ACT police said the the earth moving machine had been stolen on Tuesday morning, and a member of the public spotted it off the highway later that morning.

Police arrested a 28-year-old Gilmore man there and charged him with receiving stolen property. He was expected to face court on Wednesday.

Police ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity or who had dash-cam footage or information that could help them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote reference 6564717.