Hire & Rental Magazine May 2024

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HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LTD

ABN 70 093 630 847

HRIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Jeremy Shaw | 0467 770 331

Past President Mark Burton | 0407 608 420

Vice President Tony Symons | 0421 051 367

Chief Executive Officer James Oxenham | 02 9998 2255

NSW President Emmanuel Georgoudis | 0457 518 975

VIC President

Woodcock | 0419 321 128

QLD President

Troy Moulder | 07 3376 2888

SA President Ben Quirk | 08 8370 2488

WA President Craig Palmer | 0457 308 066 EVENT DIVISION

President Erin Johnston | 02 4256 2439

HRIA PO Box 1304, Mona Vale, NSW 1660

Tel: 02 9998 2255 Fax: 02 9998 2299

Email: info@hireandrental.com.au

Web: www.hireandrentalnews.com.au

PUBLISHER

Martin Sinclair | 02 9998 2213

Email: martinsinclair@hria.com.au

Web: www.hireandrentalnews.com.au

EDITORIAL

Tel: 02 9998 2207

Email: editorial@hria.com.au

ADVERTISING

National Sales Manager Martin Sinclair | 0417 450 662

Email: martinsinclair@hria.com.au

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JAMES OXENHAM HRIA CEO

outstanding. The ability of hire companies to provide solutions is what keeps customers coming back and is an integral part of the $9bn hire industry in Australia.

A focus on providing solutions and quality customer service relies not just on systems and products, but people. The skills and knowledge of staff within the industry allows hire companies to evolve and stay ahead of the curve. Whilst knowledge comes from putting in the time, HRIAMembers recognise the importance of bringing newer staff up-todate and ensuring that experience is passed on. It has been rewarding to see the year-on-year growth of HRIA programs that focus on people and to hear the testimonials of those who have been involved in our Young Professional and Women in Hire programs.

International Exchange program

HIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARDS UNDERPINS OUR CODE

OF CONDUCT

THE MAY ISSUE OF HIRE AND RENTAL MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN THE LEAD UP TO OUR ANNUAL CONVENTION, THIS YEAR TAKING PLACE AT THE BRISBANE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (BCEC) 4-6 JUNE.

It’s not easy following in the footsteps of industry pioneers. Founding HRIA members learned early on that a good relationship with American hire companies was a way to introduce new products and learn ways of doing business in the emerging Australian market. Thanks to this strong connection, the HRIA has been able to send participants on exchanges hosted by members of the American Rental Association (ARA) as well as host exchange participants from the US.

In 2025, the HRIA will help coordinate a delegation to attend the ARA Show in Las Vegas, allowing HRIA members to follow in the footsteps of the industry's pioneers.

Before that, we look forward to seeing you in Brisbane for HIRE24 — 4-6 June at the BCEC.

THE LAST TIME WE WERE AT THE BCEC WAS FOR THE HRIA’S 50th Show in 2018. Six years on, it’s great to see the development that has taken place in Brisbane, with more in the pipeline including infrastructure for the Olympics in six years’ time.

We’ve booked more floor space for exhibitors than ever before, with early indications from registration, at the time of writing, are for a record number of delegates and visitors to attend HIRE24.

Each year we refine the program based on feedback from members, and this year we have an excellent line up of workshops and keynote speakers, including Mark Bouris, Bluey creator, Joe Brumm and Li Cunxin whose tells his inspirational story after being born into poverty in Mao’s Communist China.

Hire Industry Excellence Awards

Judging the Hire Company of the Year Award is a process that begins with a call for nominations, which are assessed over the Xmas period before shortlisting finalists. A schedule is then mapped out by Head Judge, Bernie Kiekebosch to visit and judge each of the finalists in person.

I’ve been privileged to support Bernie with his NSW visits and through the process, I was very impressed by the innovation, technical expertise and problem-solving ability demonstrated by the finalists. The depth of knowledge across the wide range of applications and industries that hire equipment is used in was

HRIA Members recognise the importance of bringing newer staff up-to-date and ensuring that experience is passed on.

SKYREACH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

IN 2024, SKYREACH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY.

THEY’VE BEEN GETTING THE JOB DONE since 1994 and now, in 2024, Skyreach celebrates 30 years of operation.

The company was established by visionary CEO and Managing Director, Rod Leech, evolving from humble beginnings in Geebung, Queensland, to becoming a prominent player in the EWP rental industry on Australia's east coast.

Today, with nine rental branches and over 100 dedicated staff members servicing customers from Cairns to Melbourne, Skyreach is firmly established as a leader in the field.

Rod recalls starting the business 30 years ago.

“It was all about doing a bit of everything — finding customers and allocating machines throughout the day to finishing at night writing manual invoices by hand!”

“We’ve progressed from that paper and fax era to the digital age of industry-leading integrated software solutions that perfectly complements our strong social media presence,” said Rod.

Today, with nine rental branches and over 100 dedicated staff members servicing customers from Cairns to Melbourne, Skyreach is firmly established as a leader in the field.

The Skyreach journey is one of continuous growth and innovation. The relocation of their head office to Caboolture (Queensland) in February 2006, enabled an expansion of the fleet and significant increase in staff capacity offering ample space for a burgeoning fleet, state-of-the-art facilities for efficient fleet management and enhanced infrastructure for managing their human resources. The strategic relocation positioned Skyreach for streamlined operations and swift machinery distribution, ensuring unparalleled service to its customers.

Over the years, Skyreach has played a pivotal role in numerous landmark projects across the country. From supplying machinery to blockbuster movie and television productions — such as Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Matrix — to supporting critical military endeavours and industrial ventures, Skyreach has been a trusted partner in driving success across diverse sectors. Their involvement in major infrastructure projects, including the Airport Link and Gateway Bridge, underscores a commitment to national development and progress.

In 2016, Skyreach embarked on an exciting new chapter, joining forces with Nishio, a renowned Japanese rental hire company. This strategic alliance catapulted Skyreach to become the 8th largest trader in the national and international hire and rental industry, marking a significant milestone. The collaboration with Nishio expanded Skyreach's national footprint and enriched their offerings, ensuring customers access to the safest and most technologically advanced equipment available in the market.

Looking ahead to the next 30 years, Skyreach remains steadfastly committed to innovation, excellence and customer satisfaction. With a focus on further expanding their fleet and enhancing service delivery, Skyreach are poised to continue a legacy of success and leadership in the hire and rental industry.

As they embark on the next exciting journey, Skyreach express their gratitude to the loyal customers, dedicated staff and valued partners who have been instrumental in shaping a remarkable story of achievement. 

Skyreach has been in Elevated Work Platform equipment hire for 30 years.

Skyreach CEO and Managing Director, Rod Leech.

UNAPOLOGETICALLY, AUTHENTICALLY MANELLE

MANELLE MERHI, GENERAL MANAGER OF MARKETING AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE FOR KENNARDS HIRE, KNOWS WHO SHE IS AND IS NOT AFRAID OF FAILING FORWARD.

SPEND ANY TIME WITH MANELLE MERHI and you’ll have no doubt about her passion for the industry, her ability to lift others up and a commitment to a set of personal values that define the way she operates. (Hint: it’s unapologetically authentic.)

“Being unapologetically me means I don't have to be afraid and hold back who I am, how I act or how I sound, the rawness in my thoughts or my feelings or whether I have an unpopular opinion,” she says. “I’m anchored in my values and what I bring to the table.”

Manelle’s been in hire for 20 years –mostly with Kennards Hire – working her way up from marketing assistant to coordinator to her current role of General Manager, Marketing and Customer Experience. Along the way, she took a step sideways into the OEM side of the industry to gain product management experience, relishing the opportunity to ‘get her hands dirty on the tools’.

Three years later, a phone call brought her back to marketing, this time to lead the marketing team for the merger of Coates and National. It was a role she describes as a ‘marketer’s dream’ involving a full rebrand of company identity and assets. However, after a few years at Coates, she took a

time-out from the industry for family reasons and 12 months later came back to Kennards Hire as the Brand Culture Manager to lead a project embedding Kennards values across the organisation. Following this successful project, she took a new role in the company’s growing marketing function.

While Head of Marketing, Manelle took parental leave (she now has six-yearold twin boys) and on her return, decided to pivot, accepting the role of Head of Customer Experience. It was a strategic move designed to broaden her experience, despite feeling uncomfortable about taking on a new discipline.

“I’m a big believer in being curious, challenging yourself and tackling projects where you might fail forward,” says Manelle. “That’s always been instrumental as I’ve taken my next step.”

She says it’s about not being afraid to ‘have a crack’. “The hire industry has a mentality of ‘let’s have a go, fix it and get things done’. If you’re going to have that philosophy and keep progressing, you’ve also got to accept that failure is part of the experience.”

“If I can be someone that can change the path in my circle, in my workplace, in my community, so I create a higher mountain for the next person to see further, than I’m going to do that.”

X-BOX HYBRID LITHIUM LIGHTING TOWER

Introducing the X-BOX HYBRID Lithium Lighting Tower by TRIME.

Versatile across multiple industries including construction, civil, mining, events, municipal, and emergency services. Its compact design allows for efficient transportation fitting 18 units per 40ft truck, reducing transport costs. Mobilise and demobilise on-site with ease, while enjoying a 1,455 hour run time that cuts fuel costs and CO₂ emissions. With a recharge time of 3 hours, the X-BOX is a great fit for your rental fleet.

Today, she leads both disciplines at Kennards Hire — marketing and customer experience — and is a valued part of the leadership team; the culmination (so far) of earning her stripes, building resilience, gaining confidence and being authentic in words and actions.

Manelle explains, “When I was offered the GM role, I was riddled with imposter syndrome. In my first 12 months, I wasn’t myself in leadership meetings or the boardroom, not because of a lack of support from the CEO or the people around the boardroom table, but due to my unconscious bias and a feeling that I wasn’t meant to be there.”

“These doubts and fears pop in and freeze you, impacting your ability to communicate effectively, stifling creativity, and impeding the ability to find your voice. I had to stop and ask, ‘why am I so afraid?’”

She says much of her fear was a result of pressure she’d put on herself to know everything and demonstrate to leadership that they’d made the right recruitment decision.

“I had to understand that if I proposed something and

“It always comes from a place of passion and care so why should I feel the need to shrink myself for people to be comfortable with me?”

it wasn’t taken on board straight away, it wasn't necessarily a loss of confidence in me. Instead, I had to learn to seed, nurture and grow ideas and take people on a journey.”

It’s what’s helped her overcome the challenges of imposter syndrome.

“Everyone has felt it to some degree,” says Manelle, “but I think many women go straight to rejection. It’s why we need to find ways to build our resilience, become bolder and have the courage and clarity to be our best authentic selves.”

Being authentic is now Manelle’s default position. She has ‘boisterous’ enthusiasm and energy, and while she’s tried to ‘turn the volume down’ in the past, that’s inevitably left her feeling guilty, frustrated, and angry. Finally, the penny dropped.

“I always come from a place of passion and care so why should I feel the need to shrink myself for people to be comfortable with me?” she says. “Sure, I have some rough edges, but I'm a good person who brings good stuff to the table. That’s what being authentic and unapologetic means to me.”

As a leader, her authenticity manifests through trust and consistency.

“People need to know they can trust who you are as a person,” says Manelle.

“You also need to be consistent because if you don’t, your ‘mask’ will eventually come off. Your team needs to know what they’re going to get every single day. That’s how you gain respect as a leader.”

Manelle with Kennards Hire CEO, Bill Whitehouse

Manelle with a panel of her peers at HIRE23's Future of Hire session.

As a professional marketer, Manelle also started to work on her personal brand, starting with a simple question: ‘What do I want people to say about me when I leave a room?’

“There are so many different angles and dimensions of personality,” she says. “By showing up in all my authenticity, I can take ownership of what they’re going to pick up when I leave the room.”

For Manelle, that can mean acknowledging the ‘elephant in the room’ up front: she’s loud,

passionate and a great exponent of colourful language! At her core, she’s also guided by a unique set of personal values — integrity, compassion and empathy, courage, equality, and personal freedom — which give her a greater sense of clarity.

“I believe in caring for people and making them feel important, being brave and challenging myself and having the guts to drive equality, standing for people who don't have a voice, giving women the platform for change and having the personal freedom to be one's true self to live a life in total authenticity without judgment or constraints,” she says.

“If I can be someone that can change the path in my circle, in my workplace, in my community, so I create a higher mountain for the next person to see further, than I’m going to do that.”

“It’s about breaking gender and organisational curses and being the example that changes the tide, because when our people get better, we get better too.”

It’s not just women who Manelle is championing in this industry — she’s keen for

THE ‘KEN OATH’ PROMISE IN ACTION

THE LATEST IN KENNARDS HIRE’S ‘KEN OATH’ SERIES REAFFIRMS THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE, NO MATTER THE PROJECT.

more young people to consider building their careers in hire.

“There's something really nice about this industry that makes you feel like you’re among friends,” she says. “It's the spirit of the collective good, helping each other out. It's us against the problem, not us against each other.”

“So don't pay attention to any preconceptions about hire you may have. This industry offers a phenomenal ability to shape your career in a way that's so well rounded, giving you a real competitive advantage.”

You can hear more from Manelle at HIRE24 in Brisbane when she joins us on a panel to discuss the Future of Hire (6 June).

To showcase the feeling of satisfaction when a job is done — and done well — whatever the project, Kennards Hire have tapped into their diverse customer base.

From large scale infrastructure development through to DIY projects, the campaign dives deeper into the brand promise of ‘Kennards Hire Makes Your Job Easy.’

The campaign keeps all the fun and likeable sentiment of the previous campaigns but really places the customer at the heart of the story.

It also pays homage to the long-standing Kennards Hire brand, which was established in the 1940s and is now the largest familyowned equipment hire business in Australia and New Zealand.

Manelle Merhi, General Manager Marketing and Customer Experience for Kennards Hire said: “While previous ‘Ken Oath’ campaigns spoke to our core audiences, this campaign — the third instalment of ‘Ken Oath’ — celebrates our commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences to all of our audiences, from DIY to trade, commercial — and their customers.

The campaign is now live across broadcast, digital, transport and social channels in Australia and New Zealand.

30 YEARS OF BAROSSA VALLEY HIRE

IN A 30-YEAR JOURNEY FROM PANEL BEATER TO BUSINESS OWNER, MARK BURTON UNDERSTANDS THAT TO GROW, SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO SCALE BACK.

If there’s a statement that sums up Mark Burton best, it’s ‘if you say no to me, I’m going to say yes’.

Mark and his wife Trish have been running Barossa Valley Hire in South Australia for 30 years. It’s a business that’s grown from one small hire shop providing jackhammers and hand tools to home handymen to five separate businesses servicing customers across the Barossa and metropolitan Adelaide.

The Burton's hire journey started inauspiciously, with Mark simply helping out a neighbour.

“The little hire place across the road from where we lived was run by a truck-driver and his wife,” recalls Mark. “I used to go over on weekends and tinker, and we became good friends.”

“When he decided to go on holiday, I took a week off work to look after the business.

We would do two hires in a day if we were lucky, and I remember saying to Trish that I couldn't do this full time because it was so boring.”

But when the owner of Complete Hire said he wanted to sell the business, and with Mark looking for his next job opportunity, they decided to take a chance, knowing that everything the business owned, fitted in a 6 x 8 metre shed.

Despite their accountant telling them there was no money in the business and that they’d never survive, they decided to forge ahead, eventually securing a bank loan for $50,000 to buy the business. Mark and Trish took over on 1 February 1994 and six weeks later, their second child, Travis was born.

It was a tough first two years. With high interest rates on their loan and Trish at home with Travis (and Blake, then 18 months old), Mark worked relentlessly. The focus was on surviving, paying down debt and putting food on the table. He says it’s because they’d always been taught that if you can't afford it, you don't have it.

“In the early days we’d save, buy, save, buy. We’d only give ourselves money to feed our family and everything else went back into building the business,” says Mark. “So, there were times when we’d ask ourselves, ‘what have we done?’”

A year into the business, Mark went back to the bank to borrow an additional $50,000 for their first piece of access equipment, a trailer mounted cherry picker. When that request was denied, they approached a family member who loaned them the money.

The next challenge came a year later, when the South Australian government required operators of high-risk access equipment to be trained and licensed. With no alternative but to do the training, Mark gained qualifications as a competency assessor, opening up a new avenue for generating business income. He became the first person in South Australia to develop a training program for access equipment over 11 metres and only the second person registered with SafeWork SA to provide training and issue licences.

However, their big break in hire came when they were asked by a customer if they could supply 15 x 12 metre steel scaffolding to a winery.

True to form he said, ‘yes, no worries’.

“The winery couldn't believe they’d finally got someone to the Barossa to help,” says Mark. “They told everybody and that really got our business going. Our confidence started to build as more wineries came to

Mark and Trish Burton with sons, Blake (left) and Travis.

50% FEWER SERVICEABLE COMPONENTS

4 INDEPENDENT TRACKS FOR OUTSTANDING TERRAINABILITY -72% CONTACT PRESSURE ON SENSITIVE GROUND

us, to the point we were sub-hiring so much equipment it was ridiculous.”

It also became the basis for their business plan to grow as quickly as they could by always going the extra yard for customers.

“It’s about supplying a service and helping fix someone's problems,” says Mark.

They now run five businesses — general hire, event party hire, sand and metal, access hire and a liquid gas business delivering 45kg bottles to households.

They’ve also been publicly recognised, winning small business awards in South Australia and becoming the first company to be inducted into the South Australia Great Hall of Fame. In 2007 and 2010, they also won the HRIA rental company of the year, the first South Australian company to do so.

Mark says it was great to receive recognition for what they’d achieved with their business. “You’re usually head down working all the time so to have others recognise how good you are, meant a lot to all of us, not just our family but our staff as well.”

While Mark is the public ‘face’ of the company, he knows it’s always been a team effort with Trish.

“The reality is, none of our success would have happened without her support and hard work,” he says. “If anyone deserves the accolades, it’s Trish.”

They’re now looking to downsize over the

“We’ve always wanted to build a legacy for our kids, that’s the long-term plan. But the only way they’re going to succeed is if I get the hell out of here!”

next 12 months to focus on the fundamentals, general hire and access.

Mark says they need to scale back to grow. “It sounds counter-intuitive, but sometimes you need to become smaller to maintain your focus on growing what’s important.”

He’s also keen to finally gain some balance in his work and life. “I’ve got to learn to let go and not feel like I should be at work,” says Mark. “I need to get that in my head.”

It’s because Mark doesn't know anything else but work.

“We’ve always wanted to build a legacy for our kids,” he says, “that’s the long-term plan. But the only way they’re going to succeed is if I get the hell out of here!”

Now, looking back on 30 years of business, Mark says he still loves the industry. He recalls attending his first industry convention

as a ‘back shed guy’ and being amazed that some of the big players in the industry were happy to engage with him.

“I sat at their table over lunch and thought I’m so far out of my league, but I was in awe of these guys,” he says. “They were presidents of the industry and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would one day end up with that position.”

But he did, sitting on the South Australian Executive Committee for over 25 years, becoming South Australian President for four years and finally, President of the HRIA, a role he held until 2022.

“When I took on the role of national president, I strongly believed that I could make a change,” says Mark. “I'm so passionate about the industry and even though the industry has given us a lot, you've got to give back as well. That's why I loved being on the industry boards. I learned a lot but also believe I provided good input and was able to push through issues that I felt were important.”

“To be able to do what we've done and create a great business, but to get to where I did with the association and become national president, that’s a massive achievement.”

DRIVING CHANGE: RPM HIRE TEAMS UP WITH MOOVEN FOR DYNAMIC MESSAGING SOLUTIONS

IN THE FAST-PACED WORLD OF THE HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY, STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE IS ESSENTIAL. RPM HIRE ARE CONTINUOUSLY LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO BRING THE LATEST CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO THE MARKET.

THE HIRE INDUSTRY IS CONSTANTLY evolving, and RPM aims to stay at the forefront of these changes by continuously seeking out new opportunities for improvement and delivering the highest quality service and solutions to customers.

Recognising the challenges posed by navigating dynamic road conditions for both road users and project managers, RPM Hire announces its partnership with Mooven.

The collaboration introduces real-time dynamic messaging capabilities to enhance every Variable Message Sign (VMS) hire experience. The innovative integration empowers project managers to efficiently manage traffic flow and ensure safety on the road, while also seamlessly engaging with road users. The Mooven technology integrates with RPM Hire's VMS Boards, providing project and traffic managers with a state-of-the-art messaging system.

Enhancing Road User Experience

The integration with Mooven allows project managers to interact with road users instantly, delivering an improved road user experience. Key features include providing up-to-theminute travel time updates enabling road users to make informed decisions about their routes, reducing frustration and improving overall satisfaction. Dynamic detour recommendations, based on live data, empower users to navigate around congestion and unexpected obstacles, minimising delays and optimising travel efficiency.

Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

By actively encouraging road users to avoid congestion, this integration leads to improved engagement and expectation management with the public. Lower speeds and reduced traffic volume contribute to a safer environment for road workers, minimising the risk of accidents and injuries on-site.

Automated Smart Integration

Mooven's Smart VMS integration allows for automated conditional messaging. VMS can be automatically updated to show the fastest route from multiple alternatives to a destination. If a hidden queue is formed, the board will automatically update the message to inform road users of the increased risk ahead. Whether it be speed, journey time, delay, queueing or scheduled static messaging, Mooven can handle messaging for multiple road conditions.

Seamless Integration with RPM Hire VMS Boards

Project managers can efficiently oversee and optimise traffic conditions, ensuring a smoother and safer experience for all stakeholders involved.

The partnership represents a significant step forward in the evolution of road management. With real-time dynamic messaging capabilities, project managers can enhance road user experience, improve safety, and optimise traffic flow like never before.

The RPM Hire team will be at HIRE24, ready to talk about the innovative Mooven technology. Whether you're curious about its real-time dynamic messaging capabilities or how it seamlessly integrates with our VMS Boards, the RPM Hire team can be contacted on 1300 479 570.

Dynamic detour tips, based on live data, lets users navigate around congestion.

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TOM'S YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY

ON THE EVE OF HIRE24, 2023 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR, CAMDEN HIRE'S TOM WOOD, LOOKS BACK ON A YEAR OF LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES.

WHEN THE RECIPIENT OF THIS YEAR’S HRIA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR is announced at HIRE24, Tom Wood will know exactly what awaits them in the year ahead: amazing opportunities to learn, develop and give back to the industry.

It’s what Tom calls an enormously exciting yet humbling experience. “I was so honoured to receive this recognition,” he says. “It was pretty overwhelming, but it means so much to me.”

The HRIA Young Professional of the Year recognises young professionals who’ve contributed to the Hire industry and thrived within the Young Professionals Development Program.

“The development and learning opportunities I’ve had and the incredible connections I’ve made from this program have been amazing,” says Tom. “It’s all been reward enough so winning the Award has been the icing on the cake!”

Tom’s been in the industry for eight years, having started as a casual at Camden Hire in Sydney when he was 15. He says it was a ‘cooler’ job than he initially thought and much more fun than ‘getting a job at McDonalds’ because he was paid to play around with machines and learn how they work on the weekend.

At 18, he made a move from hire to real estate…a move which lasted two weeks when he realised it wasn’t the exciting, fast-paced opportunity he’d imagined. Fortunately, after a week of unemployment, Tom ran into his old Camden Hire manager who asked if he’d consider coming back and working in their office.

That was Tom’s light bulb moment. “It had never previously crossed my mind to consider a career in Hire but here was an opportunity to keep working along a career path I'd begun forging over the past couple of years.”

He credits a visit to Hire21 on the Gold Coast as the spark that ignited his passion for the industry.

“I was working hard and doing well enough, but I don't think I had a real spark for Hire at that stage. Then I went to the convention and met all these amazing people, saw incredible equipment on the show floor and had a whirlwind experience,” says Tom. “I came home with a new-found love of the industry, the people and the equipment we work with.”

While at the convention, Tom saw a sign for a Young Professionals networking event; planting the initial seed. By sheer coincidence, he was also contacted by Mark Simonsen from The Rental Podcast about doing an episode.

“Winning this award is a privilege, so I’d say to the next recipient, give it everything you’ve got. Say yes to opportunities that may scare you or you think might not have been for you. It’s only going to benefit you.”

Tom Wood

(LEFT) Tom with Mark Scarce, Managing Director, Camden Hire (left) and Mike Scarce, the Founder of Camden Hire (right).

“My first thought was ‘what could I possibly contribute?’,” says Tom. “But I went along and had an awesome time chatting to Mark.”

Mark connected Tom with the HRIA National Office who steered him through the HRIA Young Professionals application process for the 2022/23 intake.

It’s what Tom calls a miraculous coincidence of timing where everything developed organically and for a reason.

“It’s a perfect example of why this industry is so special,” he says.

“An amazing team of people stepped in to support and guide me, giving their time and energy to make it happen.”

Fast forward five years and Tom is now the Site Accommodation Manager at Camden Hire. Having grown up through the business, he’s experienced everything Hire has to offer across all aspects of the business. He’s also in his final year of study – a Bachelor of Business (majoring in management) at Charles Sturt University.

As part of his Young Professional of the Year award, Tom recently returned from an intensive three weeks in the United States, staying with a host family in California. He worked at their fourth-generation family business, A Tool Shed Rentals, and attended the American Rental Association (ARA) convention in New Orleans. Tom says the thought and care the ARA put into matching his values and interests with those of his host family worked seamlessly.

“I now have a second family in California,” says Tom. “They're the most beautiful people, so passionate about their industry, the people in their business and their family. That made it so much easier to slot into this crazy wild experience that is living with random strangers and working with them for two weeks!”

“I'm so blown away by how it came together.”

He calls it one of his most rewarding experiences. “I didn't think about how much

I'd value the relationship and friendship I found with them to the point I was actually really emotional when I had to say goodbye.”

He’s now back at Camden Hire and ready to hand the ‘baton’ to this year’s Young Professional of the Year.

“Leading up to the award, the program was amazing,” he says, “I could never have dreamed of the experiences I've had in the last 12 months.”

“Winning this award is a privilege, so I’d say to the next recipient, give it everything you’ve got. Say yes to opportunities that may scare you or you think might not have been for you. It’s only going to benefit you.”

As for the future, Tom is eager to continue building his career at Camden Hire and give back to the industry and the HRIA. He’d also love to mentor on the Young Professionals or Women in Hire development programs at some point in the future.

“I’m very passionate about Hire and would love the opportunity to support a young person in the way I’ve been supported by the industry and the HRIA.” 

(LEFT - RIGHT) Snapshots from the US: Tom with the President of A Tool Shed Rentals, Robert Pederson (centre) and Vice-President, Rob W Pederson; recording a Rental Journal Podcast at the ARA with co-host and his Young Professional of the Year predecessor, Michael Larson; and with his US host family, Barbara and Robert Pederson, Directors of A Tool Shed Rentals.

Tom at the American Rental Association convention in New Orleans.

THE UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS REGIME AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR LEASES OR LICENCES

THE UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS REGIME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 2010 CONSUMER LAW. IN NOVEMBER 2023, THE UCT REGIME WAS AMENDED TO FURTHER PROHIBIT THE USE OF UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS IN STANDARD FORM CONTRACTS WITH CONSUMERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES AND INTRODUCE HARSHER PENALTIES.

Examples in leasing

Terms that could potentially be considered unfair include:

• clauses that prevent rent from going down after a review

• automatic renewal clauses

• clauses which allow termination by the landlord for convenience

THE REGIME APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS MADE to existing leases or licences after 10 November 2023; and new leases or licenses entered into from 10 November 2023. Any existing unfair terms should be removed as part of the renewal.

Tenants are now better placed to negotiate leases and licenses in their favour.

What is a standard form contract?

A court may consider whether a lease or licence is a “standard form contract” but must take into account:

• whether one of the parties has all or most of the bargaining power

• whether one of the parties has made and prepared another lease or licence, on the same or substantially similar terms, and, if so, how many such leases/licences that party has made

• whether another party was required to accept the terms as a standard form

• whether another party was given an opportunity to negotiate the terms

• whether the terms take into account the characteristics of the other party or transaction.

• clauses which allow a landlord to terminate the lease for breach by a tenant, without giving the tenant reasonable time to remedy such breach

• clauses which allow a landlord to carry out obligations of a tenant under a lease and to recover unreasonable costs from the tenant

• unlimited indemnity clauses

• clauses which allow landlords to take possession of and deal with a tenant’s property without prior notice.

Most examples are prohibited under the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW). Considering the recent amendments to the UCT Regime, it remains to be seen whether the courts will adopt an approach which extends these protections to nonretail tenants.

What will happen if a term is unfair?

In addition to being void or unenforceable, the courts now have power to make declarations that a term is unfair; make orders for redress for loss or damage; order an injunction and issue penalties.

Practical tips for tenants

Landlords and tenants should operate under the assumption that the UCT Regime applies to their leases and licenses, which will greatly affect negotiating dynamics.

The UCT Regime empowers tenants entering into leases or licences that are “small business contracts” when negotiating amendments. Tenants can no longer be compelled to accept a landlord’s standard form of contract.

Before signing, seek legal advice to determine if your new lease or license falls under the UCT Regime and consequently offers protections afforded by that regime.

SYRINX 365 NOW AVAILABLE

NEXT GENERATION SYRINX PROVIDES UNPRECEDENTED HIRE SOFTWARE ACCESS.

SYRINX 365 HAS OFFICIALLY JOINED POINT OF RENTAL’S SUITE OF HIRE software solutions.

The new software features a global search bar, public API allowing for integrations to accounting software, ecommerce solutions, and customisable dashboards and building on Syrinx’s industry-leading functionality.

“365 is the next generation’s Syrinx,” said APAC Director of Customer Experience Mark Whiteman. “It provides Syrinx’s proven back-end tools with a modern, easy-to-use front-end interface that hire businesses and their customers expect.”

“The response from our early adopters has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The global search bar provides Syrinx 365 users best-in-class dynamic search functionality. You simply enter any detail you remember about an interaction – could be name, piece of a contract number, item that was on the contract – and Syrinx 365 will bring up a dynamic list of all connected records in the software.

Customisable dashboards also provide an improved user experience, allowing each user to bring to the forefront the widgets they need to easily conduct their business. Navigational areas make it easy to link activities and find at-a-glance information such as weather, reports and internal messaging to easily ensure your team is aligned.

Point of Rental’s payment processing allows for secure tokenisation and real-time payments at the store counter or online, while mobile apps for operators, workshop engineers and drivers consolidate data and cut down errors that come with paper-based processes.

“Syrinx 365’s advanced technology stack equips users with new features and apps through API integrations while simultaneously enhancing data security,” said Point of Rental CEO, Wayne Harris.

“We’re thrilled to have people using it throughout the world and experiencing the benefits it brings.”

Syrinx 365 is available now as an onprem solution; a cloud-hosted version will be available later this year.

To learn more about Syrinx 365, see Point of Rental at HIRE24 on Stand #54 or visit pointofrental. com/au/syrinx365.

SUCCESSION PLANNING: LESSONS FROM THE HIT TV SHOW, 'SUCCESSION’

‘SUCCESSION’ THE TV SERIES, ISN'T JUST GRIPPING DRAMA; IT'S A MASTERCLASS IN THE INTRICACIES OF SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR BUSINESSES.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T SEEN IT, the TV show ‘Succession’ follows the power struggles within the Roy family, owners of the global media empire, Waystar Royco.

Led by the formidable patriarch Logan Roy, the family vies for control of the company amidst treachery, betrayal and cut-throat corporate manoeuvres. The show’s narrative weaves through the lives of Logan's ambitious children as they navigate their desires for power, wealth and recognition.

As viewers follow the struggles within the fictional Roy family empire, real-world insights in succession planning emerge: grooming heirs, navigating family dynamics and preserving the business legacy.

The importance of succession planning

‘Succession’ underscores the critical need for businesses to have a clear and well-defined succession plan in place. Throughout the series, the lack of a concrete succession strategy creates chaos and uncertainty for all involved.

What can we learn from this:

Business owners need to identify and groom potential successors early on, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership when the time comes. By cultivating talent within the organisation and providing opportunities for growth and development, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with sudden leadership changes.

Balancing family dynamics with business objectives

The Roy family's tangled web of personal relationships and power struggles serves as a cautionary tale for businesses with familyowned or closely held structures. While familial ties can foster loyalty and trust, they can also complicate decision-making processes and create conflicts of interest.

What can we learn from this:

Owners must strike a delicate balance between family dynamics and business objectives, establishing clear boundaries and governance structures to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in decision-making.

Building a strong culture

The show presents Waystar Royco as having a cutthroat culture where power struggles, manipulation and betrayal are commonplace as well as office politics, including backstabbing and office gossip. Employees are depicted on the show as constantly strategising and jockeying for position within the company hierarchy.

To avoid the negatives that can come in such an environment, it’s important for leaders to cultivate a strong business culture that aligns with the business’s values and vision, in a positive manner.

What can we learn from this:

Businesses should invest in fostering a positive work environment, collaboration, and nurturing a sense of purpose and belonging among employees. A strong culture can enhance employee engagement, retention, and productivity, driving long-term success.

Now we know all this, how can we apply it in real life?

There are three main types of ownership succession planning that we can relate to the hire and rental industry:

• succession within a family unit

• sale of business to external party

• management buy-out.

Let’s delve into the differences between these.

Succession within a family unit

This is when the business and its assets are transferred from one family member to another. The process involves complex dynamics, family relationships, inheritance and strategic planning, which only gets more complicated the more family members there are.

For those who have seen the show, you’ll know that one of the core themes of the show is who will take over as Chief Executive Officer once Logan Roy steps down…and the chaos that ensues when the unexpected happens.

As in the show, issues may arise where there is more than one person vying for the business and where the business owner wants to ensure fairness between their children. Another example

Business owners need to identify and groom potential successors early on, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership when the time comes.

would be where a business owner has two children, one works in the business and the other has taken a different career path. You therefore need to address fairness to maintain family harmony.

Successful succession within a family business requires communication, transparency and careful consideration of business and personal dynamics. That’s in stark contrast to the show, where Logan Roy tries to turn his children against each other to fight for control of the business.

Sale of business to external party

As the name implies, selling a business involves a process of transferring ownership and control of a company from existing owners to an external buyer.

This external buyer could be one of your competitors looking to expand, private equity or an interested party.

Throughout the show, there are discussions and strategic manoeuvres regarding the potential sale of the company to various external entities. These negotiations often involve rival media companies, private equity firms, or other potential buyers interested in acquiring Waystar Royco.

Management buy-out

A management buy-out is a transaction where the owner sells a controlling stake

or the entire business to one or more of the current managers. Typically, those wanting to purchase the business would take out financing to purchase shares of or ownership in the business.

This option allows the existing management team to gain greater autonomy and ownership of the business, aligning their interests more closely with its success.

So now you understand a bit more about succession, where to from here?

In our series on succession planning, we’ll be covering key topics, including the right time to plan for succession (hint – it’s now); what you need to consider – tax implications, business structuring, share or asset sale (it’s a complicated business); how to value your business and real-life case studies on situations where it’s gone wrong.

We hope the succession planning for your hire and rental business isn’t as cutthroat as the TV show, but even if it is, we’re here to help (and for those who haven’t seen the show, you’ll find it on Foxtel and Binge).

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a business advisor, please reach out to the team at HLB Mann Judd on 02 9020 4211 or email mailbox@hlbnsw.com.au.

DESIGNED FOR RENTAL

Skyjack’s vertical mast lifts with AC electric drive offer a quiet and versatile package with zero emissions. www.skyjack.com

EWPA TRADEMARKS THE YELLOW CARD AND TIGHTENS UP OPERATOR CREDENTIALS

SINCE 1987, THE EWPA HAS BEEN PROVIDING TRAINING FOR OPERATORS OF ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (EWPS) THROUGH ITS YELLOW CARD TRAINING PROGRAM.

Over the years the EWPA has undergone a process of continuous improvement, in consultation with manufacturers, hirer firms, operators, auditors and with our Accredited Trainers that has gone into updated versions of the Yellow Card program.

One of the EWPA’s top three priorities is to ‘Improve workforce safety and productivity’. The delivery of high quality, industry-focused training is key way to meet this objective.

Almost four decades since the Yellow Card was launched and with over 200 Accredited Trainers across Australia, the EWPA has delivered over 500,000 trained operators. Thanks to their work and the quality of the program, EWPA Yellow Cards are widely accepted across many different industry sectors.

Since 2013 the EWPA mapped its Yellow Card program to nationally recognised training. Having formed an RTO

(Industry Compliant Training 40825), ICT now has 3 units on scope so that operators can also receive statements of attainment.

Where the EWPA differs from RTOs is every one of its courses, for the last 11 years, has captured the make and model of the EWPs that operators were trained on.

However, operators sometimes call the EWPA Head Office believing they have undertaken EWPA-accredited training, but in fact, the training they have received is sometimes not recognised on all work sites. Sites accept EWPA Yellow Cards because they use the most up-to-date, industry-backed course material, with photo identification, online verification of the make and model of EWP the operator was trained on. A statement of attainment does not provide this level of detail and although it is proof that the unit of competence was met through training, more sites require details about the make and model of EWP used in the training.

In a major step in providing clarity for operators and site supervisors, the EWPA has registered a trademark for ‘Yellow Card’. This legal protection will resolve any misunderstanding from operators and site supervisors as to who delivered the training.

Operators can verify training online and build on their training records with the EWPA’s Verification of Competency (VoC) process. All this information is readily accessible and can be added to the Operator’s digital wallet in just a few clicks.

In May 2024 the EWPA launches digital licenses. Operators frequently lose cards and wallets, and replacing physical cards is a time-consuming process. With a digital license, if a phone is lost or upgraded, details can easily be retrieved.

Digital credentials have become more common since the pandemic, where scanning QR codes and keeping records in digital wallets is now more commonplace.

Both the EWPA Yellow Card and the TSHA Gold Card (for telehandlers) will be available in a secure digital format for operators to store in their digital wallets.

The latest version of EWPA Yellow Card training is due to go live in the coming weeks.

ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC

ABN 32 545 830 419

EWPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President John Glover Tel: 0419 663 863

Vice President

Tim Nuttall Tel: 03 9547 7700

Past President Doug Rawlings Tel: 08 9350 570

Chief Executive Officer James Oxenham Tel: 02 9998 2222

NSW President Luke Schubert Tel: 0458 770 002

VIC President

Keith Clarke Tel: 0400 369 900

QLD President Richard Gannon Tel: 0437 477 279

SA President Ray Green Tel: 0473 217 310

WA President: Will Reilly Tel: 0408 474 261

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: OPER ATIONS

Peter Davis Tel: 02 8796 50551

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: ENGINEERING

Peter Wenn

Tel: 03 9568 7211

COMMITTEE

Bob Mules Tel: 0402 982 999

James Nightingale Tel: 0457 110 110

Tony Fish Tel: 0427 115 711

TELESCOPIC HANDLER ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (TSHA)

PRESIDENT Stuart Walker Tel: 0418 849 107

EWPA & TSHA PO Box 1304, Mona Vale NSW 1660 Tel: 02 9998 2222

Email: info@ewpa.com.au Web: www.ewpa.com.au

Opinions published in Hire & Rental Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the association or the Editor. The HRIA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in this magazine and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions related to their own interest. All rights reserved. ISSN 1838-1197

STUART WALKER TSHA PRESIDENT

For strong sales numbers, telehandlers on the silver screen and more, read on….

2023 WAS A SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY WITH TELEHANDLERS IMPORTED INTO AUSTRALIA SURPASSING 2200 UNITS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY.

announced the creation of a “TV” licence which, in fact, is the name given to the high-risk work license for telescopic handlers with a rated capacity greater than 3 tons. The new requirements are due to commence 1st July 2024, when Victoria will become the first state to require a high-risk work license to operate a telescopic handler in Australia. The Association believes the other states and territories are highly likely to also follow Victoria and move towards a high work licence for telehandlers with a lift capacity greater than 3 tons. This is a major change to the licencing regime, but the TSHA will continue to represent the industry and support the regulators in delivering the desired outcome, the THSA Gold Card program will remain unaffected by the change in Victoria.

The TSHA continues to develop resources to support users of telehandlers and with growth of the market we have seen an increasing number of calls in to the head office to ask for advice on attachments. We are currently working on some additional resources to support members and industry and in the coming months some guidance will be provided on forklift “slip-on” attachments, as members can appreciate the carriage rotation and risks of forklifts vs telehandlers are significant.

Like me, I hope you are looking forward to HIRE24 in the beautiful city of Brisbane, but before the great show, if you want to see some great action shots of telehandlers in the movie industry, grab yourself a movie ticket and see “The Fall Guy” its a real edge of your seat ride for the Telehandler tragics out there.

See you in Brisbane!

The start of 2024 has seen strong data but certainly the market will soften through the year.

The activity in 2024 so far, I have to say, has been busy for the TSHA with some major developments on the Licensing front in Victoria. The Victorian government and Worksafe Victoria have

Snorkel release new Mini Series of Electric Scissor Lifts

SNORKEL'S NEW MINI SERIES IS RAISING THE INDUSTRY STANDARD ON ELECTRIC SLABS SCISSOR LIFTS IN THE HIRE INDUSTRY.

Featuring a lithium powered electric drive and a 272.1kg capacity, makes new Snorkel Scissor Lifts are great addition to any hire fleet.

Snorkel's three new electric-drive scissor lifts offer the versatility to assist with indoor and outdoor jobs. Designed to address specific needs in the low-level scissor lift market, Snorkel introduces its mini series featuring the S3013 Mini, S3220 Mini and the S3219 Plus Electric Scissors.

The overall widths range from 76.2 to 81.3 cm with low step-in platform height and extendable platforms to maximize workspace. Each one is electrically operated with no hydraulic hoses to eliminate potential leaks.

The S3013 Mini Electric Drive Scissor Lift has the shortest working height at 5.8 m. It can fit through a standard doorway without folding the rails. Two people indoors or one person outdoors, plus materials, can operate from the S3013 mini scissor. A roll-out deck extension makes this model ideal for order picking.

This innovative model was also designed to be environmentally friendly with an electric drive for zero emissions and reduced noise. Snorkel’s fixed control box design is proven to reduce damage costs and save site downtime. The easy to access onboard diagnostics console lets the operator keep an eye on any potential issues.

The S3220 Mini Electric Drive Scissor Lift has the same features and platform capacity as the S3013 Mini, but with the same robust and reliable engineering as the S3220E. This Mini has the tallest maximum working height at 7.9 m. Yet a smaller platform and extension that gives this model a shortened overall length.

The turning radiuses are greatly reduced, allowing for increased maneuverability in tight or awkward spaces on large non-marking tyres. The S3220 Mini also features heavy-duty spindles and steering for ease of maneuverability and a gradeability of 25 percent.

For the S3219 Plus Electric Drive Scissor Lift, operators get the same electric drive as the popular S3219E. A new scissor stack with a lower stowed height enables the scissor to go through standard doors without lowering the rails. This model is lighter for better floor loading and transport costs — the large non-marking tyres function well in worksite conditions.

The model is equipped with platform overload protection. Its working height reaches 7.6m with roll-out deck and dual locks. The S3219 Plus also has an automatic integrated battery charger for its lithium battery.

Features include a heavy-duty metal upper control box and proportional controls. The loading controller is quick and easy for drive and steer functions when loading and unloading the machine during transportation — 110V 15 Amp power to platform outlet for using AC-powered hand tools from the platform.

For all three models, there is a lower carbon footprint, reduced plastic components, and use of recycled materials. And energy sensing battery charger allows for reduced consumption of electricity. Each is equipped with jobsiteproven electrical components and motors from the Snorkel line of electrical machines.

The new Lithium Powered Electric Scissor Lifts will feature at this year’s HIRE24 on Stand 60. You can also head to Stand 53 for Ahern Australia Products. T

The new Snorkel Mini Electric S3013 and S3220 Scissor Lifts

Sinoboom Australia launches new AB10J

OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS INTERNATIONAL AERIAL WORK PLATFORM MANUFACTURER SINOBOOM INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DEVELOPING ITS NEW AB10J (AB340J) ARTICULATED DIESEL BOOM-LIFT FOR GLOBAL RELEASE.

The model is of significant importance to its Australian subsidiary. Sinoboom Australia General Manager Mitch Ely says, “This unit is critical to our growth strategy as this size machine is heavily utilized across the Australian rental industry due to under 11m licencing regulation in this region.”

The Sinoboom AB10J will operate with a platform height of 10.4m and max horizontal outreach of 5.75m. Mitch says “what sets this machine apart from the rest is its class-leading up and over clearance of 6.12m which .8m higher than any other product in this category.

When coupled with its 250kg rated capacity, active oscillating axles, Sinoboom’s intelligent control system and an overall weight under 5000kg, the machine presents as a game changer and will provide significant return on investment for our customers”.

With their first units arriving in the country now Sinoboom Australia plans to launch this new model at the HRIA show, HIRE24, in June. Mitch says “We have a solid order pipeline for this model with close to one hundred units sold already with significant interest from our customers across the country.

The show in Brisbane will be a fantastic opportunity to launch this new product as it is the only time of the year where all our customers are under the one roof. With a new product launch like this, our customer can look over our equipment and see the real value Sinoboom delivers on a daily basis.”

Sinoboom Australia will also be displaying its new TB14J Plus and will continue to support the association in 2024 as a gold sponsor for the event. T

“what sets this machine apart from the rest is its class-leading up and over clearance of 6.12m”

The new Sinoboom AB10J (AB340J)

JLG's new 670SJ lifts Australian construction experience

JLG'S LAUNCH OF THE 670SJ TELESCOPIC BOOM LIFT IN AUSTRALIA MARKS A NEW ERA OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND USER EXPERIENCE.

The 670SJ’s self-levelling, slope adaptability and onboard technology is significantly enhancing the operational landscape for construction projects. For local hire companies, Pacific Hire and Botany Access, who brought the first units into Australia, it’s setting new standards for what clients can expect from the next generation of construction equipment.

Innovative features

The 670SJ’s self-levelling technology allows it to tackle the challenges of uneven terrain and demanding construction environments.

Melbourne-based Pacific Hire has supplied equipment from access to earthmoving for more than 40 years. When the 670SJ was released, they recognised the market gap that JLG had addressed.

Raimond Carlasarre, Director at Pacific Hire, explains.

“Going from a machine with a maximum tilt angle of 5-degrees to a machine that can work on up to 10-degrees, doubles the capability of the unit, when it comes to actually being able to do the job,” says Raimond.

In New South Wales, Botany Access offers Sydney’s largest privately owned fleet of access equipment for hire. Justin Brownbill, Managing Director, says the 670SJ is ideally suited to Sydney’s unique landscape.

“Sydney is geographically very hilly, being built around the harbour,” says Justin. “The self-levelling ability may be even more critical in Sydney than other areas that are flatter or spread out.”

Project impact

JLG’s 670SJ has already been put to work on demanding construction sites, including the North-East Link project in Melbourne, which Raimond describes as "one of the biggest projects in Victoria's history”.

“The 670SJ was specifically chosen for its ability to operate on a 10-degree slope,” he explains. “No other option was going to fit the bill like this machine."

“Definitely in applications like painting buildings or unit blocks and general maintenance, where there are driveways and different levels to traverse. We’ve found it very useful in these situations,” Justin said.

Customer relations

The 670SJ has strengthened Botany Access’s and Pacific Hire's relationships with their clients.

“Within the first 24-hours of the machine hitting the job site, the phone call back to us was, 'Have you got another one?' They were so overwhelmed by how well this machine performed,” said Raimond.

The boom lift features a fully integrated, advanced control system, LCD displays and a load-sensing system with a single-sensor, zero-load calibration design.

“They couldn't have made it any easier to drive."

The ease of use and self-levelling abilities have also translated into higher customer safety.

“What we found is that people are hiring large machines and not being able to level them,” explains Justin. “These self-levelling machines take the guesswork out.”

"We get every bit of guidance we need from JLG, whether that's training or understanding the platform a little better. They back us up across all fronts," said Raimond.

“We're proud to have the JLG machine in our fleet,” said Justin. “We trust JLG and their service back-up. It's a unique machine but buying from JLG means we have that assurance.”

www.jlg.com/en-au

The JLG670SJ in Pacific Hire and Botany Access livery

Dingli launches the " AC+ " era with upgraded scissors

SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2005 AND 20 YEARS OF RENTAL MARKET TESTING, DINGLI SCISSORS HAVE BEEN THE CHOICE OF COUNTLESS RENTAL COMPANIES AND ENDUSERS, HELPING THEM STAY AT THE FOREFRONT OF QUALITY AND INNOVATION.

Dingli’s small scissors have evolved from an electric/hydraulic drive (DC/HD) to AC drive (AC/HA), during which the "oilfree & all-electric" series has taken the green product concept to the next level.

In 2024, Dingli formally launches the "king" of the scissor series, ushering in the new era of "AC+”.

Performance+

The "AC+" Scissor Series Covers Working Heights from 8 to 16 meters and offers a three-year comprehensive warranty. The Performance+ range claims up to 40% increased capacity on the original product.

For improved transport, the scissors have side and rear-facing forklift pockets. They come with high-density, lithium-ion battery packs designed for long duty cycles and fast charging, covered by a five-year warranty.

The Dingli scissors are fitted with high-strength, damage-resistant tyres — claiming double the life of conventional tyres.

Reliability+

With an integrated four-in-one motor controller, delivering 40% reduction in connections and harnesses, the new platform console features a more durable ‘easy-to-clean’ touchpad boasting a display that is triple the size of the original.

Upgrades to Dingli’s load and angle-sensing system are now more reliable, meaning they are less affected by temperature and friction.

Environment+

For applications with zero leak tolerance, the scissors are designed to contain hydraulic oil leaks. Dingli’s electric actuator steering system also operates with oil-free hydraulics and now has faster steering speed and a 66% reduction in energy consumption. The energy recovery system means the battery charges during platform descent.

Dinglis’ new electric drive system has a 15% reduction in energy consumption with higher power density, while its lift pump system, a 20% decrease in energy consumption.

The range covers a working height from 8 to 16m, with a new naming convention (the JCPT1612AC is renamed S1612AC+). The entire series is geared to large load, high efficiency, energy conservation, seamless integration, better safety, environmental protection, easier transport and improved durability. For more information, visit: www.en.cndingli.com

Side and Rear Forklift Pockets

A new member joins the LGMG articulating boom family

LGMG HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A NEW ARTICULATING DIESEL BOOM LIFT: AR24J, WITH A MAXIMUM WORKING HEIGHT OF 26.6M

The working height of the AR series now ranges from 11m to 26.6m, offering more choices to customers. AR24J has a maximum horizontal outreach of 18m, and up & over height of 8.83m.

The large platform is 2.44m long and 0.9m wide, featuring a dual capacity design of 250/350kg, and can allow more materials to be carried at once, and accommodate up to 3 people (restricted) to work at the same time, increasing productivity and efficiency.

This new model is equipped with four-wheel-drive and full-time floating axle, providing strong power and smooth transmission. Max. 5°tilt angle of the chassis and 45% gradeability allow the wheels to grip the ground when driving on rough terrain.

Featuring three steering modes (four-wheel steering, crab steering and front-wheel steering), the machine can operate in tight spaces more flexibly.

The AR24J is also capable of one-touch wheel alignment, making the operation more efficient and safer.

This model adopts anti-torsional frame control with higher strength, which can be transported within narrow spaces.

The AR24J will be displayed at Brisbane from June 4 to June 6.

The AR24J’s twin sister model, the AR24JE, is powered by high-capacity Li-battery and causes no pollution to the environment. It can be on hold when stopping or steering on a slope, which is a unique advantage.

LGMG’s Australian-based service engineers will provide comprehensive support on training, machine operation and maintenance, ensuring every customer has the confidence to safely use every LGMG machine in the range.

AR24J has a max horizontal outreach of 18m, and up & over height of 8.83m

Allstar Access Hire opens new Geelong branch

ALL STAR ACCESS HIRE’S STRATEGIC EXPANSION WILL CATER TO THE BURGEONING DEMANDS OF GEELONG AND THE SURF COAST REGION, WITH OPERATIONS CENTRED IN GROVEDALE.

HAULOTTE, A GLOBAL LEADER IN ELEVATING WORK platforms (EWP) has announced a collaboration with All Star Access Hire in the launch of their latest branch near Geelong.

At the official opening ceremony in April, Directors of All Star Access, Tim Bowers and Paul Herreen, spoke about the significance of the new branch and the aim of the new facility.

“Geelong is an exciting opportunity for us. It has never been a more vibrant and exciting place to live and do business than it is right now,” said Paul.

“We are looking forward to bringing our style of business to the area. Ours is not your normal supplier/customer relationship. We are invested in our customers’ success because this is how we become successful,” said Tim at the event.

Also attending the launch was the Mayor of Geelong, Trent Sullivan, who spoke about how local businesses are crucial to the success of the area.

“The Geelong region has the equal fastest growth rate in the last 10 years in the nation and the fastest growing regional economy in Australia,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Government is all about working with businesses to expand and grow, because it is small and medium local businesses that really give back to the community. Hearing about the connections you have already made with the local community, it proves that there is faith in the growing Geelong economy.

The state-of-the-art branch will be stocked with some leading EWP equipment supplied by Haulotte including the latest range of electric scissors, masts and booms. The new fleet is focused on low and zero emissions equipment ideal for sites requiring low noise and to meet emissions targets.

Haulotte General Manager, Keith Clarke, explained the relationship between the companies.

“The first machine we supplied for All Star in 2015 was a HT23 RTJ PRO. Now we have delivered our most recent Compact scissor lifts for the new facility in Geelong. These scissors are some of the newest on the market, are all

electric and offer significant savings towards maintenance requirements and servicing.”

“It has been amazing to see the growth of All Star from the ground up. They have been a strong supporter of Haulotte equipment and we are proud to have supplied 30 machines for the new branch to service Geelong.”

For All Star, the expansion comes off the back of continued growth thanks to their ongoing commitment to customer service.

“The customer experience is crucial to the way we do business,” said Tim. “We complete onsite inspections to ensure you’re getting the best option from our fleet, which is the safest and best access equipment available. This is backed by our 24/7 technical support team of experienced mechanics who work meticulously to maintain the fleet. We use our own drivers to ensure the access equipment is safely delivered and unloaded at your preferred location.”

All Star’s range of Haulotte EWP’s as well as forklifts and scaffolding is now available from the new Grovedale facility as well as their Altona Branch in Melbourne. T

L-R: Tim Bowers (All Star), Keith Clarke (Haulotte), Paul Herreen (All Star) and Mayor of Geelong, Trent Sullivan.

Fall from height remains n°1 cause of fatalities on MEWPs.

4 DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AVOIDED WITH HARNESS DETECTION POTENTIAL OPERATOR FALL OR EJECTION ANTI-BYPASS FUNCTION WAKE-UP FUNCTION

Nominated in the « Best New Product » Access

FASTN is the first universal & active anchorage for MEWPs, an intelligent solution developed by Haulotte to tackle the major cause of fatal accidents: operator falls.

fastn-solution.com

Manitou introduces Operation Safety System (OSS) and Lighting Packs to the Australian market

ACCORDING TO IPAF (2021), AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS ARE AMONG THE MOST ACCIDENT-PRONE EQUIPMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.

The most common types of accidents are falls from the platform, instability, overturns and crushing in the basket. As part of the REDUCE programme, Manitou created REDUCE RISKS to enhance awareness about safe machine operation.

The programme also intends to assist PCBUs in selecting equipment and services for various working scenarios, with a focus on health and safety.

The Manitou Group has collaborated extensively with rental firms to uncover the leading causes of injury associated with various types of equipment and has developed safety measures to prevent risky behaviours when operating machinery.

These features do not completely remove machine risk. Rather, they inform and hold operators accountable using various pop-up notifications and audible cues. The Operation Safety System (OSS) alerts site and fleet managers via telematics when the machine identifies risky behaviours.

The OSS device enables operators to identify risk areas on building sites through improved operator and machine feedback. This system demonstrates pedagogy to the operator by communicating via the machine console. Collaboration with rental providers and clients enables the OEM to no longer think in isolation, but to innovate in real time to more precisely fit utilisation. Increasing safety on aerial work platforms is a key priority in preventing and reducing accidents, by identifying numerous key risk behaviours, such as:

• Operator without a safety harness

• Traveling on rough terrain

• Driving on a lateral slopes

• Machine tipping

• Obstacle detection

These key areas have informed the design of the OSS.

Alerts are indicated by an audio signal and a bright red light. The behaviours are recorded and can be used by the site or fleet manager to prevent similar behaviours and reduce the number of accidents on-site. The data allows site managers to more effectively monitor operators and machines on site.

“Safety measures have been developed to prevent risky behaviours when operating machinery.”

Summit Tower Hire expands fleet with two Bronto aerial platforms

WITH SUMMIT TOWER HIRE EXPERIENCING RAPID GROWTH IN THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET, TWO NEW BRONTO UNITS ARE AN ESSENTIAL ADDITION TO THEIR ONGOING BUSINESS EXPANSION.

Australian MEWP hire specialist, Summit Tower Hire visited the Bronto factories in Finland recently to inspect and test drive their latest acquisitions, two Bronto S70XR aerial platforms. Summit made the trip with their Australian partner, Bronto Skylift Aust/NZ, who played a key role in making the deal happen.

The two new units will be immediately deployed to operate in key industries, such as telecommunications, transmission lines and wind farms.

Bronto Skylift has a large global service network with multiple service partners in Australia, that allows customers like Summit Tower Hire to keep their fleet running and operations rolling.

Lockie McDonald, General Manager, Summit Tower Hire, says the reliability of Bronto units and aftermarket services were the main driving forces behind their continuous fleet expansion of Bronto aerials.

“With Bronto’s 24/7 support, we get whatever help we need, anytime of the day, in any region, which makes our lives that much easier,” says Lockie.

Operators’ favourite

With a growing fleet of Bronto aerial platforms, Summit operators are very familiar with the different Bronto units. Lochie says operators enjoy using the equipment and trust its performance.

“Our operators have been using Bronto aerials for years now and really enjoy the easy usability of the control system across all units.”

Summit is now eyeing their next fleet expansion. McDonald teases they are looking at getting into the market of larger +90 metre Bronto HLA units within the next few years.

Bronto S70XR aerial platform

Offering versatility and increased productivity, regardless of the task at hand, the Bronto S70XR aerial platforms suit the large operational portfolio of Summit Tower Hire. The units are equipped with various additional options to maximise efficiency, including extendable working cage with 220° rotation and ultrasonic collision guards, and radio remote controls for boom movements.

Key benefits

• Larger work envelope for maximum productivity.

• Optimised transportation dimensions and weight.

• Extremely reliable outreach regardless of the external circumstances.

• Variable jacking and automatic levelling.

• User friendly Bronto 5+ control system.

• Modern service tools and a wide service network to guarantee best possible uptime.

(top left and bottom) Bronto’s S70XR aerial platforms suit the large operational portfolio of Summit Tower Hire.

(left)

Bronto Skylift Aust/NZ Technical and Training Manager Petter Wellspring with Lachie McDonald, General Manager, Summit Tower Hire.

Hire Industry Excellence Awards

Best New Products

THIS YEAR HAS SEEN A RECORD OF ENTRIES INTO THE BEST NEW PRODUCTS CATEGORIES FOR ACCESS, GENERAL, SOFTWARE & SERVICES.

General Hire Equipment

 Brendon Powerwashers DT400 Dustec Canon from APG

Stand #42

 Shindaiwa DGW600DMAC from APS

Stand #18

 EODev’s GEH2 Generator from Blue Diamond

Stand #69

 Crommelins Post Puller Stand #71

 Flextool Single Head Concrete Grinder FCG-250

Stand #33

 Hybrid AC SeriesHAC60k3-50 from Globe Power

Stand #24

 EHR – Battery Power Generator from Himoinsa

Stand #111

 JCB 514-40 Telehandler Stand #36/37

 Makinex Portable Power Box (PPB)

Stand #94

 Cingo M700TD from Merlo

Stand #21

 MX 30/75 Li from Pramac Generac

Stand #58

 RoyPow IP67 FreezerProof Lithium Battery Stand #63

Access

 BT44RT from Dingli Stand #23

 Genie S80J Trax Stand #59

 Haulotte FASTN Stand #57

 LGMG AR11J Stand #55

 Manitou 160 ATJ+ e Stand #27

 Sinoboom TB15J Plus Telescopic Boomlift

Stand #22

 XGA12K from XCMG Stand #98

 ZS0607E from Zoomlion

Stand #25

Software

 Baseplan Toll Management Module Stand #10

 JLG Online Express/ Clearsky Smart Fleet Stand #35/38

 Syrinx 365 from Point of Rental Stand #54

 Trackunit Access Management system Stand #26

The BT44RT from Dingli

Manitou's 160 ATJ+ e

Globepower's HAC60k3-50

Zoomlion's ZS0607E

EHR Battery Power Generator from Himoinsa

Sinoboom TB14J Plus

Flextool's Single Head Concrete Grinder

Crommelins' Post Puller

Genie's S80J Trax

ERIN JOHNSTON HRIA EVENTS DIVISON PRESIDENT

Events companies making their mark

WHO WILL TAKE OUT THE COVETED HIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR – EVENTS DIVISION AWARD AT HIRE24?

It’s hard to fathom how HIRE24 can be just around the corner. The last 12 months have been a whirlwind right across the industry so it’s a great time to take the opportunity to pause, reconnect with friends and peers, check out the latest products and learn a few new things, and dust off your dancing shoes as we prepare for another fantastic few days, this time in Brisbane.

One of the events I always look forward to is the Hire Industry Excellence Awards. This year, we’ve had a great response from Events companies with a record number of entries in the Events Division award. The award acknowledges outstanding service in customer service, safety and performance and is fantastic recognition of some of the amazing work that’s been undertaken right across our sector. While we all have to wait until the Gala Dinner to find out who’s won, here’s a brief glimpse of the companies up for our sector’s highest honour:

• Mid North Party Hire are a family-owned business located in Blythe, South Australia, servicing the Clare Valley and beyond. They’ve been in business for 25 years offering hire equipment for events, large and small.

• Based in Bendigo, Victoria, Betta Bathroom Hire has been in business for over 15 years, offering a wide range

of portable ensuite bathrooms, toilets, showers and amenities.

• Adelaide’s Festival Hire is a premier event and wedding hire company specialising in marquee and pavilion hire, custom builds, catering equipment, tableware, furniture hire and exhibitions.

Huge congratulations to all our nominees for an outstanding year and wishing you all the best of luck.

Finally, a shout out to Bec Stoller, Managing Director of No Fuss Events and MOJO Rental Australia.

With 13 years of experience in leading and managing finance, sales, and operations functions, Bec is a seasoned professional who is passionate about growing business capability and delivering superior customer service.

Many of you would know NFE because it has recently become part of the MOJO Rentals family, a worldwide events infrastructure company, and Bec will continue to lead the company with its expanded product offerings. Bec is an outstanding example of what you can achieve and how high you can aim in the Events sector, having made the journey from a part-time administrative assistant to Managing Director.

You can read more about Bec’s story and some of NFE’s extraordinary work on pages 55-56.

See you in Brisbane at HIRE24! T

“This year, we’ve had a great response from Events companies with a record number of entries in the Events Division award. "

Protecting the ground beneath their feet

WHEN YOU’RE ASKED TO PROTECT THE HALLOWED TURF OF THE MCG FROM THE FEET OF ALMOST 300,000 SWIFTIES, IT PAYS TO TAKE A NO FUSS APPROACH.

For hundreds of thousands of Taylor Swift fans descending on the MCG for three nights in February, it was the experience of a lifetime: a choreographed extravaganza of colour, lights and music magic. However, beneath their dancing boots another story was in play — 11,500 square metres of pedestrian flooring laid to protect the MCG grass for the upcoming AFL season. That flooring was laid over the preceding 11 days along with:

• 9,500 square metres of drivable flooring, enabling around 300 trucks to deliver, build and then dismantle Taylor’s stage;

• 165 linear metres of merchandise frontage (or 900 square metres of marquee infrastructure) to cater to an insatiable appetite for Taylor merchandise (in fact, the ABS estimates the ‘Taylor effect’ boosted national retail spending in February by 4.2%); and

• an additional 5,000 square metres of pedestrian flooring for the marquee floors and wheelchair-accessible walkways in the surrounds of Yarra Park.

In total, the job consumed a massive 2,908 staff hours from the team at No Fuss Events Hire (NFEH).

NFEH Managing Director, Bec Stoller, says the build was the culmination of 12 months of meticulous planning and liaison with venue staff, promoters and site managers.

“On a job like this, everything must work hand-in-hand,” says Bec. “Without a stage, Taylor Swift doesn't play, so we make it easy for the stage builders by providing flooring to drive trucks onto the arena.”

“From a venue perspective, it’s about protecting the grass, and for the promotors and site managers, it's delivering what you say you’re going to deliver.”

To deliver the project, NFEH transported 54 truckloads of their modular plastic flooring to site in custom stillages from their 8,000 square metre warehouse in Melbourne. The biggest singular pieces of flooring are 1.2 metres long which are manually unloaded and laid in place.

To allow the flooring to grow and shrink with the sun, transition boards are built in. If anything is damaged or broken onsite, standby staff were on hand to fix it immediately.

“Everyone's a working cog in this wheel where we achieve these great things.”

NFEH Managing Director Bec Stoller

11,500 square metres of pedestrian flooring were laid to protect the MCG grass.

“We're also people who say yes, never no as a first point. It's always ok, how can we make this work?”

With the concerts now over and the last piece of glitter and dirt thoroughly cleaned from the flooring (to prevent any cross-contamination between venues), NFEH’s focus now turns to the next event season, which officially kicks off in September.

“By June, we’ll have a good picture of next season,” says Bec. “That gives us time to manage stock and resources, train and upskill our team and be ready for September,” says Bec.

In January 2024, MOJO Rentals announced it had acquired NFEH with Bec appointed Managing Director.

The MOJO Rentals deal gives NFEH access to new product options, including MOJO’s stage barrier systems, across different states and a different client base, enabling NFEH to become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for concerts and outdoor events.

Bec says the growth in the company has been exciting to watch.

“We’ve moved from a company that was mainly marquees and sometimes built grandstands to one that’s now a leader in turf protection.”

It’s a long way from Bec’s first job with NFEH 13 years ago, where she worked as a part-time administrative assistant after gaining her Bachelor of Psychological Science. Coincidentally, it was also the year that NFEH first invested in ground protection.

She quickly moved into a client liaison role, and along with reception and HR responsibilities, became a ‘jack of all trades’ across the whole business. In 2018, she moved into account management and by 2019, was appointed Chief Executive Officer.

“I learned as I grew with the business and the business grew with me as well,” she says.

Throughout her tenure at NFEH, Bec and the team have worked with a ‘who’s who’ of touring acts, from Ed Sheeran to Robbie Williams, Harry Styles and Pink, and major events such as the Melbourne Flower and

Garden Show and the Moomba Festival.

“You’re dealing with the same people but you’re working on new and exciting projects,” says Bec. “Last year, it was Ed Sheerin which was just as exciting for us as Taylor Swift.”

She says that given the hours spent working together, a great camaraderie had been built with the team, some of whom have been with NFEH for the long term.

“Everyone's a working cog in this wheel where we achieve these great things,” she says. “If I don't do my job properly, we might not sell something, or we might not get bills paid. Or, if they don't do their job properly, we don’t paid or get more work. There’s a mutual respect between everyone. We do it for the love and support of each other.”

“We're also people who say yes, never no as a first point. It's always ‘ok, how can we make this work?’.”

As for the Taylor Swift concerts? Bec describes them as the “perfect storm.”

“The build was great, everything went perfectly onsite and it was a fantastic event to have played our part.”

From protective flooring to merchandise marquees, the Eras Melbourne concerts consumed 2,908 staff hours.

HIRE24 highlights

Held between the 4th and 6th of June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, HIRE24 will be bringing together the best collection of keynote speakers, motivation and strategic content in its illustrious 56 year history.

Day 1 kicks off with a keynote from business maestro, Mark Bouris AM. Needing no introduction, Mark is an Australian entrepreneur, best known for as the founder of ‘Wizard Home Loans’, Australia’s second largest non-bank mortgage lender, and now Mark is now the Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road. Do not miss hearing Mark’s Keynote on building the innovative customer driven business — the critical need for people development.

Business Growth Essentials

A workshop designed for smaller hire companies and those new to the industry. Hear from HRIA Member panelists who have been exactly where you are now, and participate in a Q&A session providing attendees with the chance to ask questions on staffing, business structure, equipment, processes and more.

Women in Hire

The HRIA Women in Hire Development Program has gone from strength to strength and continues to break down the barriers for women in the Hire industry through mentorship, awareness and education.

Featuring inspirational female leader Debbie Lee — the National Women’s and Action Plan Lead at the AFL, we encourage everyone to come and join us for a delicious breakfast event designed to celebrate and recognise the value of women in the Hire and Rental industry.

Future of Hire panel

The Future of Hire Workshop has been designed to address the current and emerging trends in the hire industry. The discussion panel lets delegates hear from industry experts including Manelle Merhi — General Manager Marketing and Customer Experience at Kennards, Hayley Gilmore from Laing O’Rouke and Andrea Pidcock — Onsite’s brand new CEO.

Hear from HRIA Member panelists who have been exactly where you are now

THE HRIA’S ANNUAL CONVENTION PRESENTS THE BEST SPEAKER PROGRAM IN IT’S 56-YEAR HISTORY

Yellow Brick Roads's Mark Bouris

Hire Industry Excellence Awards

Join us to celebrate the conclusion of HIRE24 and to recognise outstanding companies and individuals within the Hire industry at the prestigious Hire Industry Excellence Awards and Gala Dinner.

The Hire industry has never before seen such a surge in innovation. The exhibition floor will showcase the latest in equipment and technology from the world’s leading manufacturers. The best innovations will be on display for visitors to choose their favourite, with the winner being announced at the Hire Industry Excellence Awards on Thursday night.

Don’t miss the numerous networking opportunities and social events that make our convention such a success year after year.

This year’s exhibition is set to be the largest show ever held by the HRIA; 20% larger than the 50th anniversary event held in Brisbane in 2018.

Tickets for all of the workshops and social functions are nearing capacity; to avoid missing out, register online at www.hriaconvention.com. au/registration

Blue Diamond is leading the energy transition in Australia with its investment in clean energy solutions specifically for the rental, events, construction and mining sectors. Our low emission and net zero emission power solutions can help you transition to a cleaner future. We can also package a hybrid power system combining a battery energy storage system with a diesel generator specifically for your needs.

Blue Diamond are stockists of these world leading brands including the EODev GEH2 hydrogen generator in Australia:

battery energy storage system

Powr2 battery energy storage system

FG Wilson generators

EODev GEH2 Hydrogen powered generator

LIGHTING THE PATH TO A GREEN FUTURE FROM EUROPE TO AUSTRALIA

AS AUSTRALIA'S RENTAL INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO PRIORITISE SUSTAINABILITY, PR POWER AND TRIME OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF THE X-BOX HYBRID LITHIUM LIGHTING TOWER.

With a commitment to eco-conscious solutions, PR Power utilises sustainable hybrid technology to align products with the fleet management needs of the Hire industry.

PR Power and TRIME are dedicated to sustainability, a mission that aligns with the values of owners, directors, and general managers.

Craig Parker, Director of PR Power, emphasises, "Our journey to sustainability is a shared one. With Trime, we're shaping a greener future that benefits us all."

The X-BOX Hybrid Lithium Lighting Tower signifies this commitment. It offers a sustainable and versatile lighting solution for a variety of applications. These include construction, mining, events, municipal, and emergency services. The X-BOX Lighting Tower is built compact, fitted with advanced lithium battery technology and an efficient 6x100W LED lighting system. Having already proven itself as a widely successful unit within Europe, PR Power and TRIME are excited to make it available to the Australian market.

X-BOX HYBRID Lithium Lighting Tower – Versatility and Sustainability

The X-BOX Hybrid Lighting Towers, compact design allows for easy transport and storage, while its versatile features make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Making them an excellent addition to any rental fleet, catering to a wide range of markets and applications. Due to its hybrid nature, the X-BOX offers significant cost-saving opportunities for hire companies and their customers. The lithium battery within the light towers recharges from empty to full in just 3 hours, while the engine and lithium battery alternate to minimise engine operational hours. This not only reduces fuel

costs but also decreases the frequency of servicing, resulting in overall operational cost savings. Additionally, the X-BOX operates in complete silence when running off the battery, enhancing workplace comfort and reducing noise pollution. These efficiency measures contribute to improved operational efficiency and financial savings for hire companies, making the X-BOX an attractive investment for fleet optimisation and sustainability initiatives.

Backed by PR Power and Trime's commitment to quality and innovation, the X-BOX Hybrid Lithium Lighting Tower can be trusted to deliver consistent and efficient lighting solutions.

At the forefront of the progression toward a net-zero emissions future, PR Power are putting their best foot forward. Shaping a greener tomorrow for hire companies in Australia.

See the X-Box at HIRE24 on Stand #79.

"Our journey to sustainability is a shared one. With Trime, we're shaping a greener future that benefits us all."

The Flextool Single Head Con crete Grinder FCG-250 is co mpact in desig n and delivers exceptiona l grinding cap ab i l ity. The combinati on of the direct drive sy stem and the motor positioned directly o ver the grinding head, allow for efficient and aggressive grinding. The single phase operation provides enhanced versatility and it can be safely operated from a standard 240 V 10 amp wall outlet. Designed for professionals, the FCG-250 has a detachable grinding head for easier transportation, a folding handle with adjustable handlebar, easy access control panel and a central lifting hook.

The innovative floating grinding head with self-levelling pivot follows the floor profile, which promotes even wear of the grinding shoes. A floating dust shroud gives a tight seal, capturing harmful dust from escaping the grinding head.

Changing grinding shoes is fast and hassle-free with the Easy Lock tooling system Compatible with the Redi Lock system, this machine comes standard with a grinding shoe adaptor plate.

This machine is ideal for small and medium domestic or commercial projects, where coating removal, levelling high spots, or general concrete grinding and surface preparation are needed.

BATTERY SOLUTIONS TRANSFORMING HIRE

NO MATTER THE INDUSTRY OR APPLICATION, THE KAESER MOBILAIR M120 PORTABLE COMPRESSOR IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR EXTREME AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS.

The rise of battery power in construction

Petrol generators have traditionally been the staple choice for powering equipment and tools on construction sites. However, their noisy operation, harmful emissions and dependence on fossil fuels pose notable challenges, especially in environmentally sensitive areas or confined spaces such as tunnels. This is not only reshaping the way construction projects are powered but also significantly impacting the Hire and Rental industry who now need to review their current fleet of machines and embrace environmentally friendly alternatives.

One standout example of this shift is the real-world testing of the Makinex Portable Power Box (PPB) in collaboration with Construction Sciences (CS), showcasing the efficacy of battery power in traditionally petrol-dominated environments.

Construction Sciences (CS) embarked on a trial to assess the viability of battery power for coring operations on concrete pavements. The Makinex PPB was selected for its zero-noise generation and emissions, making it ideal for use in tunnel operations and other environmentally sensitive areas. In the trials, CS conducted coring operations on various types of concrete, including high-strength aircraft base concrete, R83 base concrete and R82 lean mix concrete subbase (with asphalt layer). The results demonstrated the Makinex PPB's capacity to power core drills and vacuums efficiently while consuming minimal battery energy.

Transforming the landscape of Hire

The success of the PPB indicates a broader trend that’s heralding a new era of sustainability and innovation in Hire. As customers increasingly prioritise sustainability and eco-conscious solutions, hire companies must adapt to offer battery-powered equipment that meets the evolving needs of customers and enhances Hire’s reputation and competitiveness in a rapidly changing market. By prioritising clean, efficient, and cost-effective battery-powered solutions

without comprising performance, hire companies will be at the forefront of the sustainable revolution, shaping a greener future for generations to come.

About the Makinex Portable Power Box (PPB)

The PPB is a quiet and clean power solution built with safety in mind. This versatile device offers up to 15kWh of battery capacity, empowering operators across various industries and applications. It charges via 240V mains or connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and is equipped with 3x15A outlets, 1xUSB-A, 1xUSB-C outlets, RCD protection, and a battery management display. IP44-rated and featuring thermal overload protection with a durable frame, making manoeuvring and storage effortless. The unit can be charged overnight for an 8kw output of quiet and emission-free power.

Supporting and advancing a safe and strong access industry in Australia through

EWPA Membership

EWPA Yellow Card Program

EWPA Accredited Trainers

EWPA Stationery

EWPA Safety Resources

The EWPA provides a united voice for the industry, promoting the industry as the safest choice for carrying out work at height.

INNOVATING FOR OVER 65 YEARS: CROMMELINS MACHINERY LAUNCHES BATTERY OPERATED RANGE

FOR OVER SIX DECADES, CROMMELINS MACHINERY HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION WITHIN THE HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY. CROMMELINS REMAINS STEADFAST IN ITS COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING ENDURING VALUE TO THE AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY.

Responding to evolving trends in the market, Crommelins has unveiled its latest innovation: the Crommelins Battery Range. Combining lithium-ion battery power with our renowned reliability, this range is designed to meet the dynamic needs essential to the hire and rental industry.

The new 72-volt range features a rammer, plate compactor, 24” edging trowel machine, drive unit and concrete mixer. The range boasts run times of up to an hour of continuous use.

The unique battery-powered feature enables contractors and hire and rental companies to comply with the growing trend of site regulations prohibiting flammable fuels while being as reliable as its traditional petrol and diesel counterparts. It also contributes to zero emissions onsite.

HIRE24 visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to preview the range before its official launch to the Australian public.

Following the exhibition, the range will be available at selected Crommelins Machinery dealers and hire and rental companies across Australia.

Moving forward, the Crommelins Battery Range is set to become a staple in the hire and rental industry. Crommelins Machinery is leading the way in battery operated solutions, promising more pioneering innovations for its customers.

“We are excited to introduce the Crommelins Battery Range,” said Kevin Wilson, CEO of Crommelins Machinery. “With this innovative range, we aim to revolutionise the hire and rental landscape, offering our customers unparalleled efficiency, reliability and environmental responsibility. We will continue to power the Australian industry for the next 65 years.”

The Crommelins Battery Range will be unveiled at this year’s HIRE24 exhibition in Brisbane. Visit Crommelins Machinery on stand #71. 

30 & 31 OCTOBER 2024 | MCEC MELBOURNE

THE KAESER MOBILAIR M120 BUILT TOUGH FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS

NO MATTER THE INDUSTRY OR APPLICATION, THE KAESER MOBILAIR M120 PORTABLE COMPRESSOR IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR EXTREME AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS.

Developed with harsh environments in mind, this rugged machine delivers up to 460 cfm (12.2 m³/min) of compressed air. The M120 can run seamlessly on highsulphur diesel, and continues operating in the green zone even when ambient temperatures reach +50°C.

Beneath its enclosure, the M120 houses a 97kw Cummins QSF 3.8 engine, certified to the previous European Emissions Stage IIIA / Tier 3. It's the perfect choice for parts of the world where there is a high sulphur content in fuel, such as Australia.

The M120 sets a new benchmark in operational safety — equipped as standard with a certified spark

arrester and an automatic engine shut-off valve, ensuring the highest safety standards. A highlight of the easy-toaccess interior is an innovative new oil separator design featuring two spin-on cartridges, which ensure a low residual oil content for the compressed air while greatly simplifying maintenance work.

Thanks to the innovative pV Control, the operator only has to select between two pressure stages: one to a maximum of 10.3 bar (150 psi) and the other up to 14 bar (200 psi). This feature adjusts the maximum possible flow rate (V) to match the pressure (p) set at the controller.

Operation via the renowned Sigma Control Smart controller is simplicity at its finest.

Display information includes the required date of next maintenance, among other key data. Start-up is at the push of a button; the machine then runs unloaded, ensuring safe cold starts in all conditions. The display indicates the end of the warm-up phase, when the machine can be switched to load in order to begin generating compressed air. Setting the pressure is also straightforward and intuitive.

Depending on the desired application, the system can be equipped with an aftercooler or a microfilter combination for technically oil-free compressed air. Rather than being discharged from the machine, accumulated condensate from the compressed air process is evaporated by the hot exhaust gases from the engine, ensuring eco-friendly operation.

The M120 is available as a construction site chassis equipped with a parking brake, road-going chassis fitted with a run-on brake and lights for towing on public roads, or as a stationary version mounted on skids. Integrated forklift guides and lifting eyes, which can be reached via climbing aids, are fitted as standard.