WA's first Cat® 285 XE Compact Track Loader hits the ground for Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting

Kalgoorlie-based earthmoving specialists Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting have built a reputation for tackling tough jobs with the right gear, and their latest addition, the Cat® 285 XE Compact Track Loader, is no exception.

Managing Director Phil Yates has been in the game since 2010, growing a fleet that reflects the company’s name: versatile. “We work across gold mines and local government projects, and every job is different. That’s why we need machines that can do it all and do it well.”

Phil’s journey into earthmoving started behind the controls of his dad’s Bobcat. That early hands-on experience sparked a lifelong passion for skid steers and excavators, eventually leading him to Kalgoorlie, where he expanded his skillset driving side-tipper road trains and learning the ins and outs of the mining industry. The business itself was born from a moment of opportunity when a mine site he was working at needed to hire a machine, he stepped up to fill the gap and hasn’t looked back since.

Today, Versatile Plant Hire is a thriving operation with around 20 highly skilled operators, all Kalgoorlie locals and an all-Cat fleet built to handle almost anything. “We used to run a mixed fleet, but chasing parts and service across different brands was a nightmare. With Caterpillar® and WesTrac, the support is second to none, especially here in Kalgoorlie.

The latest addition to their fleet, the Cat 285 XE CTL, is already proving to be a standout. “I’ve always been a skid steer operator, so when I heard about the 285 XE, I knew I had to have it.” After demoing the new Cat 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders at a WesTrac event, the decision to purchase the 285 XE was instant. “I told our rep, Fintan Kearns, I’d sign the order as soon as he had a delivery date. I hadn’t even seen a photo of the 285 yet, but I knew it was going to be something special.”

That led to Versatile Plant Hire becoming the first in Western Australia to take delivery of the 285 XE and one of the very first in the country. It’s a reflection of the company’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to investing in the best equipment to support its people and projects.

The 285 XE fills the gap between heavy loaders and smaller utility machines, offering the muscle to move serious earth while being easier to transport and more economical to run. For tasks like pad prep, backfill, and maintenance clearing, it delivers the performance of a larger loader without the logistical overhead.

The 285 XE has quickly proven itself as a powerhouse on site. “It’s just incredible. I’ve used it for bulk earthmoving, clearing, loading side tippers, and pushing up for a 45-tonne excavator. With the Norm Engineering Pro Series 4-in-1 bucket, it’s moving about 2 tonnes per bucket, and it handles hard ground with ease.”

Comfort and control are standout features. “The ride is as smooth as a large wheel loader. The seat, boom suspension, joystick feedback, and aircon layout are all spot on. The touchscreen is intuitive, and the cameras give great visibility, but I still like to look over my shoulder!”

Efficiency is another win. “I’m getting 10 hours of work from a tank of fuel, and the layout makes daily maintenance a lot easier. Everything’s accessible like filters, grease points, fuel and ad-blue fillers. It’s clear Caterpillar put a lot of thought into this design.”

Security features like the fob key and operator PINs were a pleasant surprise. “It’s reassuring to know the machine won’t start without the fob. And tracking who’s been in the cab is easier now.”

For a business built on opportunity, grit, and community, the Cat 285 XE is more than just a machine-it’s a game changer. “Some people love old gear. I love new things, and this is the biggest, most modern CTL on the market.”

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