Cranes and Lifting January/February 2022

THE DEDICATED RESOURCE FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY / JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

GROVE LAUNCH NEW FIVEAXLE ALL-TERRAIN CRANES

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FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

WELCOME TO THE JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE OF CRANES AND LIFTING TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, KEY industry groups involved in delivering the Australian government’s record $110 billion investment in infrastructure projects were forecasting a surge in demand for skills, labour, and materials due to the rapid increase in public infrastructure investment.

The groups agree, there is a need for Australia’s governments and industry to work collaboratively, to advance sectorwide reform and reduce the risk of cost escalation and delays in the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

The Infrastructure Market Capacity report released by Infrastructure Australia provides a level of visibility of the major project pipeline and resulting demand for skills, labour, and materials that governments have not had until now.

The report confirms major public infrastructure activity will approximately double over the next three years, peaking at $52 billion in 2023. This record investment creates new opportunities for local businesses and employment. It also confirms that by mid-2023 employment in the infrastructure sector will need to grow from 183,000 people today to more than 288,000, with a potential shortfall in jobs being filled forecast to exceed 105,000.

Other key findings in the report include industry indicating a high confidence of delivering 10–15 per cent annual growth and demand for plant, labour, equipment, and materials will be two-thirds higher than the previous five years. Over the next three years, it is expected there will be a 120 per cent average growth in demand for materials, 125 per cent growth in demand for equipment, and 140 per cent growth in demand for plant.

Understandably, similar challenges face the crane sector. Crane OEMs are having to explain to disappointed customers why delivery times are now blowing out to 2023/24 on some models and crane hire businesses are recognising that the lack www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of skilled labour will impact negatively their ability to fully benefit from these market conditions.

The issue confirms how positive the industry is at the moment. New cranes are being ordered and delivered in preparation for this massive program of construction works. Max Cranes recently launched its training academy and I know the industry will be keen to see this goes. The team at Cranes and Lifting has worked hard to bring you the updated Cranes and Lifting showcase and we thank the 175-plus businesses who participated.

On behalf of the team, we wish you well for the coming year and, as always, we hope you enjoy the read.

Published by:

11-15 Buckhurst St South Melbourne VIC 3205 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au CEO John Murphy E: john.murphy@primecreative.com.au Chief Operating Officer Zelda Tupicoff E: zelda.tupicoff@primecreative.com.au Publisher Christine Clancy E: christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor (Northern) Syed Shah E: syed.shah@primecreative.com.au Editor Simon Gould E: simon.gould@primecreative.com.au

Simon Gould Editor, Cranes and Lifting

Business Development Manager Emily Schlegel E emily.schlegel@primecreative.com.au T 0466 317 555 Client Success Manager Justine Nardone E: justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au Design Production Manager Michelle Weston E: michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au Art Director Blake Storey Design Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey Subscriptions Frank Rapone T: 03 9690 8766 E: frank.rapone@primecreative.com.au The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. © Copyright – No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

January 2022 CAL / 3

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34 Milestone celebration for Terex Franna 10 Up front Franna celebrates the manufacture of Grove launch new five axle all terrains. its 5000th unit.

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Industry news

14 CICA President’s Report More challenges to face in the year ahead.

38 Investing in our capital Capital Cranes takes delivery of a new 250t capacity Liebherr.

16 CICA Member Profile Addressing the skills shortage with the launch of the MAX Academy

43 First Grove long boom in New Zealand Adam’s Cranes takes delivery of Grove GMK3060L-1 from TRT.

20 CICA Industry Days The Queensland and South Australian Industry Days were an outstanding success.

22

CICA Tech Corner ICA Technical Committee examines C the causes of accidents and emphasises the importance of training.

24 CICA Well Being CICA’s renewed focus on wellbeing in the workplace.

26

Bridon Bekaert’s team Meet the team behind the brand.

31 Business built on strong ties and business values Australian owned Andromeda Industries explains how it manufactures, distributes and supports its wire products.

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46 Empire on the rise Empire Cranes is hiring cranes all over the country.

51 Test driving the SANY rough terrain Tutt Bryant Equipment put the new SANY rough terrain through its paces.

54 Wise heads and young blood are keys to growth With new cranes on the way, Two Ways Cranes is planning for the year ahead.

58 Operating Katos over the years William Cranes and Rigging takes delivery of the new model, CR-250Rv Kato City.

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62 Maeda Searcher Hook, key to lift installation Empire Cranes deployed its Maeda CC985S, fitted with the innovative Searcher Hook, to solve an installation headache.

66 MCT Equipment and Magni Anthony Grosser and MCT Equipment announce Magni distributorship.

70 Dressed to lift and shift Miklin & Co specialise in work wear and merchandise for the crane sector.

73 Hydraulic jib manufactured for SPT mini crawler Jones Equipment organises a bespoke hydraulic jib for 5t capacity tele crawler.

77 Crane rental goes digital MYCRANE simplifies the process of crane rental procurement.

80 Tutt Bryant Equipment crane team Tutt Bryant Equipment continues to build its team of crane experts.

82 The Crane Connection marches on The Crane Connection delivers 90t Liebherr to JPM Cranes.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE

114

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166 2022

OVER 170 CRANE HIRE COMPANIES SHOWCASE THEIR BEST.

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86 New Humma to Tasmanian contractor James Bender Contracting takes delivery of a new Humma 35t MK3.

110 Preston Hire’s new Head of Cranes Stephan Becherand takes his industry experience to Preston Hire.

90 Bridge building with telescopic crawler NelMac takes delivery of a new Tadano tele crawler.

114 Comansa overcomes the logistical challenges for the Indian railway project A Comansa 21CM550 tower crane is working on the first cable-stayed railway bridge in India.

94 Johnson & Young Cranes (JYC) heavy lift on West Gate Tunnel Project JYC’s heavy lift Liebherrs manage precast beam installation.

97 TRT Australia planning for the future Neil Webb joins TRT Australia.

100 Hydraulic loading decks gain immediate acceptance Active Crane Deck Hire has received a very positive response from the market.

104 New bi-levelling multi loader platforms hit the market Almacrawler launches a range of multi loader range with capacities up to six tonnes.

108 Rigging sector is in for a lift Axel Johnson International’s Lifting Solutions business group acquires five local lifting companies.

119 Potain launches two new MCT 385A cranes And there are updates to the popular MCT 385, the first topless model.

122 Intelligent lifting solutions Sitech WA launches Trimble Lifting Solutions.

125 Universal’s Ship to Shore capabilities Universal Cranes provided equipment transportation, manned crane hire, and lift engineering for the Ship to Shore Crane Assembly project.

128 LCR driving precast constructability LCR Crane and Transport Division is focused on delivering high volume, precast projects.

132 Investing in the future Tadano invests in new Perth and Sydney facilities.

134 Zoomlion’s Super-Duty crawler headed for Turkey Zoomlion delivers a new Super-Duty Crawler to Turkish heavy Lifter.

137 Cranes and Lifting SHOWCASE Over 170 crane hire companies list their premier cranes.

140 “ One Tadano” brand alignment Tadano’s focus on transitioning three major brands to one.

142 UAA – the sensible choice for crane insurance How Lindores Construction and Logistics rely on UAA. 166 Bridge lift project Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift and Shift manage Hunter Valley bridge project.

168 Townsville Cranes locomotive lift Townsville Cranes deploys heavy lifters for locomotive assembly project.

170 Lift of the Month A look at what our industry does.

January 2022 CAL / 5

INDUSTRY NEWS FIRST TIDD CRANE FOR QUARRY AND MINING EXPERT QME ENGINEERING Congratulations to Ian Rowan, director of QME Engineering, for taking ownership of its first TIDD PC28 pick and carry crane.

QME Engineering was looking for a crane with outstanding lifting capacities and improved manoeuvrability on site, with no compromise on safety.

QME is one of Australia’s most dynamic manufacturers of quarry and mining equipment. It specialises in the design, manufacture, and installation of quarry and mining plant and equipment, from initial inception to final commissioning for quarries, sand production, recycling, wet mix plants, and crushing and screening plants.

With over 100 years of experience in its team, QME provides a production guarantee with quality equipment designed to resist the toughest conditions in the quarry and mining environment.

The new crane will be operating in its Kangaroo Flat, Victoria workshops and all site installations, and will be used to assist in the production and fabrication of mining equipment.

Rowan said that the TIDD PC28 was chosen because: “The crane features are perfect for the operating conditions.

The TIDD PC28 is narrow, tight, and ideal for confined areas but still has the lifting capacity we need.”

The TIDD PC28’s unrivalled manoeuvrability has been providing

QME Engineering was looking for a crane with outstanding lifting capacities and improved manoeuvrability on site, with no compromise on safety

operators with greater opportunities on sites that had previously restricted pick and carry crane activity due to safety risk.

Working in the quarry and mining industry, the TIDD PC28 had to be mine spec compliant.

The TDD PC28 is built with specialist features for construction and mining. There are a wide range of options available to tailor the crane to different operations.

Features include: three emergency stop buttons in the cabin and either side of the crush zone in the articulation area; R/H handrails; access steps having three points of contact at all times; battery isolator; starter isolator and external jump start terminal; TIDD hydro-pneumatic suspension on the front axle with hydraulic lockout for crane mode; and automatic height adjustment for road mode.

Slew Safe is one of the key features that influenced QME’s purchasing decision. Specifically designed to prevent rollovers, it includes audible alarms, LMI warnings, and power steering restrictions to 15 per cent in an unsafe direction, to prevent further slewing.

“We are always working in extremely confined and compact areas,” Rowan said.

“The TIDD PC28 makes getting in and out a whole lot easier. Our team is always working in, around, and close to construction structures, so good articulation is necessary. At QME, our team work to the highest possible standards, including buying the right equipment with the latest technology and safety available for the operators.”

Rowan also commended the excellent service received from John Mahoney, owner of JDM Diesel Services, for the sale of its first TIDD crane.

“The service from John’s business is great, they are one time, reliable, and have good service technicians,” Rowan said.

JDM Diesel Services is the service and parts support agent for TIDD Cranes in Victoria. It specialises in mobile crane repair and maintenance.

Visit TRT Australia’s website for more on the TIDD PC28’s specifications at https:// bit.ly/TIDDcrane or get in touch with the team today https://bit.ly/ ContactTIDDCranes for more information, or find a TIDD dealer near you.

6 / CAL January 2022

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INDUSTRY NEWS MAMMOET WINS RIGGING JOB OF THE YEAR AWARD The world’s longest airport walkway lift took first place at the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA) Awards.

Mammoet’s US team won a Job of the Year award at the SC&RA Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The award was for Rigging Job of the Year in the US$750,000–$2 million project category. The purpose of the SC&RA awards is to give special recognition to members that perform exceptional achievements in solving problems encountered in rigging and hauling.

Mammoet presented the successful completion of the transport and lift of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s newest expansion – an elevated pedestrian walkway for the future international arrivals facility. Part of the airport’s $968 million expansion, the new bridge is only the second walkway in the world with suitable clearance for a Boeing 747 to taxi beneath.

Once transported into position under the existing V-piers, erection crews used four 816t (900 US-ton)

steel frames that utilised a strand jack system. This was the first time these frames from the Netherlands had been used in the United States. With just a few centimetres of tolerance for a precise fit, the bridge span was carefully hoisted into its final position, 22m (72 feet) from the ground, before being welded into place.

After nearly eight years of planning, design, and construction, the installation has created, at 274m (900 feet) long, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge span over an active airport taxi lane. In 2020, Mammoet’s team completed the installation of the first airside bridge in Hong Kong as well. The international arrivals facility is currently open and in use. Alongside other improvements planned for the airport, the walkway will help double the airport’s international passenger capacity to 2,600 per hour.

Travis Wilcox, Mammoet project manager and presenter at the conference, said: “It was truly honour to represent Mammoet and receive

the Rigging Job of the Year award in our respective category. The level of competition was high, yet this is another example of Mammoet’s ability to deliver world class service. I was very fortunate to be a part of an extraordinary team, which made the project a success. Special thanks to everyone involved.”

Mammoet vice president, Anthony Garcia, echoed the sentiment: “Mammoet is tremendously proud to win this award and to be recognised by the industry for such an innovative project. This would not have been possible without our team’s dedication to excellence, and I would like to thank them for all their hard work.”

The SC&RA, a trade association with more than 1,400 members from 46 countries, is dedicated to advocate for, educate and provide networking opportunities to support the heavy lift industry in operating safely, legally, and profitably around the world. This annual event attracts owners, CEOs, management, and leaders in the industry.

Mammoet’s US team won a Job of the Year award at the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association’s (SC&RA) Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas

8 / CAL January 2022

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With maximum lifting capacities of up to 64 tonnes and hook heights of over 1000 metres, our HC-L series luffing jib cranes are just what you need.

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Contact us at las-info-towercranes@liebherr.com

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UP FRONT / NEW GROVE ALL TERRAINS

GROVE LAUNCHS NEW FIVE-AXLE ALL-TERRAIN CRANES

After successful demonstrations and launch into the European market, three new all-terrain models from Grove will be landing Down Under soon.

GROVE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THE release of two new models in its five-axle range. The models are the GMK5120L, a five-axle long boom taxi crane with a capacity of 120t and the GMK5150XL, rated at 150t with a new longer 68.7m boom. Neil Hollingshead, sales director, mobile cranes, Manitowoc Cranes Australia, confirmed that the first of the Grove GMK5150XLs had already been ordered. Always looking for a competitive edge, Frank Zammit, owner of Two Way Cranes, was first to put his name on the new model.

The new models were launched to the 10 / CAL January 2022

European market throughout September and October 2021, with multiple customer events staged at Manitowoc’s Wilhelmshaven facility in northern Germany. Guests were treated to factory tours showcasing the latest operational improvements, live demonstrations, and presentations of the company’s all-terrain crane range.

GROVE GMK5120L The 120t capacity Grove GMK5120L offers long reach with stand-out 66m main boom. With this versatile all-terrain crane, Grove expands its all-terrain range

with another brand new taxi crane.

Customers benefit from greater flexibility and low transportation costs. The allterrain crane can easily carry a classleading amount of counterweight – no matter if counterweight configurations for 10t or 12t per axle are required.

With compact dimensions of just 14.195m overall length and 2.75m width, the GMK5120L offers superb access to jobsites, versatility with Grove’s MAXbase outrigger positioning, and great maneuverability resulting from Grove’s Megatrak independent suspension. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Two Way Cranes will be taking delivery of the new GMK5150XL in early 2022.

GMK5120L (66m boom taxi crane) highlights include: • 24m hydraulic luffing fly with integral panel jib – improves logistics and setup time • 6.2t capacity on full 66m boom length • 3.1t counterweight at 50t gross vehicle mass (GVM) for roading in all states • 14.6t counterweight at 60t GVM/only one trailer required for full setup • Counterweights compatible with GMK5150L and GMK5150XL • Latest GMK carrier cab • CCS and MAXbase isometric outrigger settings www.cranesandlifting.com.au

GROVE GMK5150XL The Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain crane provides increased capacity and a boom length that surpasses cranes in the 160– 200t class. This new model redefines the five-axle, 150t class by offering almost 69m of main boom.

At 68.7m, it can handle 8.1t, at 66m it lifts 9.4t, and at approximately 60m it lifts an incredible 12.7t. These load charts are unmatched in the market, it says. The GMK5150XL crane’s taxi charts are also best in class, ensuring easy roadability and transport savings.

In addition, it shares interchangeable counterweight slabs with the GMK5120L and all Grove 150t cranes.

Furthermore, its flexible range of counterweight configurations enable setups tailored to different market needs. Taxi configurations start from just 1t of counterweight for 10t per axle.

For configurations maintaining 12t per axle, the GMK5150XL can carry up to 10.2t of counterweight. Also, the heavy roadable counterweight configuration (16.5t/axle) makes it possible to drive with 30.9t of counterweight on board, boom over front, where site conditions allow.

The new Grove model also comes with notably compact dimensions for a five-axle crane. At just 2.75m wide it can easily access the narrowest of jobsites, and with MAXbase, optimising crane setup and lifting position is efficient and easy.

Neil Hollingshead, sales director, mobile cranes, Manitowoc Cranes Australia, had this to say about the new GMK5150XL: “The XL is designed to complement and not replace the GMK5150L-1, which has proved to be a really popular crane in Australia, with over 50 units delivered already.

“We see the boom length being the real game changer with this model. The GMK5150XL is the new benchmark in five-axle boom over front cranes, with the longest boom and lightest axle weights in the sub-220t class.

“This crane is ideal for tower crane erection and also reduces the need to fit the fly due to its extra-long boom,

simplifying logistics, reducing setup time, and increasing safety. When that additional fly length is needed, the total boom system length can reach up to 99m with hydraulic luffing and an integral 33t capacity panel jib.”

Both the GMK5120L and the GMK5150XL come with the new generation of Grove carrier cabs, providing increased operator comfort and convenience. The new carrier cab design seats the operator an extra 235mm away from the centerline, enhancing visibility and manoeuverability.

Zammit from Two Way Cranes is pleased to be the receiving the first GMK5150XL in the country.

“When I first heard about specifications on the new GMK5150XL I was impressed, and wanted to make a bit of statement by ordering and receiving the first one in the country,” he said.

“All crane companies are looking for a competitive edge and we are no different at Two Way Cranes.

“To have a crane with such a massive reach, on a small footprint, will suit the type of work we do. As construction bounces back, we can already see a tremendous amount of tower crane work coming up and the extra boom is going to be ideal for this.

“I’m really impressed with the main boom at [68.7m], which is the longest boom below models in the 220t class and, because it is over the front of the crane, it runs without a dolly. When you add the 30.2m fly jib, you have 99m of unmatched reach for this class of crane.”

GMK5150XL (68.7m boom) highlights: • 22m hydraulic luffing fly with integral 33t panel jib – improves logistics and setup time • 8.1t capacity on full 68.7m boom length • 50t GVM for roading in all states • 10.2t counterweight at 60t GVM • Counterweights, auxiliary hoist and fly inserts compatible with GMK5150L and GMK5250XL • Latest GMK carrier cab • CCS and MAXbase isometric outrigger settings January 2022 CAL / 11

UP FRONT / NEW GROVE ALL TERRAINS

At 68.7m, the Grove GMK5150XL can handle 8.1t, at 66m it lifts 9.4t, and at almost 60m it lifts 12.7t.

GROVE GMK6400-1 Customers were also able to get their first glimpse of the upgraded GMK6400-1 after its virtual launch at ConExpo 2020.

Able to take on jobs that would usually require a seven- or eight-axle model, this 400t all-terrain crane features an improved hydraulic system with faster flow to provide quicker operating speeds and smoother movements.

As an upgrade to the GMK6400, its implementation of Manitowoc’s crane control system (CCS) ensures that performance is optimised and operation

The 120t capacity Grove GMK5120L offers long reach with its 66m main boom.

12 / CAL January 2022

can be boosted to a whole new level.

Furthermore, with the addition of MAXbase variable outrigger positioning, capacities on the main boom are increased. The GMK6400-1 now offers unmatched flexibility on jobsites, says Grove.

With the introduction of EUROMOT 5, all Grove all-terrain cranes can be operated with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel that enables CO2 emission reductions of up to 90 per cent. New opportunities to tender for eco or government projects where green

credentials are often required are now possible.

“These new Grove cranes deliver a level of performance that was not previously thought possible from cranes in this class, and we can’t wait to get the first shipments to our customers,” said Andreas Cremer, vice president product management mobile cranes.

“It was wonderful to finally be able to welcome so many valued customers and friends back to Wilhelmshaven, show them these exciting new cranes, and hear such positive feedback – especially when our Voice of the Customer program plays such an important role in how we design our cranes.”

All new Grove GMKs entering the Australian market are now fitted with Grove’s telematics system that replicates all the data from the crane remotely for expanded product support and fleet management.

With fitments starting in Q3 of 2021, and on all cranes coming in 2022 and onwards, Grove says the system is setting the new standard for remote diagnostic support and operational transparency. The system is robust and will soon have remote updates and repairs capabilities. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Continuing the legacy...

SYDNEY – HEAD OFFICE 37 Cox Place, Glendenning NSW 2761 02 9622 8830 02 8887 7888

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CICA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

DIFFERENT CHALLENGES FOR 2022 The new year brings uncertainty around new strains of COVID, but there are additional challenges, with crane manufacturers expressing difficulty in attaining some essential parts to re-build machines. There is added pressure on margins, particularly for machines quoted and ordered many months or, in some cases, a year or more ago.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND WELCOME to the first issue of Cranes and Lifting magazine for 2022 and what an issue it is.

The showcase edition is the perfect way to start the year where we get to ‘show and tell’ our hardworking fleet. Small and big – our cranes play an integral role in getting the job done on most of the construction, infrastructure, and mining projects across Australia. This issue of the magazine is distributed widely and used as a reference for many businesses requiring cranes.

I am looking forward to this year.

2021 was just as challenging as 2020, with lockdowns, vaccine mandates, a tight labour market, and other state-specific issues creating stress and requiring grit and agility to tackle the problems. That was tiring, so I hope you’ve managed to take some time off over Christmas to recharge and spend time enjoying the company of family and friends.

For 2022, time will tell whether new virus strains will cause a repeat of lockdowns and restrictions. I’m sure you have all noticed now how much more cautious all precincts are to maintaining unrestricted travel, so I feel we need to expect the coming year to have a varied approach as new challenges emerge.

Probably more notable for our businesses now is the impact on machinery supply and the cost to procure parts. When speaking with manufacturers, they express difficulty in attaining some essential parts to build full machines.

14 / CAL January 2022

Added to this, once built, the exponential increase in shipping costs have created unforeseen pressure on margins, particularly for machines quoted and ordered many months, or perhaps a year or more ago.

LET’S GET TOGETHER This year will provide greater networking opportunities with informative branch meetings and the Industry Days in Victoria, NSW and WA still to happen.

You can read about the South Australian and Queensland Industry Days in this issue. They were well run and highly beneficial for those who attended, and for the industry more broadly. The SA and QLD branches, together with Sue and her team from Wise Connections, worked hard and can be very proud of what they achieved.

I also want to recognise the work that Anthony and Connie Grosser, and the WA team, put into the CICA WA Family Day in late 2021. This event recognises the role of our families and other support people in the lives of our members. From all accounts, it was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Planning for the 2022 CICA Conference is underway. We know that, all things being equal, it will be held in Adelaide a little later this year in November, in order not conflict with other events like bauma.

Be sure to stay connected through the

CICA president Tom Smith.

year at your state CICA branch meetings.

This is a great way to keep informed with local issues. Your input and participation is always greatly appreciated.

2022 – A YEAR OF REBUILDING CICA held its AGM in November, which enabled the board to announce all directors up for nomination had been returned for a further two-year term.

The president and vice president were also re-elected for a further term, enabling CICA to enter 2022 with an unchanged board structure and allowing continuity for Brandon and his team for the coming year.

With lockdowns hopefully a thing of the past, our industry plays an important part in revitalising each state’s economy through the delivery of major projects. To achieve this, CICA continues its focus on a number of key areas: • Capacity-building programs such as The CrewSafe verification of competency (VOC), which verifies operators are competently skilled, along with video evidence that can be viewed at any time to confirm such competence. Watch out for CrewSafe in 2022 – this platform is growing www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and there will be more rapid uptake in New Zealand this year. Also, StartSafe, which moves pre-starts away from paper and onto an online platform; a fantastic concept that will also grow in 2022.

• Road access – CICA has a long history of working with state and local road managers across the country on issues relating to road access and is therefore uniquely placed to analyse the consistency of road access for cranes across Australia.

Crane owners in QLD are facing an extremely frustrating situation with the road access approach adopted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and we are hoping that the evidence and data that CICA has spent months collecting will demonstrate just how untenable this situation is and lead to urgent reform.

• Building co-operation within construction and relationships with enabling stakeholders.

• Focusing on supporting our members through initiatives like LifeWorks. CICA members now have access to this confidential Employee Assistance Program to support their own and their employees’ wellbeing.

Given the way we have responded to the challenges over the last couple of COVID-dominated years, I am cautiously optimistic that this year will be a positive year for CICA members and the crane industry. On reflection, it is really quite amazing what has happened throughout the last two years, and with that experience in mind, can any one of us really have any idea what the year ahead will throw at us?

Although we have needed to pivot to deliver for our customers, it has been through these experiences that we have grown and are now better prepared for the opportunities and challenges 2022 will bring.

Tom Smith CICA president managing director – McKay United 0439 130 567 www.cranesandlifting.com.au

CICA BOARD Tom Smith – President Ben Pieyre – Vice President Danny Adair – Director Danny Black – Director Andrew Esquilant – Director Marcus Ferrari – Director David Solomon – Director Bart Sutherland – Director

CICA OFFICE Brandon Hitch Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 04 2822 8048 ceo@cica.com.au

Damien Hense CICA Road Policy Advisor 03 8320 0460 04 8800 7575 damien@cica.com.au Jed Kenwright Road Technical Engineer 04 3955 6867 jed@cica.com.au Julie Turner CICA Executive Assistant / Office Manager/Vic Secretariat Direct: 03 8320 0411 Email: julie@cica.com.au

Paul Arztenhofer Membership Engagement/Business Development Specialist 04 9093 9274 paul@cica.com.au

Ashleigh Gould CraneSafe and CrewSafe Administration Officer NSW/ACT QLD & NT Branch Sectretariat Direct: 03 8320 0466 04 0371 7626 Email: ashleigh@cranesafe.com.au

Alice Edwards Technical Project Engineer 03 8320 0440 alice@cica.com.au

Michelle Verkerk Marketing Communications Officer 040 493 8714 michelle@cica.com.au

Patrick Cran CraneSafe and CrewSafe Technical Advisor 048 800 4274 pat@cranesafe.com.au

Unit 10, 18–22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave Vic 3170 Phone: 03 9501 0078 Fax: 03 9501 0083 Email: admin@cica.com.au Website: www.cica.com.au

For information, please visit our website or call the CICA office.

January 2022 CAL / 15

CICA MEMBER PROFILE

Lou Sapio is the strategy-business & people manager at MAX Cranes.

MORE THAN JUST A TICKET – IT’S YOUR FUTURE! Max Cranes recently launched the MAX Academy, designed to address the skills shortages facing the crane sector.

‘MORE THAN JUST A TICKET – IT’S YOUR FUTURE’, underpins MAX Cranes’ initiative to create and recently launch the MAX Academy – an innovative specialised lifting training provider in mobile crane and rigging applications.

There are a strong number of training providers nationally who provide highrisk tickets in crane operation and rigging. These are generally conducted over a one-week timeframe for each course, with a class size of five or six participants. The industry recognises the high-risk ticket as being the minimum 16 / CAL January 2022

requirement Safe Work Australia has placed on the industry to ensure a competency benchmark of an operator/ rigger. But does it help students become more employable?

Attracting young people to the specialised lifting sector and ensuring those already employed are reaching their full potential are key objectives for the new MAX Academy.

Lou Sapio is the strategy-business & people manager at MAX Cranes and he provided more detail relating to aims and objectives for the academy: “One

of the major issues with our industry, and a key reason why industry has been highly supportive of our initiative, is that anybody can go out and get a crane ticket, a rigger’s ticket or a dogman ticket, but it doesn’t make you competent and you won’t necessarily be offered work because you have the tickets. This approach can be risky to any crane business.”

Sapio, a first-class welder by trade who has harnessed his passion for education to develop and build the skills of crane industry workers, has spent the last 20 years working in the employment www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and skills initiatives sector and believes training should be for people of all ages.

He has been working with Mark Kuhn and his staff at MAX for the past three years.

Working with Technical and Further Education (TAFE), private and nonfor-profit training and employment organisations, Sapio has been exposed to and supported almost every ‘blue collar’ sector across Australia but knew very little about how specialised the crane sector was and how long it took a person to become an expert in this field. More importantly, how little uptake there was in nationallyrecognised qualifications the crane industry considered.

Sapio explains the value of nationallyaccredited training after his experience in supporting oil/gas drilling companies with the Competency Standards for Petroleum and Gas Well Drilling and Well Servicing. Sapio explains this was an outcome from the Queensland coroner after a young man died on a rig from exposure due to his lack of experience, and would hate to see the crane industry only follow this path of nationally-accredited training after a significant incident.

Sapio is passionate about seeing people get the right levels of training and the right knowledge from that training to help set them up for their future careers.

While primarily a blue-collar environment,

traditional trades are a mainstay of business and connect right through to oil and gas, mining and other industry sectors.

“For me, training isn’t just for, or about, young people. It should be designed for all people within a workforce to reach their full potential,” he said.

“In the past, traineeships and apprenticeships have tended to be designed for the youth, but that’s not the case today, or shouldn’t be. Training should be designed for anyone who wants to develop, up-skill, and cross-skill to reach their potential, regardless of age.”

Joining MAX in 2018, the business was in a growth phase, with an increase in assets and people, plus the decentralisation of depots, providing positives and challenges alike to the business. Primarily, Sapio’s role consisted of supporting Kuhn and the senior management team with the evolving business and was tasked with implementing development strategies around people.

“The first projects involved understanding what makes people tick in MAX,” Sapio said.

“Crane companies have two things: they have assets and they have people.

As we know, the crane industry is a high-risk sector where a lot of people

work independently or in small teams, in remote areas, and away from home. This can put enormous stress on the individual.

“Mark Kuhn, the owner of MAX, understood early on just how important it is to focus on his people. He could see the outcome of a job depended on how an individual or individuals felt on the day, and that this would determine how they perform and the decisions they make at any given moment during the project.”

MAX has always been aware of the need to nurture young people and encourage them into the crane industry; they are the future. On average, it takes between eight and 10 years to gain the necessary experience in this sector. MAX developed its own internal trainee program fully funded by the company and, over a 12-year period, MAX has seen no less than 50 trainees complete the program, with over a 90 per cent retention rate to date.

“We researched the most appropriate qualifications and found there were qualifications in Certificate III and Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations, funded by the state government in South Australia, but with no training providers in the state to deliver it,” he said.

“Nationally, there were only six training providers we could approach to gain interest and be approved by ASQA and the South Australian state government.

Max Cranes’ internal trainee program has seen 50 trainees complete it, with a 90 per cent retention rate.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 17

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CICA MEMBER PROFILE

Mark Khun, managing director of Max Cranes, addresses the Academy’s students.

Needless to say, the one we partnered with demonstrated the same values as our business.

“On the back of MAX’s internal training program, MAX had the staff, capabilities and processes to work under the national RTO [registered training organisations] to provide nationallyaccredited training for all our staff in Certificate III and Certificate IV Mobile Crane Operations. At the moment, the program is only available to MAX staff.”

Sapio went on to the discuss the aims of objectives for the MAX Academy.

“We worked on this initiative for approximately 14 months before we launched it in early October 2021,” he said.

“Through the MAX Academy, we are providing relevant experience and exposure, enabling individuals to build their confidence, so they can be the best operators and riggers in our industry.

“That is what we set out to do and we have established the first true crane and rigging academy in the country. We can provide an in-house, highly customisable training regime, which meets the business’ needs. If it takes a month to obtain a www.cranesandlifting.com.au

crane ticket, so be it, but we are not rushing our trainees through oneweek courses any more.”

Sapio explained how the program works for the students.

“Students study and work under supervision for 18 months in the Certificate III qualification and 24 months for Certificate IV. They work under a rigorous internal coaching and mentoring program, under direct supervision, and also utilise a logbook system so they can document their experience and exposure.

“On completion, they are signed off by an independent assessor, who deems them competent. Our objective is to ensure that everyone who comes through the Academy is recognised as attaining national industry standard. Our assessor has 30 year’s experience within the industry, is a SafeWork SA assessor, and has worked with training providers for over 10 years.

“The initial intake for the Academy involved 15 trainees. Some of the students are straight from school and some have come through our Rigging PreApprenticeship program. Some have been in the internal trainee program and some have just finished their time in the internal

program, but they signed up because they want the qualifications for themselves.

Our Rigging Pre-Apprenticeship provides individuals who hold rigging and crane tickets, are unemployed or underemployed, an opportunity to gain experience and exposure. Upon successful completion and when they have worked with us long enough, we will determine if they are an employee we want to continue developing. They will then move on to the Certificate III and Certificate IV qualifications. Either way, they are more employable.

On how the program is working for MAX, he explained: “When the program kicked off, we noticed an immediate increase in morale and the culture of the business. MAX understands why we are doing this and the focus and purpose.

In this industry, you either become a rigger or operator and you work there for your career, or you progress to become a supervisor or manager; the pathways were not clear.

“MAX has a range of long-term industry employees who are tired of the physical toll of the work and are a little ‘industry worn-out’. The program has enabled this group to step up and become internal subject matter experts, which is a fantastic outcome.

“In our last Staff Profile Report we noticed we are retaining more mature and experienced staff. They are not involved in the technical side of the business but in the training, which means the Academy has created more career pathways for the business. We’ve also seen a marked improvement in what we’ve termed the ‘learning culture’ within the organisation.

“Another significant benefit for our staff in South Australia is that any person who holds a Certificate III or higher qualification [has the] opportunity to access HomeStart Finance through graduate loans, which provides lowdeposit loans. For our staff, it’s a huge benefit for them to purchase a property in the regional areas of the Upper Spencer Gulf, where most of our operations are, therefore retaining them in the business and regions longer.”

January 2022 CAL / 19

CICA INDUSTRY DAYS

CICA South Australia confirmed the industry Day is one of the most successful activities staged by the branch.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY DAYS SURPASS EXPECTATIONS CICA Industry Days in South Australia and Queensland get a major tick of approval.

CICA DID THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY last year and hosted industry events in each state, in lieu of the National Conference. These state-based Industry Days are a golden opportunity for the crane industry to showcase our capabilities to business leaders in the building, construction, infrastructure, mining, and government sectors, and to spend time building relationships with the people who use or regulate the use of our cranes.

The SA and Queensland events went ahead in late October and early November 2021. The SA team are very experienced at hosting Industry Days, as they have been hosting an event of this nature since 2018. While this was a new experience for Queensland, both events were high calibre and achieved the common goal of providing a platform to have important conversations on industry issues that matter.

The theme ‘Elevating Expectations’ highlights the way the crane industry has redesigned its processes to increase safety and demonstrate best practices to customers, enabling stakeholders and improving sites.

Marcus Rigney, CICA SA state chairman said: “This Industry Day is one 20 / CAL January 2022

of the most successful activities I have seen our association do, and we’re seeing tangible and positive results. As a result of our past Industry Days, we know who we need to work with and how to better go about enhancing safety and efficiency on construction sites.

“Advocacy takes time but, through the Industry Day, we’re making solid steps towards our goals of a safe and efficient industry.”

After the Queensland event, Peter Koschel, CICA QLD state chairman, said: “What a fantastic day for CICA Queensland and our industry, with over 120 guests attending and a broad range of contractors, crane companies, suppliers, and government departments represented.

“I was extremely proud to see the hard

work of the Queensland committee make this day such a success.”

Events like this don’t just happen by themselves, so a shout-out to the hard work of the SA and QLD branch committees, Wise Connections team, and CICA National.

The remaining industry days will be hosted in the following states in 2022: Victoria/Tasmania – Hyatt Place Essendon Fields, 4 March 2022.

New South Wales – Parkroyal Parramatta, 18 March 2022.

Western Australia – Perth Conference and Events Centre, 7 April 2022.

To be a part of these events, speak to Nick Morris (VIC/Tas) or Jeff Wilson (NSW) or for more information, go to www.cica.com.au.

Over 120 guests attended the CICA Queensland Industry Day, representing a broad range of contractors, crane companies, suppliers, and government departments. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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CICA TECH CORNER

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE – CICA LIFT SUPERVISOR PROGRAM In this article, the Crane Industry Council of Australia’s (CICA) technical committee examines the causes of accidents and emphasise the importance of training the ‘right way’.

IN 2015, A GROUP OF RMIT researchers wrote a paper entitled ‘Causes of Fatal Accidents Involving Cranes in the Australian Construction Industry’.

This paper investigated crane-related fatalities to find the upstream causation of such accidents.

One thing worth noting in this paper was that one of the more prevalent causes was unsafe actions taken by workers, including the crane operator and workers in the vicinity of the crane.

The level of skill and knowledge of workers was also identified as being a relevant shaping factor.

To fill the skill, experience, and

knowledge gaps of the crane crew members between their high-risk work licence (HRWL) training and the practical operations for the lifting jobs on site, CICA, together with a group of industry experts from crane companies and construction contractors, developed a training curriculum called the CICA Lift Supervisor program.

With course content developed by industry experts who, on average, each have 20-plus years of experiences, and know all aspects of cranes and lifting operations like the back of their hands, this program will benefit the overall crane industry by improving

overall safety performance. It will also benefit the crane crew members as the program provides a pathway for them to progress to the next level of their crane and lifting career.

The program has two levels: • Level 1 aims to train the crane crew members to become a site leading hand/crew leader, or to improve the competency of the crane crew members in general.

Level 1 attendees should possess a C6 or above HRWL crane licence and an intermediate rigging licence, with at least two years of crane industry-related experience. Level

Example of a course content page from Level 1 of the program.

22 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The core topics that will be covered in the program (for both levels) includes three parts: work health and safety; leadership and frontline management; and lift supervision and transport activities.

1 graduates will be crew-embedded roles, responsible for supervising safe lifting operations and following the lift plan prepared by the relevant competent person.

• Level 2 aims to train the crew leader to become the site lift supervisor.

Level 2 attendees should be a graduate from the Level 1 training, qualified engineers, or someone who has at least five years of crane industry-related experience. Level 2 graduates will be responsible for overseeing and managing the plan, set-up, and safe and efficient operation of lifting equipment.

The lift supervisor will work with internal and external stakeholders and will be responsible for coordinating and supervising all lifting activities in accordance with regulations.

The core topics that will be covered in the program (for both levels) includes three parts: work health and safety; leadership and frontline management; and lift supervision and transport activities.

Level 1 training topics include: • Engineering principles • Crane operation, different types of cranes, how to use crane charts • Different types of slings, sling selection, sling care and inspection, standard rigging methods, sling load calculation, read and interpret sling diagram • Develop simple lift plan (for example, single crane single hook, less than 90 per cent capacity, returnable lift) • Ground condition, weather condition, environment restraints • Read and understand lift plans and drawings • Experience on specific/complex lifts (e.g., multi-hook, precast, marine) www.cranesandlifting.com.au

•

Crane road travel, interpret and perform transport load restraint • Basic understanding of cranerelated work health and safety regulations • Basic understanding of cranerelated Australian Standards • Write and develop a safe work method statement (SWMS) • Incident/accident response • Conduct toolbox talks with crew members • Leadership skills • Effective communication with crew members Level 1 training content includes both the review of the crane crew member’s previous HRWL training and skills, and knowledge that is not covered by HRWL training but essential for the crane crew member to perform the role of crew leader for safe lifting operation on site. For example, skew load factor, load share principles between multi-crane or multi-hook lifts, information from the latest version Australian Standards, Chain of Responsibility requirements when driving cranes on road, etc.

Level 2 training content is more focused on specialist lift planning skills. Various engineering design topics will be explained to the attendees. The Level 2 course will be delivered by elite lifting planning experts like the CICA technical committee members. The three parts of the Level 2 training topics includes: • Knowledge and implementation of engineering principles, use of different design factors in calculations for lift planning • Using Australian Standards for cranes and rigging gears in lift planning • Lift planning (complicated lifts),

plan, perform and manage design lifts/engineered lifts • Developing drawings (plan, elevation, rigging diagram) for lift planning • Sling design (calculations, drawings, custom design rigging equipment) • Lifting stability design and review • Change management • Familiarisation with and understand of work health and safety regulations and requirements • Writing and developing SWMS • Conducting high risk workshops • Incident/accident investigation, lessons learnt summary • Project management skills • Leading teams, effective communication with team members In addition to the course content lectures, there are various supporting materials (CICA technical documents, ICSA papers, updates on Standards, updates on WorkSafe authority requirements, etc.) available for access by attendees after completing the program for their continued knowledge and skills development.

Improving safety is a goal for everyone working in the construction business. With the ongoing boom of the infrastructure projects, the lift supervisor program will be a good tool for crane companies to plan for their future operations.

Improved competency of crane crew members means fewer incidents/ accidents, injuries, and property damage if an incident occurs.

This, in turn, saves money for the company through lower accident and insurance costs.

This program reflects CICA’s mission of improving the health, safety, and wellbeing of crane industry personnel, as well as driving compliance with applicable legislation and regulation, skills and knowledge passed on from the lift supervisor program attendees to the crane crew, which will benefit the industry.

If you are interested in this program, please contact Alice Edwards (alice@cica.com.au).

January 2022 CAL / 23

CICA WELL BEING

CICA’S FOCUS ON WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE CICA provides free wellbeing platform & EAP for all members and staff.

CICA NOW PROVIDE A FREE WELLBEING platform as well as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or its member companies and their staff.

The partnership with human resource firm Lifeworks, which supports over 26 million people worldwide, was launched

by CICA on 9 September to coincide with R U OK Day. “The last couple of years have been extremely challenging, not just for our members and their staff, but also for our society more generally, and we wanted to provide our members with as many additional resources as we could,” stated CICA CEO Brandon Hitch.

“The majority of our members would be regarded by most as small to medium enterprises, who don’t always have the time and resources to help their staff through difficult times, so we wanted to help make a difference for them and our industry.”

The platform is a combination of proactive apps that have a variety of resources relating to five key areas: • Personal wellbeing and health • Relationship issues • Family issues • Substance abuse and addiction • Workplace challenges.

These include articles, videos, and podcasts as well as links to other resources, backed up with a traditional EAP and manager’s hotline.

“This is a well-rounded approach offers proactive resources on the apps, as well as the traditional reactive EAP,” said Hitch.

“Traditionally, EAPs have been counselling services offered when an employee is in crisis, and were quite 24 / CAL January 2022

often limited to frontline workers or larger employers, due to cost.

It is our hope that employees will receive assistance before they are in crisis.

“Current literature explores the notion of presenteeism, where an employee may be physically at work, but isn’t as focused or productive as they could be, quite often due to factors outside of the workplace. We see this as a way of decreasing the prevalence of this issue.”

The platform is underpinned by two phone-based applications. One is called LifeWorks, which offers five quick surveys to examine the employee’s overall wellbeing, as well as helping to determine what resources should appear on their newsfeed within the app. The other is the lift session fitness app, which provides a wide range of workouts that can be done anywhere.

Traditional EAP counselling services are predominantly provided on a telehealth basis and are completely confidential with 24/7 availability. Calls are triaged and prioritised depending on immediacy of need.

A phone-based manager’s hotline provides support to managers, who may lack the confidence or experience to deal with a particular situation, such as

interpersonal conflict or other leadership issues. The hotline equips them with the necessary assistance and guidance, developing skills to manage situations.

“We believe this is a first in Australia, for an industry association to provide these benefits to their members, and in turn their employees free of charge.

We want to see it make a difference for people right across the crane industry,” said Hitch.

This service is provided free to CICA members and their employees, and is confidential. If you are a member and would like to find out more, contact CICA membership manager Paul Arztenhofer at paul@cica.com.au or call 04 9093 9274. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / BRIDON BEKAERT

MEET THE BRIDON BEKAERT TEAM Bridon-Bekaert The Ropes Group (BBRG) wire ropes are operating in some of the most challenging applications around the globe. BBRG has been manufacturing steel wire in Newcastle for 98 years. Here, we meet the team members behind the brand.

MICHELLE HURLEY INTERNAL SALES MANAGER Michelle Hurley started with Bridon-Bekaert in 2018, managing the customer service department for the various segments such as mining, cranes, roadside barriers, electrical, and structures. Prior to accepting the position at BBRG, working with wire ropes, she was a product manager for a global equipment manufacturer supplying the petrochemical industry.

Hurley manages the key accounts here in Australia, which cover the large crane, port, and oil & gas operators and producers in the country.

“With BBRG having a strong focus on the Bridon high performance crane ropes, we are stocking the bulk ropes for our new Service Centre to cut, terminate, and test all in-house, which provides the fast turnaround and requirements our customers have come to expect,” she said.

One of the major projects Hurley has successfully completed involved working with the BBRG team both globally and locally to implement the new Service Centre.

This was a large undertaking but a very rewarding challenge that has come to fruition. She is continuing to manage the integration of the business offering into the well-established Newcastle manufacturing facility.

With the addition of new people at Bridon-Bekaert, Hurley and the team look forward to assisting you with any rope enquiries you may have.

JORDAN DONKIN INTERNAL SALES OFFICER Jordan Donkin joined Bridon-Bekaert as internal sales manager in July 2021 and, although new to the world of wire ropes, has 10 years of combined customer service and sales experience in various industries.

“My role here at BBRG has seen me establish relationships with key partners in the crane and industrial space. I manage the import and export orders for the business and work closely with our account managers to grow the Service Centre,” she said.

26 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

MICK RETHUS TECHNICAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Mick Rethus started with Bridon-Bekaert in October 2006 as a field service manager, servicing the mining industry in the northern region of the Queensland Bowen Basin. This involved performing weekly inspections and reporting on the dragline and shovel ropes across various large open-cut mine sites.

“As part of my role I conducted machine audits and developed maintenance plans for maximising rope life for the various large critical plant and machinery. Looking for a new challenge, I have returned to my home state of Victoria full-time and I am now strategically positioned to assist our large customer base within the crane and industrial, oil & gas, and port markets. I’m looking forward to being able to offer technical expertise to customers across the country,” he said.

STUART COXON TECHNICAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Stuart Coxon started with Bridon-Bekaert as a technical account manager in 2020.

“I jumped at the opportunity to get back into the high performance rope industry. With over 20 years’ experience in the lifting and rigging supply industry, and managing several businesses in that space, wire rope and its applications have always been of great interest. To come to BBRG is a great fit for me,” he said.

“My role involves managing a number of critical key accounts, technically supporting the internal sales team and our customer base. I’m also heavily involved with the day-to-day running of our new Service Centre. This includes staff training, manufacturing, testing, inspections, other services, and compliance to relevant BBRG international and Australian Standards.

“It’s a very exciting time for BBRG Australia and we are looking forward to providing our market sectors with a high-quality performance product backed by technical knowledge with a combined 300 years’ experience.”

ANDREW MORGAN TECHNICAL MANAGER Andrew Morgan is in charge of the BBRG technical engineering team.

“I’m a mechanical engineer and have been working with BBRG for the past 18 years. Previously, my career was in underground coal mining. I am also the global lead for BBRG in surface mining,” he said.

“I am passionate about manufacturing in Australia. At BBRG, we strive to ensure our customers receive the best rope product and solution for their application. We are active within our customers’ sites to continually ensure the application of our ropes and the equipment they operate on, provide the best opportunity to achieve optimum rope performance.”

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 27

IN FOCUS / BRIDON BEKAERT

JAMES MACKIE PRODUCT APPLICATIONS AND TESTING ENGINEER James Mackie started with BBRG in 2012 and has over 25 years’ experience in steel wire and rope manufacturing. As part of the BBRG Australian technical team, Mackie is responsible for supporting the local crane & industrial, oil & gas, marine, structural, and underground mining sectors.

“I work closely with our sales team and customers around rope specifications for each application and installation. As BBRG’s NATA representative, I also have technical responsibility for our Newcastle testing laboratory and regularly undertake post-life forensic reporting as part of the BBRG MORE program,” he said.

“Working with our Service Centre team, led by Stuart Coxon, we have recently added proof testing to our NATA Scope of Accreditation and are in the process of adding NDT [non-destructive testing] services to provide a market-leading suite of product specification, supply, and support for our customers.”

RHYS HUGHES TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER Rhys Hughes is the technical sales manager for BBRG. “I focus on support for underground mining, cranes, industrial, and oil & gas market sectors. I worked with Bridon prior to the merge with Bekaert and have been in the industry for over 20 years,” he said.

“My role is based around technical solutions for our customers. Typically, I get involved at the specification level to support the customers from the start of their project. We are proudly world leaders in many market sectors from a technology and performance perspective. We are the OEM [original equipment manufacturer] for some of the largest crane manufacturers in the world and we are targeting the Australian crane sector with these new services – something never seen in Australia from Bridon-Bekaert in the past.”

28 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Lifting your dreams

Longest Reach: with 60m main boom, The AC 4.80-1 has the longest reach in its class.

360 Degree Camera View: Surround View helps with positioning on the job site and supports the driver in road traffic.

Strong: Lifts 5.4t at a radius of 14m with fully extended boom.

Versatile: 12t per axle with 9.3t counterweight & 10t per axle with 3,3t counterweight. With Flex Base the crane is able to work with asymmetric and stepless outrigger positioning.

The AC 4.080-1 blends outstanding reach with exceptional versatility. Its compact size on 4 axles gives this all terrain crane best-in-class jobsite accessibility. Fully equipped and roadable within a 12t axle load, extra transport is rarely needed. With a main boom length of 60m, the AC 4.080-1’s reach can expand even further with a 6.5m extension that can be offset by 25° and 50°. Its capacity is a generous 23.8t.

Whether used as a main crane or a powerful assist crane, the lifting capacity in steep boom positions makes the AC 4.080-1 unbeatable in its class.

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© Tadano Ltd. 2021. Tadano and Demag are trademarks of or licensed by Tadano Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

FEATURES THAT MATTER.

Customer Training Courses 2022 DATES

COURSE

LOCATION

18.01. – 19.01.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Perth WA

2 Days

15.02. – 16.02.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Perth WA

2 Days

22.02. – 24.02.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Perth WA

3 Days

01.03. – 02.03.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Brisbane QLD

2 Days

22.03. – 23.03.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Auckland NZ

2 Days

24.03. – 25.03.2022

Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner

Auckland NZ

2 Days

05.04. – 07.04.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Perth WA

3 Days

27.04. – 28.04.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Sydney NSW

2 Days

03.05. – 05.05.2022

Active rear axle steering

Perth WA

3 Days

17.05. – 18.05.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Melbourne VIC

2 Days

19.05. – 20.05.2022

Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner

Melbourne VIC

2 Days

31.05. – 01.06.2022

Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner

Sydney NSW

2 Days

13.06. – 14.06.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Auckland NZ

2 Days

15.06. – 17.06.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Auckland NZ

3 Days

12.07. – 13.07.2022

Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner

Perth WA

3 Days

26.07. – 27.07.2022

Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner

Brisbane QLD

2 Days

09.08. – 10.08.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Sydney NSW

2 Days

11.08. – 13.08.2022

Active rear axle steering

Sydney NSW

3 Days

23.08. – 24.08.2022

Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics

Perth WA

2 Days

06.09. – 08.09.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Melbourne VIC

3 Days

20.09. – 22.09.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Sydney NSW

3 Days

11.10. – 13.10.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Brisbane QLD

3 Days

18.10. – 20.10.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Perth WA

3 Days

07.11. – 08.11.2022

Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner

Auckland NZ

2 Days

09.11. – 11.11.2022

LICCON I & II with data bus

Auckland NZ

3 Days

CONTACT US For more information and bookings, please contact the Liebherr Mobile Cranes training department via email LAS-MCTraining@liebherr.com or call +61 (2) 9852 1830.

DURATION

IN FOCUS / ANDROMEDA INDUSTRIES

ANDROMEDA INDUSTRIES – A BUSINESS BUILT ON STRONG TIES AND VALUES Andromeda Industries is an Australian-owned manufacturer that distributes and supports its product in the market and has the ability to make bespoke products when required.

ANDROMEDA INDUSTRIES HAS ESTABLISHED itself as an innovator in the Australian wire rope industry, specialising in the design and manufacture of plaited and woven steel cables for rigging gear, and terminal systems for these cables.

Located in regional NSW on a five-

hectare site in the village of Moonbi, 22km north of Tamworth, Andromeda Industries is a proudly Australian-owned and operated, with its present entity a series of businesses created and operated by Raymond McLaren for close to 60 years.

Scott Taylor is the business development manager and explained more about the business and his role.

“I have been making, testing, inspecting, and selling rigging equipment since 1990. I joined Andromeda three years ago in the capacity of business

Superflex turbine strops featuring large eyes for lifting turbines.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 31

IN FOCUS / ANDROMEDA INDUSTRIES

Andromeda Industries’ 96mm slings can be manufactured in lengths from 1m up to 30m.

development manager. Prior to that, Raymond would pack his car with samples and ideas, and ‘road trip’ around the country. Now in his 80s, he has recognised he needs to slow down a little.”

The Andromeda Industries’ range of products includes Superflex, a plaited 12-strand wire rope as opposed to a conventional wire rope with a sixstrand or eight-strand, round strand.

“We take the round-stranded cable and plait it into what becomes our Superflex wire tope.” said Taylor.

“This process makes it a highly flexible, more robust, and easier to handle wire rope for making slings. The plaited design make it ideal for choking around smooth surfaces, and for lifting anything you can imagine wire rope gets used for. In 1975, Raymond built his first orbital plaiting machine, which mechanically plaits the cable into its complete form.”

Andromeda also manufactures a flat woven steel sling, designed to lift objects capable of causing cuts and abrasions to a synthetic sling. It is ideal for lifting steel coils or anything with a sharp edge.

32 / CAL January 2022

Taylor explained how the manufacturing process works at the Moonbi site.

“Our Superflex cable starts at 10mm and goes through to 96mm. We buy cable from 2.5mm to 24mm as our feed stock and this gets plaited into a three by four plait, which gives us our 12-strand Superflex finished product,” he said.

“The reason it is so flexible is because it incorporates 912 individual wires woven into the wire rope. A standard six by 36, which is what would normally be used for a sling, is manufactured from 216 wires.”

Taylor explained how Andromeda Industries distributes and supports its product in the market and how it makes bespoke products when required.

“We sell and support our products through a range of distributors,” he said.

“We deal with all the lifting houses nationally, including Bullivants, Nobles and Bunzl Safety. These would be the three largest distributors with a national footprint, and then we have another dedicated group of distributors in each of the states.

“Through this network we offer ‘slinging solutions’ and work with the end user to understand their specific requirements – what they want to achieve.

“In the past, we have manufactured 96mm slings at a length of 2.5m, which were used to lift the tunnel boring machines in Brisbane. These were manufactured in conjunction with the engineers on the project and our distributor, which enabled us to match their required head heights and working load limits to complete the lifts.

“With our 96mm slings, we can manufacture lengths from 3m up to 30m, which is the maximum length that the horizontal plaiting machine will allow. But with the smaller cables, up to 40mm, we can manufacture a sling 100m long if that’s what the client requires.”

Taylor explained how the distributor network supports and services the products operating in the market.

“Andromeda Industries is National Association of Testing Authorities [NATA] accredited and we are a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association [LEEA], so when we manufacture a sling it come fully tested and certified to the relevant Australian standards,” he said.

“Our distribution network then provides the inspections, service, and support on the products they sell.

Our distributors’ technicians are fully trained on our products but, if there are issues which can’t be resolved, we

The Andromeda Industries range includes the Superflex product, a plaited wire rope. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“With our 96mm slings, we can manufacture lengths from 3m up to 30m, which is the maximum length that the horizontal plaiting machine will allow. But with the smaller cables, up to 40mm, we can manufacture a sling 100m long if that’s what the client requires.” can offer technical support and backup.

“If a customer is having a specific issue with a sling and it’s not performing to their expectations, we will examine the application and discuss with them if they have the right sling for the application or whether they can do something to better protect the sling, or if they could change the way they are using the sling to make it last longer and perform better.”

Taylor then discussed the range of industries serviced by Andromeda products.

“We have completed a significant

amount of project work on the Cross River Rail Project in Brisbane, the Metro project in Melbourne, and been heavily involved in the Project EnergyConnect interconnector powerline project running between Robertson in South Australia and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, where our slings were used for pulling conductor cable,” he explained.

“We are also heavily involved in mining construction projects and work in the aluminium smelting sector, where we manufacture a billet strop for lifting aluminium billets.”

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The lifting capacities of the SuperFlex product are significant, he said.

“Eighteen months ago, Raymond commissioned a new plaiting machine.

The new horizontal plaiting machine was fully designed and constructed onsite at Moonbi by Raymond and his dedicated staff,” he said.

“Prior to this, our SuperFlex product used to stop at a 40mm diameter, but we are now able to make slings up to 96mm in diameter. This diameter has a breaking strain of 434 tonnes and a working load of 84 tonnes in a single leg direct configuration.

“With the greater diameter we are able to manufacture a couple of different styles of slings, including our double ended strop, which can then take the working load up to 168 tonnes.

We would be the only organisation in Australia capable of manufacturing a cable like this.”

IN FOCUS / FRANNA PICK AND CARRY

The Terex Franna team celebrate their 5,000th Franna – an AT40 for RAR Group.

FRANNA CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONE In November, Franna rightly celebrated a milestone event as its 5,000th unit was driven off the production line. The 5,000th Franna was an AT40 model S/N 400081 proudly owned by RAR Group, in Queanbeyan, New South Wales.

DANNY BLACK, FRANNA’S GENERAL manager has been with the organisation for over 30 years and has been part of the team contributing to the success of the Franna brand. He spoke to us about the development of the Franna pick and carry range during his tenure.

Black joined Franna in 1989 as a graduate engineer. It was his first job out of university, where he studied mechanical engineering.

“The business was called Franna Cranes Pty Ltd and it was privately owned by Lou Parolin and Brian Hain.

When I joined it was a fairly small production, we had built just over 200 cranes and were producing around 80 machines a year,” said Black.

34 / CAL January 2022

The first Franna crane was built in 1978 by Dave Francis. He was a genuine innovator. He owned a steel fabrication workshop and was using ‘Wobbly’ tractor cranes of the day to assist in the erecting process. This was at times quite difficult and even dangerous – the operator sat in the rear articulation of the crane, which did not pivot with the boom, making visibility very much impaired.

The rear articulation also had a tendency to flop to one side when approaching the stability limits (hence the nickname ‘Wobblies’). It was during one of these operations that Francis decided: “There must be a better way.”

So, in 1978, he began building a crane with similar lifting capacity as the tractor

cranes but with the driver centrally located at the front of the crane for better visibility. He also decided that the crane should have a higher road speed and sprung suspension to be more suitable on the roads.

Hence the evolution of crane serial number 1001. The machine was of 8t capacity with a rear-mounted Ford four-cylinder engine and torque converter, driven synchromesh manual transmission driving only the front axle and capable of about 60km/h.

As credit to the quality of design and manufacture, this machine is still in use for QEC at Calide some 43 years later. Furthermore, as credit to Franna’s product support – in 2009 it built and www.cranesandlifting.com.au

sold them a new main butt section – how many other companies could do this for their prototype machine after 31 years?

By S/N 1009 in January 1986, the Franna Crane was beginning to take on a more familiar shape, equipped with a Hino EH700 engine and manual gearbox giving the top speed a boost to 85km/h.

Up until then the production had been limited to only a couple of machines per year but, as the crane gained market acceptance, it picked up to about one crane per month – production was booming! These machines were fabricated, assembled, and painted in D&N Francis’ facility at Jindalee, with a workshop floor staff of about five.

Market demand began to call for a crane of higher lifting capacities. The original 8t design began to grow – the wheelbase was increased from 3.4m to 3.8m and the rear axle weight from 5.6t to 7.2t for the 4WD-10 model, which was first introduced on S/N 1013 in July 1986.

It wasn’t long after this that Lou Parolin, the then owner of General Welding and Construction and General Crane Hire, purchased his first 4WD-10 Franna Crane. To quote Parolin’s words from a local newspaper article: “In 1986, I bought an All-Terrain Franna Crane and liked it so much that Brian Hain and I bought the company. We could see the potential straight away.”

Hence the beginning of Franna Cranes Pty Ltd in November 1986.

Not long after the takeover in January 1987, the production facility was moved to Lavarack Ave, Eagle Farm.

Further design developments saw the introduction of an optional Allison automatic transmission and the launch of the 4WD-12t in September 1987.

Demand saw production increase some 200 per cent, producing 42 cranes in the first year of the new ownership and almost doubling the amount Francis had built between 1978 to 1986.

When Black started, the business was manufacturing a 10t and a 12t crane and was in the process of designing a 16t capacity machine. Black can remember www.cranesandlifting.com.au

starting his career working on the parts manuals in those early days.

“I was involved in putting these together and documenting them,” he said.

“At the time we had a consultant engineer who managed the detail and calculations on the design. I reported to a production engineer and there were three design draftsmen in the team.

“From a design perspective, all the drawings were done by hand on drafting paper using large drawing boards. We used to design the cranes in half-scale, so 1 to 2. This meant we had boards which were about half the length of a crane. We went from that manual system to the CAD [computer aided design] system and the first crane we designed with the CAD system was the small MC6 machine, which Cranes and Lifting featured earlier in the year.”

The business secured a government grant to design the MC6 and, with part of the grant, the business was able to buy a CAD system as well as finite element stress analysis (FEA) software, which was very innovative for the time.

“We also adopted 3-Dimensional design with solid modelling right from the start. A number of businesses were using computer aided design but not in 3D, they were only in 2D,” said Black.

“The MC6 was our first crane to be designed from the ground-up with CAD and FEA. Later, we modelled all the other Franna models in this design system. Obviously, the accuracy of CAD design was infinitely better than on a half-scale drawing board. With the halfscale drawing board, the paper would shrink and expand with temperature and humidity, which could lead to significant variations on the physical crane.

“By the mid 90s, all the design was on CAD and we were viewed as one of the innovators in our industry for adopting and using this type of technology. By using solid modelling, the computer model has material properties so you can get the weight, the centre of gravity, and moments of inertia properties. On top of this, we were able import the model data to conduct the finite stress analysis, which enabled us to accurately calculate the stress and deflections in the

First Franna produced in 1978. Model 4WD 8. (Photo taken in 2014.)

January 2022 CAL / 35

IN FOCUS / FRANNA PICK AND CARRY

The Terex Franna team in the Perth branch celebrate their 1,500th MAC 25 for Lift N Rig.

components. Before implementing this technology, we were largely dependent on hand calculations.”

The CAD system provided the team with the ability to prepare engineering designs more accurately and to a very high quality. It also enabled them to prepare designs more rapidly and to be able to better visualise the designs before the machine was physically built.

A lot more of the design work was done before a single piece of steel was cut for the product.

“This enabled us to greater expand and develop the capabilities of the machine. The 4WD-12 model became a 14t with upgrades and the 4WD-16 became an 18t machine with upgrades.

Later, the 14t became a 15t machine and the 18t became a 20t, which then evolved into the 22t which we have today,” said Black.

“The ability to understand the capability and the limiting components of the machine with these engineering design tools enabled us to increase the crane’s capacity throughout the 36 / CAL January 2022

load chart. Obviously, we were making significant changes to some components that were required for these additional capacities, but we were largely basing the designs on the existing platform of design.”

The MAC 14 was probably the first new articulated pick and carry platform that was fully designed on CAD. This was designed in the mid 90s and was a site crane – a low-speed machine designed for the large amounts of project work that was happening at the time. It was a lower cost machine compared to the existing range of Frannas.

“It was actually our highest volume machine in 1997, on the back of the extensive project work at that time,” said Black.

“At this time, we had a joint venture with an Indian company, Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd, and they were able to build that machine under licence. It didn’t take off at the time, it was like comparing a BMW to a Mini Moke, but it was the start of what is now known as the ‘The Next Generation’

Franna crane coming out of India. We designed the machine, which was very similar to our MAC 14, for their local market.

“Step forward some 25 years, Terex is actually manufacturing a low-speed country-specific Franna in India based on our UC-15, with further improvements in safety and performance to compete with the local competition.”

In 1997, Franna launched the MAC 25, which again was a fully CAD designed machine and the largest capacity machine at the time. Franna started out building less than one machine a month and, today, it is its most popular machine. Franna produced the 1,500th MAC25 in October, delivered to Lift N Rig in Broome WA, so there are a couple of milestone events this year.

Black went on to discuss the reasons behind the success of the Franna brand and why it has been so successful.

“There are numerous reasons for the continued success of the Franna brand.

The concept of the crane provides a great platform, it was a purpose-designed pick www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and carry crane rather than a crane being engineered onto a tractor,” he explained.

“Our customers are the ones who made Franna a success by finding new and wonderful ways to use our cranes to perform operations more efficiently.

We have continued to improve the product based on the feedback and ideas of our customers, who are using the machines, living and breathing it every day.

“Staying close to our customers, listening to their ideas, feedback and challenges, then being able to adapt these into new solutions, is the major reason behind the development and success of Franna.

“We also recognise that it isn’t just the product that makes the machine successful, it is also being able to support the product in the field.

From the beginning, we worked hard to establish good sales and support network around Australia. This has obviously grown over the years, and this support network is still a major focus for us today.”

The product itself is a reason for its success. It is recognised as being ‘bullet proof ’ – it’s robust, it’s reliable, and you simply can’t kill them. The 1978 Franna crane built by Francis is still working today, operating in North Queensland, and, through the Franna network, it is still being serviced. Durability and residual value are other key reasons behind its success, said Black.

“There aren’t too many products in our industry where they can be in constant operation for 10 years plus and still retain such a high residual value,” he said.

For many crane hire companies, Frannas are a one of, if not the most utilised asset in their fleet. This comes down to the versatility of the crane, which stems from the design platform and makes it so versatile. The Australian market has really adapted the way it works on a construction site around the versatility of the Franna.

RAR Group purchased its first 15t Franna in the late 90s and has been running the pick and carry range ever www.cranesandlifting.com.au

since. It now operates a fleet of five cranes: two AT40s, two Mac 25s, and a Mac 20.

RAR Group director, Andrew Bodman, explained why the company has been utilising the brand for two decades.

“The Franna is such a versatile crane, and, with our business focused on general construction, the Frannas in our fleet are busy all day. They are an extremely well utilised assets in our business,” he said.

“The AT40s have really come into their own as support cranes for maintenance projects on wind farms.

As an owner, I think the AT40 has really changed the way we go about lifting on site.

“We are delighted to be taking delivery of the 5,000th Franna. We have had a great relationship with Franna over the years and they make a great machine. We are proud to be adding this special unit to our fleet and we congratulate Franna on achieving this major milestone with their business.”

Purposeful innovation has always been at the forefront of Franna’s development, it says. The AT40 was a major step up in terms of capacity and it has been well received by the market.

Black looks to future developments.

“We certainly see the digital ‘smarts’ in a crane as becoming a more integral element and we are utilising this to improve the operator experience, to improve the versatility of the crane and to enhance the safety of crane,” he said.

“When we designed the control system for the AT40, the crane’s computer was programmed by our Demag colleagues in Germany, as they had the inhouse knowledge to do that.

“I remember the first time the German software engineers came out to Australia and looked at our product, they thought it would be relatively simple. By the end of the project, the engineers said the development of the overall control system was as, if not more, advanced than some of their allterrain machines.

“The AT40 control system enables the

operator to switch from travel to crane mode with the rear axle automatically lifting and the hydraulic suspension also has additional smarts to ensure the crane remains level whilst travelling around corners.

“With the sale of Demag, Franna kept ownership of the IC1 control system, but we didn’t have software engineers in Franna Australia. We have since invested in a number of software engineers, which were trained and supported by Germany through the transition period.

We now completely manage the software development in house and the market can expect to see the results of this development in our machines in the near future.

“We have been working with telematics and these developments will provide owners with the ability to better understand how the machine is being utilised. Telematics will help them further manage the life of the machine and to better plan maintenance programs.

“The next step in this evolution will be around how we use this information to examine other technologies. Like most mobile industrial equipment, at the moment, Frannas are powered by diesel fuel but, as we are able to better understand the power requirements of the crane over a day in specific environments/applications, and as we see new advances with technologies which are more environmentally friendly and emission free … who knows where this might lead us in the future?

“5,000 is indeed a great milestone and, for me, the journey along the way is what has made it so special … the products and challenges, the people we work with, our great Team Franna members in all areas of the business, our supply chain partners, and, of course, our loyal customers.

“So, no matter when you joined our Franna journey, on behalf of Team Franna, I would like to say a sincere thank you.

“And remember: we are just getting started!”

January 2022 CAL / 37

IN FOCUS / CAPITAL CRANES

INVESTING IN CANBERRA, OUR CAPITAL Capital Cranes recently took delivery of a new Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1. It is a significant risk and investment by owner Digger Misner and he discusses his reasoning for the purchase and how he expects it to expand the services provided by his business.

DURING THE FIRST ROUND OF COVID lockdowns, in early 2020, Misner was forced to work from home due to social distancing requirements. He spent time reflecting on his business and examining what machines could help Capital Cranes keep a few steps ahead of the competition.

“It gave me time to reflect over 30 years of the business and back to the very first crane I owned, which was an International C Series 1800 backender pick and carry,” he explained.

“It featured a turbocharged Perkins motor and had a 6t lifting capacity. You knew when you were over capacity when the front tyres lifted off the ground.

“I also thought about the 20 or so cranes we’ve bought and sold over this time, including the Liebherr LTM 11305.1, which we purchased two years ago.

It has been an excellent performer for our business but the population of this class of crane has been steadily increasing and they are now a fairly common machine

sight in crane yards.

“As I thought about the business, I knew I had to do something different to keep my competitive edge and I knew we needed a crane that would service the future demands of my customers.

In my mind, the Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 was the answer.

“One of the many struggles for a crane business is the threat posed when your customer goes to another crane business, because you don’t have a large enough capacity crane to handle a particular lift.

The new crane 250t helps address this scenario.

“With 60m of main boom, the Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 is the strongest mobile allterrain crane on five axles, it’s as simple as that. The Liebherr engineering team has done an incredible job in getting the same capacity from a previous six-axle carrier to a five-axle crane, and because it is on five axles it has a smaller footprint.

“Its ability to get on site and work in tight tolerances is outstanding.

Liebherr mobile cranes are the most innovative mobile crane designed and manufactured and we will continue to invest in the brand because they are the best on the market,” said Misner.

With 12t axle weights, the crane is able to travel in the ACT with the boom in the cradle, but Capital Cranes also works in New South Wales, where there are lower weight limits per axle. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has placed travel restrictions on various bridges around borders, which means cranes have to travel with the boom in a dolly.

The crane has 88t of counterweight, which means there are four support trailers. So, logistically, it is a big step up for the organisation. But there is a growing market for these bigger cranes and Misner explained what he is seeing and what projects are in the pipeline.

“The federal and local governments are constantly telling us about the huge investment in infrastructure and that this sector is helping to drive the economic

Digger Misner with the new Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 and the Franna AT40.

38 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

recovery, post-COVID. The 250t is in readiness for this pipeline of work.

If the works start in the next six to 12 months, Capital Cranes is going to be well positioned.

“You don’t order and take delivery of these cranes overnight. You’ve got to plan at least a year to two years in advance. I am also hearing that delivery times from crane OEMs are starting to become an issue, with deliveries on some models blowing out to 2023/2024. That’s not going to help a project which needs a 250t capacity crane next week.

“With an investment like this, you are trying to anticipate what machines the market will require for their projects.

When you are looking to grow your business and move into larger cranes, with greater capacities, you might take a hit in the short-term, but the inquiries will come when the market learns you have larger capacity machines.

“There is a nervous period when the outgoings on new cranes are far greater than the income it is generating. Only when work is secured for the crane and it starts to generate revenue can you sit back and say it has been a good investment.

That’s my experience anyway, and I dare say it is the same for many crane owners.

“I expect the 250t to work in general lifting and I know it will complement

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Digger Misner’s first crane – an International C Series 1800 backender pick and carry.

the 130t nicely. It gives us so many more options in terms of capacity. We now have the largest capacity Liebherr crane located in the ACT. I remind our Canberra and ACT clients that Capital Cranes is an ACT business, we are registered in the ACT, our cranes are registered in the ACT, and we pay our taxes to the ACT government.

Let’s keep the business local.”

COVID delayed the delivery of the Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1, which only heightened Misner’s levels of anticipation and expectation.

“When you have worked so hard to build a business with the right team around you, it is hard not to get excited about a milestone event like taking delivery of this new 250t,” he said.

“The delays only heightened my already high levels of excitement and those of our team, and even our customers. At Capital, we are fortunate to have very loyal customers, so being able to supply the right crane to meet their project requirements is very important to us.

“I gave the purchase of the crane a lot of thought but most of my business decisions have been made on gut feelings. Unpredictable conditions such as COVID-19 and record rainfall, which affect revenue, are beyond my control, but interest rates were low when I purchased it, and this was a key factor.

“250t capacity cranes used to be large machines, but today, they are smaller, stronger and more versatile, and I can charge it out at lower capacities. In NSW,

I can travel the same roads as two-axle or three-axled cranes, with the dolly, so this will make a difference to the work we can do. We purchased a dolly with the crane and with this we can get it almost everywhere.”

Misner talked about the features and benefits of the Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 and why he loves the Liebherr brand.

“This crane has the VarioBase option, which is unique to Liebherr machines. It has a single engine, which makes it more economical on fuel, and this reduces the associated maintenance costs because you only need to service one engine.

The EcoMode ensures the machine is more environmentally friendly by reducing emissions.

“When the crane isn’t in use, it has an automatic disconnection from the drive, which means the engine isn’t under load all the time. I also bought the variable boom systems, which provide numerous options to boom and jib combinations.

The crane can reach just under 100m and can lift up to 108m hook height.

I also chose the second winch option and concrete panel fly, for precast concrete projects.”

Liebherr designers had a clear concept to follow in the development of this crane – to get the maximum lifting capacity from a five-axle mobile crane.

Liebherr says that the LTM 1250-5.1 is now the most powerful crane on five axles in the world.

VarioBallast enables it to deliver maximum lifting capacities with a variable January 2022 CAL / 39

IN FOCUS / CAPITAL CRANES Capital Cranes’ new Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1.

ballast radius, making it perfect for use on constricted sites with a small ballast radius. And it achieves this by quickly adjusting the ballast in seconds.

The crane can be fitted with a multifunctional folding jib, a long lowering fixed jib or a rigid powerful jib. VarioBase, ECOmode and ECOdrive technologies make the LTM 1250-5.1 particularly safe and efficient, it adds. It also has increased safety and flexibility by having lifting load charts with different operating maximum wind speeds.

“Capital Cranes is focused on environmental responsibility and sustainability is a priority for us,” said Misner.

“The new 250t ticks a number of these boxes. Liebherr is also at the forefront of eco fuels developments, and we will adopt these new technologies as they arrive.”

The 250t is ideal for the expected infrastructure boom, including the major bridge replacement program planned for regions of NSW surrounding the ACT. The crane is ideal for large infrastructure projects, including bridge building. It is also an ideal support crane for the energy sector, especially renewables, including wind farming, and it is tailor-made for the construction of electrical distribution infrastructure projects which are in the 40 / CAL January 2022

pipeline, said Misner. He went on to explain the reasons behind a second new crane purchase: a Franna AT40.

“The new Terex AT40 Franna was not necessarily on my list of cranes to buy,” he said.

“Being a new capacity crane, I wanted to be sure it was going to be reliable and that Franna had ironed out any little gremlins in the machine. I wanted to see a proven track record before I invested in the crane, and I couldn’t really see a market that my 25t Franna couldn’t service. Why did I purchase the AT40? For the same reasons as the 250t. I wanted to keep my competitive edge and create markets for its extra capacity.

“Now, slowly, our customers can see the benefits and we are finding increasing uses for it. Our operators have found it to be a great lifter and smooth to operate.

There are a number of great features in the AT40, which I hope find their way into the smaller-capacity Frannas.

“We had some technical issues with the crane, and this wasn’t helped with Franna technicians not able to travel across the border due to the lockdowns. But, as soon as they were able to get here, they fixed everything and took notes, which shows they are looking to improve the product all the time.”

The LTM 1250-5.1 and Terex AT40 will help Capital Cranes to maintain its competitive advantage in the long run, said Misner. He is also looking at his business with renewed vigour and a sense of purpose, brought on by the lifting of the COVID restrictions and the arrival of the new cranes.

“Since borders have opened and restrictions have been eased, there is a real sense of positivity,” he said.

“I am now able to discuss projects with engineers who are keen to see bigger and heavier lifts, and fewer of them. This is the way the construction sector is going. In 2021, this crane might be seen as a large crane, but in the future, it will probably be a common sight in yards, like the 130t is today.

“A big part of this purchase is my investment in the business, and I don’t just mean monetary. I enjoy the business of cranes. I have a great team and they take pride in the business and our cranes.

I enjoy the social interaction of meeting with customers and discussing projects; I missed this during the lockdowns.

“The new cranes have renewed my vigour for the business, I feel I have plenty to offer the industry and I am ready for the next stage in the evolution of Capital Cranes.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / TRT AND GROVE There were a number of reasons for choosing the Grove GMK3060L-1 including the long boom, the compact nature of the crane and its ease of operation.

FIRST MODEL OF NEW GROVE LONG BOOM TO NEW ZEALAND NEWCOMER Adam’s Crane recently took delivery of the first Grove GMK3060L-1, 60t-capacity long boom in New Zealand. Innovative features relating to the all terrain include full remote control and a twoaxle trailer designed, engineered, and built by Tidd Ross Todd Limited (TRT).

ADAM’S CRANE IS A NEW ENTRANT INTO the New Zealand crane sector. Adam Gausel and his wife, Nicola, have made a bold statement to the market taking delivery of the first Grove GMK3060L-1 from TRT New Zealand.

The decision to launch their business and invest in the new equipment was based on existing business relationships within the city of Nelson and their 20 years of experience in the crane industry, explained Gausel.

“I’ve been around cranes for most of my career, having started by operating Palfinger truck loaders,” he explained.

“I operated these for 11 years and the work was mostly taxi hire and transportation. I moved onto a 70t truck crane and crawlers, placing pre-cast www.cranesandlifting.com.au

panels and bridge building, commercial construction lifting, along with taxi hire.

I was working with and managing allterrains and a crawler.

“My most recent role saw me working for a construction and development company. I was hired to procure a fouraxle mobile crane, which was mainly utilised for their own requirements. I was successful in operating that crane, grew the business and ended up with the market share in Nelson.

“After eight years, the company moved out of construction-based activities and sold off the business as part of a larger package. I had previously worked for the new owners and there wasn’t going to be an opportunity to grow within the company. That’s when

Nicola and I decided to have a go at starting our own business. We started trading on the 18 October 2021.”

Gausel has a network of clients around the top of the South Island region and expects the bulk of the work will fall here. He is expecting demand for general taxi crane hire and short- to medium-term site-based hire, with an operator. Work will be in the construction sector and primary industries, supported by lifts in residential construction.

“Being small, I’m aiming to provide a high level of service, while keeping focused on positive outcomes for my clients, and the Grove GMK3060L-1 is the ideal crane for this type of work,” he said.

January 2022 CAL / 43

IN FOCUS / TRT AND GROVE

Remote control is the way forward for certain applications on smaller mobile cranes.

“There are a number of reasons for choosing the Grove GMK3060L-1. The long boom impressed me, the compact nature of the crane and its ease of operation. All-terrains are complicated bits of kit, but the GMKs are reliable and I like the fact TRT have experienced, upto-date technicians who can fix the issues you might get as machines start to age.

The telematics will be a good feature for the product support going forward and I love how quiet the little QSL-9 Cummins is when working around the crane. TRT also built a two-axle counterweight trailer for it to tow the counterweights.

“The main feature for me, however, is the radio control feature. I started the business because I’m fascinated by cranes, and I love the challenges working through a project, big or small. I enjoy meeting people and getting involved with their projects. The remote control allows me to work alongside my clients, which is where I’m at my best. Remote control is the way forward for certain applications on smaller mobile cranes.”

Dean McIlroy, cranes sales for TRT NZ, worked closely with Gausel on the purchase of the crane.

“Adam’s Crane is a new customer and Adam has come from a construction

company which TRT has worked with over the years. Adam recently decided to go out on his own and we are backing him every step of the way. He has an excellent reputation in the market, and he has a large network of contacts from his time in the construction sector,” said McIlroy.

“We have provided him with a solid solution to help start the business. As we discussed throughout the purchasing process, he needs to keep overheads low, manage outgoings, and keep the business as lean as possible. We’ve supplied him with a crane that has a remote control as well as a support trailer.

“As Adam is finding his way with the new business, he can work as the owneroperator. There is no need for him to employ anyone else at the moment, he can conduct the lifts on his own.

“The remote control allows Adam to manage all functions of the crane. The major advantage as an owner-operator is you can operate the crane and you are not in the super structure at the back of the crane, where your view is limited. You can move around the crane and see every aspect of the lift.

“Obviously, safety is a concern when you are on site and because the GMK

The crane trailer designed, engineered and built by TRT is designed to transport everything for the crane including outrigger pads, blocks ancillary equipment and the extra counterweight.

44 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

3060L-1 is a compact crane with a small footprint and a massive boom [visibility is key]. When operating in tight spaces on construction sites, the advantages of the remote enables the operator and those working in close proximity to operate in a safe position. The remotecontrol unit is extremely compact and easy to use, which is an excellent feature.”

The support trailer was designed, engineered, and built by TRT. “The trailer is designed to transport everything Adam needs for the crane, including outrigger pads, blocks ancillary equipment and the extra counterweight.

Adam has his permit for the crane and the two-axle trailer,” explained McIlroy.

“You can’t road the crane with all the counterweights because of the weight on the axles, meaning you would normally take support vehicles with the crane to manage the counterweight. But Adam has bought the two-axle support trailer

“The telematics will be a good feature for the product support going forward and I love how quiet the little QSL-9 Cummins is when working around the crane. TRT also built a two-axle counterweight.”

and can take all the required gear and counterweights for the heavier lifts.

“I see the Grove GMK 3060L-1 being really popular with the NZ market.

Shortly after collecting the crane, Adam was using the crane for a lift in the South Island. It was over a weekend and a couple of customers saw him and they were in touch with us on the Monday.

“There have been enquiries already and there is a fair amount of interest in the model, which is good. It operates on a small footprint, it has a nice long boom, it’s a good strong lifter, so it ticks a lot of boxes.”

Gausel spoke about his experience with the team at TRT. “I’ve been dealing with TRT for about 10 years now. The TRT crane team are awesome, and I really appreciate the service they supply. Although I’m only a small fish I never feel like I receive anything less than great service from the team,” he said.

“TRT have done a great job of supporting me and helping me get going.

I had specific requirements for how I wanted to operate my crane and TRT’s trailer manufacturing helped complete the package.”

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IN FOCUS / EMPIRE CRANES

RISE OF AN EMPIRE In a crane yard, not so far away and not too long ago, two mates agreed on a philosophy to create a dry hire equipment company with a difference.

They identified a niche for a business providing cranes to end users on large projects and supporting the largest crane companies on their Tier 1 mega projects. Thus, Empire Cranes was born.

Empire Cranes has cranes working on tunnel projects in Melbourne and Sydney and remote transmission lines projects.

46 / CAL January 2022

EMPIRE CRANES WAS FOUNDED BY Jarrod Belsey and Jared McDonald in 2019. They met a couple of years prior, working at a construction hire business, McDonald as the national crane operations manager and Belsey in capital sales.

“Starting our own business was something both of us always wanted to do, we started hanging out at lunch together and discussing it more and more each day. We just decided one day, why not? Let’s give this a crack!” said Belsey.

“I have spent most of my working life in the construction hire industry, nearly 20 years! Starting out at a local Coates Hire Branch in Campbellfield.

From there I have worked all over Australia in national sales roles, building relationships with people all over the country.’’

McDonald’s passion for cranes and running his own crane business began at an early age through a family-run cranes and rigging business.

“When I left school, I started working in mid to large infrastructure projects as a rigger, before moving into supervision and construction management for the bulk of my career,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Empire Cranes has seven Frannas in the fleet, with capacities ranging from 20t to 28t.

The concept of creating a crane hire business was first conceived over a long lunch attended by both the Belsey and McDonald families.

“We wanted to make sure that both families were totally on board with our new partnership. Getting their approval was critical to our success in such a demanding industry sector,’’ he said.

The name, however, was a different story. The McDonalds family were at Marvel Stadium, watching a game.

“We were sitting there, looking at the huge Marvel Stadium signage around the ground, and thought that Marvel Cranes may be a novel idea for the name of the business.”

His two young boys, both Star Wars fans, thought better of it, saying: “Don’t do Marvel Cranes dad, Empire Cranes is better!” and the name just stuck.

Belsey and McDonald discussed the philosophy behind Empire Cranes and their aims, objectives, and vision for the business.

“The main philosophy behind www.cranesandlifting.com.au

the business was to create a dry hire equipment company positioned somewhat uniquely in a space where we can hire to both ‘end users’of cranes on major projects anywhere in Australia, and hire support cranes to the largest crane companies working on some of Australia’s mega projects,” said Belsey.

“Our core focus has always been honesty. We talk openly about what we do and our capabilities with our clients and prospective clients alike.

“We love to work closely with them all to find the best tailored lifting solution for their project. It is important to us that all of our customers are satisfied with our service offering, so that they hire from us again!

“Our honest approach builds trust and it is essential to our continued gowth and hopefully continued success in the future. We understand we are nothing without the support of our clients.

“Construction and infrastructure is booming, currently, as a result of the lockdowns and border closures over

the past 12-months. Everyone is busy, which is great, we see some serious major projects in every state that are absorbing a lot of the labour force and the cranes in the market.

“We just want the other crane companies to know that we are here to offer them a dry-hire crane or two to help them at a pinch when their cranes are being utilised. ‘’We don’t view ourselves as a competitor to the other crane businesses out there, we see ourselves as more of a supplier, to assist them when they need additional equipment. We are not tendering on the larger projects like they do, we are here to support them.

“Crane people love to talk about their cranes and the projects they are working on, and we are passionate about that too. Jared, especially – he has been around cranes his whole life, and when he is not talking about cranes, he is researching new cranes and reading spec books.

“That level of knowledge is great when January 2022 CAL / 47

IN FOCUS / EMPIRE CRANES

helping our customers with their lifting methodology.”

With regard to the Empire Cranes fleet and the reasons behind the range of cranes they currently offer, Belsey and MacDonald explained: “We started this business with no cranes at all! We really leaned on our strong relationships and, when an opportunity came up for a Franna hire, we scrambled to purchase our first unit.

“Two-and-a-half years on, we now have 13 cranes, operating all over Australia. We have cranes on tunnel projects in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane; cranes in the mines in Hunter Valley and on wind farms; we have been working on remote transmission lines projects; we even have cranes in the Pilbara. We have adopted a strong growth strategy and want to continue to grow into the future to better support our increasing customer base.

“As it stands today, we have: seven Frannas with capacities ranging from 20t to 28t; a 90t all-terrain; 70t allterrain, 55t and 70t rough terrains; a new 16t Sennebogen telescopic crawler; a new 4.9t Maeda; and a handful of smaller Maeda spider cranes. We run all the major brands including Liebherr, Grove, Sennebogen and Maeda.

“Our Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 is our latest purchase; it arrived in midNovember. We took delivery of this from Liebherr in Sydney. Although it’s a second-hand crane [2016], it is in immaculate condition out of Europe – low hours, low kilometres – and we are very proud to have it in the fleet.

More importantly, it went straight to work in Sydney, and it then has five months of work on the Parramatta Light Rail project.”

Looking forward to the plans they have for the business and what the market can expect to see from Empire Cranes in 2022 and beyond, they said: “We have a strong pipeline of projects coming up in the first and second quarters in particular, mostly jobs that we secured in the early stages of 2021, but COVID pushed them all back a year.

So, 2022 is looking very positive for us.

48 / CAL January 2022

Maeda mini telescopic crawlers are a very flexible and highly valued asset in the Empire Crane fleet.

“What crane we purchase next is up to the demands of our clients, but we feel our next growth area is into small to mid telecrawler cranes and larger rough terrains.

“We feel we have enough Frannas at this stage, and want to expand our range and capabilities, but we will definitely focus on increasing our capabilities with the number and capacities of rough terrains and tele- crawlers in the fleet.”

Empire Cranes has some major projects in the pipeline, which will mean plenty of work for the fleet’s telecrawlers.

This includes road and tunnelling projects up and down the east coast, said Belsey.

“We are also looking at expanding the all-terrains for the constructionrelated projects we have in the pipeline.

These will also work on a number of transmission line projects scheduled around the various states for the next seven years,” he explained.

“Our rough terrain growth strategy is definitely a reflection of the inroads we are making in the resources sector and the relationships we have developed, particularly in mining and oil and gas.”

They also discussed the importance of maintaining the fleet and how they manage this across a diverse range of products and geographic area.

“A key element of our maintenance and support strategy are the crane OEMs. We have also developed an excellent network of independent service and maintenance providers, who are local to where our fleet is working, especially on the east coast.

“We have a great network nationally of trusted maintenance crews we can rely on.

“A major advantage of our network is how local the yards are to where our cranes are operating. When a crane has completed a project or contract, it means we can have it the cleaned and serviced locally and ready for the next contract or project.

“Our relationship with this network has been especially relevant and important over the last couple of years where the pandemic has prevented us from travelling and seeing the machines ourselves.

“Our partnership with the local service and maintenance network has been essential for the running of our fleet and our business.

“Our suppliers and maintenance crews are scattered all over the country, this helps keep our costs for transport and service support low; a saving we pass on to our clients.

“We are very excited about what the future holds for Empire Cranes.

We just want everyone to know we are here to help, and don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call, we love talking cranes.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

P.A. Construction Equipment Pty Ltd (Pace Cranes) was established in 1987 to provide the construction industry with an independent Australian owned and operated crane sales, crane service and crane spare parts organisation.

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Sometimes for the best result, you’ve got to think about things differently.

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It’s time to Think different, lift different.

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IN FOCUS / SANY

TEST DRIVING THE NEW SANY 90T ROUGH TERRAIN CRANE The Sany SRC900T rough terrain crane is new to the Australian market. With a number of notable features, including 47m of main boom, the SRC900T compares favourably to competitive brands in its class, says Phil Chadwick and Peter Lawgall from Tutt Bryant Equipment (TBE).

TBE RECENTLY TOOK DELIVERY OF THE new rough terrain crane at its Brisbane depot. As Chadwick and Lawgall have done so many times during their long careers with cranes, they test drove the SRC900T together with TBE’s new national technical support manager for Cranes, Ben Marczak, putting it through

its paces. This way, they are prepared for any questions customers might ask.

“The overall performance of the SRC900T is right up there with any other hydraulic crane. It operates just like other more established brands on the market and better in some instances,” said Lawgall.

“The crane has been designed with the operator in mind, and features a tilting cabin and an automatic sidestep, which you can hydraulically extend.

The operator has a very cool ten inch tablet screen for the computer systems and the functionality of the crane is very simple and smooth as a result of the joyWith 47m of main boom and other notable features, the SRC900T compares favourably to competitive brands in its class.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 51

IN FOCUS / SANY

stick control system,” added Chadwick.

A standout feature for the SRC900T is the 12.2–47m U-shape full power boom, which includes double cylinder and rope telescoping capabilities. The U-shaped boom is 10 per cent stronger than booms on competitive products, claims Sany. The overall boom weight has been decreased compared to previous models, but stability has been increased. The boom and telescoping system includes a bending resistant structure made from The Sany SRC900T is ideally suited for construction or mines sites, gas plants or power stations, anywhere you might need a tough, rough terrain with significant pick and carry capabilities.

52 / CAL January 2022

welded high tensile steel plate.

The boom features a jib 10.5–18m with a bi-fold swing-away mounting system designed to increase the efficiency of the jib-out process, which now only needs one person. It takes 15 minutes to unfold and retract the jib with an experienced operator. This can take up to 50 percent less time than it takes on competitive products, says Sany. The optimised structure of the new design assists the jib mounting and operation.

The new generation operator’s cab features newly designed full-vision windscreen, which ensures safety and comfortable operation. The cab is wider with a more comfortable interior and a new generation of smart control system.

The tiltable cabin can vary in degrees from 0°to 20°during operation for more comfortable and safer control of the lift. It enables the operator to clearly see where the load is in relation to the crane and also the working environment around them.

The Smart Control and advanced display from the 26.5cm touchscreen, inserted with optical sensor, can automatically adjust the brightness of screen. The Smart Control features controls, displays, and sensors that meet industrial safety standards from Europe and the USA. These ensure safe, stable and effective operations.

The full set of sensors ensures prompt information feedback and real-time monitoring of the crane’s working condition. The Human-Machine interface is well designed to provide abundant and clear information.

The operator can set the crane according to their operating routine and the working conditions.

The Sany SRC900T is powered by a Cummins inline six-cylinder diesel engine with watercooler and intercooler.

The engine is compliant to emissions standard EU Stage III A. It also features a 350L capacity fuel tank.

The SRC900T features six forward gears, six reversing gears and a large speed ratio range that is adaptable to slope climbing or relatively high-speed traveling. The transmission shaft has an optimised layout, designed to provide a higher torque output via 8.5C flange connecting transmission shaft.

Both the front and rear Kessler axles are drive axles and can steer. A two-stage reducer gear and more compact axles contribute to a more comfortable drive for the operator. The hydro-pneumatic suspension features hydraulic locks.

Again, this contributes to a more comfortable operating environment and greater lateral vehicle stability, regardless www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of the terrain, says Sany.

Steering includes four steering modes: front-wheel steer, rear-wheel steer, 4x4, and crab steer. All axles are steered hydraulically. All wheels are hydraulic braking with a double circuit split system.

The service brake has a double circuit braking system, with hydraulic disc braking functions on all wheels, providing better braking ability.

Chadwick explained a few more features and confirmed how impressed he is with the crane.

“The slew lock pin for the upper structure is hydraulically operated, so there is no pin to drop in and out like as is the case with other models and brands. I have to say, the SRC900T is a sophisticated beast of a crane,” he said.

“The 47m of main boom is the

same as other 90t and 100t capacity rough terrains from other brands, so Sany are on the money with this length. I’ve prepared a spreadsheet comparison graph, which highlights the comparisons against the other machines, and the Sany came out ahead in many areas of the charts.

“The electrical system is powered by a 24V DC power supply and the power to the chassis can be cut off manually. Its own strong logic realises self-diagnosis, integrated displays and self-protection.

“The hydraulics rely on a highquality oil pump, motor, and valves, which ensure a constant hydraulic flow, providing a stable and reliable hydraulic system. The luffing, telescoping and hoist winch systems adopt open systems.”

The Sany SRC900T is suited for construction or mines sites, gas plants or power stations, anywhere you might need a tough, rough terrain crane with significant pick and carry capabilities.

“I haven’t really found a negative yet. It has the right boom length, and the crane weighs the right amount.

It has easy on/off counterweight,” said Lawgall “It has hydraulic assist on the fly jib to get it on and off, which makes this function really straight forward.

It features anemometers and various cameras for reversing, winching, and a hook camera. It really is very high-tech crane. I think the SRC900T is ideal for the resource sector and for any of the mines, quarries, and power stations around the country. It will be a perfect addition to many crane fleets.”

IN FOCUS / TWO WAY CRANES

NEW CRANES, WISE HEADS & YOUNG BLOOD KEY TO TWO WAY’S EXPANSION Two Way Cranes continues to expand with a new cranes arriving and a new yard, but remains focused on the experience in the business and investing in youth.

OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS, TWO WAY Cranes has continued to integrate the Gillespie Cranes business, opened a new depot in Wollongong, and recently announced the purchase of a number of new cranes. Owner Frank Zammit spoke about his plans for the business, how the team is developing, and how experience and youth are focuses for him.

“A major development has been the opening of the branch in Wollongong.

It was a struggle initially, but we have persevered, the phones are ringing, and the business is really gaining traction,” said Zammit.

“There were a number of reasons for the slow start. It is a very tight business community in Wollongong, and I think customers were wary of our long-term intentions and plans for the business.

Too many crane businesses have opened and then closed. I think the message is finally sinking in that Two Way Cranes is there for the long haul, we are not going anywhere.

“We’ve got a young team and I’ve been working closely with Sash Vujic, and he is learning about the business all the time and how to deal with customers. He is a fine young man and good for the business.

There are six cranes permanently based there and we are planning to send another three. We have eight full-time employees, all local people, and they are really building momentum within the business.

We’ve only been there a year.

“It’s interesting, everything changed with one pool installation. We did the right thing by the builder, gave him a good price and completed the lift, and this has led to a rich vein of work. The customer is giving us plenty of work and 54 / CAL January 2022

recommending us to other builders. It feels like we’ve put in the hard yards and its beginning to pay dividends.”

Zammit went on to discuss the new cranes he has on order, how they will impact the already substantial fleet, and the reasons behind the purchases.

“I’ve got six new cranes on order, and they will start arriving in the New Year,” he explained.

“I’ve got a new Liebherr LTM 1120-4.1, two LTM-1150-5.3s, two Franna AT40s, and one Grove GMK 5150 XL. The new cranes are a result of general growth and demand for larger capacity cranes. I’ve heard the new Grove 150s are a good machine with a lifting capacity closer to the old 200s.

“The Grove GMK 5150XL has a 68.7m boom, the four-axle Liebherr 120t has 66m of main boom, and the Liebherr 150t has 66m. This extra reach will come in very handy around the industry. We’ll have the fleet split between the Glendenning and Wollongong yards.”

The Sydney operation is going well, with plenty of infrastructure work.

“The first stage of the Western Sydney International Airport is almost complete, and they’ve moved 20 million tonnes of dirt during this phase. We are tendering for the next round of the works with Multiplex and CPB Oceania. This includes the terminal build and I’m hopeful we’ll secure this work.

“We’ve also been busy with defencerelated projects and there has been a tremendous amount of work in the telecommunications sector. We’ve been involved in putting in the required infrastructure and this has been really good for us. We’ve tendered and quoted on

plenty of projects and our pipeline of work is looking extremely positive.

“We’ve also been busy in the tower crane sector, where we do a lot of work for Liebherr, and also Resolution Rigging Services. The number of tower cranes going up at the moment is pretty crazy.

This means my larger-capacity cranes are out, which is good for the business. We’ve also been working on the construction of data centres, which is a major growth area.

As with so many in the industry, Zammit laments the great loss around the passing of John Gillespie, but confirms his name and memory will continue within the Two Way Cranes business.

“I spoke to John three weeks before he passed, and I told him how proud I was to have purchased the Gillespie business from him,” he said.

“I have nothing but respect for the Gillespie name, which has been associated with the crane sector for close to 70 years.

I told him I didn’t want the Gillespie name to disappear from the industry and confirmed I will always have a crane in my fleet featuring the Gillespie name and signwriting.

“John was very grateful and, after he passed, Peter Gillespie called and expressed how overwhelmed the family was at the gesture. I just think it is fitting that the man who contributed so much to our industry should be fittingly recognised.

We have dedicated a Franna AT22, which was a Gillespie crane originally. It’s painted in the Gillespie colours and, if this crane ever has to be moved on, we’ll do the same with another crane.”

Dave Gillespie has worked in the Two Way Cranes business since the acquisition of Gillespie, two-and-a-half-years ago. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

He has been responsible for maintaining clients and transitioning them from the Gillespie business.

Cranes are in Gillespie’s DNA. He has been around them for most of his life and working them since he was 16.

“As a seven-year-old, all I wanted to do was go to work with my father, Bill Gillespie, the founder of Gillespie Cranes,” he explained.

“I went with him every weekend and every school holiday. After leaving school, I started dogging on cranes learning the trade on 16t cranes for a few years and I eventually learnt to operate the cranes.”

The Gillespies went into partnership with Gordon Marr, buying International Rigging NSW. Dave worked for Gillmarr, the name for the amalgamated business, for 10 years between the ages of 20 and 30.

“This is where I really learnt everything

I know about big cranes. I worked on the largest crane in Sydney at the time, which was Marr’s 200t link belt. I was rigging and also erecting and dismantling tower cranes,” he said.

“By the age of 30, I was driving a 50t crane as a support crane for assembling and dismantling tower cranes. I was working on the 50t supporting the 200t link belt and I was fascinated by the crane.

“I knew how it worked and I’d always wanted to operate it and, one day, the operator needed a toilet break. I jumped in and didn’t get out of it for the next two to three years. Operating the largest crane in the Sydney was a big step up for me.

“At Gillespies, my brother John was the front man, and I was the guy who worked until midnight fixing cranes, ensuring they were ready for the morning; driving a crane when we were short of an operator,

or making sure the lifting gear was ready for the day ahead. I looked after all the lifting gear and not once did we get a call to say a crane was short of a sling or a shackle. I made sure every crane was ready, and that we weren’t late for a job, ever.

“Film and TV production is a hard industry to get into but, because I have developed relationships over many years and supplied the right access and lifting solutions, I have brought these relationships to Two Way Cranes.”

Gillespie has been impressed with Two Way Cranes and how Zammit is prepared to invest in the latest technology and equipment.

“Frank has got the gear. At Gillespie, I knew we needed equipment and we discussed this, but never seemed to have the right mix, and by not moving fast enough and buying the right equipment John Menendez, Frank Zammitt, and Dave Gillespie.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 55

IN FOCUS / TWO WAY CRANES

Two Way Cranes is not frightened to invest in the latest equipment and technology.

we would miss out on some good jobs and solid work. When I moved to Frank and Two Ways, I could see he has everything, better than I could have ever expected.

Frank is not frightened to invest in the latest equipment and technology, and this is true right across the business.”

John Menendez also moved across from the Gillespie cranes business.

He specialises in another niche area – telecommunications projects and barge work – and his contribution is critical to understanding this space.

“We have brought expertise to Frank and Two Way Cranes, and to have so many cranes at our disposal to solve problem 56 / CAL January 2022

lifts is a real bonus. We now have access to a growing fleet of modern cranes,” he said.

“With the acquisition and transition to Two Way Cranes, we have been able to bring some clients who we have worked with for years. The feedback I am getting is they are happy with the way we are working with them and how we are working on their job sites.

“I spend a lot of time working in the communications industry. It’s an industry that we’ve been in for some time and a lot of other crane hire businesses have tried to break into the sector. Because we’ve been in the sector for so long, we don’t shop for work, we are asked by clients to tender

for the work, which is a great position to be in.

“We’ve got the new Liebherr coming with a lifting capacity 120t and 66m of main boom. We could be using this every day in the sector. It’s the same with the new Liebherr 150s. With the range and variety of cranes we now have access to, I would say the customers who came across from the Gillespie business are even happier with the service we are providing.”

During the transition between Gillepsie and Two Way Cranes, Menendez did not have the opportunity to speak to Zammit about moving to the business.

“Obviously we had to continue with the various projects Gillespie had secured and we were not going to let our customers down. These 190t beams were going up on the bridge project, competitors were using a 650t capacity crawler and 750t all terrain, and we went in there with our 350t crawler, walked them in, stored them and then placed them once they’d completed the head stocks, which was a big boost for their project,” he said.

“Because of the acquisition and the probability of us getting a new home, I rang Frank and told him I had this project, and we could secure all the lifting if he wanted; he told me to grab it.

“During the next meeting with the customer, I asked if they were happy with my plans, I’d like to have the rest of the project with Two Way Cranes; they didn’t hesitate. That project meant 18 months of solid work.”

Zammit confirmed how important experience has been during the transition from Gillespie to Two Way and how he is bringing on youngsters within the organisation.

“Gillespie clients are very different to our standard clients and, in general, they are not in construction,” he explained.

“They include movie set builders, engineering businesses, and barge work.

It’s interesting and varied work and not your standard construction work. COVID impacted this aspect of the business and movie production stopped, although we did work on The Fall at Potts Hill, where they had five big cranes there for eight weeks. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“Now things are opening up, it looks like we will be working on the latest Mad Max movie, which starts early in the new year.

“We are ‘bringing on’ the good operators in the business and recruiting youngsters. I am talking to younger people working in the smaller companies who want to get into a larger business like ours.

I want Two Way Cranes to be a business that recruits youngsters and trains them in all the right ways. It’s then up to them to decide if they want to make a career with our business, which presents plenty of career paths.

“We are focused on bringing through apprentices, but the apprenticeship program has been hit hard during COVID. TAFE [Technical and Further Education] stopped dead and it still isn’t back. My son, Andrei, is now 19 and I can

see a huge difference in his headspace from when he started two years ago.

“Another good kid is Damien Day, who started here at 16; he is seriously switched on. They both have their dogman and riggers tickets through independent RTOs [registered training organisations] and they’ll gain their crane tickets when TAFE comes back online.

“I’m really proud of the way our young guys are coming on and they are going to be critical to the future wellbeing of our business and the crane industry in general. They are in a position to learn so much from experienced heads and this is part of my succession plan for the business.

“I want to attract youngsters into the business and spend the time and money training them. They learn the ‘Two Way’ of working and they don’t develop bad

habits or cut corners. They are here to work in an ambitious business that will look after them and provide a career for them for as long as they want. As we know, once you are trained and have experience, this industry can take you anywhere in the world.”

Acquisitions are never easy in terms of bringing together different work cultures and approaches to the business, but Zammit, Menendez, and the management team at Two Way Cranes have worked hard to provide a cohesive environment where the crews get along with each other.

“We’ve seen some changes that is for sure,” said Zammit.

“We’ve seen different approaches from the businesses we have bought, but twoand-a-half years later, we have everyone thinking the same way. The only way is with Two Way.”

A Gillespie-branded crane will always remain in the Two Way Crane fleet.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 57

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT AND KATO

ALL SMILES WITH NEW KATO CITY CRANE Williams Cranes & Rigging recently took delivery of the new model CR-250Rv Kato city crane. The business has included previous generations of the range, and all have performed perfectly and never had a failed component says owner Smiley Williams.

WILLIAMS CRANES & RIGGING STARTED in 1992. Founder and owner Paul ‘Smiley’ Williams worked in the lift industry, but of a different kind – he was a lift fitter and welder. Today, Williams Cranes operates from its depot in Pinkenba, Queensland and predominantly supplies wet hire crane services to the south-east Queensland area. The company also dry hires cranes and lifting equipment all over Australia and Papua New Guinea.

“After completing my trade, I started as a lift fitter & welder for Johns & Waygoods – I enjoyed climbing, working at heights, and helping the crane crews that would come out to my jobs. One of the guys suggested I get a job rigging. I got a job as a rigger and, after putting in the work, I went on to get my crane ticket,” said Williams.

“I was working as a top hand rigger in Western Australia and, when the contract ended, I came back to Brisbane and decided to buy a crane and started working in steel erection.

“I started Williams Cranes & Rigging with a Coles Hydra Husky, which had a capacity of 16.5t. The business has grown since then and we now run a fleet of 27 cranes. We also run the trucks and trailers needed to support the crane fleet and which transport the counterweights and associated lifting equipment.

“Our largest crane is a 100t capacity all-terrain and we go right down to the 2t crawler cranes. We run a number of brands, including Liebherr, Demag, Kato, Tadano, Maeda, and Frannas.”

58 / CAL January 2022

He discussed the evolution of the business in terms of the Kato city cranes.

“We’ve been operating the Kato city crane range, in one form or another, and have gone through two generations of Katos over the last 20 years. We have recently upgraded our 13t and 20t Kato city cranes. We have now added the new 25t capacity machine to our fleet where we also have a 20t Kato rough terrain crane,” he said.

“What do we like about the Katos?

They are incredibly reliable and operatorfriendly. They are also well-engineered, with great hydraulics. What have they done for our business? They have worked in numerous applications including construction, steel erection, and the petrochemical chemical sector. With the small footprint, they are ideal for getting into tight locations, but they still offer plenty of lifting capacity.

“In my opinion, Katos are built with traditional Japanese engineering values.

They feature the latest technology, but they are constructed with a strong focus on the engineering, which makes for a fundamentally ‘sound’ crane. For me, and I’m going back 40 years, everything to do with Japanese cranes is focused on reliability and longevity. Katos work hard and over a long period of time.

“They are great all-rounders for us.

They are ideal for residential construction where site access can be limited. They have worked in the petrochemical sector in plants where there isn’t easy access for the lift. We’ve also put in swimming pools

with the Katos; they are a great little taxi crane. We’ve had them pretty much doing anything and everything – they are a very well-utilised asset for us. Also, the fly & needle on a Kato are amazing – you are able to rig the fly in minimal area. The fly has a telescoping needle, which is extremely smooth to operate.

“With the new CR-250Rv, we worked closely with Peter Lawgall and his team at Tutt Bryant Equipment. Their service was excellent and they are great to deal with.

Whenever you need something, they are there. They answer their calls and they do what they say they are going to do. They know how to look after you.

“We have had a long relationship with Ian Eyres and, when Peter came into the sales team, the excellent relationship continued. He does a wonderful job of running the sales team and supplying www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Smiley Williams with the new CR-250Rv Kato city crane.

excellent machines. We have worked with Tutt Bryant and earlier Kato distributors for decades. We have always had good relationships with all the departments at Tutt Bryant, including sales, product support and parts. Each team has great communication skills and always keep us in the loop whenever any of our cranes have an issue.”

The CR-250Rv is the flagship of the Kato city crane range, complementing the CR-200Ri and the CR-130Ri. Featuring several significant changes to meet Australian requirements (including EN13000), the new CR-250Rv is expected to turn heads on its arrival in the Australian workplace.

The CR-250Rv is the largest two-axle city crane available on the Australian market and takes the Kato city crane range to a whole new level, it says. The www.cranesandlifting.com.au

focus with this new model is on strength, technology, safety, speed of operation, and ease of operation in small spaces.

The newly-released crane is supported with a full Kato factory warranty and national support through Tutt Bryant Equipment’s extensive service and spare parts network.

The CR-250Rv features a new boom and jib – ‘EJIB’ – which is designed for deployment in very narrow spaces. It is the first CR model mobile crane equipped with the EJIB, which is based on the Kato 4S concept.

Two of the crane’s biggest features are the EJIB mechanism and a hydraulic luffing and telescoping fly, which takes a single operator 10 minutes to ‘swing’.

Ordinarily you are looking at two workers for a great deal longer to swing a standard luffing fly because everything is manual.

Set-up time is 10 minutes for a single operator.

NEW FULLY HYDRAULIC FLY JIB The Kato super luffing fly jib has only previously been available on the 35t city crane (Japanese domestic model). It is now fitted as standard on the CR-250Rv, bringing the maximum rated lifting height, boom plus jib, to 38.4m. The fly jib hydraulically telescopes from 5.3m to 8.2m and can be mounted within a 5.7m area from the slew centre. It is fully powered and can telescope and offset under 100 per cent load.

ERGONOMIC CAB The cab impresses with an all-round excellent field of view and provides outstanding operator comfort due to the hydro-pneumatic suspension.

January 2022 CAL / 59

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT AND KATO

Furthermore, it has a built-in IC tag, providing high-level security, therefore reducing the risk of crane theft.

There are a number of important safety features included on the CR-250Rv. The Kato automatic crane system (ACS) is an automatic safety device feature that instantly responds to any direct changes in various operating configurations. It has a range of limiting functions that increase safety during The CR-250Rv is the largest city crane available on the Australian market and takes the Kato city crane range to a whole new level.

operation. With its high-intensity colour LCD, the new ACS makes operations easier as it provides illustrated key switches, enabling quick identification of their functions for each operation.

The Kato CR-250Rv has a number of advanced safety features that enhance safety during operation to provide an even safer driving and/or crane operation, thereby minimising the risk of incidents.

The touchscreen display data logger

provides a range of functions, which include the Eco switch that saves fuel by adjusting for optimum work engine speed during crane operation. During nonoperation, the hydraulic pump outlet and fuel consumption are also greatly reduced due to the auto-minimum-control.

The windscreen is large, giving the operator terrific all-round vision of the site.

“In my opinion this crane really is the next level for the city class cranes, as most models haven’t changed in such a long time,” said Williams.

“The CR-250Rv really is a quantum leap forward in terms of operator confidence, comfort and safety.”

OPTIONAL FEATURES The two positional offset searcher hook is a breakthrough feature for inserting operations, says Kato. This feature performs best where the height is limited, including applications featuring warehouses, balconies, and soffits.

Other optional features include an anemometer, tyre pressure monitoring system, door visor, lunch table, resin/ aluminium outrigger plate, storage, and a remote-control camera cleaner.

Smiley and his wife, Lorna, play active roles in the Queensland branch of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA). Williams described their passion for the industry.

“Lorna is an active member in CICA Queensland and, as industry body, CICA plays a vital role in our industry.

Businesses that are not reputable will not be members. CICA sets standards and is a good benchmark for the industry.

Initiatives like CraneSafe and CrewSafe are important as well,” he explained.

“Trainees, training, and apprenticeships is probably the most important issue facing crane hire businesses, and the industry as a whole.

We need to bring in new blood but the training needs to be right. Crane driving is very different in Europe and the US and the standards are much higher in these markets compared to Australia.

CICA is working hard to address this and raise the standard.”

60 / CAL January 2022

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IN FOCUS / PACE CRANES AND MAEDA

Empire Cranes was tasked with installing a number of electric pallet elevators at a new automated warehouse and distribution centre. Tolerances between the underside of the roof and the installation points were incredibly tight.

62 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

EMPIRE CRANES SOLVE INSTALLATION HEADACHE WITH MAEDA INNOVATION Empire Cranes recently deployed its new Maeda CC985S, 4.9t capacity telescopic crawler crane fitted with the innovative searcher hook attachment, to solve an installation headache in an automated distribution centre.

EMPIRE CRANES WAS CONTRACTED to install a number of electric pallet elevators and pallet racking at a new automated distribution centre (DC) in Melbourne’s west.

The pallet elevators were being retrofitted and the tolerances between the underside of the roof and the installation points were incredibly tight.

Empire Cranes’ Jared McDonald and Jarrod Belsey turned to their Maeda CC985S fitted with the searcher hook innovation, new to this model of crane, to solve the problem.

“These DCs are designed so that almost every square inch of space in the facility is utilised to maximise their storage space and productivity. This

is great for the facility, but it makes it very difficult to manoeuvre a crane and install the tall pallet elevators between the roof rafters and the existing racking,” explained Belsey.

“The elevators weighed anywhere from 700kg to 2,000kg, depending on the size of the packages they are lifting. For us to effectively and safely install these elevators in position we had to get as close to the roof rafters as possible, with very little clearance under hook.”

The client considered multiple options for the installation. It could remove a panel of the roof so a larger crane could lift the elevator systems into place, but as is common with large

DCs, it was constructed from one-piece roof sheets. Removing these is not easy and cutting a hole in the roof wasn’t a favourable option, either.

The other solution involved stripping the units down into manageable components that could then be eleveted into position using a scissor lift and a forklift. Again, not the most practical method, as stripping the componentry down and rebuilding them in the air is not only time consuming, but brings additional and unnecessary working at height risks into the equation.

Empire Cranes was asked to come to site and offer some expert advice on a potential crane solution.

The installation process was planned around the Maeda and the searcher hook attachment.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 63

IN FOCUS / PACE CRANES AND MAEDA

Although searcher hooks are not new to the MC range of Maeda cranes, they are now available on the CC range, plus have greater lifting capacities, running ropes and sheaves.

“Initially, for the first stage of elevator installs, we used the Maeda spider crane, which worked really well.

But, as we got further away from the centre of the warehouse, the clearance reduced drastically with the fall of 64 / CAL January 2022

the roof. It became very clear that we needed to find another solution for the next stage of elevators,” said McDonald.

“Coincidentally, we were already in talks with Michael Cawston from

Pace Cranes about purchasing the new Maeda CC985 mini crawler rane, and when we explained our current predicament to Michael, he recommended we also take the new searcher hook attachment for this model.

“The charts of the searcher are impressive and would allow us to get up and close into tight areas not possible from the single fall hook.

Additionally, with the new CC985 model, you can also run a single fall sheave off the searcher hook, which we thought was very innovative.

The decision for us was made – we purchased the crane and started preparing for stage two of the DC installation.”

Empire Cranes returned to site with its new purchase and a new lift plan, much to the contractor’s delight.

“We were a big hit when we arrived back to site for the next stage of installs,” said MacDonald. “[They] were very impressed with our new piece of kit and very keen to see how the searcher hook performed.

At some point we got the elevators to within 200mm of the underside of the roof line. This level of access and tight tolerances wouldn’t have been possible without the Maeda and the searcher hook attachment. We actually picked up the 2,000kg elevator in one section and took it to the underside of the roof and placed it in position.

“The searcher hook is a versatile piece of kit and incredibly easy to use. We were surprised with its lifting capacity and with its versatility under hook. We were also impressed with the lifting capacity of the Maeda CC985; we were able to pick and carry some sections into position with the crawler function enabled, and made it a lot easier to place the elevators in tight areas.

“We were able to assemble and install the elevators at a rate of four per day and there were 24 elevators in total. We were well in advance of the client’s proposed schedule.

Obviously, the Maeda with the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

searcher hook provided a massive saving for the client, allowing us to put these up with ease.”

The Maeda CC985S is a powerful but small telescopic crawler with a lifting capacity of 4.9t. Although searcher hooks are not new to the MC range of Maeda cranes, they are now available on the CC range, plus have greater lifting capacities, running ropes and sheaves.

“The compact stature of the telecrawler enables it to manoeuvre into any challenging or confined spaces,” said Belsey.

“This crane is perfect for underground projects like the tunnels currently under construction in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, as well as rail works, or installing sound walls. They have been put to the test over the years, and in difficult workspaces, and we have been

impressed by its abilities. Combining strength with high tech features it is an ideal mini crane for our fleet.”

Maeda has added to the versatility of the range over the years and the latest addition to this model is the searcher hook, which has a 2t capacity.

“The searcher hook is a very clever innovation because it enables you to lift in extremely tight spaces, especially under roof lines,” said MacDonald.

“We recently used the searcher hook in a series of lifts and it enabled us to get within 300mm of the roof and above the load we were lifting. I doubt there is anything else on the market which enables you to get into that kind of limited space and lift up to 2t.

“The searcher hook, with its narrow slimline feature, allows you to really get up tight and close inside or under a roof to lift machinery, or an air conditioning unit, or anything like

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that, and the gap is almost zero. Then, you have the additional versatility of the single fall hook attachment, which is rated to 1.2t.

“With this attachment you will need a little more clearance, approximately 600mm, but it still an excellent feature designed to keep the main head of the unit away from what you are doing if you need to work in single fall up high.

“It is similar to the bayonet on a fly jib... just that it allows you to run a single fall. Again, this provides you with the ability to get up close and under the roof and lift in extremely confined spaces. It’s an excellent feature for the crane and greatly increases its versatility.

“We are very thankful to Michael and the Pace Cranes team for recommending this versatile crane for our growing fleet. It is fast becoming our favourite piece of kit!”

IN FOCUS / MCT EQUIPMENT AND MAGNI

Whether it’s safety, innovation or environmental improvements, MCT is at the cutting edge of bringing the world’s best Down Under.

THINK DIFFERENT, LIFT DIFFERENT: WITH MAGNI AND MCT Perth’s MCT Equipment recently announced it had secured exclusive distribution rights for Magni telescopic handlers in Western Australia and Northern Territory. Founded by Anthony Grosser, MCT Equipment is expanding existing support operations to include supply, parts, and support for the Italian telescopic handling brand.

SITTING WITH ANTHONY GROSSER TO discuss his approach to the crane industry with MCT Equipment is like a breath of fresh air. The conviction he uses in describing his aspirations for innovation in our industry is contagious and so deep that it has clearly been simmering throughout his 25-plus years in the industry.

2021 has opened up a new era for Grosser as he has nimbly responded to a long-running industry-wide demand for a supplier that could not only provide best-of-breed machinery but also build genuine, predictable relationships with clients and suppliers alike.

Forming a dedicated sales company means MCT can focus on the careful development of equipment fit for purpose, while prioritising the customer’s needs across all areas of the business.

Grosser’s lengthy experience with a myriad of international brands in the market has meant that he 66 / CAL January 2022

has seen the best, and the worst, of each. His extensive experience in the construction, mining, and infrastructure industries means there’s no pulling the wool over his eyes when it comes to getting the right results in any situation for a client.

“I knew I had the customer service side of the business covered,” he said.

“At the end of the day, it’s my name on the line if there’s an issue, and our whole team know that they hold the responsibility for that, too.

Wavering from those expectations just won’t cut it.”

This like-minded team that emanates Grosser’s personal valuebase now also features his son, James.

A distinguishing feature of their team, which now ensures the legacy of the Grosser name in the crane industry, is going to be carried on, along with their personal reputations for many more years to come.

To support this anticipated longevity of the MCT brand, the

Grossers were meticulous in selecting a brand to partner with that would not only align with their approach to business but also meet Grosser’s ambitions to open the industry’s eyes to the innovative technologies that were available across the world.

2021 has seen the establishment of a partnership with Italian powerhouse Magni Telehandlers, which launched its world-leading telescopic handlers into the market in 2013 and, in just eight years, has rapidly secured market share.

While the development of the Magni brand across a wide variety of industries continues to grow, MCT plans to draw on the brand’s success to date with plans for future development and continuous improvement in sight.

“Aside from our lengthy admiration of Magni’s aptitude for innovation with their class-leading equipment, the Magni family approach to business was a natural fit for MCT,” noted Grosser.

“When the value base of your suppliers and partners aligns with your www.cranesandlifting.com.au

own, that’s when something really special can be created. We’re on the same page about a lot of things, so we’re just thrilled to see that develop for both our businesses now.”

At MCT Equipment, lifting equipment isn’t a job, it’s a passion, he stated.

‘We thrive on challenging the industry on what they know about equipment. Whether it’s safety, innovation, environmental improvements, we are at the cutting edge of bringing the world’s best Down Under. For us, it’s not just about

sourcing, it’s about supporting and making sure you’re being looked after on the ground. You’ll find that while everyone else is concerned about lifting 50 tonnes 100m, we are trying to lift 50kg upside down, inside out, and through a keyhole.

“We’re committed to bringing you only the highest standards. Not only do we scour the globe for only the best products and machinery before we bring them back home, but we have a strict internal quality assurance program that has been developed over 25 years.”

MCT has three key focus areas: • New equipment • Used equipment • Workshop facilites NEW EQUIPMENT – SOURCED BY THE BEST AROUND THE GLOBE At MCT, the range of innovative lifting options available to the Western Australian and Northern Territory markets have significantly opened up.

“With a selection of our machines available to be inspected in our Maddington headquarters, our full

MCT has secured exclusive WA and NT distribution rights for Italian telescopic handler giant, Magni. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / MCT EQUIPMENT AND MAGNI

The Magni range of telehandlers are true chameleons for all manner of industries whether it be mining, construction, agriculture, or industry.

range is able to be delivered swiftly to your operation. Rotary telehandlers, heavy-duty telehandlers, and fixed telehandlers form part of our new equipment offering,” said Grosser.

USED EQUIPMENT – USED CRANES WITH A NEW CRANE EXPERIENCE “At MCT, we combine experience, a structured sales methodology, and a deep network of industry contacts to get the sale done,” expained Grosser.

“All machines that are sourced come in for thorough inspection at MCT then, if required, go through a full refurbishment prior to getting a new owner. This improves and extends the machine life-cycle, getting it ready for its second wind.

“Within MCT’s used division, we 68 / CAL January 2022

WORKSHOP – MCT’S PROMISE IS OUR GUARANTEE “At MCT, you can trust in our philosophy that the work doesn’t stop when the equipment leaves the workshop,” said Grosser.

“Our team understands the importance of protecting your investment, giving you peace of mind that your equipment matters to us as much on day 200 as it does on day 0.

“We believe that our promise is your guarantee, doing our part to minimise downtime and disruption with aroundthe-clock support, so you can get on with the important business of running your business.

“From servicing support and training, to critical failures and general advice from our team of seasoned professionals, our workshop is the best of the best.”

offer three key areas of support to ensure customers receive the equipment needed with minimal downtime.

These key areas are: 1. Sale of high quality used equipment – MCT will source the required equipment through its local and international network of trusted partners, handling all stages of the process.

2. Disposal of existing assets – before commencement, the MCT team will provide a structured disposal plan to secure full visibility of the process from start to finish.

3. Refurbishment of tired machinery – refurbished units are serviced to the highest standards with compliance and quality at the forefront, every time.”

MCT AND MAGNI As leaders in the lifting industry, MCT is constantly looking towards cutting-edge technology in this space.

This is where the Italian telescopic handler giant, Magni, comes into play. MCT has secured exclusive Western Australia and Northern Territory distribution rights for this sustainable telehandler option.

This is the game-changer.

“Magni is not your average telehandler. This is innovation at its best, where one machine does the job of numerous machines,” said Grosser.

The addition of Magni to MCT Equipment’s existing support operations now means it now has the capacity to offer new and used equipment, alongside its providing servicing and parts. In addition, the team offers reconditioning and refurbishing services across WA and NT. The Magni range of telehandlers are true chameleons for all manner of industries, whether it be mining industry (where MCT’s roots began in 2001), construction, agriculture, or industry. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

LIFTING STANDARDS FOR CANBERRA AND SURROUNDING AREAS The team at Capital Cranes is committed to the professional management of safe lifting operations at all times.

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems ISO 45001 Safety Management Systems ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems It is our employees professionalism, expertise and dedication that helps make our projects successful.

Our team is experienced in most industries including: ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

QUARRY AND MINING

INDUSTRIAL ROOFING

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

POOLS AND SPAS

STEEL AND CONCRETE

02 6260 1120 capitalcranes@bigpond.com www.capitalcranesact.com.au

IN FOCUS / MILKIN & CO

Providing merchandise to match any budget is no problem for Miklin & Co.

DRESSED TO LIFT AND SHIFT

Bringing the crane sector quality merchandise and work gear, to meet any budget, is the focus for Miklin & Co. SHAYNE AND MICK MESSER FORMED their business, Miklin & Co, 14 months ago, with a vision to provide quality merchandise to a booming market.

The company name is a hybrid of their children’s names and, to date, is proving to be a winning combination.

Shayne and Mick are no strangers to the crane industry. Mick has been heavily involved in the construction industry, and the crane sector in particular, for over 30 years.

“We know what appeals to these industry sectors so, 12–18 months ago, we decided to start a business specialising in catering for the merchandise and uniform requirements in these markets,” said Shayne.

Shayne explained how the service 70 / CAL January 2022

from Miklin and Co can benefit a crane business.

“Our website, Miklin.com.au, includes an area where interested customers can view a large variety of merchandise.

When they find something that appeals, they simply click on the item and ‘request a quote’.

“We also have people contacting us direct by phone or email with what they are interested in and we provide a quote that way. Not all customers are sure of what they want, but they know they need some sort of branded promotional item. We will discuss their aims and expectations and make recommendations on what we feel will work best for them.

“We have many different factories and suppliers, so our ability to brand products

is almost unlimited. We screen our suppliers and factories to ensure they use ethical practices as this is something we feel is important and, of course, quality is key. We really only want to supply quality gear that is not tossed to the side after one use. We want our customers gear to be an item that gets used again and again, so brand exposure is capitalised.”

With regards to uniforms, there are a number of options when it comes to branded clothing, explained Shayne.

“With uniforms, it works best to be supplying customers on a regular basis.

This way, we are able to offer a very competitive price [and] the customer knows we can turn the order around quickly because we are not having to recreate the job from scratch. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“We work with businesses by providing a bulk order and then an ongoing run of uniforms as they need them. A lot of companies in the construction sector need to provide their staff with fresh uniforms every year. Our structure allows us to meet these spikes in demand.”

Construction and cranes are not user-friendly industries for clothing.

Shayne explained how Miklin & Co provides the right quality of clothing to meet every budget.

“For safety and PPE [personal protective equipment] uniforms used in construction, we can supply a number of the major brands, including the Biz Syzmik range, which provides various levels of quality. It comes down to the requirements of the customer. If they are looking for a heavy drill budget uniform with bio-motion and safety and reflective tape, we can provide this and then move up from there in terms of quality and comfort.

“The next level of quality includes rugged cooling, which is a hardy and durable product, but it is also a slightly lighter weight, which keeps you cooler when you are working. This is important in the warmer parts of the country and also during the summer months. These ones are made for comfort!

“The level above this provides the same quality but also includes some extra features in the designs, which makes for a more comfortable fit. The customer can look at the base level options, move up to the mid-range and then onto the high-range option; it all depends on their requirements and their budget. We can also print logos on hard hats, work boots, and pretty much any PPE gear.

In terms of merchandise, Miklin & Co can provide anything from stubby coolers up to high-end jackets, and everything in between.

“Because we understand the wants and needs of the crane and construction sectors, we’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of crane OEMs, including Tadano and Franna, and also large crane operators like the LCR Group,” said Shayne.

“We enjoy supplying quality products, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“Because we understand the wants and needs of the crane and construction sectors, we’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of crane OEMs, including Tadano and Franna, and also large crane operators like the LCR Group.” and this begins with the humble stubby cooler. The crane sector likes stubby coolers, bottle openers ,and key rings, but we find gym towels are very popular highuse items and, if they are branded, there is a constant reminder for the user.

“Hats and drink bottles are popular and the industry loves the stainless steel, double-walled, vacuum-sealed drink bottles. They are powder coated, which means they don’t scratch like painted drink bottles, and they last longer. With hats, we can decorate off-the-shelf hats and will work to find the perfect one for the customer. We are also launching our very own hat soon, after working with a factory to design one we think is going to be in high demand. Other popular products are high-end jackets and custom bags.

“Footballs are really favoured by the crane sector. We can brand footballs, netballs, soccer balls, AFL balls, and even mini balls; whatever kind of ball the customer wants. Most customers order this type of product in large volumes, but

we can do smaller runs of 25, for example.

Obviously, it costs more per item with a smaller run, but it is an option if needed.

Because we also dabble in supplying sports clubs, we have a number of contacts in that area so, if companies are looking to support a local club, we can help them connect for sponsorship.”

Turnaround times vary. When a uniform has been branded, future runs enjoy a quick production time, explained Shayne.

“For an established customer, we can turn around uniform orders in a few days, whereas an order from a new customer might take a couple of weeks.

“If the merchandise product we are branding is coming in from overseas, we are dependent on the timing of the freight but, generally speaking, we can deliver an order from anywhere between two weeks and six weeks. If customers plan ahead, they can take advantage of sea freight rates and save quite a bit but, these days, plenty of pre-planning is required for this option!”

The Queensland Rigging & Hire team are big fans of Miklin merchandise.

January 2022 CAL / 71

“We estimate our electro-hydraulic loading decks will save your projects time, increase your productivity and improve your overall safety x 3 times” Pete Hunt - General Manager

IN FOCUS / JONES EQUIPMENT AND SPT

BESPOKE SPT MINI CRAWLER CRANE FOR STEEL ERECTOR Jones Equipment is the national distributor for the SPT range of telescopic mini crawlers.

Enquiries for the range are coming from all sectors of the market, with specific requests challenging the factory’s design and engineering teams.

JONES EQUIPMENT RECENTLY RECEIVED an out of the ordinary request for a major steel erecting business in Melbourne. The client wanted a hydraulic jib fitted to a 5t-capacity mini crawler crane. Associate director for Jones Equipment, Michael Khamas, explained more.

“This size of crane normally comes with a mechanical jib, not with a hydraulic jib. It is a complex process to custom engineer a hydraulic jib on a mini crawler crane and not many manufacturers would take on such a project,” he said.

“It involves a lot of work and hassle to put a hydraulic jib on a small crane. It’s like taking a small car and putting full sports car features on it.

“But we had a special request from a client who has been using mini crawler cranes for 15 years. He also has some larger cranes in his fleet. Some of these larger cranes are fitted with hydraulic jibs and he wanted to know if we could fit a hydraulic jib to one of our 499 mini crawlers, which has a 5t capacity at 2.2m.

“I went straight to the factory and explained the request and they said: ‘Wow, we don’t normally engineer solutions like this, and we doubt if any mini crane manufacturer would; but let’s have a go.’”

SPT’s design and engineering team collaborated on the project, designing a prototype and then fitting this to the crane. It has since been fully tested and complies with all Australian Standards, explained Khamas.

“With the hydraulic jib, everything is automated. With a mechanical jib you have to manually open up the arm and manually pull the arm out. With www.cranesandlifting.com.au

the hydraulic jib, this is all automated and managed from the remote control system,” he said.

“The customer had seen our advertising in Cranes and Lifting magazine and decided to give us a call. We gave him

a quote and a delivery time. He couldn’t believe the price we quoted and the fact the price included a two-year warranty. He was also impressed at how quickly we were able to deliver the crane.

“Despite the challenges presented by SPT’s design and engineering team collaborated on the project, designing a prototype hydraulic jib, and then fitting this to the crane.

January 2022 CAL / 73

IN FOCUS / JONES EQUIPMENT AND SPT

With the hydraulic jib, functions are automated and managed from the remote control system.

the pandemic, the factory was able to offer really competitive delivery times, which was also important. The client was very happy because we were able to supply the crane with the hydraulic jib, where the competition couldn’t.

“The client was impressed that the wireless remote electrical option plug-in feature and all the safety features come as standard on our complete range.

“When he compared our product, which includes the new streamline and compact remote-control system from Germany, the electric pack and the nonmarking tracks, the client was amazed our quote was $40K cheaper than the pricing from competitive products. All this with a two-year warranty. The client said it was a ‘no brainer’.”

Because of the pandemic and the various lockdowns it has been difficult for the Jones Equipment team to demonstrate the versatility and quality of the SPT range of mini crawlers. That is about to change, said Khamas.

“We have some new models on the water, and these include a 399 4t-capacity crane and a 799 8t-capacity crane. These will supplement the rest of the range, which starts with capacities at 2t with the SPT 199, ranging up to 10t-capacity with the SPT 1009, with three models in between. The SPT 199 is only 600mm wide 74 / CAL January 2022

and will fit through a standard doorway.

It has a lifting capacity of 2t at 2m and a maximum working radius of 5.9m. The SPT 1009 has a lifting capacity of 10t at 2.5m and a maximum working radius of 19m. You can also increase the reach with a jib and fly.

“We have been receiving a lot of enquiries about the SPT range and it has been extremely frustrating not to be in a position where we can get the models in front of customers and demonstrate the quality of the products.

“We’ve been impressed with the quality of the cranes we’ve seen. Obviously, pre-delivery is being conducted on everything and all cranes will be CraneSafe approved to ensure they meet Australian, and also EN 13000, standards. Every nut and bolt is tagged to confirm it has been checked and every machine is tested by the crane inspectors.

“We have a long list of potential customers who want to see the cranes in action, and we now have a trailer for one of the smaller models, which enables us to take the crane to the customers’ yards, so they put the crane through its paces first-hand. The list includes businesses in every state.

“We’ve also been approached by some large and heavy-hitting well-established crane hire and crane rental businesses,

which are operating large crane fleets.

They won’t be interested in ‘ones and twos’ – they are talking about purchasing multiple units because the demand from the rental market is high.

“They need them in the fleet and although there has been one dominant brand of mini crawler cranes for some time, I believe the conversations I have been having will see this change.”

With high demand for mini crawler cranes, Khamas is confident the SPT range will gain a reputation for being a reliable and productive machine, featuring worldclass components, as well as being well priced and well supported.

“There have been a number of conversations around the SPT range.

Interested customers have mentioned they are operating other brands in their fleet, which is completely understandable,” he said.

“When we get into the conversation and I then send the brochure, they can’t believe the features which come as standard and the quality of the components. These include the new German wireless remote-control system, the Japanese Yanmar engine, and the German hydraulic system, which are covered by the two-year warranty. And when I quote our prices, they call me back saying we have to talk. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“As I’ve said, we are not talking one or two units, we are talking four or five units, which is exciting.”

Khamas confirms the support and service network for the SPT range is locked in.

“We are working with SuperService in terms of the servicing and support up and down the east coast and we are very close to an agreement with an organisation in Western Australia. We will be making an announcement about this shortly,” he said.

“We have noticed a major upturn in terms of confidence, and this is in all sectors of the market. With more models arriving and with our ability to now demonstrate the quality and versatility of the product, we are looking forward to establishing the SPT mini crawler range as a serious and viable competitor to anything on the market,” he said.

All models in the SPT range include the new streamline and compact remote-control system from Germany.

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IN FOCUS / MYCRANE

CRANE RENTAL GOES DIGITAL, THANKS TO MYCRANE MyCrane is a digital platform designed to disrupt and simplify the process of crane rental procurement. Launched in mid-2021, MyCrane allows users to submit details of their lifting requirements in order to receive personalised quotes from a range of registered crane providers.

MYCRANE ALSO OFFERS A NUMBER of other tools for the crane industry, including a marketplace and support services such as engineering and legal consultancy. The site has been developed by entrepreneur and industry professional Andrei Geikalo, a former commercial director at Mammoet Russia.

“MyCrane was born out of the desire to change the existing outdated and inconvenient methods of procuring crane services, and to make life easier for those who require lifting services,” said Geikalo.

“At present, crane rental is a manual, old-fashioned process that takes far too much time. In launching the service, we have combined the latest digital technology with our long industry experience. I have personally been involved in countless heavy cargo and lifting projects, so I know only too well how useful our service will prove to be.

“With MyCrane, there are no more phone calls or unclear quotations to decipher – just easy-to-understand quotes delivered direct to your inbox.

And when you need to change your quote, simply amend your online request at the MyCrane website and our equipment providers will be back in touch.”

MyCrane, which took over two years to develop, removes the need for users to contact multiple equipment providers.

Instead, users are requested to complete an online request form, which has been carefully designed to ensure they receive directly comparable quotations.

The platform is suitable for cranes www.cranesandlifting.com.au

MyCrane is a digital platform launched to simplify the process of crane rental procurement.

between six and 750t capacity. Crawler, mobile, and tower cranes can all be requested on the site. In addition, the team is intensively working on adding new crane types, such as fast assemble tower cranes, gantry cranes, mini cranes, and others.

The MyCrane service, which is headquartered in Dubai, United

Arab Emirates (company name MyCrane DMCC) operates on a f ranchise model, and enquiries are welcomed from industry professionals who may be interested in operating the MyCrane service in Australia and New Zealand.

MyCrane is already operational in Russia and will soon be launched in January 2022 CAL / 77

IN FOCUS / MYCRANE

MyCrane founder Andrei Geikalo (centre), a former commercial director at Mammoet Russia, welcomes new partners and franchisees interested in operating MyCrane in Australia and New Zealand.

“With MyCrane there are no more phone calls or unclear quotations to decipher – just easy-to-understand quotes delivered direct to your inbox.”

key international markets, including the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

At the end of 2021, MyCrane announced the appointment of new franchisees, expanding the footprint of the world’s first digital platform for the search and selection of cranes.

The appointments, confirmed during The Big 5 construction trade show held in Dubai, mark the launch of MyCrane operations in the key markets of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and the opening of MyCrane offices in Dubai, Muscat, Nur-Sultan, and Tashkent.

78 / CAL January 2022

Welcoming his new partners, Geikalo said: “The confirmation of four franchisees so soon after our launch is a testament to the strength of the MyCrane concept. Our new partners share our passion for changing the way the crane rental business works, and we would now be happy to hear from other entrepreneurs who may be interested in operating MyCrane in their home country.”

Besides the lifting services search, MyCrane offers a number of other tools for the crane industry, including a marketplace to advertise used equipment, rigging equipment, spare parts and auxiliaries, plus career vacancies.

A news portal allows users to stay

up-to-date with the latest industry developments, while in-house support services, such as engineering and legal consultancy, are also available.

Support services, such as engineering for heavy lift projects, are offered on a truly independent basis, meaning clients are presented with a full range of solutions, service providers from the whole of the market, and the most costeffective solution.

MyCrane has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pesco Switzerland AG, an engineering, procurement and construction management company headquartered in Zug. A specialist in the energy industry, Pesco is the project management contractor for the gas chemical complex within the world’s largest ethanerich gas processing complex (EGPC), which is being constructed by JSC RusGasDobycha and PJSC Gazprom in the Leningrad region of Russia.

EGPC products will include liquid natural gas (13 million tonnes per year), www.cranesandlifting.com.au

polyethylene (up to three million tonnes per year), liquefied hydrocarbon gases, and pentane hexane fraction.

The MoU provides for the two entities to cooperate in order to: expand their client and partner base; develop common areas of activity; work together on matters of mutual commercial interest; and undertake the joint implementation of projects and innovations.

The parties have agreed to the sharing of technical and other information, for the purpose of inviting the other party’s participation in such activity.

MyCrance will also make available its in-house engineering support services, which are offered on a truly independent basis, it says, with solutions for lifting and transportation not restricted to using specific equipment providers or pre-determined methods.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Geikalo said: “We are excited to

deepen our cooperation with Pesco, which is a global player and a leading name when it comes to the management of projects for the energy industry.

“Our MoU sets the framework for our future cooperation and demonstrates Pesco’s confidence in MyCrane as a trusted partner. It enhances our relationship and reinforces our commitment to sharing knowledge and innovating together.”

Dorus Everwijn, managing director of Pesco Switzerland AG, commented: “The MyCrane service is long-overdue.

As a leading project management and EPCM services provider active in the oil and gas downstream industry, we welcome the efficiency offered by MyCrane and appreciate the innovative approach to what was previously a very time-consuming process for all parties.

“The most valuable commodity we

have is time – MyCrane allows us to save time, while simultaneously accessing a multitude of vendors.”

MyCrane has also commenced the testing of a new, universally accessible crane selection tool, which will be offered to the lifting industry at no cost.

“Our MyCrane selector tool will simplify the life of all those involved in the lifting industry,” said Geikalo.

“Each crane has a manufacturer’s crane chart, which indicates the capacity of the crane in certain configurations, allowing the user to determine the length of the main boom, the length of the jib, the weight of the ballast, and super-lift.

“Our users simply need to insert the radius, the height of the lift, the dimensions and weight of the cargo, and they will get the right crane for their lift.”

CrewSafe is the standardised VOC assessment tool for the Australian crane industry.

CrewSafe provides machinespecific, impartial, peer assessment with documented evidence of competency.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

www.crewsafe.com.au January 2022 CAL / 79

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT

TUTT BRYANT EQUIPMENT AND 600 CRANES EXPANDING IN PERSONNEL Tutt Bryant Equipment and 600 Cranes recently announced appointments of key crane experts to senior positions within the organisations. The appointments will assist with the expansion of the product portfolio and the servicing requirements for the businesses.

Phil Chadwick, Ben Marczak and Peter Lawgall.

WITH A PORTFOLIO SPANNING HSC, Kato and Sany cranes, across all forms of crawler and mobile cranes, Tutt Bryant Equipment (TBE) has welcomed key additions and expanded its capabilities in the crane sales and service segments. This is in conjunction with TBE’s associate business, 600 Cranes, which has also been bringing in new personnel as part of its growing business.

The appointment of Ben Marczak as TBE’s new national technical support manager (Cranes) is an important one to enhance the after-sales support for HSC, Kato and Sany products nationally. Bringing with him 25 years of industry knowledge and experience, Ben has worked with a number of 80 / CAL January 2022

international crane brands in various areas of production and service. He is an endorsed crane and machinery inspector and is HRVAS accredited by Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Ben’s appointment followed in quick succession of Phil Chadwick’s as business development manager (Cranes), covering the southern states of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Since joining TBE, Phil has wasted no time in re-engaging with customers, old and new, and securing a number of crane sales across the portfolio.

Together with Peter Lawgall, who is business development manager (Cranes), covering Queensland, New

South Wales, Western Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT, TBE now has a core nucleus of crane sales and service professionals based out of Brisbane, supporting all branches and customers nationally.

For 600 Cranes, a number of key appointments have been made in recent months to bolster its service and product support capabilities across Australia.

Based in Melbourne, Mark Pettit has been appointed as 600 Cranes’ national product support manager.

Having started in the business in 2010 as a storeman, Mark moved across to the workshop and was offered an adult apprenticeship which was completed in 2015. Mark then worked as a crane technician, specifically with troubleshooting and programming, subsequently promoted to a product support role and now has national responsibility in this area.

A couple of new faces have also been welcomed in the states of New South Wales and Western Australia with the appointments of Product Support Managers in those respective states.

Stephen Poynter in New South Wales came with a wealth of experience in maintenance and servicing a wide range of lifting equipment both in Australia and overseas. In Western Australia, Simon Summerfield’s appointment brought in vast experience in mechanical and electrical maintenance, and filled a vacancy previously created when Robert Amy took on the WA sales manager role for 600 Cranes. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

SRC900T

ROUGH TERRAIN CRANE The Sany SRC900T is a sophisticated heavy-duty Rough Terrain Crane matching the market leader for both boom length and capacity.

Boasting a 47m full power hydraulic boom and easy on /off hydraulic assisted 10.5-18m fly jib with 0°, 20° & 40° offsets this crane packs a punch.

Creature comforts like a 20 degree tiltable cabin, hydraulically extending sidestep, joystick controls with precise movement control, ducted A/C and easy to read tablet type LMI make this crane a dream to operate.

Sany have stepped up the export specification to include Cummins engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, Kessler axles, ladders with 3 points of contact at left, right and front of crane, anemometer, cameras for rear, winches and boom head are all included.

MAX LIFTING CAPACITY 90T MAX LIFTING HEIGHT 65.6M

Tutt Bryant ensure each crane is delivered to full mine specification (as required) and is supported Australia wide via our extensive branch network.

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brisbane | sydney | melbourne adelaide | perth Peter Lawgall Philip Chadwick

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Peter.Lawgall@tuttbryant.com.au Philip.Chadwick@tuttbryant.com.au

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1300 658 888

IN FOCUS / THE CRANE CONNECTION

CRANE CONNECTION AND JPM CRANES MARCH ON JPM Cranes recently took delivery of Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 from The Baden Davis Crane Connection. It adds to JPM’s capabilities and is already generating interest and demand from the Sydney construction sector.

IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME JPM HAS USED the service of The Crane Connection and the crane came about as a result of a new contract the company secured.

This would see their 60t Liebherr fully utilised for what could be up to 18 months. Ryan March, operations manager for JPM Cranes explained to

Cranes and Lifting that the company figured it was a good opportunity to take the next step in terms of its fleet capacity.

“It’s not a giant leap but it takes us into an area of the market we haven’t been able to service until now. With 60m of boom, and excellent tight access,

the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 is perfect for height and radius.

“With the LTM 1090-4.2 we knew we were not going too big; it was about positioning ourselves for work including constructing small tower cranes, larger radius lifts including air conditioners for office roofs - basically

The new, smaller compact cranes from Liebherr feature the VarioBase technology, and also VarioBallast.

82 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

work we couldn’t quite reach without this new crane’s extra capacity,” he said.

“They actually rate the crane in the 100t capacity. This now puts us into the ‘truck and trailer’ category which is a bigger step up for our organisation. It means we will need extra trucks to move the semi-trailers around, but that’s where we need the business to be over the next couple of years,” said March.

The Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 is ideal for small tower crane construction, construction sites with limited access and tight manoeuvrability for cranes, but where high lifts are required. It’s a sector of the market where demand is equally high, says March.

“We have customers in the roofing and air-conditioning sector that we have been servicing with our 60t machine but there have been projects we simply

couldn’t reach, and for these we’ve had to utilise cranes from other businesses.

Now we have the capacity to reach these further distances.

“These new, smaller compact cranes from Liebherr not only feature the VarioBase technology, they also have VarioBallast, so there are two configurations which provide a better radius chart. The LTM 1090-4.2 can still achieve the required heights and capacities but on a much smaller footprint,” said March.

With the new Liebherr, JPM Cranes are now in a position to service regular customers where they would have had to cross hire cranes in the past.

“Not only does the new crane negate our need to cross-hire from other companies, we can see cross-hire opportunities to businesses in the

same position as we were before taking delivery of the crane, or who require this type of crane when theirs is busy.

“I’ve got good relationships with a number of crane hire businesses and they were ringing me before we took delivery of the crane to see if it was available for work. There are exciting work prospects with this crane.

JPM Cranes utilised the services of Ben Baden and Anthony Davis from The Crane Connection to firstly source the Liebherr and then bring it into the country.

“We have a long association with Ben, Anthony, and their team at The Crane Connection. We had previously purchased our Liebherr LTM 1045-3.1 and also the last 55t machine from them, so this is our third purchase.

They have always delivered the same

Anthony Davis and Ryan March JPM Cranes. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 83

IN FOCUS / THE CRANE CONNECTION

With 60m of boom, and manoeuvrable for tight access, the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 is excellent for height and radius.

“I know Anthony can source a crane from anywhere in the world, so I went to him with the model I wanted. He knew the crane had to have the lowest amount of hours possible, low kilometres and it had to be in good condition. That’s what he promised me and that’s what he delivered. He had a connection with a company in Hong Kong and the crane actually came out of China.” high level of service and in our experience, you step into a crane which is in brand-new condition when it has been through their processes.

“I find Anthony great to deal with; he’s not only a great bloke, he is very fair. He works with you within the budget you have set and he works with you to meet your expectations, every time. Obviously, you can’t get something for nothing, but Anthony will work hard to help you achieve what you want to the best of his ability,” said March.

March goes on to explain how JPM Cranes worked with the Crane Connection to ensure the right crane was sourced.

“I knew exactly what I wanted to replace the 60t crane. I had conducted plenty of research on the Liebherr LTM 84 / CAL January 2022

1090-4.2, I understood its best features, its strengths and weaknesses and I knew it would suit our current customers for its radius strengths as opposed to it main boom height, reach and strength.

In my opinion it is a far better radius crane than it is for height, and this is perfect for our customer base.

“I know Anthony can source a crane from anywhere in the world, so I went to him with the model I wanted.

He knew the crane had to have the lowest amount of hours possible, low kilometres and it had to be in good condition. That’s what he promised me and that’s what he delivered. He had a connection with a company in Hong Kong and the crane actually came out of China.

“The service from Anthony and The Crane Connection makes the whole

process painless. He manages the entire importation process, which sees the crane taken from the port and delivered to their yard and into their wash bay where it is quarantined for a week,” said March. “They wash the crane down and degrease and clean, and when it is released from quarantine they service it and manage the crane inspection process. They provide a 1000- hour service with the crane and they manage the CraneSafe process prior to the it being admitted into their paint facility.

“They are also very flexible in their approach to business. They had no problem with me being in the yard and operating the crane for the CraneSafe process. This provided us with the ability to operate the crane and check it over. We were confident and happy with everything, particularly the time to get used to the way it operates,” he said.

March conducted the road test and drove the crane to the RMS for weighing and for registration which enabled him to get a feel for how it drove on the road and give it a general performance check.

“We are really confident this addition to our fleet will help us service existing markets but it will also help open new markets. I think it will prove to be a crane that speaks for itself. Once people know we have it and we start to utilise it and people see it in action, I think it will generate its own market,” he said.

March provides some advice for any crane businesses looking at a secondhand crane and debating whether to utilise the services of Anthony Davis and The Crane Connection.

“The service from Anthony and his team is outstanding. Anthony is a genuine bloke; he’s very matter of fact, he’s professional and easy to deal with, and he looks after you. My dad and I have never had an issue with him. As a business, JPM Cranes will certainly be utilising his services into the future and under my stewardship, we only see the relationship developing. I’m looking forward to doing business with him over the next 15 to 20 years,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / DRA AND HUMMA

The performance of Humma 25t meant James Bender Contracting didn’t hesitate to purchase the Humma 35t. Mk3.

JAMES BENDER CONTRACTING ADDS HUMMA 35 MK3 Major salmon farming contractor adds new 35t capacity Humma pick and carry to its fleet.

Owner James Bender discusses the reasons behind the purchase.

JAMES BENDER CONTRACTING IS A Tasmanian based operation. The organisation is approaching 20 years of operating a fleet of construction equipment including excavators, dozers, skid steers, trucks and pick & carry cranes. The business has been operating a Humma 25 for 10 years and recently took delivery of the new Humma 35 MK3.

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“Early in our business we operated a Franna 15 tonne, which was the largest at the time, and it was not coping with the heavy loads we were required to move. I was interested in either an 18t or 25t both being available from Franna.

“When I sought further information, Franna was in transition with Terex purchasing the company. I could

not get information from Terex and decided to look on-line to see what was available elsewhere. It was here I found DRA Engineering and made contact with both Peter senior and Peter junior.

I found them very helpful to deal with and they invited me to Perth.

“I flew to Perth and checked out their facilities. At that time the 25t Franna and Humma were the largest www.cranesandlifting.com.au

capacity pick & carry cranes available.

DRA were about to test the prototype Humma 35 MK1 which later became the largest capacity pick & carry crane ever built which eight years later was displaced by Humma 55 with autolevelling invented by Peter A Dalla Riva the Engineering Manager of DRA Group,” said Bender.

Huon Aquaculture, one of the largest salmon farmers in Tasmania is a major client of James Bender Contracting with cranes and other plant working for them on an ongoing basis. As Huon began expanding everything was getting bigger, with boats and equipment larger and

“The group are easy to deal with and DRA Engineering, being family owned with fifty years of manufacturing, take a lot of pride in what they do. It is obvious as they support Humma years after the warranty has expired. In my experience it does not matter how good the piece of kit is and how big the brand you need the support of the company supplying the equipment and you certainly get it from DRA,” heavier at the fish farm. The Humma 25 could no longer safely handle the increased weights and it was then the decision was taken to purchase a Humma 35 MK3 and use the Humma

25 for general work for construction operations.

The Dalla Rivas are passionate about Humma and the way they go about their business and Bender is impressed The new Humma 35 Mk3 has impressed everyone at James Bender Contracting.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 87

IN FOCUS / DRA AND HUMMA

with their approach to innovation and customer support.

“The group are easy to deal with and DRA Engineering, being family owned with 50 years of manufacturing, take a lot of pride in what they do. It is obvious as they support Humma years after the warranty has expired. In my experience it does not matter how good the piece of kit is and how big the brand you need the support of the company supplying the equipment and you certainly get it from DRA,” said Bender.

wowed everyone; it’s a super lifter.

It features all new updates with the lifting software and a number of other improvements, including the layout of the cabin and the improved visibility for the operator as a result of changes to the cabin design which is larger than Humma 25,” he said.

“The Humma MK3 is a versatile, high-capacity pick and carry crane. It has been designed, engineered, and manufactured with operator safety and comfort in mind, it is robust enough to work in the toughest of applications.

“Humma 25 and Humma 35 have the same footprint, the difference is the width allowing them to work safely in tight spaces, the AT40 requires a lot more space to operate, both Hummas are ideal for our type of work. The removable counterweight is also a good feature. When we do need to move the crane between sites, this is pretty handy.”

“When we bought Humma 25 we had a few teething problems but they were quickly sorted and we were probably using Humma 25 for jobs which were a little beyond the capabilities at the time so DRA helped design some chassis strengthening stiffeners. They completed all the design and engineering work and we then had the components fabricated in Tasmania. That was about ten years ago and the guys were really helpful with the modifications,” he said.

Bender talks about the performance and reliability of the 25t machine over the last ten years and his expectation for the Humma 35t MK3.

“We’ve been really impressed with the performance of the 25; it’s been super reliable over the last ten years. It hasn’t done a lot of kms because it has been mainly based on site, but it has racked up the hours. The guys do a lot of lifting with it and they have been very impressed with its capabilities and very happy with the crane overall.

“The new Humma 35 MK3 has 88 / CAL January 2022

We couldn’t be more pleased,” says Bender.

The removable counterweight ensures the crane is equally at home either on a construction site operating at high capacity, or on the road at high speeds. Airbag suspension provides the operator with an extremely stable, safe and smooth ride while at the same time reducing maintenance costs as there is no articulation and boom pivot wear as absent on the 25t.

The automotive spec Cummins 8.3l engine is highly fuel efficient with up to 25 per cent fuel savings over comparable machines. As standard, the engine is fitted with a Jacobs exhaust brake which supplies greater stopping power and greatly reduces wear in the standard braking system. All these features combine to produce a very low maintenance machine. The same engine is used on both the 25T and 35T, being an automotive diesel the HP can be increased to suit the Humma model.

The Humma 35 MK3 has an advanced Load Moment Indicator

comprising of Dynamic Load Charts.

This system calculates the SWL for the operator for the exact boom angle and articulation angle which gives the operator their maximum capacity for each position. Stationary load charts are also standard. This provides the operator with a boost in SWL when the crane is stationary. The crane features a main boom of 20.9m with an optional telescopic fly jib of 5.2m.

“The 35 is based at the Huon Fisheries site where it needs to be ready for quick lifts,” says Bender.

“The 35 is constantly moving equipment around the farm and lifting boats in and out of the water. The additional capacity makes this type of work much easier and, of course, much safer for the crews. We are lifting and moving everything from nets to liners which are used for baiting fish, but predominantly lifting the boats out of and back into the water. Huon Agriculture operates a fleet of over 100 vessels which all need regular servicing, so there are plenty of lifts of this nature every day.

“With the new 35 featuring the updates to the computer and the various systems, and a lot of new safety features built in, the crews find the crane intuitive to use. The main advantage of the Humma is the rated lifting capacities it offers. It can lift to these capacities compared with some manufacturers’ lifting claims of their products which are not achievable.

“Humma 25 and Humma 35 have the same footprint, the difference is the width allowing them to work safely in tight spaces, the AT40 requires a lot more space to operate, both Hummas are ideal for our type of work. The removable counterweight is also a good feature. When we do need to move the crane between sites, this is pretty handy. We don’t drive that many kms in the Hummas but when we do the air suspension makes for a really comfortable drive. Humma is an excellent product, well built, safe, reliable and well supported by DRA,” said Bender. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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Robert Smith 0436 307 679 E: sany@ronco.com.au

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IN FOCUS / TADANO TELE CRAWLERS

BUILDING BRIDGES WITH NEW TADANO HYDRAULIC TELE CRAWLER Bridge building specialist, NelMac recently took delivery of the first Tadano 35t telescopic crawler to be delivered in the country. Industry pioneer, Nelson McIntosh was clear on what the business required and impressed at how many boxes the Tadano GTC 350 ticked.

THE McINTOCH FAMILY IS SYNONYMOUS with bridge building in New South Wales and Victoria. If you have driven the Hume Highway or the Princes Highway between Sydney and Melbourne, you will have driven over or under a combined total of 46 bridges designed and constructed by the family business, NelMac Pty Ltd. NelMac, which has its operations in Yackandandah, in north west Victoria was founded in 1970 and has a proud and strong history of providing innovative and high-quality solutions within the bridge construction industry.

Nelson McIntosh has been around bridge building for as long as he can remember.

“My father was building timber bridges before World War two. After the war a few concrete bridges started to get built and we decided we would change our focus and concentrate on building concrete bridges. In 1970 my father became ill, and I started Nelmac Pty Ltd, and we have been going strong since then.

“I have always been hands on with the business and to this day, I have my suitcase packed and it sits in the back of my car ready for when I am called out to urgently view a project or deal with an issue on site,” he said.

McIntosh explains where the NelMac business fits into the bridge building sector and why his business has been so successful over a long period of time.

“We find some construction companies call tenders for the works where the designs have already been done but for other projects, they call tenders for design and construct. We do 90 / CAL January 2022

With a maximum boom length of 27.2m the GTC-350 features a three-section, full-power, telescoping boom system that consists of one double-acting hydraulic cylinder with load holding valves and extension and retraction cables.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

both, but we prefer design and construct projects because as we can design to suit the resources at our disposal and we probably have a better idea of what is required,” he said.

“The business has been very successful over the years. For example, when you are driving the Hume Highway from Sydney to Melbourne you drive over or under 24 of my bridges and if you drive the Princes Highway from Sydney to Melbourne there are 22 of my bridges,’ he said.

McIntosh discusses the secret to his success. He remains hands on in the business and has managed to maintain his position as an innovator in the market despite there being so many large, international players in the bridge building sector.

“From where I sit, you have to see changes coming and you have to be ahead of the pack. If you see a new system or a new design emerging you need to embrace. If you don’t, you will lose ground and lost ground is extremely difficult to make up.

“Over my time in the industry, I’ve seen a number of major players come and go. To me, it seems the Federal and State Governments fall into the hands of the big builders. They create the works for the big players who market their businesses with ‘Big is Beautiful’.

“These major contracts are given to the big players and their project managers and they then contract a series of sub-contractors to do the job. The skills are just not in these big organisations. The sad thing about the Australian market is we are losing our skills. We are either losing the skills overseas or just not attracting the right calibre of professional into the industry in the first place,” he said.

The NelMac plant in Yackandandah continues to be the subject of constant investment and development confirms McIntosh.

“Having our business in regional north-west Victoria means we are slightly removed from the Sydney and Melbourne construction sectors. So, as a business, we need to be able to do everything ourselves. Over the years we www.cranesandlifting.com.au

have developed a business policy which sees our precast plant manufacture our precast piles, our beams and we have our own cranes to drive the piles and to place the beams.

“We also have our own steel fabricating business where we can fabricate all the steel-work we require including hand rails and we have all our own steel fixers and form workers.

This means we very rarely need to use subcontractors other than the likes of Readymix concrete or the reinforced steel suppliers,” he said.

McIntosh discusses the cranes he has in the organisation and the reason behind the purchase of the new Tadano GTC 350.

The Tadano GTC-350 is a teleboom crawler crane that’s powerful and versatile. It brings the features and benefits of the GTC-Series to the smaller size class of hydraulic telescopic boom crawler cranes offered by Tadano.

With a maximum lifting capacity 35t@3m, the GTC-350 features a three section full power telescoping boom system that consists of one double-acting hydraulic cylinder with load holding valves and extension and retraction cables. The max. boom length is 27.2 m. The swing is a gear motor driving a planetary gear reducer with a shaft-mounted pinion, external gear shear ball slew bearing bolted to the superstructure and the car body allows

“With the new Tadano telescopic crawler, we can walk it off the truck and within half an hour it can be working. We can then put it back on the next truck and shift it to the next job. My understanding is this is the first Tadano GTC 350 in Australia which makes it exciting for us.”

“We run a couple of 18t capacity Hitachis for the lighter work on the smaller bridges and the smaller piling work. We also run a couple of 50t and 80t crawlers. We knew we needed a crane that worked in between these capacities and up until now, all of cranes have been pin jib cranes. This was another important factor in deciding on the Tadano GTC 350.

“Each time you move a pin jib crane, you have to remove the jib, disassemble the crane and then reassemble it on another site. With the smaller projects, which might only involve a week’s work, it means you can lose up to two days with the mobilising and demobilising of the cranes,” he said.

“With the new Tadano telescopic crawler, we can walk it off the truck and within half an hour it can be working.

We can then put it back on the next truck and shift it to the next job. My understanding is this is the first Tadano GTC 350 in Australia which makes it exciting for us,” said McIntosh.

the superstructure to rotate 360°.

The GTC-350 is designed for easier transport and quick set-up without compromising stability or lifting capacity, and hosts both symmetric and asymmetric track positions with the award winning OPTI-WIDTH™ technology.

Built with Cummins diesel engines and state-of-the-art hydraulics the GTC350 is designed to get the job done. For better job site management Tadano has incorporated telematics capabilities using machine data logging and monitoring system with HELLO-NET, accessible via the Internet.

Standard is a load moment indicator and anti-two block system with graphic displays and audio-visual warning and control lever lockout. It provides an electronic display of boom angle, length, radius, tip height, relative load moment, max. Permissible laid, load indication, and warning of impending two-block condition. The GTC telescopic boom crawler cranes series come with January 2022 CAL / 91

IN FOCUS / TADANO TELE CRAWLERS

OPTI-WIDTH, an asymmetrical track positioning system which gives the crane significant lifting capacity enhancements when compared to those for symmetrical tracks, and is available on the entire range, from GTC350 to the GTC1800 The frame is an all-steel, welded structure, precision machined to accept attachment of the boom and swing components. Two welded steel side frames are paired with a track group.

The side frames extend and retract hydraulically and are controlled from the cab. Equipped with a turbocharged Cummins QSB4.5 engine, this crane is dependable and long-lasting.

The GTC-350 has a main winch and (optional) auxiliary winch, with a planetary geared single-speed winch that includes a hydraulic motor, multidisc internal brake, and counterbalance valve.

A drum rotation indicator is included.

The hydraulic system uses a hydraulic pump, one high pressure, variable axial piston pump with load sense, and power limiting control for crane functions. One gear pump for cooling function The operator’s cab is a fully-enclosed, air-conditioned all-steel modular cab with a lockable swinging door, acoustical lining, anti-slip floor, and tinted safety glass.

Rearview cameras are appropriately located as are three remote control work lights. There is a two-way armrest mounted hydraulic joysticks control swing, main winch, auxiliary winch. and boom hoist. Hydraulic foot pedals control the travel, boom extends, and swing service brake functions.

At just 3m wide, and 2.4m wide when packed up for transport, the GTC350 is easily transportable between sites.

“The GTC-350 is going to suit our organisation perfectly and we will have plenty of work for it. The crane is an ideal size for us to float around, we can put it on our own float and take it to any of our projects. The size also means we are not restricted to day light travelling and we can travel at night. This makes a huge difference to the timing and the logistics for these projects,” said McIntosh.

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Tadano’s Matt Fussell and Mick Mader handover the Tadano GTC 350 to NelMac’s Nelson McIntosh.

“We ordered and bought the crane in advance of a number of tenders which are just out now. There are a number of small single lane bridge replacements and culverts up in the areas where the fires raged through. These types of projects are ideal for the new Tadano.

With the ability to walk with a load at up to 4º, the GTC350 can easily go where others can’t.

“If it has to walk in two or three kilometres to get to the site, it is designed to do this. It’ll do the job and walk back out again. We’ve put the cart before the horse by buying the crane, but you have to be confident of winning the

work and having the right crane at your disposal when you do win it.

“We have been very happy with the way the Tadano has worked with us throughout the sales and delivery process. Matt Fussell, Tadano Sales Manager Vic/Tas and Mick Mader Tadano’s Workshop Leading Hand, Victoria worked closely with my son David and the finance team to ensure everything happened seamlessly. The fact the crane was in stock in the Tadano Brisbane yard, was the real clincher for us. To be able to order a crane and collect within a couple of days was a real bonus,” said McIntosh. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR ALL TERRAINS

HEAVY LIFT LIEBHERRS MANAGE COMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT Johnson & Young Cranes execute precast beam installation using Mid-Air Transfer.

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www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The Liebherr LTM1750-9.1 sat its outriggers on directly on 15m deep piles, without mats and the outriggers of the Liebherr LTM14007.1 were placed directly onto the new bridge’s headstock without mats.

JOHNSON & YOUNG CRANES (JYC) recently deployed a couple of Liebherr heavy lift cranes to work on Melbourne’s $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel Project.

The 800t capacity Liebherr LTM17509.1 and 400t capacity Liebherr LTM14007.1 were implemented to dual lift pre-cast bridge beams, some weighing up to 96T. JYC also deployed its Franna AT40 to assist with the mobilisation and demobilisation. A large crawler crane was unable to be used due to high voltage power lines surrounding the work zone.

The West Gate Tunnel Project is cityshaping and will deliver to Melbourne a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing quicker and safer journeys, and remove thousands of trucks off residential streets. The project will build twin tunnels under Yarraville between the West Gate Freeway and the Maribyrnong River.

A lot of planning went into these lifts with JYC’s client pouring 15 meter deep piles on the creeks edge for the Liebherr LTM1750-9.1 to sit its outriggers on directly without crane mats. The outriggers of the Liebherr LTM14007.1 were placed directly onto the new bridge’s headstock without mats. JYC used the mid-air transfer method for the installation of the precast bridge beams.

A key component to this lift was JYC’s

55t Load Transfer Triangle.

With the Load Transfer Triangle, the LTM1400 is connected to point #1 of the triangle, with point #2 connected to the beam. The 400t crane then leads the end out to the planned point of transfer where riggers are set in an elevated work platform. They then rigged the LTM1750 to point #3 of the triangle. The load is then transferred, freeing up the LTM1400 to take the other end of the bridge beam with both cranes working in unison to set the beam in place.

The beams weight ranged from 81t with the heaviest being 96t. 24 beams were installed in total and six were installed by the mid-air transfer process. The cranes were onsite for just over a week including mobilisation and demobilisation. The Liebherr LTM17509.1 was configured with TY and 204t of counterweight with full outriggers, lifting at a radius of 29m and was operating at 85.7 per cent utilisation and the Liebherr LTM1400-7.1 was configured with main boom and 120t counterweight with full outriggers, lifting at a radius of 17m and operating at 89.3 per cent utilisation.

As a result of the detailed planning and collaboration between JYC and The Client, the lifts were completed on schedule and without a problem.

The 800t capacity Liebherr LTM1750-9.1 and 400t capacity Liebherr LTM1400-7.1 were implemented to dual lift pre-cast bridge beams, some weighing up to 96t.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 95

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IN FOCUS / TRT AUSTRALIA

NEIL WEBB – BACK IN AUSTRALIA AND FOCUSED ON GROWTH A name that is recognised within the Crane industry across Australia is Neil Webb. He was recently announced as an equity partner and the new general manager for the Australian operations of TRT. Webb discusses the reasons for landing at TRT and his plans for the local operation.

FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS, NEILL WEBB has geen based in Indonesia, working for BT Berlian CranSerco, and a Terex dealer looking after cranes including Franna and Demag stackers and material handlers.

“I worked heavily with Demag until the change of ownership to Tadano.

Following that change, the operation became the Manitowoc and Grove dealer in Indonesia. At this time, I also moved into a new role as the Customer Support Manager looking after the sales, parts, and service division for Indonesia.”

“During the pandemic I found myself working up to eight months away from my family. Over a 20-month period, I found myself at home for only two of them. It was a family decision for me to come home. Due to the COVID travel restrictions, I wasn’t sure when I was going to be able to get home, but I was able to stay on with CranSerco until I could get back to Australia.

“The transition from Indonesia to Australia has been a fairly easy transition for me; the team here have been transparent, honest, and committed to our goals and how we can improve our business processes. It’s all been very encouraging.

“The opportunity with TRT and the new general manager’s role came about after a number of conversations with the Carden family. This also led to discussing more than the GM role, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and I am now an equity partner in the business, reflecting TRT’s commitment to our Australian customers. This is the first time the Carden family have extended ownership and it’s a great fit.” he said.

There are challenges for Webb in terms of growing the TRT Australia business, but he has been impressed with what he has seen so far and is looking forward to developing the team around him.

“TRT Australia is a very strong business, and this also reflects the current high levels of confidence from the crane industry, especially in Queensland. There are multiple infrastructure projects happening, including the construction of roads and bridges, and tunnelling; there is a massive pipeline planned for 2022 and beyond. And we haven’t even begun to talk about the vast number of projects required for the 2032 Summer Olympics.

“From TRT’s perspective, we have a great product range including our own manufactured OEM products including the TIDD pick and Carry crane, heavy haulage trailers, ESS platform trailers as well as crane trailers and crane pads. All of which are all deeply rooted within the business. Our innovative, articulated TIDD Pick and Carry Crane which is completely designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house at TRT’s manufacturing facility in Hamilton,

Neil Webb was recently appointed as the new general manager and equity partner for the Australian operations of TRT.

“From TRT’s perspective, we have a great product range including our own manufactured OEM products including the TIDD Pick and Carry crane, heavy haulage trailers, ESS platform trailers as well as crane trailers and crane pads.”

New Zealand. At the moment with full control of the manufacturing process, we are able to deliver PC28’s in 4 months or less!” he said.

“The TIDD is performing very strongly, with many of the major crane hire businesses seeing the high levels of safety features being the benchmark for Tier One construction sites. We also have the trailer range, again designed, engineered, and manufactured in New Zealand. There is a growing awareness January 2022 CAL / 97

IN FOCUS / TRT AUSTRALIA

The Kobelco product is in high demand with a number of units delivered over the last few months.

within the market of the features, benefits, and advantages of TRT’s purpose-built and support trailers, and there is strong demand for them.

“We then have the distributor side of the business which includes the national and Oceania distributorship for Kobelco crawlers, and then we have the Manitowoc Grove dealership for Queensland.

We have an experienced sales team including Troy Hand and Philip White leading sales who are both well known in the industry. They have plenty of passion and drive and are trusted by their clients. They simply love cranes at the end of the day,” said Webb.

Growing the parts division is an important focus for Webb and TRT Australia. The parts team continues to develop with Aaron Gedge as the recently appointed Parts Manager.

Aaron has brought a new approach to analysing the demand and movement of parts which is designed to improve response times and increase customer satisfaction levels.

“At the moment, the focus for TRT Australia is solving problems for our customers. It is at the core of everything we are doing. We are building

relationships and engaging with our customers, and we are working hard to provide them with the best possible service.

“This involves a process of improved engagement to ultimately build levels of trust with the new management team. We believe this will lead to more transparent and robust relationships with customers. Any relationship has to work both ways and that’s the outcome we are working toward,” said Webb.

“Our crane and trailer service department is expanding and we have a great team of experienced technicians working for TRT and for our customers.

Our focus on servicing, rebuilds and inspections will continue as this a key element of our renewed customer focus.

“I believe it is important to empower the various teams here at TRT and to trust in them to get the job done to the best of their ability. Focusing on the small improvements will make a huge difference to the overall business and the levels of customer satisfaction,” he said.

Webb reinforces the focus on safety features for all TRT products, but especially the TIDD product and how Tier One companies are expecting this

TRT’s TIDD Pick and Carry is proving extremely popular with various industry sectors.

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www.cranesandlifting.com.au

TRT is focused on the importance of empowering the various teams and to trust in them to get the job done to the best of their ability.

“The focus for TRT Australia is solving problems for our customers.

It is at the core of everything we are doing. We are building relationships and engaging with our customers, and we are working hard to provide them with the best possible service.” level of safety on their construction and infrastructure sites.

“Building the ROPS and FOPS cabin from day one has really turned the corner on pick and carry crane operator safety. Slew Safe is now an inclusive feature of the TIDD Crane designed to save lives.”

“We know what damage a crane accident can do to those involved, to the operator, the crane, and the organisation. Every supplier wants to see operators’ safe home at the end of every shift, but for TRT this is the primary focus. That’s why we are so committed to providing the market www.cranesandlifting.com.au

with the safest pick and carry crane possible.” he said.

“The Kobelco product is in high demand. We have seen a number of units delivered over the last few months and we are building momentum for what is a reliable and easy to operate crane. As the infrastructure projects roll out, we have been seeing an increase in quotations across various capacities in the telescopic boom crawlers which is really encouraging. We are working on a number of deals across the country and are confident of securing many of these.”

“Kobelco cranes have always been

very strong performers. I used to deal with them some time ago and they are a brand of crane you can give to the customer, and unfortunately for TRT, we hardly ever see them again for service or repair. They are a fantastic piece of kit based on traditional Japanese engineering and their performance is outstanding over an extended period of time,” said Webb.

Webb talks about what this new role means for him.

“This is a fantastic development for me as I am motivated by opportunity and challenges. I have a passion and drive for the crane industry. I also know a lot of people in the industry and have been developing these relationships over 27 years and I am looking forward to getting out to see more of these connections in the new year. This industry has provided me with a great career; it has always treated me well and I like to think I have always done the right thing by it.”

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IN FOCUS / ACTIVE CRANE DECKS

A HIVE OF ACTIVITY ACTIVE CRANE DECK HIRE Active Crane Deck Hire launched its range of hydraulically operated crane decks with the November/ December issue of Cranes and Lifting. The market’s response has been quick and positive.

HERMANN BUCHBERGER PROVIDES AN update on the Active Crane Deck product and explains how you really do get what you pay for in an industry where quality and safety are paramount and inseparable.

“We are now manufacturing between 10 and 12 decks per month and this exactly where we thought we would be.

We have budgeted for between 100 and 120 decks per year. This means we have 40 decks in stock, and we have forward bookings for 30. These will be delivered to projects in the next two to three months.

“So, to date our supply is meeting the demand but we expect the demand to increase as our marketing of the product increases. We are happy with the launch of the product and how the market has responded so far. The next phase will see the decks tested in the market,” he said.

As with all new concepts and designs there have been some minor issues with the hydraulic decks but this to be expected and were easily fixed says Buchberger.

“We had one or two minor issues relating to hydraulic fittings, which were quickly resolved. We are aware that there will be constant refinements made to the product and we were expecting this.

“The response from the guys using the product has been quick and extremely positive. Because the system is so simple, we haven’t had one question about the operations of the decks.

“We take care of the installation, so the customer basically gets handed the finished product. As we do with our cranes, we visit the site and measure everything. We get the decks to site, 100 / CAL January 2022

install them and hand over everything to the client. It takes half an hour to install a deck. We have also produced a special induction video which takes three minutes to view and a safety induction video which takes two,” said Buchberger.

Many of the competitive crane loading decks are manufactured in China and with the increases in freight costs, the locally manufactured crane decks are proving to be more competitive.

“A 40 foot container, out of the Chinese factory to the Chinese port, shipped to Botany and then transported to Somersby has gone from $5K to 25K. If you only get six to eight decks in the container, by the time you are landing the decks and factoring in the increased

rates of shipment they are costing roughly the same what we make our decks for.

“Of course, we are more expensive than the manual decks on the market but there are numerous benefits to having automated extendable and retractable decks. I doubt any local manufacturer would be able to match our quality and pricing.

“I say this because my colleague and business partner Gerd Altmeyer, has a vast international network of suppliers in the manufacturing sector and I know he is sourcing the best products and components at the best prices. Also, we have set up a facility which is second to none for this type of manufacturing.

Active Crane Decks Hermann Buchberger and Gerd Altmeyer. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

These factors provide us with a keen competitive advantage,” he said.

The operators who have been using the automated decks have indicated they are unlikely to want to return to the manual decks says Buchberger.

“We have had very positive feedback from the sites and the crews operating the decks. There is no longer any manual labour required. Within one minute the deck goes out and within a minute it comes back in – fully loaded.

“Our calculations highlight the process with a manual deck extension and retraction normally takes three people up to 10 minutes. With our system, one (1) person can manage the process in 45-60 seconds. In our experience, it is not uncommon for a deck to be extended and retracted between five and ten times a day.

“If you factor in the hourly rate for labour at $60 per hour, and this is cheap, it costs $30 each time you move a deck.

So, when you look at the time saving and increased productivity our system offers, it is no wonder major builders are taking a close look at what we are doing,” he said.

The big advantage with the Active Crane Deck system is, that the onsite crane is not needed. With a manual deck, it is normally the crane crew which manages the extending and retracting.

If the crane crew is spending 10 minutes working on a manual deck the crane isn’t working and is not productive.

“One guy can manage our system and the crane, and its crew can remain focused on what it is supposed to be doing. Our system has a clear advantage when multiple decks are on a site, and they are all on top of each other. Let’s say the deck on the top floor is loaded.

Firstly, they must unload the deck before it can be retracted, and whilst this is happening the top deck blocks all the decks below.

“With our system when the deck is extended you don’t have to unload it, you can retract it with the load. This opens the “airspace” for the decks below which can also be loaded and retracted fully loaded. You can now see the productivity www.cranesandlifting.com.au

When the Active Crane Deck system the deck is extended, it can be retracted with the load, opening up the deck below which can also be loaded and retracted fully loaded.

and efficiency gains a site of our decks offers. This is the real game changer,” he said.

At the moment, Active Crane Deck is only renting the decks, and there hasn’t been a lot of exposure for the product. But through the Potain tower

crane network there is already interest from abroad.

“Exporting the automatic deck concept is an exciting prospect for us, but the freight costs are pricing us out of the market, at the moment. But it is an opportunity we will keep working January 2022 CAL / 101

IN FOCUS / ACTIVE CRANE DECKS

Active Crane Deck takes care of the installation, with the customer handed the finished product.

on because there are plenty of tower crane businesses wanting to add crane decks to their business offering. And automating the decks is being seen as a natural progression for the product,” said Buchberger.

“We have a number of projects happening in Sydney including one in Homebush for one of our key customers.

We are about to deliver a few decks to a project in Gosford on the Central Coast, North of Sydney. At the end of November, we installed decks into a project in Edgecliff in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. We also have orders for projects in Crows Nest and St Ives, and the list is growing.

“The bigger builders have received our automated decks really well and we are confident it won’t take long for the market to fully understand the benefits of our system. We also have a number of suppliers who provide crane labour only and we are promoting the concept through them too. Obviously, it a system that is ‘kind’ to their men who don’t like pushing a manual deck in and out,” said Buchberger.

Active Crane Decks and Active Crane 102 / CAL January 2022

Hire is also expanding its interstate presence with the appointment of a Queensland Manager. Owen Ainsworth has come from general plant hire and is used to approaching builders with general plant for hire rather than specifically cranes.

“We see that offering decks is not that specialised. They come under the category of general plant hire along with bins, generators or concrete kibbles, it’s not very specialised in fact it is quite a common commodity for builders. So, at the moment we are building stock. There is nothing worse than creating demand for a product and then not being able to supply.

“We are also seeing the competition react to our market entry by reducing the rates on the manual decks. We expected this. When you have an innovative product, it is always seen as being the most expensive, therefore you must sell the advantages and the features and benefits of the product. Overall automated decks are a much more economical solution. As we see ourselves to be innovative leaders we are used to that sales process – It is in our DNA.

“Again, it comes back to the three guys taking 10 minutes to move a manual deck where our system requires one guy for a minute and without the onsite crane having to be in idle and then factor in our weekly of premium of maybe $50 and you can see why we have the interest from the big builders,” he said.

“There is also a huge occupational health and safety aspect to our automated system. Manually handling decks causes issues like sore backs, there’s chances of fingers getting caught and there can be major problems and delays when a deck jams. We think the bigger builders will be very comfortable with our product and won’t be put off by the slight premium which comes with it.

“We are also looking to add more specifications to the decks including features like flashing lights, if such are required, when the decks are in operation. The bigger builders may well require these to meet the increased safety standards being rolled out across their sites. We are keen to listen” said Buchberger.

The crane deck market is unregulated.

It is not like the crane sector where there are requirements to meet Australian Standards. Insurers and Financiers wanted to know what standards are relevant to crane deck compliance.

It turns out there something of a hybrid standard involving elevated work platforms, crane, mechanical, hydraulics and electrical standards. This is where Matthew O’Hearn assisted by overseeing the complete project from an engineering perspective.

“In our opinion, you don’t find many products in construction that tick as many boxes as our automated decks, and where the builder, subcontractors and Site Safety Teams are the real beneficiaries. If the crane crew is freed up and we also free up the crane time, it means the builder should be able to build quicker. We are also increasing safety, productivity and efficiency in the building process so there are multiple plusses with Active Crane Decks,” said Buchberger. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Melbourne’s most diverse fleet of All Terrain and Crawler Cranes for any and all applications.

42 Victorian based mobile cranes Ranging from 13t to 650t

McKay United Pty Ltd 114 Doherty’s Road Laverton North Victoria 3026 | 1300 555 214 mckayunited.com.au McKay United Crane Hire

IN FOCUS / ALMACRAWLER

The Multi-Loader 6.0, is the largest crawler carrier. Equipped with the bi-levelling system and radio remote controls, it is designed to carry loads, up to six tonnes

ALMACRAWLER RELEASES MULTI-LOADER RANGE AlmaCrawler, the Italian-based manufacturer of innovative self-levelling tracked equipment including the Athena and Jibbi, have added to its range of tracked carrier Multi-Loaders. Bob Mules, general manager for Almac Pacific, tells Cranes and Lifting more about the Multi-Loader range and explains how he sees the product assisting the local construction and crane sectors.

ALMACRAWLER’S TRACKED ACCESS equipment, has been successfully operating in the Australian and New Zealand access equipment markets 104 / CAL January 2022

for close to six years. In this time, the scissor and boom lift ranges have earned a reputation for operating safely in complex, specialised areas of the

construction sector, especially on uneven, sensitive terrains where accessibility is a real challenge. Bob Mules, general manager for Almac Pacific is confident www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The Multi-Loader series is remote controlled

The patented bi-leveling technology enables the surface of the MultiLoader to remain constantly horizontal even when it is operating on rough or sloping terrain up to inclinations of 20° longitudinally and 15° laterally.

the Multi-Loader range will have the same impact.

Mules explained that the MultiLoader is the company’s range of tracked loaders featuring AlmaCrawler patented bi-levelling technology, as well as the new full-electric drive technology the company is looking to implement on future products. The patented bi-leveling technology enables the surface of the Multi-Loader to remain constantly horizontal even when it is operating on rough or sloping terrain up to inclinations of 20° longitudinally and 15° laterally.

“This is a big plus when you think about some of the terrains a crane has to operate in,” Mules said. “These are designed as support or assist vehicles, especially for the crane sector. Typically, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

you will see our Multi-Loaders operating in confined areas which can’t be reached by a crane. This might be because the crane is obstructed from getting to the load by a structure, or because of the distance.”

“A tunnelling project is a good example. Cranes are lifting materials and equipment in and out of access points all the time. These products are then moved where required. Rather than tie up a valuable asset like a Franna pick and carry crane, the Multi-Loader can transport the product, safely and efficiently to where it is needed.

“We have had access to the MultiLoader range for some time and we have sold a number of units locally. We have monitored the feedback from the

owners and watched the performance of the loaders and we believe now is the right timing to release the product to the broader market,” he said.

There are three models in the AlmaCrawler Multi-Loader range. The Multi-Loader 2.5 has a capacity of 2.5 tonnes and the largest model, the MultiLoader 6.0 has a capacity of 6.0 tonnes both feature the bi levelling technology.

The third model, the recently released ML3.0FX, is a three tonne capacity loader which runs on a standard crawler track system.

The unique and innovative tracking system adopted by AlmaCrawler, allows the carrier to operate on all different types of terrain, ensuring the maximum manoeuvrability and precision even January 2022 CAL / 105

IN FOCUS / ALMACRAWLER

in the narrowest of spaces, with the minimum ground pressure. Each model is available with full remote control which enhances their operability and also their safety.

The Multi-Loader 2.5 has a capacity of 2.5t. Environmentally friendly and silent, this Multi Loader provides versatility for both internal and external environments.

The Dynamic Levelling System of the Load-Deck is completely automatic, even on slopes and uneven surfaces.

The Multi-Loader can overcome both longitudinal slopes until it reaches 20° (40 per cent) and lateral slopes until 14° (25 per cent) at the same time, always ensuring the absolute integrity and safety of the load being carried.

The innovative lead chrystal battery power pack (48v-180Ah) provides 10 hours of working time in mixed cycle, taking advantage of a maximum movement speed of 2.2km/h. A high frequency battery charger directly installed inside the main chassis, allows the full charge of the Multi-Loader in only five hours, while an auxiliary mains electric pump 220V-2.2kW enables the possibility to use the carrier on mains power.

The Multi-Loader 6.0, is the largest crawler carrier and this model is also equipped with the bi-levelling system and radio remote controls, designed to meet the needs of those who carry heavy loads, up to six tonnes. To achieve such a high capacity, the Almacrawler design and engineering team has developed the Multi Loading platform, an innovative element that offers the possibility of handling large loads of different types.

“The Multi-Loader 6.0 offers the same advantages as the smaller models with crawler drive system and low ground pressure, but with the added capacity – giving operators the possibility to transport up to six tonnes. It is able to operate on all types of ground, even and uneven, and for a large capacity machine, it offers excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The Dynamic Levelling technology ensures safe use on steep slopes,” said Mules.

In order to guarantee use in different environments, the Multi-Loader 6.0 is 106 / CAL January 2022

available in three versions with different types of motor units. Specifically.

The Multi Loader ELC is a full electric model featuring a Lead Crystal, 48v-180Ah battery pack, which ensures up to 8 hours of mixed cycle operation, travelling at a maximum speed of 2.6 km/h. Thanks to the high-frequency battery charger installed directly inside the main chassis, it is possible to charge the battery completely in just 5 hours, while a 220V- 2.2Kw auxiliary electric pump allows for the carrier to be used on mains power.

The Multi Loader EVO – equipped with a high-performance Yanmar 3TNV76 (diesel) – 25HP combustion engine, reaches a maximum speed of 3.7 km/h and is mainly suited for outdoor use.

Multi Loader Bi-Energy features two engines, combustion and electric, and this model offers greater versatility for both indoor and outdoor applications.

“The applications for the MultiLoader are numerous. With a six tonne capacity I can see good demand in the construction sector, especially with the infrastructure boom happening in all states,” said Mules.

“I see this model as being an ideal support vehicle for transporting building material, industrial and civil fixtures, glass panels, generators. You currently see a million dollar plus pick and carry crane managing this sort of work. Our platforms can play a similar role for a fraction of the cost,” he said.

With a continual commitment to innovate and improve products to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving construction sector the AlmaCrawler design and engineering team has designed, optional equipment for the BiEnergy version of the Multi-Loader 6.0, including the T-Crane Kit. As the name would suggest, the T-Crane Kit is a small crane fitted to the platform. With a maximum capacity of 990 kg and a reach of between 2m and 4.3m depending on the weight lifted.

When it isn’t required, the crane can be easily removed from the Multi-Loader platform, so that it can be used as a

The ML 3.0 FX is a powerful and versatile flatbed truck carrier with a load capacity of 3,000kg.

simple carrier. The standard version of the T-Crane Kit includes an extension cable transducer, encoder for turret rotation and an inclination sensor for the boom angle.

The latest addition to Multi-Loader line up is the ML 3.0 FX. This model is a powerful and versatile flatbed truck carrier which can be used in various heavy-duty applications both indoors and outdoors, with a maximum load capacity of three tonnes. It has class leading electric drive with two super quiet AC electric motors, 5.3 kW each [rated IP 67].

The ML 3.0FX can be fitted with both AGM or Lithium batteries, both options inside an easily extractable battery pack www.cranesandlifting.com.au

that will allow you to change it quickly on the job site and continue your work.

It has four telescopic support beams on each angle to provide for added support for extra-large loads. These can be positioned into place manually and therefore extend the platform either longitudinally or laterally. The standard swivel platform sits on a freely rotating slewing ring with 16 different positions which you can also manually choose from and easily adapt the platform to your load.

Finally, the new ML 3.0 FX with its electric drive weighs less than 800kg, features longer tracks and adaptive rollers representing AlmaCrawler’s desire to www.cranesandlifting.com.au

cater to its materials handling customers and their wide range of needs.

“The AlmaCrawler range of MultiLoaders are smart pieces of equipment and extremely versatile,” said Mules.

“We have wanted to be sure about their suitability for the local markets and the feedback from customers using the current models has been extremely positive.”

“We are confident there will be demand from various industry sectors especially crane hire businesses in the construction industry. With this type of technology, we believe it is important to have the right distribution, support and service network in place.

“With this in mind, I am in conversations with a number of potential distributors around the country. They are already crane specialists and distributors of crane related products and understand the demands of the industry. I will have more to say about these developments as they take shape,” said Mules.

“I am sure the concept of incorporating our Multi-Loader system into crane fleets will not have occurred to the many in the industry. I will be very happy to discuss the versatility of our AlmaCrawler range and how they are capable of making a very constructive contribution to any crane hire business,” he said.

January 2022 CAL / 107

IN FOCUS / AXEL JOHNSON

RIGGING SECTOR IN FOR A LIFT Axel Johnson International recently announced the expansion of its global capabilities within the lifting segment with the acquisition of five Australian companies. Interestingly for the local rigging and lifting sector, this is the first time Axel Johnson International’s Lifting Solutions business group has ventured into the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific markets.

THE ACQUISITION INVOLVES FIVE LOCAL lifting companies – The Rigging Shed, Lifting Victoria, Elevate Lifting & Rigging, Schillings Hoisting Equipment and On Call Lifting.

Together, the companies have 10 sites strategically distributed across the west, south and east part of Australia and will form a group under the leadership of Steven Flint, currently the Managing Director of the largest company in the group, The Rigging Shed.

With approximately $40 million in sales and 125 employees, the companies provide lifting and rigging equipment

and related services. Their success is built on strong product knowledge, solid local relationships and a diversified customer base. Today, the companies are affiliated through an organisation called the Global Lifting group where the companies collaborate within purchasing.

Cranes and Lifting magazine spoke with Steve Flint to discuss the background to the development and better understand what the crane sector can expect to see following the acquisition.

“There is an interesting back story to the development. The owners and The new structure will provide the same level of service to crane businesses operating across multiple states including many of the multinationals.

108 / CAL January 2022

shareholders of The Rigging Shed, Lifting Victoria, Elevate Lifting & Rigging, Schillings Hoisting Equipment and On Call Lifting were are all in a similar position. We were operating businesses which were privately owned and not necessarily family-owned businesses. And collectively we realised that we were coming to the end of our time with the businesses,” he said.

Flint discusses The Global Lifting Group, why it was started and how the collaboration between the participating businesses has benefitted customers and the industry in general “The Global Lifting Group was established in 1997 by what was then four small to medium sized businesses.

They were seeking to increase their purchasing power in order to be competitive with the major lifting and rigging equipment suppliers operating in the Australian market.

“The Global Lifting Group was able to take on more purchasing power and pass on better pricing to our customers.

Where possible, we have looked to work together on projects but combining of resources was not really designed to service national crane companies for example, as each business has continued to trade independently.

“During conversations with the various business owners, it was apparent we all had a similar outlook. We had spent many years building the businesses, they were successful, and we had built excellent, customer focused teams around us. But we were also beginning to see that we needed an exit strategy, and we didn’t have a succession plan in place,” said Flint. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The group went about formulating a structure to generate interest from potential purchasers explains Flint.

“We engaged a mergers and acquisition firm called EP Advisors and they put together the required documentation and worked on preparing the consolidated figures and other required information. We then went out to market with the proposal. A number of private equity businesses and even individuals expressed interest, and we were also approached by a number of industry type businesses including Axel Johnson International,” he said.

Axel Johnson International expressed interest early. Flint elaborates on the reasons for the move into the Australian market.

“Axel Johnson International is looking for growth and they were looking for successful businesses to acquire and help facilitate this growth.

They are also wanting to retain the people, the mentality and the culture of the businesses which has led to their successes.

“Axel Johnson International tend to leave acquired businesses to run relatively independently from the head office because management sees the value in local knowledge. Although there is likely to be some rebranding in the future, at the moment, our focus is to retain the local identities of the businesses and to continue to provide our customers with the best products and service possible,” he said.

Flint explains the reasons why the member companies of the Global Lifting Group have been successful over a long period of time and how the market has responded to the development.

“The businesses involved in the acquisition have very similar philosophies with a very strong people and customer focus. The key to our success is the people within each of the organisations and our dedication to customer service.

“The feedback from the market has been very positive. From our perspective, the team at The Rigging Shed hasn’t heard anything negative, and we haven’t www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The businesses involved in the acquisition have very similar philosophies with a very strong people and customer focus.

had customers or suppliers contacting our organisation with concerns about the development. Our customers know they will continue to receive the same levels of service and support with the same people dealing with them,” he said.

In time, there are likely to be some changes to the products as the acquisition develops and Axel Johnson International begin to introduce more product from other markets. But the market has been very strong for the Global Lifting Group for some time, and this is likely to continue says Flint.

“Over the coming months there will be additional products and brands which customers will have access to. At the moment, the market is very confident and demand is very strong.

“Across the various states, we are seeing plenty of activity in various industry sectors including infrastructure build, particularly on the Eastern Seaboard, and in resources, renewable energy and construction in general.

Obviously, COVID is providing significant challenges to the way we operate, and this includes delays in our supply chains, but we are working through these,” he said.

“If this isn’t the biggest development

in our particular market sector it must run a close second. When you consider the Bullivants business has been bought and sold several times during my 30 years in the industry, this has to be up there with industry developments.

“One of the major benefits is we will now be providing the same level of service to crane businesses operating across multiple states including many of the multinationals. Other benefits include the career development opportunities provided to our employees.

“As business owners and also managers, there has tended to be a ‘glass ceiling’ when it comes to providing talented people with opportunities to progress within the businesses. We are already seeing this change with the removal of ownership and management allowing people to grow into newly expanded roles and positions.

“An obvious benefit is the vast amount of technical and industry knowledge we are now able to access on a global level.

“It is a significant step forward for the industry to have an international corporation like Axel Johnson now represented in the Australian market,” said Flint.

January 2022 CAL / 109

IN FOCUS / PRESTON HIRE

SETTING HIGH STANDARDS IN CRANE HIRE With an extensive career in the crane industry, Stephan Becherand recently joined the Preston Hire team in the new position of Head of Cranes. In this interview, he highlights his reasons for joining the business and his aims and expectations for the future.

“I HAVE AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND in cranes, starting with the worldwide industry leader Liebherr in France back in 2002. During my time with Liebherr, I travelled in North Africa for two years then UK and Europe. I moved to Australia in 2007 as Liebherr’s senior service engineer for South-East Asia and Australia, before establishing and building the training department of Liebherr Australia in 2010.

“After nearly 10 years with the company, I moved to Titan Cranes in 2011 and over the next eight years held multiple roles culminating in the role of national operations manager. The past two years has been with WGC as both the branch manager and business development manager roles for the growing NSW crane fleet backed by FREO Group,” said Becherand.

“When I moved to Preston Hire, I knew the best place for me to advance my career was with a stable and well-respected company. Preston Hire is nationally and internationally recognised for its products, and my objective is to be part of a company which enables me to expand my skills and knowledge of this industry.

“My local and global experience in the crane sector are attributes that will complement the Preston Hire business.

Based on its current market position, I felt the business was a perfect fit for my experience and passion for the industry.

Preston Hire is a market leader in the mini crawler and the larger hydraulic crawler crane hire sector, and I fully intend to build on this position and to grow the business,” he said.

110 / CAL January 2022

Stephan Becherand, Head of Cranes Preston Hire.

Becherand discusses the challenges involved in maintaining a market leading position and how the business will continue to focus on providing the right solutions for its customers.

“The market is evolving rapidly, and we need to keep a few steps ahead of developments to fulfill our clients’ requirements. This involves anticipating

future market demands and investing in the right technology. Frequent interaction with our customers to understand their current and future projects enables Preston Hire to provide the right solution for every application, and by customising our fleet to provide high levels of customer satisfaction and honour our promise – “Count on Us,” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

he said.

Preston Hire’s SuperCrane fleet has traditionally featured a great depth in mini telescopic crawlers and this market is now becoming very competitive.

Becherand explains how he intends to maintain Preston Hire’s leading position in the smaller mini crawler range.

“Preston Hire has worked hard to be the leader in this market, a position we take seriously and with a lot of responsibility. We have strong relationships with all crane manufacturers, particularly the mini crawler crane manufacturers.

We also work extremely closely with their Australian distributors and representatives. We continue to upgrade and update our fleet with the latest models and technology.

“Supporting the fleet with second to none service and having a thorough maintenance program has also been a key strategy for the business. Having the capability to work in partnership with the SuperService business provides us with a significant competitive advantage. The relationship enables us to have our cranes fully serviced and operational and ready for the next project. Maintaining the fleet to the highest standards is a constant process,” he said.

“The construction sector and the crane hire market will always need specialised cranes. The projects are becoming increasingly more involved which increases the number of challenges our clients face. For example, today’s projects require cranes with smaller footprints, but the expectation is for the same loads to be lifted. This means our clients are looking for larger capacities from smaller cranes to manage their lifting plans. Preston Hire is embracing these challenges by continuing to invest in the right cranes which will play integral roles in the solutions our partners and clients provide,” he said.

There is a push towards more environmentally sustainable cranes including all hybrid and electric www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The construction sector and the crane hire market, is increasingly requiring specialised cranes.

options of which Preston Hire has been investing in the latest models, says Becherand.

“Over the years, Preston Hire has been investing in the latest cranes which feature Eco-friendly technology, and we will continue to do so. We are

seeing increasing demands for fully electric options, and this is from various industry sectors including construction, mining as well as retail and other types of indoor applications where emissions are unacceptable. Preston Hire will continue to remain focused January 2022 CAL / 111

IN FOCUS / PRESTON HIRE

Preston Hire has worked hard to be the leader in this market.

This position is as a result of strong relationships with all crane manufacturers, particularly the mini crawler crane manufacturers.

on providing environmentally friendly options as they become available,” he said.

With restrictions now being eased the construction sector, in particular, is coming back very aggressively.

Becherand explains how Preston Hire’s SuperCrane fleet is preparing to manage this increased demand.

“Across the country, we are continually assessing the amount of works in the pipeline and based on market feedback and the requests we are receiving from our customers, we will be increasing our fleet in both size, and capacity. I will have more to say about this soon.

“In terms of my expectations for Preston Hire’s SuperCrane business, I think the old saying “the sky’s the limit” is very apt. With an identified pipeline of works Australia wide and in different 112 / CAL January 2022

sectors, I can see Preston Hire not only being the leader but also the benchmark in the tele-crawler market.

“Recently, Preston Hire has been investing in larger crawler cranes which is a result of customer demand.

The addition of the two 80t capacity SANY hydraulic telescopic crawlers has been very positive, and the cranes have successfully completed a number of projects. The feedback from our customers and operators has also been positive which is very encouraging.

“Demand for the cranes has been constant and both cranes are averaging over 80 per cent utilisation since the date of purchase. We have great success for both cranes on projects in Victoria and Western Australia. New projects are due to start in New South Wales shortly.

The SANY brand has proved to be reliable and efficient, and the cranes are

performing well. This will give Preston Hire the confidence to look at other SANY cranes to extend the capabilities of our fleet,” said Becherand.

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has an important role to play within the industry says Becherand and he is more than prepared to invest his time in the industry body.

“CICA continues to work hard for the greater good of the industry and I am more than happy to play my part. We are all faced with the same challenges of working in a high-risk industry and we have a responsibility to make our work environments as safe as possible. I recently joined the CICA Technical Steering Committee for NSW/ACT and I intend to make a contribution to the greater good for our amazing industry,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

TAKE CONTROL

OF YOUR BUSINESS We’ll assist you step by step

01

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Uniforms

Fully bespoke options, or decorated offthe-shelf items, we will come up with a range suitable for office through to sites.

Workwear & PPE

From workwear basics through to technically engineered gear, we have you covered with full industry compliance.

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Branded Merchandise

We pride ourselves on ensuring your designs are representative of your brand and industry, using ethical supply chains.

WHO WE ARE

CONTACT

Based in Qld, servicing Australia wide. As a family run business, we are small enough to offer specialised attention, while maintaining a high degree of perfectionism and detail.

Shayne Messer or Mick Messer Phone: 07 3429 7343 E-mail: info@miklin.com.au Website: www.miklin.com.au

IN FOCUS / COMANSA TOWER CRANES

COMANSA’S INTEGRAL ROLE ON INDIAN ENGINEERING MARVEL Comansa overcame the logistical challenges of an historic project for the Indian railway. The Comansa 21CM550 25t capacity tower crane is working on the construction of the first cable-stayed railway bridge in India, which is considered an engineering marvel.

THE 21CM550 TOWER CRANE IS WORKING on the construction of Anji Khad Bridge, the first cable-stayed railway bridge in India, 331 metres above the river. This is an historic project for the Indian railway, and it’s viewed as an engineering marvel thanks to the difficulties involved in the construction process and the technology used.

In January 2017, Indian Railways awarded HCC (Hindustan Construction Company) the contract to build a 114 / CAL January 2022

cable-stayed bridge for the prestigious Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL) being developed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (a public company in India) to connect Katra and Reasi Station on the JammuBaramulla line.

Initially, an arch bridge was planned in Anji Khad but, in the end, an expert technical committee decided that the location was unsuitable for this kind of bridge and the decision was made to

build a cable-stayed bridge with a single pylon standing 331 metres above the riverbed, and will connect Katra and Resai in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

Union railways minister Piyush Goyal said recently that the work towards developing the bridge was proceeding in full swing. “The Anji Khad bridge is an engineering marvel in the making, and work is continuing day and night on the magnificent bridge,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Ease of assembly and smaller space requirements, the flattop design patented by Comansa, has overcome the logistical challenges linked to the complicated topography in the area.

The bridge is India’s first cable stayed rail bridge, and at 473-metre-long bridge, it has been designed in such a way so that it can handle rough weather conditions.

To respond to the demands of the project and the challenge involved in constructing the pylon at such a remote, complex site, HCC selected a 21CM550 flat top crane from Comansa’s 2100 series. The range is designed to ensure optimal performance in projects where www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“The Anji Khad bridge is an engineering marvel in the making, and work is continuing day and night on the magnificent bridge.” particularly heavy loads must be moved, such as those in bridge construction.

Thanks to its easy assembly and smaller space requirements, the flattop design patented by the crane manufacturer has overcome the logistical

challenges linked to the complicated topography in the area. Additionally, the automatic trolley change, along with the Power Lift system, allows variable loads to be dealt with efficiently while ensuring the crane achieves maximum efficiency.

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IN FOCUS / COMANSA TOWER CRANES

Comansa cranes are equipped with a lightning protection system designed to prevent damage to electronic devices.

To respond to the demands of the project and the challenge involved in constructing the pylon at such a remote, complex site, HCC selected a 21CM550 flat top crane from Comansa’s 2100 series.

In addition to these logistical challenges linked to topographical aspects, Anji Khad Bridge is being built in a difficult terrain. This factor is not a problem either, given that Comansa cranes are equipped with a lightning protection system that has been designed to prevent damage to electronic devices.

Furthermore, they’re designed to withstand wind pressure in accordance with European C25 standards.

In addition, Comansa is enjoying the collaboration of M/S Escorts Limited, its local partner in India, which allows it to use a trusted technical service and acquire spare parts as quickly as possible in order to meet the project’s demanding deadlines and open this great project in December 2022.

At 331m above the rives, the Anji Khad Bridge is the first cable-stayed railway bridge in India.

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IN FOCUS / POTAIN TOWER CRANES

POTAIN’S LEADING MCT TOPLESS CRANE GETS AN UPGRADE Potain’s market-leading MCT 385 tower crane has undergone a comprehensive series of improvements, boosting freestanding height and increasing the load curve along the jib, as well as extending the offering with the addition of a new 16t capacity option.

NOW RENAMED THE MCT 385A, IT IS SET to extend its appeal even further across its core markets: Asia, Latin America, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia and New Zealand.

As the first topless crane to be produced from the Potain factory in Zhangjiagang, China, the 20t capacity MCT 385, was an immediate hit when it launched in 2012. A 14t capacity model followed later, and was awarded ‘Tower Crane of the Year’ at bauma CTT Russia in 2019.

“Customers have great trust in the

Potain MCT 385 and it’s delivered reliable performance on projects all over the world. The new models have inherited all of that core DNA, ensuring the quality continues from design to production,” said Wang Lei, senior vice president of Manitowoc emerging markets.

“Our factory is one of the few crane manufacturing plants in China to be certified in line with the ISO 9001 quality assurance standard, and by adopting the FEM1.001 standard for design and development, our topless cranes are built to help users gain a competitive

advantage and ensure their confidence in Manitowoc remains strong.”

MORE CHOICE FOR OWNERS Now updated, enhanced and renamed, this proven performer is available in two configurations: the new MCT 385A L20 or MCT 385A L16. Thanks to a jib that has benefitted from a new design and extra reinforcement, the MCT 385A L20 boasts an even greater tip load than its predecessor. At 75m, the capacity is now 3.4t – a huge proportional gain on the previous figure of 2.7t. The new L16

The newly engineered 75m jib shows greatest improvement at longer jib lengths while freestanding height is increased up to 5m.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 119

IN FOCUS / POTAIN TOWER CRANES

Potain is launching two new MCT 385A cranes; updates to the popular MCT 385, the first topless model from the company’s plant in Zhangjiagang, China.

model offers capacities of 12.4t at 30m, or 3.8t at the end of its 7 m jib.

Height performance has also been enhanced, with both new models offering a better maximum freestanding height of 68.2m, compared with the 64.9m of the original MCT 385, or the 65.3m of the MCT 385 L14. The original, compact, high-performance 2m cross-section mast has been retained, however, providing compatibility with the 3.33m or 5m mast inserts that enable height under hook to be adjusted in 1.66m increments.

Such flexible design guarantees ongoing appeal for fleet owners as well as adaptability for use in a variety of congested urban projects that are the natural habitat of the MCT 385. Three counter-jib options, ranging from 14m - 22m in length with counterweight blocks of 4.85t and/or 3.15t, support this suitability, along with the other well-known performance advantages of Potain’s topless cranes.

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CONFIGURE IT YOUR WAY Each model offers a convenient choice of frequency-controlled hoisting and trolley mechanisms, delivering continuously variable speeds to make the handling and positioning of every pick as precise and convenient as possible. For maximum productivity, a customer could select the 150/180 HPL 50 GH hoist option on the new L20. The 150 HPL 50 GH and 180 HPL 50 GH winches are the same physical model, however when power comes from a 400V 50Hz supply, the winch is the 150 HPL version; and for markets where the power supply is 480V 60Hz, the winch delivers the performance characteristics of the 180 HPL. When operating as a 180 HPL winch, the crane can raise loads of 2.5t at up to 150.5 m/ min. When operating as the 150 HPL, 2.5t can be lifted at up to 144 m/min.

The L16 variant’s top-performing hoist is the 100 LVF 40, which can lift 8t

at 44.5m/min, using either 400V 50Hz or 480V 60Hz power supplies. Servicing these mechanisms is straightforward too, as they are conveniently located for mechanics to reach.

Like all Potain cranes, the MCT 385A offers a high level of convenience in terms of transportation to or from the jobsite.

The ability to pre-assemble certain parts of the crane before they are loaded onto trucks (just 10 standard truckloads or containers are typically required for transport) reduces onsite build time, coupled with the simple and rapid assembly enabled by an abundance of slinging points and its light weight. The assembly process can also be adapted to suit individual preference too – for example, the spacious and comfortable airconditioned cab can either be added to the towerhead sub-assembly at ground level or at height. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / TRIMBLE LIFTING SOLUTIONS

TRIMBLE’S INTELLIGENT CRANE LIFTING SOLUTIONS With the theme LIFT WITH CONFIDENCE, Trimble offers lifting solutions that integrate load monitoring and crane indication while improving safety by aiding crane operators. Andy Oliveira, lifting solution sales specialist for SITECH WA explains more.

“IN THE EARLY 2000S, TRIMBLE MADE a number of acquisitions involving technology companies focused on the construction sector. With the acquired technology, Trimble was able to offer a range of solutions for both construction equipment and the crane sector designed to enhance efficiency and safety. In 2014, Trimble launched the lifting solutions

Trimble GS026 Wind Speed Sensor.

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portfolio for the crane sector.

“Being a technology company, Trimble is constantly developing and evolving its solutions to meet market demands. Increasingly, we are seeing crane hire businesses implementing technology-based solutions designed to enhance the performance of their crane fleets,” said Andy Oliveira, lifting solutions sales specialist for SITECH WA. Oliveira explains how the Trimble crane lifting solutions work and how they can benefit any crane operation.

“By using Trimble’s diverse wireless product line including a range of load cells which are placed on various sections of the crane, Trimble’s crane lifting solutions can reliably monitor several kinds of load data at once, optimising lifting and movement and providing real time load management information for the operator. Understanding the nature of the lifting industry, the various elements of system are engineered and built to operate in the most rugged and demanding of environments,” he said.

“With load cells attached to the hook block or the jib itself, the system will provide information on how high or low the operator has to take the load and it also indicates if the operator is taking risks with lift. Trimble’s market-proven technology gives crane operators the tools to improve safety on the jobsite,” he said.

Typically, the communication range for the system can be up to 1,300 meters and the technology can simultaneously monitor up to 32 sensors, depending on display model installed in the cab. Trimble lifting solutions protect

equipment by reducing the risk of an onsite accident and also promote operator awareness by providing real-time load information.

Trimble’s crane instrumentation is as versatile as the crane and lifting equipment. It utilises Trimble’s wireless technology in a range of applications, including: Monitor the load with chart data programmed into the display, with sensors triggering audible and visual alarms as the operator reaches the rated capacity. In severe high-wind risk areas, the Trimble system aids the operator in adjusting lifts based on wind speed and wind gust measurements.

Avoid accidents caused by two-block incidents in offshore applications using hazardous-area certified systems, alerting the operator when the hook block approaches the boom tip Software Solutions While the use of operator aids is important to overall jobsite safety, Trimble technology also allows fleet owners and site managers to download and review event data in the office using Trimble software solutions.

Trimble’s Dashboard Software enables users to monitor sensor data on a desktop computer or laptop, featuring a customizable graphic display. Using the Data Logger Viewer Software, view data logs in the case of an incident to review any alarms or alerts that may have occurred during and beforehand.

Trimble lifting solutions displays and sensors include intrinsically safe options for hazardous areas and certifications that meet or exceed jobsite requirements. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Trimble’s crane lifting solutions can reliably monitor several kinds of load data at once, optimising lifting and movement and providing real time load management information for the operator.

Trimble multi-sensor displays feature extensive data logging and load chart capabilities for increased efficiency.

The Trimble can provide various sized load cells and sensors depending on the size of the crane and the boom. All the items are sold separately which enable the customer to design a customised lifting solution.

Oliveria explains how this technology will assist crane hire businesses with safety compliance issues when working on major infrastructure projects and Tier One construction sites. He also explains how the SITECH network will support

Trimble lifting solutions nationally.

“We are hearing from crane companies all the time because they are being asked to comply with safety-related issues when they are tendering for work on these major projects. This technology will help them show the major builders they have the right technological solution in place to comply with all safety regulations.

“SITECH WA is the leading provider of GPS-related construction products and Trimble LOADRITE scales in Western Australia. Support is a key feature of our product offering. We work

Trimble Load Cell www.cranesandlifting.com.au

with large organisations which have come to rely on our advice in terms of providing the best solutions for their businesses.

“We support our product wherever it is operating and some of these large organisations will have equipment operating in the middle of nowhere. Our fully trained service technicians support and solve any issues and we will get them to remote areas as quickly as possible if required.

“Our SmartTech network of organisations operate up and down the East Coast where we have operations in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. Our technicians in the SmartTech network are factory trained and fully understand the implications of the technology and the applications they are likely to be working in. Many have been working on large pieces of construction equipment, including cranes, for the last 20 years, so within our network, we have the experience to implement and support the right Trimble solution for any crane and lifting operation,” said Oliveria.

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IN FOCUS / UNIVERSAL CRANES

SHIP TO SHORE CONTAINER CRANE ASSEMBLY Universal Cranes provided equipment transportation, manned crane hire, and lift engineering for the assembly of two Ship to Shore Container Cranes.

IN EARLY 2021 UNIVERSAL CRANES completed a project for client Wm. O’Brien and Liebherr Container Cranes.

The Project involved Ship to Shore Crane Assembly at Port of Brisbane and Port of Townsville.

The scope of the Project included: • Transport equipment • Manned crane hire + riggers

• •

Supply of miscellaneous equipment (temp rails etc).

Lift Supervisor on site for duration of project

OVERVIEW: The Ship to Shore (STS) container crane assembly was completed in early 2021. Components were shipped from

Liebherr Container Cranes factory in Ireland for assembly on site. Universal Cranes received the components under hook and transported them to the designated area behind the operational wharf for assembly. The assembly sequence required a number of dual lifts at a height of 50-75m from ground level. Due to the complexity, several of

Universal Cranes provided equipment transportation, manned crane hire, and lift engineering for the Ship to Shore Crane Assembly.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / UNIVERSAL CRANES

these lifts were considered Engineered Lifts and required detailed planning and preparation including: 1.

Standing the legs horizontal to vertical (137t Dual lift) 2.

Lifting the main beam (162t Dual lift) 3.

Lifting the machine house (82t Dual lift) 4.

Installing the A-Frame and Pendant (dual lift at approx. 70m from ground level).

5.

Lifting the Derrick Boom (115t Dual Lift).

TOWNSVILLE: The installation at Port of Townsville is the final element of the $30million upgrade to the multi-user cargo handling facility. Standing at almost 100m, the blue and gold corporate colours of the Liebherr Super Post Panamax Ship to Shore Crane transforms Townville’s skyline.

Universal Cranes North QLD supported the assembly over several months, swinging into action the Liebherr LTM1120-4.1 (120T All Terrain Crane) for its first job. For the dual lifts, Universal Cranes used two Liebherr LR1300 (300t crawler cranes). These were both configured with full counterweight of 124t + 57t carbody counterweight.

One of the LR1300 crawler cranes was configured with a 20m luffing fly for added reach to provide sufficient boom clearance during the assembly.

Both cranes at the Ports are fully operational and have greatly increase productivity and lifting capacity.

KEY EQUIPMENT UTILISED: Primary Cranes • Liebherr LR1300 (300t Crawler Crane) • Liebherr LR1300 (300t Crawler Crane) • Sany SCC4000E (400t Crawler Crane) Support Cranes • Liebherr LTM1120-4.1 (120T All Terrain Crane) (First job after taking delivery) • Liebherr LTM1130-5.1 (130T All

Terrain Crane) Grove GMK5130-2 (130T All Terrain Crane) • Grove GMK5220 (220T All Terrain Crane) • Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 (350T All Terrain Crane) Transport Equipment: • 4x8 float and 4x8 jinker trailer for transporting large components including the main beam approx. 67m long • 8 row platform trailer for heaviest components.

•

Universal Cranes North QLD supported the assembly over several months, with their Liebherr LTM1120-4.1, and for dual lifts, their Liebherr LR 1300s

BRISBANE: The ship to shore container crane at the Patricks Terminal in Brisbane was the first of its kind in Australia. This container crane has no cabin and is designed for semi-automated and fully automated operation. Taking approximately 14 weeks to complete, Universal Cranes brought in a Liebherr LR1300 (300t Crawler Crane) and a 400t Sany Crawler crane to complete the heaviest lifts. The assembly works were also supported by a Grove GMK51302 (130T All Terrain Crane) with a fly attachment for man box work at heights of up to 75m.

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IN FOCUS / LCR GROUP

LCR DRIVING PRECAST CONSTRUCTABILITY

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www.cranesandlifting.com.au

LCR is one of Australia’s leading integrated logistics, transport and crane service providers. With a range of heavy lift all terrains, LCR Crane and Transport Division is focused on delivering high volume, precast projects. Peter Koschel, LCR Group’s Executive GM Cranes and Transport Operations explains more.

LCR HAS BEEN HEAVILY INVOLVED IN the construction of some the largest infrastructure projects in Queensland and built a reputation for providing customers with reliable solutions for the transportation and erection of precast bridge girders. These projects have included the construction of many of Queensland’s major road, rail and tunnel projects.

“During my 17 years with the business, LCR has always been a strong advocate for improving safety and productivity in the crane sector. We introduced the first 350t and 500t class The AC1000-9 has joined a number of heavy lifters in its LCR fleet. All are ideally suited to the precast construction sector.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

cranes to the Queensland over ten years ago, and we recently added the Tadano Demag AC1000-9 to our fleet,” said Koschel.

“We are evolving our transport and crane fleet with a strong focus on the precast construction sector. Components in infrastructure projects are getting bigger and requiring fewer, but much larger lifts. The team at LCR has always looked at how we can improve our services to our customers. Investing in the latest technology, like the AC10009 is our key business strategy for this sector,” he said.

LCR’s Crane and Transport Division is focused on delivering high volume, precast projects.

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IN FOCUS / LCR GROUP

The AC1000-9 has joined a number of heavy lifters in its fleet. All are ideally suited to the precast construction sector explains Koschel.

“The Demag AC1000/9 with its 1200t lifting capacity is the largest all terrain crane on the east coast. For such a large capacity crane it is surprisingly quick to mobilise and demobilise and relatively simple to transport between projects.

It is proving to be an ideal addition to our heavy lift fleet which includes our Demag AC500/2 and AC350 cranes (500t and 350t capacity classes).

“Our AC500 and AC350 units are still the strongest lifters in their respective capacity classes, and offer very nimble and cost effective options where program and set-up areas are limited,” he said With the fleet of heavy lifters comes specialist rigging and lifting equipment. Recently, and in collaboration with Edwards Heavy Lift and Sun Engineering, LCR designed and

manufactured the strongest pound-forpound Modular Lattice Spreader Bar in Australia.

Although it is extremely light weight, it is capable of being extended to 60m in length for heavy duty lifts. This customised spreader bar aligns with LCR’s focus on LIFT LIGHT, which involves the integration of the lightest rigging possible to reduce manual handling risks said Koschel.

LCR continues to add specialised precast heavy haulage equipment to its transport business, providing the capability to complete unique movements of oversized components whilst offering productivity levels that are delivering real time efficiencies and cost savings to our customers, said Koschel.

“Our extensive precast haulage fleet consists of High GCM Heavy Duty Prime Movers, 4 x 8 Row steerable jinkers and a comprehensive range of Modular Platform Trailers and specialised

transport equipment. We also have developed strong partnerships with key Australian and International transport equipment manufacturers. This gives us the flexibility to provide more specialised equipment enabling LCR to offer fully integrated and tailor-made end to end logistics packages,” he said.

“As part ASX listed QUBE Holdings, Australia’s largest logistics company, LCR cranes work within the integrated solutions part of the business. Our team is experienced in all facets of the lifting and transport sectors. We have a dedicated, inhouse team focused on swept path and dynamic lift analyses and our Heavy Vehicle National Law Plan management is third party audited.

“The construction of projects in the infrastructure sector is evolving rapidly.

LCR remains focused on delivering the right cranes and equipment for these major projects as we continue to drive new levels of constructability, efficiency and safety.” said Koschel.

Heavy lifters require specialist rigging and lifting equipment. In collaboration with Edwards Heavy Lift and Sun Engineering, LCR developed the strongest pound-for-pound Modular Lattice Spreader Bar in Australia.

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PLAN YOUR ENTRY The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) recognises excellence and innovation in the Australian crane industry with the CICA Lift Of The Year Awards.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR INNOVATION OF THE YEAR LIFT OF THE YEAR - UNDER 20T LIFT OF THE YEAR - OVER 20T

cica.com.au/awards-lift-of-the-year

CICA PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2019 Winners: WALZ GROUP AND FIELD ENGINEERS BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) appointed Central Queensland business, Walz Group, for a $31M project to remove decommissioned marine infrastructure from the Hay Point Coal Terminal, south of Mackay.

CICA LIFT OF THE YEAR OVER 20 TONNES 2019 Winner: MAX CRANES Project: B3 Air Rotor changeout at Torrens Island Power Station for UGL on behalf of AGL won the Lift of the Year Award.

CICA AWARD INNOVATION OF THE YEAR 2019 A new lifting innovation, jointly developed by John Holland, Edwards Heavy Lift and RUD won the 2019 CICA Innovations Award.

IN FOCUS / TADANO OCEANIA

The new facility in Perth is purpose built and features 2400 sqm of workshop which includes six service bays plus the hard stand.

TADANO INVESTS IN NEW PREMISES Tadano recently announced it had secured larger facilities to accommodate its rapidly expanding operations in Sydney and Perth. Increasing customer service and support through larger workshops and greater spare parts holdings are key focuses for the new facilities.

THESE EXPANSIONS ARE A KEY ELEMENT of the ‘Joining Forces’ strategy which is driving an increased focus on customer support and satisfaction. The new facilities will increase the NSW and WA operations abilities to supply product to the increasing demands from the markets and provide best in class after sales service & training. Each facility boasts highly skilled employees that are always willing to go above and beyond to assist Tadano customers. Tadano Oceania has shown great results recently which Tadano headquarters recognises and is supporting with the investment in the new premises.

Mauro Ranieri is Tadano’s Workshop 132 / CAL January 2022

& Field Service Manager (WA), provides an update on the purpose-built facility.

“This is a purpose-built facility and is a result of the growth we have been experiencing in the Tadano products but also following the acquisition of the Demag business. The move to the new facility will be in February 2022 when we will move the entire Tadano operation from Bibra Lake to Hope Valley. The new facility features 2400 sqm of workshop which includes six service bays plus the hard stand.

“The workshop also features a fullsized wash bay approximately 40m long and an internal wash bay. The smaller bay will be used for washing booms

when they have been stripped down.

The workshop features two, 10t capacity overhead cranes which will help with the maintenance of the cranes, especially the larger machines, and the hard stand will hold stock and provide more room for cranes arriving for servicing,” said Mauro.

Accessibility from the main road to the yard will be very straight forward and provides easy access for the largest of the Tadano and Demag cranes. The facility is also close to the Kwinana hub where you will find a lot of big crane customers along the Kwinana strip.

“The facility will be powered by 85 solar panels on a 40kW system with 2x15 kW inverters. This aligns with our global www.cranesandlifting.com.au

direction on sustainability. There is also a high degree of growth designed into the building’s footprint. We have more than doubled the amount of room we have for spare parts. The parts department is being setup to hold far more stock. We will have easier access to the parts and we will be able to pick and shift parts much quicker,” said Mauro.

“The office accommodation also includes training rooms. These reflect Tadano’s ongoing commitment to training our staff and technicians but also reaffirms our commitment to customer and operator training.

Customer training will include familiarisation with new machines and basic operational training when a new crane is sold.

“The facility is designed to set us up for the next phase of the business but, more importantly, it increases our ability to support our broadening product range and to enhance the Tadano customer experience,” said Mauro.

Jay Gower is Tadano Sales for NSW and ACT. He discusses the reason behind the move to the new Penrith facility.

“Some time ago, we recognised we had outgrown our previous facility in Sydney’s Wetherill Park. It has been a slow and deliberate process to ensure we found the right facility to meet our requirements for the next phase of growth for the NSW operations. The new facility is designed to cater for this stage of our growth and enable us to better service our existing

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and futures clients,” he said.

“We identified a list of requirements for the facility which included a goodsized workshop with an overhead crane, decent office accommodation and in a good location. The new Penrith workshop features five work bays, and these are capable of handling the larger cranes in range.

“There is a sixth bay, and this has a mezzanine floor constructed above it.

This is for our dedicated spare parts division. With the mezzanine floor we have almost doubled the area of our parts department and this is in preparation for the planned growth in our parts business and stock holding,’ said Gower.

The new facility is designed to help Tadano handle the big new machines which are coming next year and to handle the current population of machines in the state.

“The Wetherill Park facility was unable to service anything over the five axles which was causing us an issue but now we can service six, seven and eight axle cranes without a problem,” said Gower.

“The offices are perfect for our requirements at the moment and there is room to expand the accommodation as the office team grows. The Penrith location was strategically chosen with the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport scheduled to be operating by 2026.

“Western Sydney is the ‘crane hub’ for the city with most of the major

crane business located in Wetherill Park, Glendenning and Arndell Park areas which are only 20 minutes down the road. We have easy access to the main motorway systems which take you North, South, East of the West of the city so it is ideal for customers to bring their cranes to them or for our service technicians to visit them,” he said.

Gower confirms the first model of the newly released Tadano AC 7.450-1 All Terrain Crane will be arriving in the Penrith facility in early 2022. It is the first unit to arrive on the east coast.

The new Penrith facility features a workshop with five work bays which are capable of handling six, seven and eight axle cranes without a problem.

SPOILED FOR CHOICE – POWERFUL, VERSATILE BOOM OPTIONS With its fully telescoped 80m main boom, the AC 7.450-1 reaches lifting capacities of up to 25t. If the main boom’s length is not sufficient, it can, for example, be extended with a luffing jib with a maximum length of 81 meters.

The crane’s maximum system length is 132 meters. The luffing jib can be “divided up” in three-meter segments from 24 to 81 meters. But that is not all: In addition to the luffing jib, Tadano also offers configuration options for a fixed extension, and even a runner.

BENCHMARK ON SEVEN AXLES Compact like a six-axle crane, powerful like many eight-axle units – the AC 7.4501 is in a class of its own. It is the first machine from a new high-efficiency crane family and makes a compelling case with a series of forward-looking solutions and impressive technical specifications.

COMPACT AND MANOEUVRABLE – LIKE A SIX-AXLE CRANE With a carrier length of 15.99m, a total length of 17.62m, and an outrigger base of 8.45m, the AC 7.450-1 does not take up more space than a six-axle crane at the job site. However, it offers significantly larger lifting capacities and a longer main boom that comes in at 80m. All seven axles on the AC 7.450-1 are steered, and four of them are driven. This makes the crane so manoeuvrable that it can handle tight work sites at least as well as a sixaxle model.

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IN FOCUS / ZOOMLION

ZOOMLION’S SUPER-DUTY CRAWLER ON ITS WAY TO TURKISH HEAVY LIFTER Zoomlion delivers a new Super-Duty Crawler to Turkish heavy Lifter. The delivery of the crane breaks another record for Zoomlion.

AT 9:00 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 16TH 2021, with the word “departure” and accompanied by colourful fanfare of ribbons and horns, a huge fleet of 100 trucks slowly drove out of Zoomlion, Lugu Industrial Park.

The fleet was transporting Zoomlion’s ZCC32000 crawler crane which is being shipped to Turkey from the port of Shanghai. This “giant” of Chinese

construction machines will soon be operating on projects in Turkey.

The export of this model has set a new record for Chinese cranes with the ZCC32000 crawler being the heaviest duty crawler exported overseas. According to Zoomlion, this demonstrates the brand influence and market competitiveness of “made in China” brands

The export of this model has set a new record for Chinese cranes with the ZCC32000 crawler being the heaviest duty crawler exported overseas. According to Zoomlion, this demonstrates the brand influence and market competitiveness of “made in China” brands.

The ZCC32000 crawler will be used in a nuclear power plant project in Turkey after being delivered to the customer.

134 / CAL January 2022

The ZCC32000 crawler crane shipped to turkey is a 1815 tonne full-service product, which has a maximum lifting moment of 29,000 tonne and a maximum single arm height of 168 meters and adopts modularised ultrawide arms.

Its lifting performance is increased by 10-20 per cent over comparative products in the industry. It can adapt to various complicated lifting environments during operation, and can be switched to singleengine or double-engine operation according to the actual demands of the users.

Allowing users to choose to reduce the oil consumption or strengthen the power, it has strong adaptability to various working conditions and high system safety assurance. In addition, it can achieve efficient disassembly and assembly.

The ZCC32000 crawler will be used in a nuclear power plant project in Turkey after being delivered to the customer.

After completing the hoisting “mission” in the nuclear power plant, it will be transferred to other hoisting projects including wind farm construction and petrochemical plant construction in Europe.

According to Zoomlion management, the advantages of the products it engineers and manufacture is matched by the professional and quality service provided to customers. Zoomlion provides customers with comprehensive solutions, including customised configurations which take into account the working conditions of products, customised transportation schemes, localised financing support, and 24www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Exporting the ZCC32000 crawler breaks the record for the heaviest duty crane exported overseas. Previously, the record was also held

by Zoomlion with the export of the ZCC9800W crawler crane

hour after-sales service and training on product technologies. These ‘value add’ services have provided a solid foundation for the successful exporting of Zoomlion’s “high-end” super-duty products to major overseas market.

Breaking three records in a year demonstrates a strong brand says Zoomlion.

Exporting the ZCC32000 crawler www.cranesandlifting.com.au

breaks the record for the heaviest duty crane exported overseas and this is the third time that Zoomlion products have broken the record.

Previously, the record was also held

by Zoomlion products, which were ZCC9800W crawler crane exported to Turkey in October 2020, and the ZCC12500 crawler crane, which was exported to Turkey in June 2021, both

Exporting the ZCC32000 crawler breaks the record for the heaviest duty crane exported overseas and this is the third time that Zoomlion products have broken the record.

setting records for the heaviest-duty domestic crane exported to Europe. With three records broken within one year, Zoomlion confirms this demonstrates the technical strength, product quality and brand strength of Zoomlion cranes, and sets a standard for “China’s high-end manufacturing” on the world stage.

As a customer of Zoomlion’s three record-breaking products, the largest heavy lifting and transportation company in Turkey had only purchased European and American brands up until recently. However, after purchasing ZCC9800W from Zoomlion last year, an executive kept praising the quality of Zoomlion cranes.

“Zoomlion crawler cranes have excellent construction performance, high construction efficiency and safety, stability of reliability of equipment. Facts have proved that the quality of Chinese products and the reliability they offer.”

Constant improvement in overseas performance demonstrates solid brand strength says Zoomlion. After years of independent research and development and technological innovation, Zoomlion has developed a series of heavy-duty crawler cranes, which have not only demonstrated their capabilities in the key Chinese industry sectors including construction, the renewable energy sector including wind farms, nuclear power and petrochemical industries, it has also successfully made significant inroads on the global market, stepping out of the shadows of major global manufacturers and leading the field with innovation and product development.

With excellent product quality and increased acceptance of the brand, January 2022 CAL / 135

IN FOCUS / ZOOMLION

More models from the new Zoomlion ZCT series hydraulic telescopic boom crawlers will be arriving in 2022.

“Zoomlion crawler cranes have excellent construction performance, high construction efficiency and safety, stability of reliability of equipment. Facts have proved that the quality of Chinese products and the reliability they offer.”

Zoomlion’s construction cranes have been exported to Vietnam, Turkey, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries, and the performance of the cranes overseas performance has seen a greater awareness and acceptance of the Zoomlion brand.

According to the 2021 interim results reported by Zoomlion, in the first half of 2021, Zoomlion’s overseas income 136 / CAL January 2022

increased by more than 52.28% year-onyear. The results of construction cranes grew sharply, with the sales increased by 60.8% year-on-year from January to August. The sales volume of truck cranes over 30 tons ranked first in the industry, and the company’s domestic market share of crawler cranes ranked first in the industry.

Luo Kai, vice president of Zoomlion

and general manager of Zoomlion Construction Crane Company, said, “Zoomlion has broken records in the competition of high-end manufacturing industry, showing the style and responsibility of the backbone of the country. We will continue to carry forward the ‘Craftsman’s spirit’ and provide high-quality and highperformance intelligent products for overseas markets.”

If you need any further information or any inquiry about Zoomlion Tower Crane, Luffing tower crane, truck crane, material hoist and other cranes, please contact Zoomlion’s authorised distributor, Nationwide Machinery Group info@nationwidemachinerygroup.com.au or visit www.nationwidemachinerygroup.com.au www.cranesandlifting.com.au

2022 OVER 170 CRANE HIRE COMPANIES SHOWCASE THEIR BEST.

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2022

IN FOCUS / CICA

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THE CRANE INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (CICA) SUPPORTS UPDATED SHOWCASE With over 170 crane hire businesses supplying information on the premium cranes in their fleets, the 2022 Cranes and Lifting SHOWCASE provides an interesting insight into the make up of Australia’s crane industry.

THE CRANE INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF Australia (CICA) is the authority for the crane industry and exists to benefit and further the interests of the crane industry. Issues that impact the safety, efficiency and productivity of our members businesses are what matter most to CICA. We are continuously looking for ways to work with governing bodies to find workable solutions and to create safety resources and onsite tools that our members have access to. We are also analysing crane incident data to map any gaps, and then looking for ways to fill those gaps. Our membership continues to grow as more and more crane companies and businesses affiliated with the crane industry see the value in what CICA provides.

CICA commends Cranes and Lifting for the 2022 Showcase initiative, an excellent and timely resource for the construction and mining sectors. As the 2022 Showcase is circulated electronically and across different platforms, it will no doubt become the ‘go to’ guide for anyone requiring crane services in Australia.

This 2022 showcase highlights how many different cranes we have in www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Australia and CICA has developed three programs that ensure operators and cranes are well equipped to do the job safely. These three programs are CraneSafe, CrewSafe and StartSafe.

CICA’s CraneSafe ‘Green Sticker’ program has a long history of ensuring that cranes are well maintained and safe to use when they arrive on a site.

CraneSafe is a way of continuously monitoring the condition of the crane to determine when maintenance, service, or repair are required and is the only NATA approved, independently audited program in Australia.

The CrewSafe program is the crane industry’s VOC and meets the requirement for assessing differentiating skills with modules that are designed to be machinespecific, reflecting the current state of knowledge and best practice. All assessments are filmed, documented, and accessible on a CrewSafe application, so site supervisors and crane operators have a centralised point of reference available on their mobile phones.

CICA are currently testing an exciting new initiative called StartSafe

which is a prestart inspection app.

StartSafe provides confidence to crane owners, because they have documented evidence that pre-start inspections on their cranes are being completed to the highest standard. The major advantage is that information from the pre-start can be sent back to the business, so that the maintenance team can see the condition of the crane even if it is working remotely. While still in the testing phase, this will be available soon.

If you would like more information on any of these initiatives or would like to know more about becoming a CICA member, head to the CICA website www.cica.com.au January 2022 CAL / 139

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

“ONE TADANO” CONCEPT SHINES THROUGH IN NEW BRAND ALIGNMENT. First of the new model AC7.450-1 arrives down under early 2022.

Transitioning from three major brands to one, streamlining model numbers and continuing to maintain customer satisfaction are focus areas for Tadano as it rolls out it’s “One Tadano” campaign.

TRANSFORMATION IS PART OF TADANO’S long-term strategy to become the ‘Number 1’ worldwide in the lifting equipment industry. As part of that transformation, in April 2021 Tadano announced the decision to harmonise under a single brand. As a major step in realising the concept of “One Tadano”, this harmonisation is now being implemented worldwide and will be used for all mobile cranes.

Category names, model names, and standard colouring schemes have been harmonised for all terrain cranes and truck cranes produced by Tadano Faun 140 / CAL January 2022

GmbH, lattice boom crawler cranes, telescopic boom crawler cranes, and all terrain cranes produced by Tadano Mantis Corporation. For all terrain cranes, the new model names will feature the type/family name, followed by the number of axles, the lifting capacity in metric tonnes, engine and/or boom specs (where applicable) and then the version number.

EXAMPLES: AC7.450-1 is the new model for our seven axle 450t lifting capacity all terrain.

AC4.070-1 is the new model for our four axle 70t lifting capacity all terrain (formerly the ATF 70G-4).

For lattice boom crawler cranes the new model name will feature the type/ family name, followed by the legacy series number, the lifting capacity in metric tonnes and then the version number.

EXAMPLE: CC88.1600-1 is the new-model name for our 1600t lifting capacity lattice boom crawler crane (formerly CC 8800-1). www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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For truck cranes produced in Germany, the new model names will feature the type/family name, followed by the number of axles, the lifting capacity in metric tonnes, and then the version number – just as with the all terrains. For telescopic boom crawler cranes, the current model names will be continued without change.

Most importantly, in terms of daily business, Tadano remains committed to the continuity of support and parts delivery for new, current and legacy products so that our customers will experience successful business outcomes as usual.

In addition to brand harmonisation, other Tadano Group efforts are proceeding successfully.

These include the integration efforts in our European and Pan-American operations, respectively. Furthermore, the Tadano Group is engaging in exciting new innovations, such as new all terrains jointly developed by Tadano Faun and Tadano Demag, as well as new technologies and solutions that are environmentally friendly.

The Tadano Group supports the recommendations from the Task Force Climate-Related Disclosure (TCFD) and has set clear goals of reducing CO2 emissions from its business activities worldwide by 25 per cent and from its products by 35 per cent by 2030, as well as becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Tadano Oceania along with the rest of the world will benefit through the efficiencies that this unification brings. The ability to centralise and focus our research and development teams will equate to us being able to provide new and innovative solutions faster, the alignment of technologies and components will elevate our ability to provide improved service, support, parts and training to our customers. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“In addition, we also want to convey an exclusive sense of purpose and dedication: No other manufacturer is as undividedly focused on lifting equipment as we are, and this goes for both our company as a whole and for each individual member of our team. For us, every single lift that is performed out here is just as important as it is to the customer carrying it out.”

Tadano-GTC-1800EX.

The announcement comes with a promise for the company’s customers, “Your passion. Our DNA.” The rationality behind the promise: “For our customers, cranes are more than just a product we sell. They are their passion as well as ours. Our employees often say that cranes run in their blood – they are part of our DNA. ‘In addition, we also want to convey an exclusive sense of purpose and dedication: No other manufacturer is as undividedly focused on lifting equipment as we are, and this goes for both our company as a whole

and for each individual member of our team. For us, every single lift that is performed out here is just as important as it is to the customer carrying it out.”

As Tadano focuses on the lifting equipment and lifting solutions that provide added value to our customers, the harmonisation of branding, development of new technologies, and initiatives for a cleaner environment are further steps toward our strategic growth and our vision of “Pursuing Excellence for the World and the Future.”

January 2022 CAL / 141

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

UAA – THE SENSIBLE CHOICE FOR CRANE INSURANCE Lindores Construction and Logistics is one of South East Queensland’s major operators of tower and mobile cranes. Managing director, Chris Lindores speaks his integrated crane business and how UAA plays a critical in providing the right levels of insurance across the entire organisation.

Lindores Construction and Logistics operates a fleet of 30 tower cranes and 10 mobile cranes.

142 / CAL January 2022

LINDORES HAS BEEN IN THE CRANE industry since he was a child. He is a member of the ‘Lindores Family Crane Dynasty’ which is synonymous with Queensland’s crane sector.

“From a young age, I worked in the family business. I was mentored by my father and uncles who were running the business until it was ultimately sold and became part of QUBE logistics, as we know it today.

“I was encouraged to learn the fundamentals of the business from the ground up and worked my way through various parts of the business, from an apprentice through to QLD sales manager.

“In 2009, I launched Lindores Construction and Logistics with a 25t Franna which we used to move site sheds around. The business grew and we began supplying specialist tower crane crews and from there we moved on to providing tower cranes.

Today, we run a staff level of around 90 people, prominently for our own fleet of 30 tower cranes and 10 mobile cranes.

The tower crane fleet features late model technologically advanced Electric and Diesel Favelle Favcos ranging from the M60R recovery crane up to the Favelle Favco M630D, supported by a range other models including Comedil and Liebherr

electric cranes, says Lindores.

“We also have a range of high speed tower cranes in the 25t and 50t capacity range including the cranes which built the Burj Khalifa. Late last year we added our 3rd M630D to our fleet.

“Our back yard is South-East Queensland, and we predominantly operate in this region, however, we have completed projects up and down the east coast and as far west as the Mt Isa mines where we are currently working on a long term contract with Glencore on the copper smelter.

“Our diverse mobile crane fleet ranges from the Maeda MC305 mini crane through to the 25t and 28t Frannas and then into the Liebherrs all terrains which range from 55t capacity to the 350t capacity . Last month, we purchased the first Liebherr LTM 1150 5.3 150t capacity all terrain to arrive in the country” said Lindores.

With a broad range of tower and mobile cranes, comes a risk profile, Lindores explains why UAA is the sensible choice as an insurance underwriter.

“Our insurance is through UAA. Every company has a high-risk profile with mobile cranes and road risk liabilities and with tower cranes connected to the side of buildings next to freeways, these operations also have high levels of risk. UAA is completely www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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UAA has a depth of understanding and is capable of the tailoring premium and protection levels for businesses like Lindores Construction and Logistics.

familiar with our industry and partnering the business with UAA is a massive benefit for organisations like ours. UAA understand our day to day operations and how we do business,” he said.

Lindores explains how he works with UAA when it comes to including new cranes on the policy and ensuring the business has the right levels of insurance covering the high risk work undertaken.

“The liability limits, including public liability and product liability limits are discussed and details disclosed with UAA. A lot of the minimum requirements come from our principal contractors in terms www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of what they require as part of there direct head contractual requirements.

“Obviously, we have to make sure we have the right levels of protection in case something does go wrong.

You want a level of comfort and reassurance you are not left covering the difference between a second hand crane and a replacement one,” he said.

“We started with UAA in 2010 and we were with them until 2016. “We examined the alternate market options and sought something different for a couple of years. What we did find, is the service and the insurance coverage offered by UAA, compared to other insurance companies, is seamless,” he said.

“UAA has a depth of understanding and is capable of the tailoring premium and protection levels for our business and our individual assets and this can only come from a crane hire expert in insurance. UAA can tailor the premiums to suit the equipment you are operating and not just provide a ‘blanket policy’ for the industry, which is what we were finding with other insurance providers.

“I had a discussion with George Grasso, UAA Group – Chief Claims and Service Officer and following this conversation we were back on board with UAA to continue our relationship with them and we are more than happy to have done so,” said Lindores.

January 2022 CAL / 143

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

SPRING HAS SPRUNG As COVID slowly retracts and the various states now have pathways in place, there is a high degree of economic optimism. Finlease’s Jeff Wilson takes a considered approach towards the possible highs and lows of the coming year.

The crane industry has been taking advantage of the government schemes and investing heavily in new cranes to assist with the amount of infrastructure work in the pipeline.

144 / CAL January 2022

ALTHOUGH WE HAVE SEEN INTEREST rates rise and just about every union is looking to pressure industry for pay rises which in turn puts further pressure on inflation, these factors are clear indicators that green shoots in the economy are really started to grow and shows strong signs for the road ahead.

What will this mean for the crane sector? As a result of the Federal Government incentives, including the Instant Asset Write Off schemes known as Temporary Full Expensing of Depreciating Assets (TFEDA) on new and used assets, some businesses are benefiting enormously from this with very reduced tax bills or in some cases actual refunds. This has in turn, in addition to the national Job keeper and subsequent state based support packages, has provided them with the cash flow and opportunity to either pay down debt or continue to invest in expanding their business.

Wilson looks at the likely impact of higher interest rates and how long the government will continue to offer these types of incentive schemes.

“We do know that the Government has made the schemes available until at least June 2023, but it is not clear what will happen beyond this time. We also know that interest rates have recently risen, not only in the home loan market with rates for fixed 5-year money now sitting in the very high 3’s to early 4’s, however, do anticipate some stabilisation for a while as markets had pre-emptively priced in an expected increase in RBA rates which has not as yet materialised.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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“But this has also been offset by an expectation of a much stronger Australian dollar in 2022 (up to US$0.80) and those crane businesses buying equipment from overseas in the coming 12 – 18 months should see the benefits of this against European currencies, for example.

Higher interest rates being offset by a stronger dollar and federal and state governments committed to massive infrastructure investments together with the Government “tax incentives” are proving to be massive incentives for business investment,” said Wilson.

the future of their business,” he said.

We are seeing this investment not just in larger operators but across the board. The government incentives introduced approximately 18 months ago are really starting to deliver the desired outcomes. The banks are also beginning to relax some of the tighter measures they employed throughout the pandemic.

“We are seeing the banks slightly ease their lending criteria and policies.

They are still expecting companies to have sound financial reporting and they are still wanting to ensure there

“We know there is an extensive amount of work coming, we know the government has provided generous investment incentives to encourage investment in the industry and we know there is an acute labour shortage. We also know our state and national borders are on the verge of opening and that the government is planning to bring in more skilled labour to address the skills shortage.”

The industry as has many other industries been taking advantage of the government schemes and are investing heavily in new cranes to assist with the amount of infrastructure work in the pipeline, says Wilson.

“The industry understands a lot of the infrastructure projects and Tier One work, that lies ahead, and the industry as a whole understand, they will need more cranes, and labour to operate them.

“They also know that now is the perfect time to buy because of the government incentives. They know there will be a good four to seven years of work ahead. Factor in the tax incentives and this is giving them the confidence to put what would have been tax money into expansion money.

They are making a solid investment in www.cranesandlifting.com.au

are no ‘hidden skeletons’ as a result of what we have all just been through.

If the banks can get themselves comfortable with all of this, then they will continue to adopt more of a ‘can do’ attitude.

“The banks also recognise the investment the Federal and State governments are making in infrastructure and the construction sectors. It is these sectors that will lead the economic revival and there is still plenty of positive investment to come into the future,” he said.

Two of the biggest issues Wilson sees emerging for the industry will be the shortage of labour and stock.

“Right now I can see we are headed towards the perfect storm. Lead times on crane deliveries are blowing out, placing more pressure on crane

businesses to fulfil their contractual requirements. As a result, the secondhand crane market is becoming much stronger.

“We know there is an extensive amount of work coming, we know the government has provided generous investment incentives to encourage investment in the industry and we know there is an acute labour shortage.

We also know our state and national borders are on the verge of opening and that the government is planning to bring in more skilled labour to address the skills shortage.

“As the Tier One and government investments start to taper down, we will then see private enterprise money tapering up. The private sector will be focused on building commercial and residential high-rise projects and housing estates. All this spells a concerted and very busy few years ahead for the crane sector.

“It feels like spring has sprung; we have emerged from a winter of discontent and are heading towards far more positive times,” he said.

In his role as the Chair for the NSW branch of CICA, Wilson is also a good gauge of the industry overall.

He discusses his outlook for the year ahead.

“I am very positive about the year ahead. I believe will have a CICA national conference and exhibition scheduled for in the later part of 2022 in Adelaide. In NSW we are looking forward to the planned Industry Day in March, and the Regional Meeting which will be held in Bathurst in April.

“We had the first face-to-face meeting in almost eight months in early November which was very well participated. It’s beginning to feel like we are getting back to the normal ways of doing things. This is buoyed with confidence so there is a very positive vibe throughout the industry.

January 2022 CAL / 145

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

Liebherr LTC 10503.1

50t

39m

Kato NK 300

30t

33m extending to 47.5m

Tadano TL500 ES

50t

42m

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

165m main boom + 15m of fly

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

750t

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Make and model largest crawler

Liebherr LG1750-SX

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

43.2m + 17m

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

Make and model largest rough terrain

ROUGH TERRAIN

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

Company Name

Make and model largest all terrain crane

ALL TERRAIN

ACT

BOOM LOGISTICS LTD

CAPITAL CRANES

CONCEPT CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM17509.1

800t

49.1m + 19m + 91m

Liebherr LTM 12505.1 with VarioBase

250t

60m main boom + 36m fly

Grove GMK 5130-2

130t

95m

Liebherr LTM 130t 1130-5.1

60m

Grove RT890E

75t

Tadano GR200EX

20t

26.9m

Liebherr LR1750

750t

140m + 6m

Kobelco CKE 2500-2

250t

76.2m + 30m fly

Demag CC 2800

600t

84 m

Kobelco CKE 2500-2

250t

76.2m + 30m fly

NSW

ACTION CRANES

ACTIVE CRANE HIRE

AJ SCARR CRANES

ALDRIDGE'S CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM 100t 1100-5.2

51m

ALLIED CRANE HIRE

Grove GMK5130

130t

60m

ANC CRANES

Tadano ATF 65G-4

65t

60m

AOR CRANES "ALL OVER RIGGING"

Liebherr LTM10904.1

90t

69m

BORGER CRANE HIRE AND RIGGING SERVICES

Liebherr LTM1750 TONNE

750t

Tadano GR160N

16t

30m

49m + 24m + 91m

Link - Belt RTC 8065

65t

43 main + 15m fly

Kato CR200Ri City Crane

20t

28m

BOTANY CRANES & FORKLIFT SERVICES

Liebherr LTM 130t 1130-5.1

60m

C&C CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Grove GMK5130

60m

CENTRAL CRANE SERVICES

146 / CAL January 2022

130t

Tadano GT-300EL

30t

34m

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

www.cranesandlifting.com.au Maeda MC305c-2

Toa TC 304 3t

3t 12.485m

Franna MAC25SL-4

9.7m 25t 18.4m

Franna AT40 40t 19.8m

25t 21.4m

Franna AT25 25t 21.4m

Franna AT20 20t 19m

Franna AT40 40t 19.8m

Maeda MC405

4t

16m

Maeda 405c

4t

20.7m

Tidd PC28

28t

16m

Maeda 6

6t

17 m + 5m of fly

Franna AT40 40t

19m

Maeda 305c-2

3.5t

17m

Franna MAC-25

17m

Franna AT40

25t

Franna AT40 40t

19.8m

40t

19.8m

Hiab 8t 50m

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

Potain MCH125 Electro Hydraulic Luffing Crane

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest Luffing TOWER – LUFFING

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

17.9m

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

Franna AT20 20t

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

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Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

Franna MAC25-4

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

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TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

Potain MCT325 L12 12t 75m

Potain HUF 32-27

4t

32m

8t

January 2022 CAL / 147

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

17m

CK CRANES PTY LTD

Liebherr LTM1060

60t

48m

HIAB 190AW

19 tonnes

COFFS CITY CRANES

Tadano ATF130G-5

130t

92m

Kato NK550VE

55t

58m

COOMA CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM1090

90t

72m

CREW NSW

Liebherr LTM-1060

60t

48m

Tadano 30t Truck Mount

32m

DEBNER CRANES PTY LTD

Liebherr LTM12205.2

220t

60m

Liebherr LTM1300

300t

46m + 70m

GBP CRANES

Liebherr LTM12505.1

250t

108m

Link - Belt HTT86100

85t

64m

HARLEY CRANES GROUP

Grove GMK5130-2

130t

95m

HAWKESBURY CRANES

Liebherr LTM 60t 1060-3.1

Tadano TL300E-3

30t

47m

EVERWILLING CRANES

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

1250kgs

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

HIAB 144 Duo 5

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Make and model largest crawler

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

64m

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

170t

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

Grove GMK 5170

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

CENTRAL WEST CRANE SERVICES

Make and model largest rough terrain

Company Name

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Make and model largest all terrain crane

ALL TERRAIN

2600t

154m

FAVELLE FAVCO CRANES P/L

FRANCRANE

63m

HUNTERWIDE CRANES

HYVA PACIFIC

JPM CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM MRC 1090-4.2 100t

76 m

LAMPSON

Grove GMK3000

275t

64m

MCPHAN CRANES & TRANSPORT

Tadano ATF100G-4

100t

72m

148 / CAL January 2022

Grove RT9150

130t

60m

Lampson Transi-Lift LTL-2600

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Liebherr LTR1100 100t 60m + 19m fly

www.cranesandlifting.com.au 25t 17m

Franna AT20-3 20t 18m

Franna MAC28t 28t 18.42m

Tidd PC28 28t 16m

Maeda 405 3.83t 20.7m with jib Franna MAC25 25t 19m

Maeda MC405 3.83t 20.7m Franna MAC25 25t 18.4m

Tidd PC 25 25 t 18.5m + 1.9m jib

Franna AT40 40t 19.8m

Maeda MC-305C 3t 12.49m Franna AT20 20t 20.76m

Maeda MC405 3.8t 21.5m

Franna MAC25 25t 23m

Franna AT20-3

20t

17m + fly

Franna MAC25SL

25t

22m

Franna MAC25

25t

15.7m 4.4t 16m

Hiab 377 hi pro 7500 kgs 26m

Palfinger 1800 EH 5.8t 12.5m

Ferrari 990

80t

20m

Palfinger PK18002EH

4t

10m Yongmao STL420A 25t 60m

Favelle Favco M2480D 330t 120m

Terex Comedil CTT 561A-20

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

TOWER – LUFFING

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

VEHICLE LOADING

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

19m Hiab 122E-4

Make and model of largest Luffing

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

Franna AT20 20t

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Franna MAC25

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

20t 84m

January 2022 CAL / 149

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

Grove GMK5150L

150t

66m

Tadano ATF220G-5

220t

105.2m

XCMG QY25K-II

25t

42.15m

Demag AC160-2

160t

95.5m

Tadano GT550E

55t

56.6m

Grove GMK6400

400t

136m

Tadano TL-300E

30t

42m

Demag AC60

60t

40m + fly

Tadano GR600 EX

20t

30m

Grove GMK5130-2

130t

60m + 32m fly

Grove RT9150E

135t

60.05m + 17.98m fly

Link Belt HTC86100

85t

42.7m + 27.4m fly

Liebherr

300t

112m

TOP GUN CRANES

Liebherr ltm 1130

130t

93 m

TWO WAY CRANES

Liebherr LTM13506.1

350t

134m

MID COAST CRANES

MUDGEE CRANES

43.2m + 17m fly

Zoomlion QUY 100

100t

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

METRO CRANES

80t

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Grove RT 890E

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Make and model largest crawler

50m + 91m

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

Leibherr LTM 500t 1500-8.1

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

MELROSE CRANES & RIGGING

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

Company Name

Make and model largest rough terrain

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Make and model largest all terrain crane

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ALL TERRAIN

73m + 31m fly

PAN CRANES

PRESTON HIRE

RAR CRANES AND RIGGING

REDS GLOBAL

RESOLUTION RIGGING SERVICES

ST GEORGE CRANES & TRANSPORT PTY LTD

STRAIT UP CRANES & RIGGING

SVSR MINI CRANE HIRE

SYDNEY CRANES

150 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

SUPPORTED BY:

finlease

TM

your equipment finance partner

Maeda 815

8t

21m

Maeda MC-405

4t

18m

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

3.5t

17m

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Franna MAC25

25t

21.4m

Franna AT20-3

20t

20.8m with fly

Franna AT40 40t

19.8m

Potain MR160

10t

51m

Terex CTT561

24t

84m

20t

17.9m

Favelle FAVCO M390D

32t

73.4m

Comedil CTT 561A-24

24t

85m

Favelle Favco M630D

50t

73.4m

Liebherr 280ECH 12 Litronic

12T

76.5m

Franna AT20 20t

18m

TIDD PC25

25t

18.5m + 1.9m jib

Maeda 405

4t

21m

Maeda MC 355 HC

3t

11.58m

Franna MAC25

25t

18.42m

Maeda mc 355c

3t

12.4m

Franna MAC25 SL

28 t

18.9m

Maeda CC985S-2

4.9t

20.2m with fly

Franna AT40 40t

12.2m

Iveco Stralis HIAB 258

15.1m

8.4t

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

21.4m

Palfinger 8.05t PK 21502 C

Make and model of largest Luffing

25t

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

Franna MAC25 SL

19.83m

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

22m

Franna AT40 40t

Franna AT20-3

Maeda 305C-2

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

25t

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

Franna Mac 25

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres) 23.1m + 7.87m fly-jib

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

10t

TOWER – LUFFING

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

"47m main boom + 17.5m of jib + 17.5mjib"

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler Unic URW 1006

VEHICLE LOADING

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

80t

59.6m + 16.8m fly

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

Sany SCC800TB

127t

MINI CRAWLER

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Link - Belt TCC 1400

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

19m

January 2022 CAL / 151

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

60m

WILSON MOBILE CRANES

Demag AC350

350t

126m

WM CRANE HIRE

ZIGGY'S CRANES

Liebherr LTM 55t 1055-3.2

40m + 56m fly and needle

Tadano GR160N

16t

27.5m + fly

Liebherr LTC 1045-3.1

45t

36m + fly 13m

Kato MR130R City Crane

13t

24m + 9m fly

Tadano ATF130G-5

130t

60m

Tadano GR160N

16t

30m

Liebherr 400T LTM 1400/7.1

400t

60m

Tadano GR80EX

80t

47m

Kato CR130R1

13t

24m

Link - Belt RTC 8065

65t

43 main + 15m fly

48m

Tadano GT-600EX

60t

43m

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

130t

55t

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Grove GMK 5130-2

Tadano TG55

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Make and model largest crawler

WICKS AND PARKER

24m

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

72m + 20m of fly and needle

16t

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

200t

Kobelco City Crane RK250

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

Liebherr LTM120052.

WAGGA MOBILE CRANES

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

87m

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

100t

WA PICKLES NSW

Make and model largest rough terrain

Liebherr LTM11305.1

Company Name

Make and model largest all terrain crane

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ALL TERRAIN

NT AM CRANES & RIGGING

XTREME GARDEN CARE

Hitachi SCX- 280t 2800-2

73m

Demag CC 2800

600t

84 m

Zoomlion QUY200

200t

110m

QLD BEAUDESERT & BOONAH CRANES

Grove GMK 5130

130t

60m

BORGER CRANE HIRE AND RIGGING SERVICES

Liebherr LTM1750 TONNE

750t

49m + 24m + 91m

BSF MOBILE CRANES

Liebherr LTM1300

300t

114m

BURPENGARY CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM 90t 1090 4.1

50m + 19m

Tadano GT 550 EX

55t

42m + 14.6m jib

CABCRANES

Demag AC130

59.8m

Tadano GT600

60t

43m

152 / CAL January 2022

130t

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

www.cranesandlifting.com.au Maeda MC405 6t 3m TIDD PC28 28t 18m

4t Franna MAC257 SL 25t 18.4m

16 m Franna AT20 20t 16m

Franna AT20 20t 18m + fly 20.8m

Tidd PC28 28t 18.65m

Franna MAC 25

25t

18.4m

Maeda 6

6t

17 m + 5m of fly

Franna AT40 40t

19m

Maeda 405c

4t

20m

Franna AT40 40t

19.8m

Maeda 305 C2

2.98t

12m

Franna MAC 25S-L

18.42m

25t

Franna AT40 40t Fassi F170A.24 2.4t 3m

Hino tilt tray FY700 34t

Hiab

8t

Fassi F110B.2

10t

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

TOWER – LUFFING

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Make and model of largest Luffing

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

MINI CRAWLER

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Unic URW-706 Spider Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

11m

19.8m

January 2022 CAL / 153

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

90t

51.2m

CRANE LOGISITCS

Demag AC220-5

220t

99m

Demag AC130-5

130t

59.8m main boom + 21mtr fly

Demag AC100

100t

83m

34.8m

Tadano GT-600EX

60t

58.1m

Kato MR130R

13t

29.5m

Tadano GT-600EX

60t

54.2m

Tadano GT600EX

60t

60m

Tadano GT600EX

60t

61m

Tadano GT 600 ex

60t

58.2m

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Tadano ATF 90g-4

20t

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

CRANE HOTLINE

Kato CR200RF

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Kobelco CKE1350

135t

91.5m

Sumitomo SCX2800-2

275t

91m

Liebherr LR1280

280t

90.2m

Sany SCC4500A

450t

84m + 36m jib

Make and model largest crawler

93m

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

Liebherr LTM 130t 1130/5.1

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

CQ CRANE HIRE

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

52m

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

110t

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

Tadano 110

Company Name

Make and model largest rough terrain

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Make and model largest all terrain crane

ALL TERRAIN

CAPRICORN CRANE HIRE

CLIFFORD GROUP DEVELOPMENTS PTY LTD

ELEVATES CRANES AND TRANSPORT

HAMS CRANE HIRE

KELLY'S CRANE HIRE

Kato KRM13H

13t

24m + 5.6m fly

Tadano GR800EX

80t

67m

LCR GROUP

Tadano Demag AC1000-9

LINDORES MOBILE CRANES

Liebherr LTM 55t 1055-3.1

36m + fly 13m

LINMAR CRANES & HAULAGE

Liebherr 220t LTM1220.5.2

108m

MATHERSON CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM 250t 1250-5.1

96m

METRO-LIFT CRANE HIRE

Liebherr 250t LTM1250/5.1

60m

NQ MINING SERVICES

Liebherr LTM 220t 1220-5.2

60m

Tadano GR130EX

13t

23.8m

QWEST CRANES

Demag AC300-6

80m + 21m fly

Tadano GR800EX

80t

48m

SMITHBRIDGE AND UNIVERSAL CRANES

Grove GMK 7450

1200t

163.3m

MPC KINETIC

154 / CAL January 2022

300t

GT-600EL

60t

43m + 14.3m fly

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Liebherr LTR1220

Sennebogen 40t 643E

220t

60m + 22m fly

www.cranesandlifting.com.au Maeda MC-285C

GR120 Tadano

Nippon Sharyo 2.85t

12t

4.8t 3.8m boom with 5.5m fly

43m

12.8m 25t 21m

Franna MAC25 25t 22m

Franna MAC25sl 25t 18.4m

Franna MAC25 25t 22.5m

Franna AT40 40t 19.8m

Franna MAC25 25t 18.3m

Franna AT20-3 20t 18.2m + 2.6m fly

Franna AT40 40t 20m

Humma UV35-25 35t 17.4m

Franna MAC25 25t 22m

Franna Mac 25t SL series 4 25t 21.4m

Franna MAC25

25t

21.4m

Terex Mac 25-4

25t

18.4m

Franna AT40 40t

19.8m Palfinger PK26002 6.5t 12.1m

Palfinger PK10000 4t 8m

Amco Veva 911 9t 11m

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

TOWER – LUFFING

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Make and model of largest Luffing

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Franna MAC25

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

8.7m

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

January 2022 CAL / 155

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022 Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

100t

76m

Tadano TR200M-4

20t

32.1m

TOWNSVILLE CRANES

Demag AC300-6

300t

80m + 21m fly

Tadano GR200EX

20t

27.5m + fly

Grove GMK6300L

300t

80+37m

Tadano GR1100EX

100t

56m + 17.7m fly

Demag CC8800-1

1,600t

156m + 120m tower + 120m jib

Grove GMK7450

450t

60m main boom + 79m luffing fly

Grove RT9130E

110t

48.6m + 18m extension

Manitowoc M16000

400t

120m + derrick + 232t

WIDE BAY CRANE HIRE

Demag AC200-1

200t

67.8 + 33m fly

WILLIAMS CRANES & RIGGING

Demag AC100/4

100t

77 m

Kato KR20H 20t

39.4 m

Tadano GT600EL

60t

57.3 m

P&H 670TC (truck mounted)

65t

73.2 m

Tadano ATF 120-5.1

120t

87.9m

Tadano TR-250EX

34.4m

Tadano GT-550 E

55t

65m

AGL & SON CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM12005.1

200t

72m + 22m fly

CHRIS BIRCH

Liebherr LTR100 5.1

100t

52m

Tadano GT600

60 tonne

60m

Grove GMK6400

400t

60m + 79m

Liebherr LR1100

100t

40m

Liebherr LTM1055

55t

56m

TUT T BRYANT HEAVY LIFT & SHIFT

UNIVERSAL CRANES

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Liebherr LTM10904.2

Make and model largest crawler

SURF CITY CRANES

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

48m + 19m of fly

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

80t

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

Liebherr LTM1080-1

Make and model largest rough terrain

SMITHYS CRANES

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

Company Name

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Make and model largest all terrain crane

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ALL TERRAIN

WALKABOUT SERVICES

WOLFF CRANES

XTREME ENGINEERING

25t

SA

CRANE SERVICES

CRANEWORX

156 / CAL January 2022

Tadano GR600 EX

60t

43m main boom + 17.7m of fly Kato cr130ri 13t

29.5m

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Link Belt TCC1400 127t

www.cranesandlifting.com.au Maeda MC305-2 CRM(E)

Maeda CC505

Maeda 3t MC355C

Unic URW376 2.98t 12.52m

59.5m + 16.7m jib

4.9t

3t Maeda MC305C-2

2.9t

2.9t 15.56m

12.48 m

12.8m

14.45m Franna AT20 20t

Terex Franna 25t SUPERLIFT MAC 25 SL 18.4m

Terex MAC-25 25t 18.4m

Franna MAC25 25t

Franna AT40 40t

Franna MAC25 Supa Lift 25t 18.4 m

Franna MAC25SL 25t 22.48 m

Franna MAC 25 25t 18.5m + 1.9m jib

Franna MAC25

25t

18m

Franna MAC 25-4 (SL)

25t

18.4m

Franna MAC25

25t

18.4m + 3m fly

Franna MAC25-SL

25t

18.4m

19.8m

17.9m Tatra Hiab 9.5t 288 EP-4 HIDUO 12.6m

Scania R620 with Effer 685-3 19.56t 10.31m

Tadano TMZE505G

4t

13.34m

Potain MR90B 8t 38m

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

TOWER – LUFFING

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest Luffing

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

January 2022 CAL / 157

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

75m

Liebherr LTM112009.1

188m

MAXILIFT AUSTRALIA

NICKS CRANES SERVICES

Grove 150

150t

60m

50t

56m

Tadano GT-600EL

60t

57.3m

Effer 22558S KJ-2S JIB XL6S

19.20t

7.34m

HIAB 6.5

6.5t

8m

XCMG - 65

65t

43m

Liebherr LR1350/1

350t

156m

Hitachi KHR1000

200t

100m

Make and model largest crawler

Kato NK500

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Liebherr LTM 230t 1230-5.1 1200t

105m

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

LOAD 28

MAX CRANES

220t

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

Tadano ATF220G-5

31.3m

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

JAMES CONTRACT SUPPLIES

16t

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

Tadano GR-160-2

FRANKS CRANES

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

136m

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

400t

Make and model largest rough terrain

Grove GMK6400

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

FLEURIEU CRANES PTY LTD

ROUGH TERRAIN

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

Company Name

Make and model largest all terrain crane

ALL TERRAIN

PORT ADELAIDE CONSTRUCTION SAFELIFT CRANES

SAMARAS CRANES

UNITED CRANES & RIGGING

Liebherr LTM 55t 1055-3.2

40m

Liebherr LTM 350t 1350/6.1

60m of main boom +72m of fly

Demag AC220-5

99m

220t

TAS CRANES COMBINED

Grove 300t GMK6300L-1

101m

ELLIOT T'S CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM12205.2

60m

158 / CAL January 2022

220t

Tadano TR250M

25t

30.5m

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Make and model of largest crawler

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

www.cranesandlifting.com.au -

3t Maeda MC305C-2 12.16m 19.3m

Franna MAC25 25t 18.4m

Franna MAC25 25t 18.42m

Tidd PC28 28t 18.64m

Humma UV35 35t 26.3m

Unic URW1006C 10.14t 24.3m

Maeda MC355HC 2.9t 7m Franna MAC-25 25 t 18m

Maeda MC355HC 2.9t 12m Franna AT25 25t 18m Effer 19.20t 2255-8S KJ-2S JIB XL6S

25t 21m

Terex Franna 25t MAC 25

18.4m

Maeda MC405C

4t

16.5m

Franna MAC25

25t

18.4m

Linmac LCC-45

4.5t

16m

Franna MAC25

25t

17m Hiab

Man TGS 8 wheel drive 3t

35t 18m

Terex CTL 430-24

VEHICLE LOADING TOWER – LUFFING

Terex CTL34024 24t 60m Potain MCT385 14t 75m

Potain MCH 125 8t 50.9m Potain MCT 88 3.95t 53.05m

Manitowoc MOC-205 10t 65m

Raimondi MRT 294

14t

78m

24m

60m

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Franna MAC25 14m

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

18.4m 5.25t

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

25t Effer 175.2 3S

Make and model of largest Luffing

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

Franna MAC 25

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Franna AT40 40t

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

14m

January 2022 CAL / 159

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

55t

42m

EMPIRE CRANES

Liebherr LTM1090-4

90t

69m

GRAVITY RIGGING & MACHINERY

Grove GMK 4100L-1

100t

78m

HYDRALIFT CRANES

Liebherr LTM11305.1

130t

60m + 19m

INTERNATIONAL CRANES

Grove, GMK5250L

250t

70m + 37m

JOHNSON & YOUNG CRANES

Liebherr LTM1750 9.1

800t

52m

KOMP CRANES

Liebherr LTM10603-2

60t

64 m

MARTIN CICERALE GROUP

Liebherr LTM350

350t

MCG CRANES

Liebherr LTM-1350

MCKAY UNITED CRANE HIRE

Grove GMK7450

Kato CR200 mini

20t

28m + 5.4m jib

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Liebherr LTM1055

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

EAST GIPPSLAND CRANES

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Make and model largest crawler

48m

31m

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

60t

16t

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

Liebherr LTM1060 3.1

Tadano TR 160M-3

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

DV MOBILE CRANE HIRE

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

92m

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

130t

Make and model largest rough terrain

Grove GMK 5130

Company Name

Make and model largest all terrain crane

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ALL TERRAIN

VIC CUMMING MOBILE CRANES DUNN'S TWIN CITY CRANES

Demag 350 SSL

350t

84m + 36m jib

70m

Manitowoc 12000

120t

96m

350t

140m

Manitowoc 12000

120t

97.5m

450t

136.5m

Demag CC3800 - 1

650t

192.8m

Liebherr LR 1350/1

350t

152m

Tadano TR160M

Tadano GR200-EX

16t

20t

31.5m

35m

GT-600EX

60t

58.2m

Kato NK500E-v

50t

55m

Tadano GT-600EX

60t

43m

MICROTEC ENGINEERING OZ CRANES & RIGGING PLUNKET T CRANE TRUCKS PREMIER CRANES

160 / CAL January 2022

Liebherr LTM 450t 1450-8.1

85m

Tadano GR200EX

20t

27.5m

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

SUPPORTED BY:

finlease

TM

your equipment finance partner

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Franna MAC25

25t

17m

25t

22.48m

HMF 1300 KX3

13t

10.4m

Palfinger PK2300c

5t

12m

TOWER – LUFFING

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

28t

18m

Meade 285

2.85t

8.6m

MAC 25

25t

18.6m

Maeda MC405

4t

16m

Tidd PC28

28t

6.12m to 18.64m

Maeda 3t

3t

11m

Franna MAC25

25t

18m

Maeda MC285

2.85t

8.5m

Franna AT40 40t

18m

Hiab X-Hi Duo 188

18t

17.5m

Maeda MC285

2.85t

9m

Franna AT20-3

20t

18m

Unic Urw506

3t

16m

Maeda 3000

3t

6m

Franna MAC25-4

25t

16m + 19m jib

Jost JL336

18t

60m

JT302 Jost

16t

75m

Maeda MC354HC

3.5t

13m

Terex Mac-25

25t

22.48m

Jost JL516

24t

60m

Jost JT302

16t

75m

85m

Komatsu

4.9t

15.56m

Franna AT40 40t

20.11m

11.8 m

Maeda MC355C

2.9 t

11.8m

Wolff 355b

28t

60m

2.9 t

9.7m

Franna MAC25

Maeda MC405e

4t

16m

Franna AT20 20t

19m

Franna AT20 20t

15m

Franna AT20-3

20t

1.7t at 15.8m Hiab

Maeda MC355

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

3t

12.4m

Franna AT-40

40t

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Terex MAC25SL

Toa TC 304

Make and model of largest Luffing

22m

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

5t

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Maeda 985CC

24m

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

100t

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

Liebherr LTR - 1100

MINI CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

Sennebogen 16t

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

19m

9t

33m

January 2022 CAL / 161

2022

CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

60m + 36m fly

Grove GMK7450

60m main boom + 79m luffing fly

Tadano GR300

30t

60t

60m

Tadano GT-600EX

60t

43m + 11m

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Liebherr LTM 250t 1250-5.1

QUINLAN CRANES

Tadano GT600

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

60m + 36m Fly

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Make and model largest crawler

250t

132t

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

Liebherr LTM12505.1

QUICKLIFT CRANE HIRE

Grove RT9150E

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

60m

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

317t

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

Demag AC350-6

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

PROJECT HIRE

Make and model largest rough terrain

Company Name

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Make and model largest all terrain crane

ALL TERRAIN

18m & 8m fly

31m + 9.7m fly

REGIONAL CONTRACTORS 450t

SERGI AUSTRALIA

SEYMOUR CRANE SERVICE

Tadano TG-400E1

41

32

SPECIALIZED LIFTING EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

Böcker AK 52

12t

54m

500t

84m + 42m

Kato City Crane

SUMMERHAYSE

13t

Sumitomo LC-248

150t

82m + 30m fly

Kobelco CKE800

80t

42.7m + 18.3m jib

24m + 5.5m fly

VICTORIAN CRANE HIRE (VCH) VITCOS WINDHOIST AUSTRALIA

Liebherr LG1750 SX

750t

SX3 165m + 15m

Liebherr LTM1500

Tadano ATF70G-4

70t

16m

Tadano GT550E

WA ABC CRANE HIRE BODDINGTONS HIRE

CAPEL CRANES

COSA CRANES & ENGINEERING

162 / CAL January 2022

Liebherr LTM13506.1

350t

70m of main boom + 78m jib

Grove 220

220t

68m

Tadano GR1450EX

145t

61m + 18m

Link-Belt 138 HSL

80t

43m

Tadano GT-600EX

60t

43m

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Liebherr LTR1220

Sennebogen 70t 673E

220t 36m + 15m fly

www.cranesandlifting.com.au Maeda MC305

Linmac LCC-45

Böcker RK 36 3t

4.4t

2.4t 12m

12m + 3m of fly

Franna AT20 20t 25t 18m & 2.5m jib

Franna MAC25 25t 17m

Franna MAC25 Superlift 25t 18.4m + 4m fly

Franna AT20 20t 21m

Franna MAC25-SL 25t 18.4m + 4m fly

Franna AT-20 20t 17.9m

36m

18m

Franna AT20 20t

17.9m

Franna MAC25

25t

18.4m

Franna MAC 25-4

25t

18.4m

Franna MAC25 Supa Lift

25t

18.4m PM 30sppt 30t 17m

Tilt Tray, Drop Deck 20t 38.1m

Böcker AHK 36 2.4t 36m

FassiI 150 TM 22t 26m

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

TOWER – LUFFING

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Make and model of largest Luffing

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Franna MAC254SL

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

60m

January 2022 CAL / 163

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CRANES AND LIFTING SHOWCASE 2022

Tadano GT 600EL-3

CSS CRANE HIRE PTY LTD

Liebherr LTM 100t 1100

62m

Liebherr LRT 1080

80t

42m

Liebherr LTM15008.1

500t

84m

Tadano GR1450EX

145t

78.3m

LIFT N RIG

Deamg AC200

200t

69m

Tadano GR800 EX

80t

47m + 17.7m fly

MAMMOET AUSTRALIA

Terex Demag AC700

700t

60m + 145m

Tadano GR800EX

80t @ 3m radius

47m

Terex Demag Challenger

55t

500kgs @ 36m

60t

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

61.30m + 18m

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

145t

LATTICE BOOM CRAWLER

Manitowoc MC750-1

750t

97m

Demag CC2800

600t @ 6m radius

115m

Make and model largest crawler

Tadano GR1450EX-3

Maximum boom configuration of largest hydraulic truck (in metres)

96m

Maximum lifting capacity of largest hydraulic truck (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest hydraulic truck

500t

Lifting capacity of largest rough terrain (in tonnes)

Liebherr LTM15008.1

Make and model largest rough terrain

CRANECORP AUSTRALIA

Company Name

Make and model largest all terrain crane

Maximum boom configuration of largest rough terrain (in metres)

HYDRAULIC TRUCK

Maximum boom configuration of largest all terrain (in metres)

ROUGH TERRAIN

Lifting capacity of largest all terrain (in tonnes)

ALL TERRAIN

43m + 14.30m

EMPIRE EQUIPMENT HIRE FREO GROUP HOOKUP CRANE HIRE

MYAREE CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM 650t 1650-8.1

54m

Liebherr LRT1100

100t

50m

Grove GMK 7450

450t

54.6m main boom + 79m of jib

Kat KR20H-II

20t

26.7m main boom + 7m Jib

IAN ROEBUCK CRANE HIRE

Liebherr LTM 250t 1250

72m + 40m

Kato KR35H 35t

28m

MARINETEC ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

Grove GMK 4090

90t

75m

Terex A400

35t

Liebherr LG1550

550t

182m

Grove RT9130E-2

120t

NORWEST CRANE HIRE NEW ZEALAND

AUCKLAND WAIKATO CRANES

Scania with Fassi F545

2.5t

16.3m

31m

Hiab

28t

21m

Kobelco CKE 800

80t

45.7m

85m

Liebherr LTF 1045

45t

48m

Terex CC2800

600t

180m

MINI CRANES

SMITH CRANE & CONSTRUCTION

164 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Liebherr LTR1220

Liebherr LTR1100 220t

100t Maeda MC 354C

www.cranesandlifting.com.au Terex AT40 Franna 40t 19.80m

Franna MAC25 25t 18m

TIDD PC28 28t 18.65m

Franna MAC25 25t

Franna MAC25 25t 18.4m

Franna AT40 40t 18.8m

Franna MAC244 SL 25t 14m

Franna MAC25-3 25t 1.8t @ 15.71m 18.42m boom extension

Franna MAC25 25t 18.4m

9.8m Franna MAC 25 25t 18.4m main boom + 3m fly

Unic 2.5t URR255CA

7m

Tidd PC 25

25t

6t Unic URW706-2

25.2m

Maeda CC505-2

18m

Franna MAC25

25t Tadano TMZR 865RS 8.20t 4.40m 15.92m

19m

Fassi F820RA2.26

22t

17m

21m

Kenworth T350 Hiab XS 544 HIPRO

18t

35m

Favelle Favco M860D

96t

79m

Maximum boom configuration of largest Hammerhead (in metres)

Liebherr 630 ECH

Lifting capacity of largest Hammerhead (in tonnes)

TOWER – LUFFING

Make and model of largest Hammerhead

Maximum boom configuration of largest Luffing (in metres)

VEHICLE LOADING

Lifting capacity of largest Luffing (in tonnes)

ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY

Make and model of largest Luffing

your equipment finance partner

finlease

Maximum boom configuration of largest vehicle (in metres)

Maximum lifting capacity of largest vehicle loading (in tonnes)

5t Make and model of largest articulated pick and carry

MINI CRAWLER

Make and model of largest vehicle loading

3t Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

TELESCOPIC CRAWLER

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Maximum boom configuration of largest pick and carry (in metres)

52m Lifting capacity of largest articulated pick and carry (in tonnes)

52m Make and model of largest crawler

Maximum boom configuration of largest crawler (in metres)

Lifting capacity of largest crawler (in tonnes)

Make and model of largest crawler

SUPPORTED BY: TM

TOWER - HAMMERHEAD

40t

81m

January 2022 CAL / 165

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT HEAVY LIFT AND SHIFT

DELIVERING A RAIL BRIDGE PROGRAM Late November 2021, saw Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift and Shift delivering a critical rail bridge program for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) in Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

WORKING WITH THE ARTC AND CLIENT Laing O’Rourke, Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift and Shift deployed its 600t Terex-Demag CC2800-1 crawler to remove the existing Bridge St rail bridge over a four day and night period and immediately began works to install the replacement bridge.

The replacement of the Bridge

Street rail bridge is part of works by ARTC to replace three rail bridges in Muswellbrook including the Bridge Street Bridge, the Hunter River Bridge and the Muscle Creek Bridge as part of a $58 million project.

In a statement, ARTC said works will be carried out during the day and night

during the planned works period to reduce the length of disruption to the community and the rail network.

“During the November planned works period we will be removing the existing Bridge Street bridge and installing the new bridge,” ARTC said. “This is a major milestone for the project and brings us

The replacement of the Bridge Street rail bridge is part of works by ARTC to replace three rail bridges in Muswellbrook including the Bridge Street Bridge, the Hunter River Bridge and the Muscle Creek Bridge as part of a $58 million project.

166 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

one major step closer to completion.

Kyle Greenwood, Supervisor for Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift and Shift provides more details on relating to the construction of the new bridge.

“We deployed our 600t capacity TerexDemag CC2800-1 to assist firstly remove the old bridge then help construct Bridge Street rail bridge over the New England highway.

“The initial stages of the project saw the CC2800-1 installing precast concrete girders and installing precast concrete deck panels. The heaviest girder we lifted weighed 138t. the crane was in Superlift (SSL) configuration, with 66m of main boom, 30m bask mast, 180t superstructure counterweight, 60t car body counterweight and 300t of Superlift counterweight. We had our Sennebogen 683R onsite to support the 600t with its superlift tray weight changes,” said Greenwood.

“The lift radius was 35m for the girder and we also had to lift 36t deck panels out to 54m. Because we had meticulously planned the project, everything went to plan and there wasn’t anything to complicated about the lifts.

“Unfortunately, the one factor we couldn’t control was the weather and it was wet leading up to the shutdown. This meant the crane pad was recertified by a Geotech a couple of hours before the lifts commenced to ensure ground stability,” he said.

The CC2800-1 crane is great to work with, excellent chart, user friendly and smooth to operate.

The Demag CC 2800 – 1 is a crawler crane a lifting capacity of 600t. The maximum boom length is 138m and the maximum jib length is 36m.

The car body and crawler side frames are bending and torsion resistant, and made of high strength fine grain structural steel. The track shoes, idler, and drive sockets of the crawlers are made of heat treated high strength cast steel.

There are 15 rollers with hardened rolling surfaces on each side of the crawlers and an automatic centralized lubrication system. The frame of the superstructure, also torsion resistant and made of high www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“The lift radius was 35m for the girder and we also had to lift 36t deck panels out to 54m. Because we had meticulously planned the project, everything went to plan and there wasn’t anything to complicated about the lifts.” strength fine grain steel, is connected to the carrier frame by a triple-row roller bearing slew-ring.

The engine is a DaimlerChrysler OM 502 LA. This Tier III compliant diesel engine is rated at 530 horsepower. The pump distribution gearbox has five variable displacement axial piston pumps, a silencer with a spark arrestor, and gear pumps.

The tracks of the Demag CC 2800 – 1 are powered by two hydraulic motors each through closed planetary gear

reduction units running in oil baths. Both tracks are equipped with spring-applied hydraulically released holding brakes. The gear units were designed compactly to fit inside of the width of the crawler. The four hydraulic assembly jacking cylinders are found on the car body for easy assembly of the crawlers and fold to a 3m width.

“The CC2800-1 crane is great to work with and features excellent charts. It is user friendly and smooth to operate and is ideal for this type of bridge construction work,” said Greenwood.

The initial stages of the project saw the Terex Demag CC2800-1 installing precast concrete girders and installing precast concrete deck panels, with the heaviest girder weighing 138t.

January 2022 CAL / 167

IN FOCUS / TOWNSVILLE CRANES

TOWNSVILLE CRANES DUAL LIFT KEEP LOCOMOTIVES ON TRACK Working closely with their client Westlink Logistics, Townsville Cranes completed a series of dual lifts involving 70t train locomotives and 16.5t train bodies.

TOWNSVILLE CRANES DEPLOYED ITS NEW Tadano Demag AC300-6 300t capacity all terrain and Liebherr LTM 1220-5 220t capacity all terrain for the series of dual lifts.

Sam Millar, general manager at Townsville Cranes explains more.

“We deployed our new 300T Tadano/ Demag AC300-6 and 220T Liebherr LTM1220-5 for the project which involved a total of three lifts each day.

The locomotives, weighing 70t and train bodies, weighing 16.5t arrived on floats.

The main lifts involved the lifting and

168 / CAL January 2022

placing of the locomotive body onto the relevant bogies. Each lift took between 8-9 hours including setup,” said Millar.

“For each lift, the 300t capacity AC300-6 was configured with 26.7t of counterweight and the 220t capacity Liebherr with 44t of counterweight. The pick and place radius was at 9 meters for both cranes, and both cranes were boomed up to allow the bogies to be moved into position and then boomed down to land the locomotive onto the bogies,” he said.

In terms of percentage of charts both

cranes were lifting at 78 per cent capacity for the dual lift. The Liebherr has a chart of 61t at that radius and counterweight setting and the AC300 has a chart of 60.8t at that radius and counterweight setting.

Townsville Cranes supplied all the rigging for the lifts down to the locomotive lifters. The rigging included two custom made spreader bars which are rated at 65t Working Load Limit, says Millar.

“The custom-made spreader bars were designed and manufactured in

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Townsville specifically for Townsville Cranes. Wherever possible, we like to utilise our own rigging systems for our lifts. To ensure the lifts went smoothly, lift studies and lift plans were all part of the planning and we worked closely with Westlink Logistics throughout the planning process. Townsville Cranes has the most experienced and professional team which enables us to deliver such a project in full and on time and we are the only crane company in the region with a 300t capacity all terrain.

“Townsville Cranes uses a combination of CRANEbee, Liccon and Demag lift studies to ensure that all possible combinations and scenarios are planned for. Both the cranes performed flawlessly throughout the lift. As far as Townsville Cranes is concerned, both Tadano and Liebherr cranes are super reliable cranes and the customer support and service we receive from both companies is of critical assistance across the lifespan of these machines,” said Millar.

Townsville Cranes deployed its new Tadano Demag AC300-6 300t capacity all terrain and Liebherr LTM 1220-5 220t capacity all terrain for the series of dual lifts.

For each lift, the 300t capacity AC300-6 was configured with 26.7t of counterweight and the 220t capacity Liebherr with 44t of counterweight. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

January 2022 CAL / 169

LIFT OF THE MONTH PLEASE SEND YOUR LIFT OF THE MONTH ENTRIES TO SIMON.GOULD@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU

WHO: JPM Cranes WHERE: Cherrybrook in Sydney LIFT: Swim Spa WEIGHED OF LIFT: 1.8t CRANE: Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 CONFIGURATION: 52.4m of main Boom and full 22.5t of counterweight in Vario ballast configuration.

WHO: Johnson & Young Cranes WHERE: Melbourne LIFT: Pre-cast bridge beams.

CRANES: 800t capacity Liebherr LTM1750-9.1, 400t capacity Liebherr LTM1400-7.1 and Franna AT40.

HEAVIEST LIFT: 96t.

WHO: LCR Group WHERE: Brisbane.

PROJECT: The Logan Motorway Enhancement Project CRANES: Tadano AC350, 350t capacity crane and its Tadano AC500-2, 500t capacity crane LIFT: The heaviest lift throughout the project was 129.4t.

CRANE CONFIGURATION:The lifting radius for AC350 was at 12m, with a 92t chart capacity and 142t of counterweight.

The AC500-2 was at 16.8m with a 90.5t chart capacity and 180t of counterweight. The AC350 was working to 86.7 per cent of its charts and the AC500 to within 89.4 per cent which included the 20 per cent dual lift factor.

WHO: Universal Cranes WHERE: Port of Townsville PROJECT: Installation of Liebherr container cranes.

CRANES: Liebherr LR1300 configured to 124T CWT + 57t Carbody CWT with a 47m Main Boom + 20m Luffing Fly. Liebherr LR1300 configured to 124T CWT + 57t Carbody CWT with a 68m main boom. Supported by a Liebherr LTM1130-5.1 and Grove GMK5220.

170 / CAL January 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Construction Equipment & Engineering

1800CRANES

Order now to get your TIDD in the first quarter of 2022, subject to prior sale ALL TIDDS COME STANDARD WITH:

 Full power boom  44 degree articulation  15t Spreader  Slew Safe

 2.3t Counter weight (Roadable)  Dynamic LMI  Auto Greaser  Certified ROPS cabin

IN STOCK EARLY 2022  SRC600t  SRC900t  SAC600e  SA1100s-1  SCC400TB

Send us pictures of your Tidds out and about to marketing@ronco.com.au to win a $250 monthly voucher.

 Factory lead times are low  European & Japanese componentry  Priced to make your accountant smile

Service

Construction Equipment & Engineering

Power Line Detection System

Construction Equipment & Engineering

 Boom repairs (Telescopic & Lattice)  General servicing to all makes and models  Major inspections to all makes, types and sizes  Mobile AC service “We come to you”  Always looking for good staff to join the family!

 Detects live power lines (415V to 500kV)  Can be retro fitted to any machine (12v & 24v)  Fits without compromising the structures  No wires required, QE wireless  Engineered Control – Safer than a spotter

SCC400TB vs 643

TRUST AND CHANGE, A BETTER FUTURE! We sincerely invite partners!

ZOOMLION NEW GENERATION OF INDUSTRIALISATION 4.0 PRODUCTS:

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Luke Qin - Sales Manager of Mobile Cranes ZOOMLION AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND PTY LTD Address: 14/20 Duerdin Street Clayton Vic 3168 Email: hy.qin@zoomlion.com Tel: +61-3-9558 8879 Fax: +61-3-9558 8654 Website: en.zoomlion.com