Moving Earth Since 1952 — Registered Company Since 1981 — Always Family Owned and Managed.
ABOUT US
With our depot located in Benalla, Victoria, Extons Pty Ltd is a local earthmoving company owned and managed by Ian Exton and his sons.
Founded more than 65 years ago by Ian's father Roy, our long history with earthmoving and machinery has allowed Extons to become one of the largest Earthmoving Companys in North East Victoria.
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Utilising our fleet of more than 120 machines and 30 Trucks, the latest in GPS technolgy and our experienced team, we have built a reputation for precision, reliability, and professionalism within local and state bodies as well as private enterprises.
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Our passion for earthmoving has seen our company diversify and grow to incorporate multiple quarries and quarrying services, bulk haulage and transport, and equipment sales in addition to our earthmoving services. In doing so, we provide employment for more than 30 locals in the Benalla region including a team of full time mechanics to ensure a well maintained and serviced fleet of machines.
Our History
Building the Foundations
1946
​Our founder, Roy’s earthmoving career truly began when he joined the Snowy Mountains Scheme, working at Pretty Valley and Rocky Valley near Falls Creek. Starting as an offside (trainee) operator, he learned by sitting beside experienced drivers before qualifying on an Allis‑Chalmers HD‑15 bulldozer.
​Roy quickly progressed to operating a Caterpillar D7T3 cable dozer, became a trusted operator for new machinery, and was tasked with training junior engineers. Known for his humour, he famously scared trainee engineers by edging the dozer toward steep drops — a story he laughed about for decades.
1950s - Return to Benalla
Returning home, Roy was immediately requested by the CRB to construct roads for the Valley Sawmill at Myrtleford. He then worked on: - Benalla Water Supply Storage Dam at Kilfeera - Access roads to Loombah Weir and McCall‑Say Weir - Regional infrastructure works across North East Victoria
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Often operating his International TD18 dozer and scoop, Roy became known locally for capability, character, and determination.
1952-1978
During the early 1950s, Roy explored multiple avenues of work. He pressed hay, carted firewood to Melbourne by rail, and operated an ice delivery run using 1‑ton Chev and GMC trucks, supplying Benalla and the refugee camp at Benalla Airport.
In 1953, Roy married June, and soon after partnered with his brother Fred, purchasing Doherty Contractors. Despite fencing and town delivery work, the business proved unviable and was sold — a hard but valuable lesson.
Leaning further into earthmoving, Roy acquired: - An Angove Loader - A TD14 International bulldozer, used to tender and complete the East Main Drain (Benalla) - A Dodge Army truck carting sand and topsoil from Winton Swamp and Benalla Lake
He later: - Purchased a second‑hand International Greyhound grader - Developed Fawkner Drive, at Benalla using excavated lake material - Carted materials for the standard gauge railway using two Bedford tippers - Operated a sand pit at Goorambat, supplying culvert materials to the CRB precast yard
These years forged the practical, resilient character that would define Extons.
1946
Roy and his brother Fred officially begin contracting, laying the groundwork for what would become Extons Earthmoving.
1950's-60's
Their work is hands-on and diverse—hay pressing, firewood carting, and ice delivery, while acquiring workhorses like the TD14 International bulldozer and Angove loaders.
1960's
They win the council’s East Main Drain project, tackling it with the TD14 and Angove Loader. Work expands to sand and topsoil carting, helping to shape Benalla streets like Carrier Street and Fawkner Drive. Which Extons Pty Ltd revisited in the 1980s up to saleyards road – Ian Exton, and then Craig & Paul again 2025
1970's
More machinery is added—Bedford tipper trucks, a Fiat dozer, and the establishment of a sand pit at Goorambat supplying CRB’s precast yard.
From Grit to Growth
1978
Roy and Fred amicably part ways, concluding the chapter of Exton Bros. Roy continues solo, acquiring a Caterpillar 12E grader and charting a new course forward
Building the legacy
1980
Roy and June Exton acquire the property at 85 Gillies Street, Benalla. Here they build the company’s first office and “Workshop 1”—a base for their growing operations. “Roy Exton and Sons” is born, employing 4 staff and setting the tone for a family-driven future.
Solidifying the Future
1983
Extons Pty Ltd is officially registered. A defining milestone that formalises Roy’s vision into a company name that still holds weight today.
1980's
The business grows steadily, acquiring equipment like a second-hand Caterpillar D6C bulldozer and a new Caterpillar 920 loader. Much of the machinery is sourced the old-school way—through The Weekly Times and The Age classifieds.
1993-1996
A major milestone—winning the contract for works at Benalla ADI. The team grows to 23.
1993-1996
A major milestone—winning the contract for works at Benalla ADI. The team grows to 23.