Walkers Limited

Walkers Limited, based in Maryborough, Queensland, was a major heavy engineering firm. They are one of the most prolific builders of diesel-hydraulic locomotives for the Queensland sugar industry, particularly their successful B-B bogie designs.

History

Walkers produced a highly standardized range of diesel-hydraulic locomotives that became the backbone of many mill fleets in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their "GH" series (General Hydraulic) was robust and powerful, designed specifically for the increasing loads of cane trains. Many of these units have been rebuilt multiple times (often by the mills themselves or other engineering firms) and remain in service today.

Models and Classification

• GH500: A 500hp B-B diesel-hydraulic locomotive.
• GH700 / GH700V: A 700hp B-B diesel-hydraulic locomotive.
• 0-6-0DH: Earlier rigid-frame diesel-hydraulics.

Known Locomotives

• Kolan: GH500 (1969). Bingera Mill.
• Cedars: GHV700 (1972). Farleigh Mill.
• Dulverton: GH700V (1970). Farleigh Mill.
• Clare: GH500 (1970). Invicta Mill (Rebuilt Tulk Goninan 1995).
• Cromarty: GH700 (1973). Invicta Mill (Rebuilt Pioneer 2019).
• Giru: GH500 (1969). Kalamia Mill (Rebuilt Pioneer 2023).
• Hodel: GH700 (1972). Invicta Mill (Rebuilt Pioneer 2018).
• Jarvisfield: GH500 (1969). Invicta Mill.
• Kilrie: GH500 (1969). Invicta Mill.
• Minkom: GH700 (1973). Invicta Mill.
• Piralko: GH700 (1971). Invicta Mill.
• Rita Island: GH500 (1970). Pioneer Mill.
• Scott: GH700 (1973). Invicta Mill.
• D1 - D6: Various GH500s at Isis Central Mill.
• Gordonvale & Mulgrave: GH500s at Mulgrave Central Mill.
• Tully 2 - 9: Large fleet of GH500s at Tully Mill.
• Cairns, Jourama, Shirbourne: GH700Vs at Victoria/Proserpine.