Western Australia's resource-rich landscapes have a harsh, remote, and highly regulated nature of working in. You need a team you can rely on—backed by the right machines, the right experience, and the right mindset. That’s where the leading provider of civil earthmoving and plant hire comes in.
Whether you’re breaking new ground in exploration, undertaking sensitive environmental works, or operating large-scale mining projects, Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting has got you covered.
How a Goldfields-based business is tackling WA’s remote terrain with Caterpillar equipment and a strong local team
Covering more than 770,000 square kilometres, WA’s Goldfields-Esperance region is a land of distance, dust, and demanding terrain. For equipment hire companies operating in this environment, efficiency, reliability, and strong local knowledge are essential.
That’s exactly where Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting has found its groove, led by Kalgoorlie-based operator Phil Yates. The business has become a key player, delivering plant hire and civil construction services across the region.
After more than a decade working in Sydney’s excavation sector, Phil sought something different.
He arrived in Kalgoorlie in 2006, drawn by the opportunities in large-scale mining, eager to work with the kind of large-scale machinery that simply didn’t exist in urban environments. The scale of operations—quad roadtrains, massive excavators, dump trucks, and dozers—machinery you don't see in the city offered new challenges and opportunities, and he quickly immersed himself in the industry.
After gaining valuable experience in open pit mines and with road trains, Phil launched Versatile with a single Bobcat. That one machine turned into two, then five, followed by excavators and a tipper. Before long, Phil was operating seven days a week, solo.
Over time, the fleet expanded to include multiple machines. Fast forward, and Versatile now boasts over 50 machines, employs 40 people, and services clients across WA’s mining and civil construction sectors.
Versatile carved its niche by focusing on smaller-scale works that support large mining operations—works often overlooked by the major players.
While the big contractors handle bulk earthworks, Versatile steps in to deliver essential civil works required to keep sites operational and compliant. It’s this agility and reliability that have earned the business a reputation for getting the job done right without overcomplicating it.
Rather than chasing size for its own sake, the company prioritises quality workmanship, reliable service, and a strong team culture—qualities that have become part of its DNA.
Maintaining such a diverse and active fleet requires more than just skill behind the controls—it demands reliable mechanical support. Initially, Versatile relied on third-party mechanics, but delays and rising costs prompted a rethink.
The solution came through a longstanding working relationship with local mechanical contractor Lee Boath. Over a casual conversation—and a couple of beers—Phil and Lee decided to merge their operations. Lee became a director, taking over the maintenance and logistics side of the business.
“Boath Mechanical was ready to scale, and Versatile already had the infrastructure and systems,” says Lee. “Now, we have a great workshop in West Kalgoorlie and fully equipped field service vehicles to handle everything the Goldfields can throw at us.”
As a business rooted in Kalgoorlie, Versatile takes pride in hiring locally. With the region’s population impacted by FIFO trends, recruitment is tough—but Phil remains committed to keeping operations as local as possible.
“We’re not a fluffy company—we do tough work—but we look after our people,” Phil says. “We believe in reward for effort, paying enough to remove money as a motivator, and giving operators the best tools for the job.”
Versatile’s culture of respect and recognition has helped build a core team of long-term employees who take pride in wearing the Versatile name.
To meet growing demand, Versatile has expanded into dry hire, now accounting for 20% of the business’s revenue.
With more machines in the yard than operators, dry hire allows the company to meet client needs quickly while ensuring high utilisation of its equipment. The team focuses on supplying high-demand gear like rollers, loaders, and water carts—ensuring every machine is well-maintained and ready to go.
With more equipment on the way, Phil and Lee see dry hire as a growth path that complements their full-service offerings.
When it comes to equipment, one brand dominates the Versatile yard: Caterpillar.
Central to the company’s growth strategy is its investment in Caterpillar equipment. After early years of operating a mixed fleet, the decision was made to standardise on CAT machines—based on their performance, reliability, and parts availability.
That decision has paid off, with Caterpillar equipment now forming the backbone of Versatile’s fleet.
Versatile’s recent contract win with the Shire of Coolgardie is a perfect example. Tasked with maintaining over 1,200km of dirt roads, the company invested in a CAT 150 all-wheel drive grader—marking the first AWD model of its kind to be sold in the Goldfields. The company also deployed a CAT 434 backhoe loader and a CAT CW34 pneumatic roller to deliver maximum performance across rugged terrain.
“It’s the second 150 we’ve bought and the first AWD model sold in the Goldfields,” says Lee. “We’re proud to be leading the way with this machine.”
Backed by parts support from WesTrac and easy ordering via parts.cat.com, the team can source what they need quickly, even when operating hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town.
From humble beginnings to a thriving fleet, Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting is a true Goldfields success story. From a single Bobcat to a fleet of Caterpillar machines and a full-service workshop, Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting is a true Goldfields success story—driven by grit, teamwork, and the right gear for the job.
“We’re a medium-sized fish in a small pond,” says Phil. “But we’re making waves.”
We specialise in remote-area civil earthworks—whether it’s clearing tracks through rugged terrain or preparing pads for camps, drills, and infrastructure. Our team is equipped to handle:
Every job is performed to spec, on time, and with environmental sensitivity in mind. We ensure minimal disturbance while maximising operational efficiency.
Need a fleet fast? We offer a wide range of well-maintained machinery for wet and dry hire, suited for diverse applications in mining, exploration, and infrastructure works.
Our fleet includes:
We back our equipment with reliable heavy vehicle and earthmoving maintenance so you don’t suffer downtime in the field. Our operators are fully trained, ticketed, and committed to your job’s success.
Exploration work is logistically complex and often needs quick response times. We support your drilling operations with:
Our experienced crews know what it takes to keep exploration running smoothly in tough and changing conditions.
We’re also proud to contribute to sustainable practices through our environmental earthmoving and site rehabilitation services. Whether it's part of a mine closure plan or a proactive environmental project, we provide:
We understand the importance of working in compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring all work is completed to meet environmental obligations.
We’ve worked across some of the most isolated and rugged parts of WA—from the Goldfields and Pilbara to the Mid West and Kimberley. We know the conditions, the logistics, and the challenges of remote access.
Our fleet is job-ready, mine-compliant, and site-certified, giving you the peace of mind that your operations won’t stall due to equipment delays or failures.
Nothing comes before safety. All our team members undergo comprehensive training, and our work is guided by a rigorous HSEQ management system.
We're not a faceless hire company. We’re your partner on the ground. Need something yesterday? We'll work around the clock to make it happen.
Our clients include junior explorers, major miners, and environmental consultants who trust us with high-stakes, time-sensitive projects.
Kalgoorlie Project (2020 – Ongoing)
Mine site water supply duplication (March – July 2022)
Karlkurla Project (August – December 2021)
Mine site since 2012
Sub-Station Extensions (January – September 2021)
Whether you're exploring a greenfield site or upgrading a brownfield operation, Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting Pty Ltd is ready to support every stage of the project lifecycle.
At Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting, we don’t just move earth—we move projects forward. Our team is agile, reliable, and driven to deliver outcomes that exceed expectations.
Contact us today for a quote or to discuss your upcoming project.
Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting Pty Ltd – Built for the Bush, Driven by Results.
