A specialised app designed for the earthmoving, mining and construction industries is connecting professionals and letting them share information, knowledge and essential tools and resources.
Imagine if you had a business running heavy equipment and you wanted to read a product review of a new piece of machinery … or perhaps you might want a quick, easy solution to a small problem that even Google can’t help with.
Enter Torqn: an Australian app that aims to help connect mining, earthmoving and construction equipment operators, buyers and suppliers based on the equipment they use, allowing them to suggest ideas and improvements, and post comments on issues and operational problems.
Created by Troy McDonald and Brett Baker, Torqn was released in late 2023, initially aimed at connecting users over heavy equipment they own, operate or maintain.
The platform looks like a social networking app, with a feed and the ability to post, react and comment to interact with others, hence providing a repository of knowledge in a network that can be seen as a combination of the likes of Reddit, Whirlpool and LinkedIn forums.
And it’s free to use: just set up an account and start reading or providing feedback.
Troy, the former President of Illawarra Coal and a mechanical engineer, said as an example, if anyone bought a multi-million dollar machine and tried to find any end-user reviews on it, there’d be just a complete void in the market. With Torqn’s connectivity to industry users, relevant feedback and input from industry peers would likely come quickly.
Brett, who had spent a decade working in the mining industry as a safety and training manager before launching his own businesses, said workplaces often found it difficult to share best practice efficiently.
“With Torqn, users sign up and join groups, called “loops”, that have the same interest in the equipment they use,” he said.
“Within their loop, users post an issue they are having with a specific piece of equipment, and people can respond with a suggested solution. Manufacturers will also be able to respond to posts about their equipment.”
Every piece of information shared on the platform is tagged to a specific piece of equipment, allowing Torqn to build a registry that companies will be charged a subscription fee to access.
“If you’re a major manufacturer, and there’s a problem that’s trending on your piece of equipment, we’ll develop a corporate insights dashboard,” Troy said.
“After generating sufficient content and data on the platform, we’ll market our corporate insights package both here and offshore.”
In general, Torqn builds a community where like-minded professionals can share insights and experiences, fostering a proactive approach to management of their respective industries.
For newcomers, Torqn is an invaluable resource for getting up to speed on specific protocols from day one. For seasoned veterans, it keeps their knowledge fresh and relevant, enhancing their ability to navigate the treacherous waters of their daily tasks.
The app now has more than 50,000 users, in no small part due to being selected as part of the Google Ad Accelerator Program.
“The Google Ad Accelerator Program provides mentoring for global scale startups to optimise marketing, and using their advanced analytics to improve user acquisition. Since being introduced to the program our user acquisition rates have improved threefold,” the pair said.
“The Program has been instrumental in improving our user acquisition costs, making sure that we get the message out to as many people as possible, building a large and engaged community.”
Troy and Brett said their users were from more than 120 countries, with plans to expand into sectors outside of mining and construction, including the medical equipment space.
“We have users ranging from operators and tradespeople through to general managers in mining operations, service industries and manufacturers from all around the world,” they said.
“Users are finding real value in the platform by being connected to others around the world who have the same kit as them. Until now there was no simple way for them to collaborate on problems, improvements and safety on their equipment.
“Torqn is a collaborative ecosystem where innovation thrives. It’s about fostering a community where knowledge is shared, challenges are collaboratively addressed, and the industry is continually propelled forward.”
Talking Torqn
Torqn recognises that phones and heavy machinery don’t mix well. Between the dust, dirt, and that ever-watchful site manager, pulling out your phone during a shift isn’t always possible.
But just because you can’t get your hands on Torqn while on the job doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of everything it has to offer once you’re offsite.
Whether it’s dealing with a mystery error code or figuring out why your equipment parts are wearing out faster than your patience, Torqn’s community is packed with knowledge.
But what do you do when you can’t snap photos or upload videos on-site? Let’s break down how you can still get the most out of Torqn, even if your phone stays in your pocket during the workday.
- Post your problem offsite – it’s never too late to share
Just because you couldn’t log that equipment issue while you were knee-deep in work doesn’t mean it’s game over. The beauty of Torqn is that you can jump on whenever you’re offsite.
Finished for the day and having a coffee? Perfect time to share what went down. Whether you’re describing a weird grinding noise or reporting a hydraulic failure, posting offsite keeps the conversation going and ensures you still get the answers you need.
- Keep it simple with text-only posts – words do the job just fine
Sometimes the situation calls for speed over style. Can’t grab a photo or video? No worries— Torqn lets you post text-based problems, too.
A solid description can do wonders, and more importantly, it’s quick. The community is just as ready to dive into a text-only post, offering solutions and knowledge without all the fluff.
- Jump into existing conversations – be the voice of experience
Not every post needs to start from scratch. If you’re chilling offsite and see a thread about an issue you’ve encountered before, why not drop in and share your expertise?
Joining ongoing discussions means you’re
helping out without the pressure of creating new content. Your experience might be exactly what someone else is looking for, so jump in and keep the convo flowing.
- Search the database – the answer might already be waiting for you
Before you start typing out a new post, take a quick look at what’s already out there. Torqn’s database is a goldmine of information, and chances are, someone’s already cracked the code on the problem you’re facing.
A quick search could save you time and get you back on track faster. Plus, it’s like having a manual written by people who’ve been there, done that, and fixed it.
Mirror finish
Heavy vehicle operators often face downtime when adjusting mirrors manually, a task that, while necessary, interrupts workflow and poses safety risks.
One Torqn user highlighted this issue, noting the inefficiencies and potential hazards associated with non-powered mirrors on heavy equipment. This query set the stage for a significant breakthrough.
Mark Gream, an industry expert and representative from Elite Powered Mirrors, saw the user query on Torqn and knew he had a solution.
Elite Powered Mirrors had developed a system that attaches powered mirrors to existing set-ups, allowing adjustments to be made from an in-cab console.
This innovation not only saves time but also enhances safety by reducing the need for operators to leave the cab to adjust mirrors.
Mark responded to the query on Torqn, explaining how his company’s powered mirror system works and the benefits it offers.
His detailed and practical response resonated with the community, drawing significant interest.
“The word’s been spread around throughout the Torqn app,” Mark said.
“I’ve also listed it as a product improvement for a few different models of truck and we’re starting to get some feedback from mining companies and operators alike to say, ‘Hey, contact this person because we need these on our site’.”
The response on Torqn opened the door to numerous opportunities for Mark and Elite Powered Mirrors. The platform’s collaborative environment allowed Mark to engage with potential clients, answer questions, and provide further insights into their product.
Mark’s success story is a testament to the power of Torqn in connecting industry professionals, sharing knowledge and fostering innovation.
For suppliers like Elite Powered Mirrors, it offers an invaluable opportunity to reach a targeted audience, showcase products, and build meaningful business relationships.
“It’s quite hard to reach a global audience of particularly your own users, but that’s really why Torqn was there – to get this knowledge into the hands of the end users in real-time, which has been great to see,” Mark said.
If you’re interested in finding out more, contact Torqn Enterprise by completing an enquiry form at: https://torqn.onelink.me/xN8L/b9f37df3