Eben Le Roux is a Komatsu employee and also Australia's only World's Strongest Man entrant.
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employee and Australia's only World's Strongest Man entrant, Eben Le Roux, has warmed up for the competition in Los Angeles by moving some very heavy equipment at his workplace in Wacol, Queensland.
On Wednesday 12 September Mr Le Roux towed a Komatsu WA480 wheel loader six metres along the Komatsu Wacol branch driveway. His only help came from a rope tied to the wheel loader, a ladder attached to the ground to aid with footing, and the cheers from his colleagues.
The Komatsu WA480 wheel loader weighs in at over 30 tonnes a relatively easy assignment considering that he has shifted an 80-tonne truck in the past, but a good way to warm up for the World's Strongest Man competition.
An 11-litre 224-kilowatt diesel engine usually supplies the Komatsu WA480 with power when Mr Le Roux, who works as a fitter at the Wacol remanufacturing facility, is not available for pulling duties.
To keep in shape, Mr Le Roux uses a 90kg dumbbell at home, and is able to dead-lift up to 400kg on a barbell.
He has been lifting at a competitive level for around four years and now competes in tournaments on a yearly basis.
Komatsu Australia Regional General Manager for Queensland, Dean Gaedtke, said Komatsu was proud of the individual achievements of Mr Le Roux and is keen to offer support in the achievement of his personal goals.
"We're glad that Eben can use machinery from his workplace to warm up for the World's Strongest Man competition," said Mr Gaedtke.
"This event was a lot of fun, and everybody enjoyed seeing Eben in action.
"We're wishing him all the best for success in Los Angeles."
Click here to see Eben perform on Channel 9 news
Click here to see Eben perform on Channel 9 Today Show