s not just about fire mitigation—it also supports recreational access and road upkeep across state forests.
Cat 265 Action Shots
Operator Comfort and Safety: A Non-Negotiable
Ross knows that machinery isn’t just about horsepower; it’s about people.
“Inside the cab, operators have excellent vision—about 270 degrees—plus more legroom for taller operators. All controls are at their fingertips, and cameras give great visibility when loading and unloading.”
Safety is also paramount:
“We want our operators to feel secure inside the cab, without any risk—and there’s plenty of that when you’re working in remote areas like a forest.”
Ross in the cab
Why WesTrac? A Partnership Built on Trust
Behind every machine is a support team. For Ross, WesTrac isn’t just a supplier—it’s a partner.
“We’ve had a relationship with WesTrac for years. When we purchase machines, their sales team helps us find a solution that’s fit for purpose and comfortable for operators.”
Joel Newton, Sales Representative at WesTrac Newcastle, explains the process:
“When Ross comes to us, it’s consultative. We go through all his needs and lean on our resources to provide the perfect solution. For forestry, that meant speccing the machine to meet and exceed safety requirements.”
Technology plays a role too. RAS uses VisionLink, Caterpillar’s digital platform, to track machine location, monitor hours, and schedule maintenance.
“I can access VisionLink anytime, anywhere—on desktop or mobile,” Ross says.
“VisionLink helps us keep machines running for our clients—which keeps them happy. If they’re happy, they’ll use RAS for more jobs. It’s a win/win.”
Sustainability and Community Safety
This story isn’t just about machinery—it’s about impact. Every fire trail cleared, every hazard reduced, is a step toward protecting homes and lives.
“The 265 and Brushcutter assist with fire mitigation during the urban interface, where houses are close to bushfire-prone areas,” Ross explains.
“If earthmoving companies want to gain the upper hand, this is the type of machine they’d purchase.”
Andrew Lynch agrees:
“Forestry NSW is always looking for contractors with reliable, fit-for-purpose equipment and a good safety record. With the latest Cat equipment and WesTrac supporting them, RAS delivers that.”
The Bigger Picture
For RAS, investing in quality Cat gear isn’t just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about future-proofing their business.
“It’s not always about buying quick and smart,” Ross says.
“It’s about buying for long-term use. With WesTrac, we have reliability and dependability—and that’s what our clients expect.”
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