Heavy Duty Engineering Services Western Australia

Heavy equipment fails when engineering fails. You need engineering partners who understand structural integrity, load calculations, and real-world durability.

McDougall Weldments provides heavy duty engineering and fabrication services for mining, construction, and agricultural operations across Western Australia. We have engineered equipment since 1968. Our team has grown up in the industries we serve.

What We Engineer

We design and build solutions for harsh conditions. Whether you need load-bearing structures, equipment modifications, custom attachments, or complete machine rebuilds, we deliver designs that hold up in the field. We combine structural analysis with practical fabrication knowledge. Every project meets Australian engineering standards.

We specialize in heavy-duty applications where failure is not an option.

Structural design for mining equipment and attachments
Load-bearing frames and lifting systems
Custom excavator and loader bucket designs
Conveyor and chute systems for mining and agriculture
Structural reinforcement for aging equipment
Wear-resistant component design and fabrication
Hydraulic system installations and modifications
Mobile equipment modifications and safety upgrades
Field-engineered repair solutions for equipment down time
Design-to-build service for complete equipment packages

Our workshop in Cuballing accommodates large assemblies and complex projects that require on-site engineering support.

 
We work from concept to finished product. Your problems become our engineering problems.

Step 1: Site Assessment and Analysis
You describe the problem or need. We visit your site if necessary. We inspect existing equipment, understand operational demands, and identify constraints. We ask specific questions about loads, cycles, failure patterns, and safety requirements.

Step 2: Structural Analysis and Design
We calculate loads, stresses, and safety factors based on Australian Standards. For heavy-duty applications, we exceed minimum requirements. We create engineering drawings and CAD models. We review your feedback and iterate until the design is right.

Step 3: Material Selection
We specify the right steel, strength grade, or material based on the application. Load capacity, corrosion resistance, cost, and availability all factor into our choice. We source materials from reputable suppliers.

Step 4: Fabrication and Build
Our certified welders construct the component to specification. We maintain dimensional accuracy and weld quality. We document the build process for traceability and safety.

Step 5: Testing and Inspection
We inspect critical welds using visual and sometimes ultrasonic methods. We verify that your equipment meets design specifications before delivery.

Step 6: Field Installation and Support
For larger projects, we provide on-site installation support. We ensure the engineered solution integrates correctly with your existing equipment.

Mining Equipment Repair
Your excavator bucket wears out. Your loader frame cracks under load. We engineer reinforced designs that extend service life and improve safety. We have repaired and modified equipment for iron ore, gold, and lithium operations across the Pilbara and Goldfields.

Construction Equipment Fabrication
Dozers need custom push frames. Scrapers need modified cutting edges. We design and fabricate attachments that improve performance and reduce downtime.

Agricultural Equipment Modifications
Harvesters need reinforced frames to handle larger headers. Seeders need custom hoppers. We engineer solutions that increase productivity without sacrificing durability.

Processing Plant Structures
We design conveyor supports, chute systems, and access platforms for mining and agricultural processing. Structures must support heavy loads and vibration over years of continuous operation.

Load-Bearing Frames and Lifts
Whether for marine, industrial, or mobile applications, we engineer frames that carry weight safely and reliably. We calculate safety factors and specify hardware accordingly.

All designs comply with Australian Standards. We reference AS 3678 for structural steel, AS 4100 for welding, and AS 1170 for load calculations. For lifting equipment, we follow relevant Australian lifting standards.

We maintain detailed documentation for every project. This includes design calculations, material certifications, and inspection records. You have a complete record of what was built and why.

We are based in Cuballing, approximately 2 hours from Perth. We service all of Western Australia. For large equipment that cannot easily travel, we bring our expertise to you.

Many operators assume they need Perth-based engineering support. They don't. Our team has decades of combined field experience in mining, agriculture, and construction. We understand the real-world demands of WA equipment.

We also charge less than metro firms because our overhead is lower. You save money on engineering and fabrication without sacrificing quality.

We regularly transport finished components to mining sites in the Pilbara, Goldfields, Mid-West, and Great Southern regions. For interstate projects, we coordinate delivery to NSW, Victoria, and South Australia.

Service Areas

Primary: All of Western Australia
Mining: Pilbara, Goldfields, Mid-West regions
Agriculture: Wheatbelt, Great Southern
Construction: Perth metro and regional areas

We also offer mobile on-site support. For critical equipment failures, we can dispatch a technician and equipment to your location for field engineering and repairs.

Project Timeline and Cost

Engineering and fabrication timelines depend on complexity and scope.

Simple modifications: 1 to 2 weeks.
Custom fabrication projects: 3 to 5 weeks.
Complex engineering with analysis: 4 to 8 weeks.
Rush projects: Possible. Quoted separately.

Most clients front-load costs for engineering because it prevents costly field failures later. A proper design costs hundreds. A field failure costs thousands. We work backwards from your budget and timeline to scope a realistic project.

Our Track Record

Since 1968, we have engineered and fabricated equipment for agricultural operators, mining contractors, and industrial businesses across WA. We won the Dowerin Inventor Award in 1974 for our Series-X transportable sheep yard design.

Recent projects include custom fabrication for major mining contractors, heavy equipment repairs for agricultural operations, and structural modifications for construction equipment. We maintain confidentiality agreements with most clients; however, we can provide references upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you work from my rough sketch or concept?
Yes. We start with what you have, whether it is a sketch, photo, verbal description, or existing equipment. We can take your idea and engineer it properly.

Do you provide CAD drawings and engineering documentation?
Yes. You receive detailed drawings, material specifications, and build documentation. All your records are yours to keep.

Can you engineer a repair for failed equipment?
Yes. Many failures result from poor original design or material degradation. We investigate the failure, determine root cause, and engineer a solution that prevents recurrence.

Do you handle lifting equipment designs?
Yes. We design lifting frames, spreader bars, and rigging solutions. These follow Australian lifting standards and are documented for compliance and safety.

Can you support a project remotely from your office?
Yes. We take CAD files, photos, and specifications via email. We can work with you to scope a project without a site visit. Site visits are recommended for complex or critical work.

Do you provide ongoing support after delivery?
Yes. For equipment we design and fabricate, we provide warranty and ongoing technical support. If issues arise in the field, we work with you to resolve them.

Talk to us now! 

o   sales@mcdougallweldments.com.au

o   drop by our office at 48 Austral Street, Cuballing WA 6311 or call 08 9883 6020