Cranes and Lifting July 2023

44 Universal Cranes A detailed exploration on Smithbridge group and its services.

46 TRT

TRT’s ‘Big Bird’ delivers on major infrastructure project.

50 Bruce Carden

Structural changes abound at TRT.

52 Paramount Safety

Paul Bozkurt discusses expansion strategies and untapped markets.

56 Andrew Gray

With retirement imminent, Manitowoc’s Andrew Gray reflects on his career and where he sees the industry heading.

61 UA A

Marc Crossman takes a ‘deep dive’ into the directions UAA is headed.

64 WATM

Adrian Wilkes details WATM’s relationship with Manitowoc, logistical processes in aiding remote clients and highlights the delivery of new Grove Rough Terrains.

68 Pace Cranes

Pace Cranes delivers Maeda to SouthWest Spider Cranes.

72 Franna

Billing Cranes’ Darren Ling discusses the features of his new AT40.

76 Tutt Bryant

Director of BridgePro Engineering, Aaron Brimfield, elaborates on Japanese engineering, sustainability, community, and the new HSC 275-tonne crawler crane.

81 XCMG

Regional Manager Stephen Broomfield discusses the company’s expansion plans into the ANZ market.

84 Gleason Cranes

NR Cranes have taken delivery of a Zoomlion ZTC251V to help them kickstart their business.

87 Tadano

Wilson Lift chose the Tadano AC 4.080-1 to expand its operations –hear from director Danny Wilson on the features of his new all-terrain crane.

FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

WELCOME TO THE JULY ISSUE OF CRANES AND LIFTING.

TOWER CRANE NUMBERS ACROSS AUSTRALIA PEAK.

According to April’s Rider, Levett Bucknall (RLD) release of the Q1 2023 RLD Crane Index®, crane numbers across the country have peaked.

While the 835 crane numbers across the country continue to be strong, posting the second highest number of cranes seen since the inception of the RLB Crane Index® in 2012, this represents a 3.8% fall from the record 868 cranes seen in the last edition.

The past six months has seen 292 new cranes added to new development sites, and 300 were removed from projects nearing completion, resulting in 33 fewer cranes.

The Q1 2023 RLB Crane Index® found national crane numbers fell in the past six months with all sectors except civic, civil and education. The residential index recorded an index level of 171, fractionally below the peak of 172 recorded in Q3 22 and Q1 19.

Looking around the country, Sydney continues to be the main driver of the crane count. Of the 836 cranes sighted across Australia, 365 were in Sydney, 189 were in Melbourne, 77 were in Brisbane, 56 on the Gold Coast, 51 were in Perth, 20 in the Sunshine Coast, 18 in Adelaide, 17 in Canberra, 16 in Wollongong, 13 in the Central Coast, 9 in Newcastle, 4 in

Darwin and one crane in Hobart.

In this issue, we talk to a straight talking industry stalwart about his imminent retirement, we examine the career of an industry legend responsible for introducing mini crawler cranes to the local crane sector (below) and report on Empire Cranes latest additions.

The CICA National Conference and Exhibition will be in Perth from the 26th to 28th of October. The team at Cranes and Lifting encourage all to submit entries for the CICA Lift of the Year and also the CICA Photo of the Year.

The issue also includes details relating to the successful LiftEx event organised by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association and we have prepared a second focus on the New Zealand market which coincides with the CANZ Conference, July 24th to 26th Te Pae, Christchurch.

The team at Cranes and Lifting works hard to deliver what we hope is an interesting read and, as always, we welcome your feed back.

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LIFTEX SYDNEY A MAJOR SUCCESS

LEEA regional manager Australia and New Zealand Justin Boehm launched the 2023 LiftEx Regional to a strong showing of lifting and rigging experts at the Australian National Museum, Sydney, in mid-May.

“LiftEx Sydney will serve as a platform for excellence and innovation in the lifting and rigging space,’ Justin told attendees.

“Sydney promises to be a melting pot of ideas, collaboration and innovation and we aim to ignite a renewed passion throughout the industry.

“As we embark on this journey together, lets embrace the opportunity that this event can present for all of us to learn and grow.

“LEEA’s vision is to assist the lifting and height safety industries in eliminating accidents, injuries and fatalities. This is achieved through education and influence, thus ensuring best practice is an everyday action,” he said.

Day One included presentations from futurist Charles Brass and mindset and behavioural expert Alison Earl. Day Two saw Justin announce the launch of Certificate IV in Lifting

Equipment Testing and Inspection - a long-held industry goal.

LiftEx also had an international theme with Justin welcoming LEAA chief executive officer Ross Moloney, Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Wright - both from the UK.

They also welcomed Sarah Toase, Chief Executive Officer of the Cranes Association of New Zealand, who had crossed the ditch especially for the event.

“The mission we have as LEEA is to educate, influence and enable, so that best practice permeates from what we do, all the way through the industry,”

(L to R) Andrew Wright, LEEA ‘s Deputy CEO, Justin Boehm, LEEA Regional Manager Australia and New Zealand, Sarah Toase, CEO of CANZ and Ross Moloney , LEEA’s CEO.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE

Western Australian heavy-lifting machinery company MCT equipment has officially unveiled its new workshop and office in Henderson, in Perth’s southern suburbs.

Equipped with state-of-theart machines and equipment, the new facility will better enable the company to serve customers in construction, mining, infrastructure, and marine lifting settings.

“We are excited to make our mark at our new facility and we believe that it will enable us to continue providing innovative solutions to our clients,” said Anthony Grosser, Managing Director of MCT Equipment.

“At MCT Equipment, we strive to Think Different, Lift Different, and we are confident that our new location will help us to do just that.”

MCT held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by partners, clients, and supporters of the company, to express its gratitude to everyone who contributed to the facility.

In particular, MCT noted the efforts of its partners Magni TH, JMG Electric Cranes and Italy-based Cimolai Technology – which will be partnering with MCT to distribute its construction machinery and custom products.

MCT says the support of these groups was pivotal to the Henderson facility becoming a reality.

“We are grateful for the partnership and support and we look forward to cotinuing our collaboration to achieve greater success in the future.”

Under a key focus of innovation, safety, and efficiency, the new Henderson facility marks the beginning of a new era for MCT Equipment in its labours of supplying and maintaining both used and new lifting products to customers across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

MCT OPEN NEW WA FACILITY

The ribbon cutting ceremony at the official opening of MCT’s new facility.

“We are excited to make our mark at our new facility and we believe that it will enable us to continue providing innovative solutions to our clients.”

LIEBHERR MOBILE CRANES TO SERVE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE

Liebherr Mobile Cranes recently delivered the first 10 of 24 all-terrain cranes to Ventia and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 cranes are a significant element of a contract awarded to Ventia for Project Land 8120 – bringing best value manufacturing, engineering, and logistics support capability to the ADF.

PROJECT LAND 8120 PHASE 1 SEEKS TO provide a replacement capability effect for the ADF’s earthmoving and material handling equipment engineer support platforms. Platform tasks in Australia and on deployment include construction, demolition, development of protective earthworks, route development and maintenance, airfield and port construction and repair, port operations, supply and distribution, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and beach recovery. Platforms include cranes, excavators, front-end loaders, dozers, rollers, graders, skid-steer loaders and telehandlers.

When the ADF sent out a Request for Information in 2017, Liebherr sent out the initial details about the machines it was planning to submit, in particular the Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1.

John Stach, Mobile Crane Sales Manager Victoria and Tasmania for Liebherr Australia takes up the story.

“In 2019, the process went to a Request

for Tender. At that time, we submitted information to five prime tenderers. When Ventia was announced as the preferred tenderer, we commenced contract negotiations which went for approximately nine months.”

“During this time Liebherr submitted all the technical information relating to the cranes. With the initial tender, Ventia was looking for 60t and 80t capacity cranes but the ADF decided not to proceed with the requirement for 80t machines.”

“Obviously, the LTM 1060-3.1 was the ideal machine in the 60t capacity range. The LTM 1060-3.1 were off-the-shelf machines, and the availability of spare parts was an important element of the commercial side of the tender,” said John.

John explains how a contract this size works with the factory in Ehingen, Germany.

“Over the five year period, I worked very closely with Hans Joerg Nothacker, Manager of Sales for Australia and New Zealand along with the Australian Technical team, and during 2020, we were gaining in confidence that we may win the contract, so we put forward orders into the factory to be able to meet the April 2023 delivery dates.”

“To be able to equip the ADF with these units provides our team with enormous pride and we’d also like to thank the team at Ventia for putting together the successful bid,” said John.

With Liebherr in the middle of the delivery period, John is working closely with Dino Mosca, Product Support Manager Mobile and Crawler Crane Division.

Dino explains more about his role within the project. Having recently started this new role, his initial responsibility has been the military project and the delivery of the 24 machines to Ventia and the ADF.

“I project manage the delivery of the machines to a set deadline and then support and manage the project moving forward. Once we’ve delivered the machines, we’ll offer the MyLiebherr digital package which provides the customer with an extensive range of services, including digital services and application software. MyLiebherr also provides access to a components and parts package, enabling the customer to manage all of that,” Dino says.

“This project has meant a lot of work for the Mobile Crane and Crawler Cranes team, but it’s a significant contract, and it is the beginning of a relationship with the

Equipping the ADF with these units provides the Liebherr Mobile Crane team with enormous pride.

As an off-the-shelf machine, the LTM 1060-3.1 was ideal in the 60t capacity range, as the availability of spare parts was an important element of the commercial side of the tender.

Commonwealth, so it’s a step in the right direction for Liebherr,” he said.

Ventia is one of the largest essential service providers in Australia and New Zealand specialising in the long-term operation, maintenance and management of critical public and private assets and infrastructure.

Ventia secured the contract with the Department of Defence, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), to deliver engineering support platforms to the ADF, under Project Land 8120 Phase 1.

The contract will generate revenue to Ventia of $158 million over five years. Ventia has brought together a team of equipment partners including JCB/CEA, Manitou, Liebherr Mobile Cranes, Komatsu and ECLIPS, and systems engineering specialist QinetiQ to offer the full breadth of services sought by the ADF.

Ventia Group Executive, Defence & Social Infrastructure, Derek Osborn, said that Ventia’s selection was testament to its strong engineering and project delivery capability, and 30-year history as a Defence Industry partner.

“Ventia applies a client-focused, innovative and sustainable approach to essential infrastructure services, and we are excited to bring this to Project Land 8120,” Derek said.

“We are very proud to be taking this next step in our relationship with the Department of Defence. We look forward to working with CASG, and our contract partners, to deliver this essential capability for the ADF.”

Phase 1 involves Ventia leading a team of equipment manufacturers and local engineering specialists to supply approximately 300 earthmoving and material handling vehicles. Minor modifications will occur to meet specialist

requirements such as air transportation. Vehicles will undergo a rigorous verification and validation process to ensure that specific Defence requirements are met. Where required, specialist testing will be undertaken at the Australian Automotive Research Centre proving ground near Anglesea in regional Victoria before introduction into service.

Ventia will also provide vital integrated logistics support, technical documentation and deliver operator training at Defence sites nationally.

With a maximum load capacity of 60t and a 48m telescopic boom, the Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 is one of the most powerful and capable cranes in its class. Safety and comfort configurations ensure greater operability and the hydro-pneumatic axle suspension and pneumatic disc brakes provide greater control and stability. Its five steering programs enable the operator to adapt to different environments with the touch of a button. Both the driver’s cab and crane cab are modern, spacious and dependable and ergonomic features help prevent operator fatigue.

Other key features with the Liebherr LTM 10603.1 include:

• VarioBase which is designed to make the crane’s support system variable. It enables each outrigger to be extended to a different length. This enhances safety – especially in constricted spaces. The crane’s lifting capacities are significantly increased particularly over the outriggers and depending on the configuration.

• ECOmode minimises both fuel consumption and noise emissions when operating the crane superstructure. The crane operators can set the required working speed using the control lever. The LICCON2 control system calculates the perfect engine speed for the diesel engine.

• ECOdrive makes the mobile crane significantly more comfortable and quieter by reducing the engine speed. Faster gear shifting delivers greater dynamic and traction off-road. On the road, the torque from the Liebherr diesel engine is used efficiently to minimise fuel consumption.

“This project has meant a lot of work for the Mobile Crane and Crawler Cranes team, but it’s a significant contract, and it is the beginning of a relationship with the Commonwealth, so it’s a step in the right direction for Liebherr.”

When the machines are delivered, Liebherr offers the MyLiebherr digital package which provides the customer with an extensive range of services, including digital services and application software

The jewel in your fleet

The LTM 1150-5.3

Capable of carrying nine tonnes of ballast with an axle load of 12 t, together with a powerful 66 m boom. That reduces the number of transport vehicles required. Global mobility and convenience thanks to ECOmode, ECOdrive, Hillstart Aid and VarioBase. It does not get more economical than that!

www.liebherr.com

Mobile and crawler cranes

PERTH HOSTING THE CICA NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

WELCOME TO THE JULY ISSUE OF Cranes and Lifting magazine. The 2023 CICA National Conference and Crane Display is being held in Perth this year from Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 October. Registrations are currently open, and early bird pricing is finishing at the end of July. The CICA Conference features renowned experts and thought leaders from our industry. Listening to their presentations, participating in Q&A sessions, and engaging in discussions can provide valuable insights and practical advice. You’ll gain new perspectives, learn from their experiences, and be able to apply this knowledge to your own business endeavours.

It also provides a platform to network and connect with like-minded individuals, potential clients, customers and suppliers. Building relationships and expanding your professional network can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, partnerships, and valuable contacts.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The Next Generation’ and will address some of the issues the crane industry in Australia currently faces that impact its operations and growth. Some of these key issues are:

SKILLED LABOUR SHORTAGE

Finding skilled and experienced crane operators remains a significant challenge for the industry. The demand for cranes has been increasing in various sectors, such as construction and infrastructure, while the supply of qualified operators remains limited. This shortage of skilled labour is something that CICA is working hard to ameliorate, with initiatives to

turnover of less than $10m.

More than 700 infrastructure projects set up by the former government also face possible cancellation as the federal Minister for Infrastructure has ordered a three-month investigation into the projects promised by the former Coalition Federal Government. As an announcement from Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional

attract talent to the existing traineeships and presenting at schools and attending trade shows.

PROJECT PIPELINES

The 2023 Albanese Government Federal Budget was not hugely beneficial to the crane industry. The Albanese government has overhauled the instant asset writeoff scheme, decreasing the amount businesses can claim for new equipment down to $20,000, and it has been restricted to businesses with an annual

Development and Local Government

Catherine King states, “This process will allow all levels of government time to consider the projects that are actual priorities and assess their cost and deliverability in the current climate.”

The level of infrastructure investment and government policies play a significant role in driving the demand for cranes. Fluctuations in government spending on infrastructure projects and changes in policies related to construction and development have a marked impact on

“The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The Next Generation’ and will address some of the issues the crane industry in Australia currently faces that impact its operations and growth.”

our crane industry, with the delay in delivery times a concern, many crane companies order cranes in anticipation of fulfilling infrastructure project needs. A stable and supportive policy environment will be essential for the industry’s growth and stability and CICA will continue to advocate for this.

COST PRESSURES

Wages, equipment maintenance and insurance premiums for crane operations can be substantial. Accidents or damage to property can result in significant financial liabilities, so while rising costs can put additional financial pressure on crane companies, particularly smaller operators who may struggle – it is important to ensure that adequate crane maintenance and insurance coverage is upheld.

When payments are not received on time, it can disrupt cash flow and create financial strain. This can impact your ability to pay bills, purchase materials, and cover expenses. Chasing payments requires investing time and effort in following up with clients, sending reminders, making phone calls and potentially engaging in legal processes. This can divert your attention from other important aspects of your crane business, such as bidding on new projects or managing ongoing work.

While chasing payments can be challenging, ensuring you are compensated for your work is important. Consider implementing strategies such as setting up regular payment milestones, requesting upfront deposits, or using construction-specific payment tools and platforms to streamline the payment process and minimise potential inconveniences.

Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort among industry stakeholders, government bodies and training institutions. Promoting safety, investing in training programs, attracting and retaining skilled labour, maintaining the crane fleet, managing finances and ensuring a favourable policy environment are key factors for the sustainable growth of the crane industry in Australia.

CICA BOARD

Ben Pieyre – President

Marcus Ferrari – Vice President

Tom Smith – Director

Danny Adair – Director

Danny Black – Director

Andrew Esquilant – Director

David Solomon – Director

Karli Sutherland– Director

CICA OFFICE

Brandon Hitch Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 0428 228 048

ceo@cica.com.au

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

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

Patrick Cran CraneSafe and CrewSafe Technical Advisor 0488 004 274 pat@cranesafe.com.au

Damien Hense CICA Road Policy Advisor 03 8320 0460 0488 007 575 damien@cica.com.au

Julie Turner CICA Executive Assistant / Office Manager 03 8320 0411 julie@cica.com.au

Kate Galloway Traineeship Coordinator 0491 047 118

Kate@cica.com.au

Ashleigh Gould

Cranesafe and Crewsafe Administration Officer

Phone: 03 8320 0466

Email: ashleigh@cica.com.au

Michelle Verkerk Marketing Communications Officer 0404 938 714 michelle@cica.com.au

Justina Blackman Member Events and Engagement 0403 717 626

justina@cica.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.

CRANES, PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

For close to 45 years, Paul Heeks’ name has been synonymous with the growth and advancement of the crane industry, and he is seen as the pioneer of the mini crawler crane market.

PAUL IS RECOGNISED FOR HIS CONTINUED contribution to the crane industry. He makes a point of attending CICA’s National Conference and Exhibition where he has been the Master of Ceremonies on many occasions, and he remains involved with CICA NSW co-hosting its successful fundraising auctions. But he nearly didn’t have a career in cranes.

After an unimpressive school record, his first trade was toolmaking, moving onto work as a design draughtsman while studying, before eventually moving into engineering sales.

In the early 1970s he started work at Rheem as a sales engineer in the Engineered Products division, where he had a career path that involved taking increasingly intensive management training courses.

Paul then ventured into the world of cranes and went to work with Favco Cranes, a division of Aquila Steel.

“Favco Cranes was the start of my love affair with cranes. I started as sales engineer, then sales manager, and then finally marketing manager. Primarily, we were working on tower cranes and construction work around Australia. Then the business

developed, as did the products, and we moved into offshore platform cranes - and that’s where the real fun started,” he said.

“This was in the early 1980s and the oil industry was going berserk. Favco were making cranes in Liverpool, NSW at that time, and we were selling cranes for oil and gas platforms around the world including New Zealand for the Maui A platform, the Middle East and the North Sea. We had a joint venture operation in Newcastle in the UK, an office in London, one over in Vancouver and another JV in Singapore for the vast SE Asian market. The job involved a lot of hard work and travel, but a lot of fun. It was terrific, until after a stint in India for three weeks looking for another JV partner, I had just arrived home and then suffered a heart attack in late 1982,” said Paul.

“I was told by my specialist I needed a job with less stress (travel) or I would be dead!

Paul says he was on “gardening leave” from Favco when he was was offered the job of state manager at Australian Crane and Excavator Co. - which at the time was the distributor for Manitowoc and Grove Cranes.

Paul Heeks and part of his collection of model cranes, planes, trains and automobiles.

Australian Crane and Excavator Co. was part of the Tutts Group which was a subsidiary of Bowater Scott

A couple of promotions later he became state manager of the Tutts Group, NSW

“It was a good job, a good company full of challenges and I was enjoying it,” he says.

Paul recognised that working for a large multinational organisation had its benefits, but he really wanted to back himself and give his own business a go.

“And so, in 1987 I started PA Construction Equipment working from a desk in my rumpus room at home and that was about the size of it. I started buying and selling used cranes using the old network of contacts from my Favco & Tutts days and with a lot of help from my mechanic, friends Paul Flood and Patrick Mardaymootoo doing field service work and selling spare parts.

“In 1988, I found a little factory in Mortdale which we rented to refurbish older used cranes and carry out light repairs.”

“I had a few overseas contacts from my travelling days, and I was in touch with guys like Stuart Anderson in the UK and many

old friends around Australia and Singapore,” he said.

“This was before the internet and if anybody in those days was in the market for a crane, they had to rely on their own contacts or maybe use a magazine called “Plant and Equipment” which was about the only way you could even check if there were any suitable cranes for sale.

“I always enjoyed the personal side of the business and dealing with industry friends like John Farrier. He would occasionally call and ask what we had in say a 25t RT, I would check our listings and quite often they were available in Japan, so off we’d go to Japan, we’d view the cranes and he’d pick the one he wanted. We would then bring it back, carry out a full inspection and service and ensure it conformed with Australian standards. I did that for quite a few years for many customers,” said Paul.

He was also traveling domestically, talking to crane owners to see which cranes might be coming up for sale and what they might be needing in the future, and then putting deals together.

As time went on, Paul decided he wanted to represent crane OEMs with new cranes and then he was introduced to Maeda.

“Back then nobody had heard of mini crawler cranes, there was no such thing in Australia (or in fact anywhere else outside of Japan). The whole idea of a small mini crawler crane was a completely alien concept. Regardless, Maeda asked if I would like to visit the factory and have a look at the product, so I flew to Japan, and the rest as they say, is history,” he said.

This was in 1991 and Paul agreed to represent the brand. Initially, he bought a small model and was keen to see how the market responded. The initial response wasn’t promising.

“Nobody wanted it. I was told it was too small and just a toy, ‘who wants to own a crane that size?’ ‘They’re silly little things and there’s no use for them’. But I had bought one for stock and I was trying to promote the concept around the country, and nobody wanted it,” said Paul.

“Then one day, I was having a conversation with Bob Smith at Brambles,

With the Maeda brand, unquestionably, Paul was responsible for developing the market for mini crawler cranes in Australia.

and they had a job out at Penrith. He said, ‘I think I can use that little crane of yours.’ I took it to site for a demonstration and it worked very well. The job involved lifting air conditioning ducts down and out of the ceiling. Instead of using two access platforms with two blocks and tackles which would take about two hours to lift one duct down, we put this little crane in and we had them down in about 20 minutes. Everyone was impressed,” said Paul.

“I said, ‘Okay Bob, do you want to buy one?’ he said, ‘No, but can you leave it here for a while?’ I then said, ‘Do you want to hire it?’ because at that stage I was thinking to myself if I can’t sell these cranes, maybe I can hire them and sell the concept. Maybe even make a small return on the investment.

“And that’s exactly what we did. I bought a few more which I offered for sale, but

hire was the way people were going because nobody wanted to own these tiny cranes as they couldn’t see a market for them.

“We were hiring them for a couple of years and then customers finally started seeing continuous applications for the Maedas and they were getting ongoing work, and that’s when they started to buy them.

“This would have been around 1993 and that’s when we really kicked off with the Maeda brand,” he said.

The Maeda product went well for Pace Cranes for the next 10 years. The mini crawler concept became popular, and a lot of small builders, glaziers and crane hire businesses wanted at least one in the fleet.

They are very suited for small scale work including window installation, commercial glazing, air conditioning installation and tasks of that nature.

“We started by bringing in a 2.5t capacity crane and then a 3t, and it stayed at these sizes for some time. Maeda then launched a 5t and 6 t followed by an 8t model, which is the largest they made. I could see the potential for much larger capacity telescopic crawlers and in those days, there weren’t many brands represented locally,” said Paul. (There were a few very old Kato NK160s.)

Paul started looking at the larger telescopic crawler manufacturers around the world and eventually discovered Sennebogen, which at the time was another unknown brand in Australia.

At this time, Paul’s son Anthony was becoming more and more active in the business. He was initially more interested in the servicing and maintenance of the equipment and although he completed management studies, he preferred being on the workshop floor rather than selling. In fact, Anthony became the first Cranesafe Assessor for CICA in NSW.

He was deeply involved in the decision to take on Sennebogen and he basically took the ‘business reins’ at that stage.

“We contracted a succession consultant to enable a successful transition and he provided sound advice over a 12-month period as I backed out and Anthony took over. He now runs the business, probably better than I ever did,” said Paul.

Anthony is closely associated with CICA as Chair of CICA NSW - which was a position Paul held many years ago.

He was involved with the National Crane Association right at the start, attending the very first national meeting of the Crane Association at the Broadbeach Hotel in 1979. Since then, he has been to every national convention, and every CICA “bauma” European bus tour. He has had various roles within the Crane Industry and was the President of the Crane Industry Association (CIA, NSW), and has also served on the CICA board,

In 2015 he was awarded the CICA “Con Popov Memorial Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to the Australian Crane Industry”.

He has been the MC for the national convention many times, and is still active with the NSW division, although in minor activities.

‘Paul’s Shed’ enabled him to realise a child hood dream of building his train set.

He recently enjoyed the Canberra Regional meeting where he stood in for Anthony and welcomed Sarah Brookes and her father Jon, the recipients for the fundraising auction conducted by Jeff Wilson from Finlease. The auction generated $48,000 for Sarah’s Charity for the fight against children’s cancer, with all funds going to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

“Our industry is so generous towards this type of cause, and I like to be involved wherever I can,” Paul said.

On a personal note, Paul was made a “Life Member” of Lions International service Clubs in 2007 after many years’ service and chairing the “Lions Children’s Hospital Eye Clinic Appeal”, raising over $1,000,000 over six years from Lions clubs in the Sydney District.

He also received a much cherished “Cook Community Award” from Scott Morrison in 2017.

Paul very much enjoys staying involved with the family business, so much so he has a permanent base in the Pace Cranes yard. He bought a demountable building from Terry Whyte from Whyte Cranes while they were building a new office and workshop in Peakhurst.

“I now use this “shed” to house my collection of crane models that I have collected for over 40 years. I’ve never been able to display them previously. So, I bought a few cabinets and now have the models on display with separate rooms for my crane models, a small display of planes, another one for trains and a large collection of classic Jaguar car models as well as trucks. (Craig Membrey’s vehicles feature here as well as a beautiful 1933 Bentley Blower donated by John “Shades” Shevlin)

“I enjoy cars and motoring and have participated in a couple of Variety Club Bashes around Australia, including one

from “Bondi to Broome” What a great fun drive in the bush!”

“The shed is popular with old mates, and we frequently entertain local and overseas visitors from the industry to just sit and have a coffee and a chat – All are welcome,” he said.

Paul’s wife Faye was also involved in the business from scratch and is also well known in the industry’ attending many of the functions, home and away. They have been married now for 58 years and still enjoy travelling together around the world.

Iceland and Norway are next on the agenda later this year, followed by the long-awaited trip to Antarctica. Paul’s career has been long and distinguished. Like so many industry stalwarts he has repaid his good fortune with time and generosity. Without the contribution of the likes of Paul, the crane sector wouldn’t be the powerhouse industry it is today.

CrewSafe is the standardised VOC assessment tool for the Australian crane industry.

CrewSafe provides machinespecific, impartial, peer assessment with documented evidence of competency.

EMPIRE CRANES STRIKES NEW DEAL

Founding directors of Empire Cranes Jared McDonald and Jarrod Belsey sat down with Cranes and Lifting to discuss their recent trip to the Sany Global Crane Conference in China, the recent major expansion to their national fleet, and the driving forces that have motivated them in their crane purchases.

ALTHOUGH THE BUSINESS ITSELF HAS ONLY been around for just over four years, both directors are no strangers to the industry.

“Jared number one” – as Belsey calls his business partner – “has been in cranes his whole life.”

With his father owning a small owneroperator business in Melbourne for years, Jared has gone on to work at some of the most widely known engineering and crane hire companies in Australia and around the world. Belsey, on the other hand, has been in construction hire for over 20-years and worked at a national sales level around the country.

With their new head office located in the outer Melbourne suburb of Pakenham,

Empire Cranes’ operations have ventured anywhere but local. Employing a “longterm dry-hire” business model, and utilising their strong national network, Empire Cranes fleet is currently spread across the country on projects from Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project through to mining projects out in the Pilbara.

“The business is sound,” Belsey says. “Our long-term dry hire lease model is ‘slow and steady’; nothing dramatic changes day to day for us, giving us more time to focus on the most important thing, our customers. Without them, we would not have a business at all.”

Speaking to the expansion of their

current fleet, McDonald announces that Empire Cranes have “purchased five new cranes in recent months.”

“We have always had an aggressive attitude towards growing our fleet, and we are committed to meeting the demands of our growing customer base,” Belsey says.

Recently accompanying Australian distributor of Sany products Tutt Bryant to the 2023 Sany Global Convention in China, Belsey says he was “blown away” by the magnitude of the event. Treated to multiple factory tours in Changsha and Shanghai, Belsey added that the Chinese manufacturers “really looked after their global distributors and customers from all over the world.”

Citing the reception as “incredible”, Empire Cranes were also able to bear witness to the production lines for Sany crawler crane, mobile crane and tower crane facilities.

“We were given full access to the manufacturing line. We observed firsthand the level of investment Sany is putting into their crane production, their R&D and their QA Systems. We were impressed with the level of quality and precision with which each crane is made,” he said.

And that impression made its mark on Empire Cranes; as a result of what they saw, they made the decision to purchase three new cranes from Sany: a 60-tonne and 90-tonne rough terrain crane, and a 100-tonne telescopic boom crawler crane.

“We’ve taken possession of all of the Sany cranes. They are in Australia, ready to work, and we couldn’t be happier with them,” says Belsey.

Featuring a Stage III emission standard Cummins engine, the Sany SRC600T offers a lighter, slightly more transportable, and cost-effective version

Having seen the Sany product stand up in environments such as the Pilbara, Empire Cranes needed no extra convincing to purchase three new cranes from the Chinese manufacturer.

“We’ve taken possession of all of the Sany cranes. They are in Australia, ready to work, and we couldn’t be happier with them.”

The team at Empire Cranes recently visited the Sany factory in China as they look to expand their current fleet.

Able to witness the level of investment first-hand, Belsey and McDonald were both deeply impressed by the procedures Sany had in place.

compared to its 90-tonne counterpart, the SRC900T. Not to be outdone, however, the 90-tonne rough-terrain crane offers more versatility with its heavier loads and complements Empire Cranes’ current fleet as they expand further into the rough terrain market.

“We believe the new Sany purchases will add to the overall fleet mix and give our customers more options on their future projects,” says Belsey. “We are seeing a real demand for rough terrains and mid to large size telecrawlers recently, so we had to invest. We are listening to our customers’ needs and working fast to fulfil them.”

The 100-tonne teleboom crawler crane, also features a four-stroke Cummins diesel engine, possesses a boom length of up to

90 metres, a maximum lifting moment of 378 tonne-metres, and is easily assembled counterweight of up to 32 tonnes.

“We’ve seen the Sany product in the harshest of environments in Western Australia and we are confident in their quality and ability to perform consistently, but probably the biggest push for us in considering Sany was the partnership they have with Tutt Bryant Equipment,” Belsey stated. “With a national brand like Tutt Bryant working closely with Sany on meeting and exceeding the highest Australian safety and quality standards and spare part supply minimums, it really reaffirms our decision to go with Sany.”

Empire Cranes is also quick to acknowledge the role Phil Chadwick, Tutt Bryant Equipment Sales Manager for

“We have a great relationship with Phil,” says Belsey. “He has worked hard on promoting the Sany product to us – even inviting us to the Archerfield yard to touch and play with the cranes all afternoon, which allowed us to get a better feel for the crane.”

“Our relationship with Phil provided Sany with a foot in the door. It enabled us to experience first-hand what they were capable of and, as mentioned before, we are so impressed with the quality of the cranes they are producing, and we look forward to sharing this with our clients,” he adds.

Discussing the other new additions to the Empire Cranes fleet outside of the Sany purchases, Belsey and McDonald speak of their “excitement” in announcing the purchase of a Liebherr LTR1220 telecrawler crane; as they put it, “the new flagship of our growing fleet.”

Set to be delivered in August this year, the team at Empire Cranes are confident the 220-tonne telescopic crawler will

the southern region, played in opening the door for Empire Cranes to the Sany product.

Belsey says Sany “really looked after” their customers and global distributors.

be a highly sought after product. With a maximum load capacity of 220 tonnes, the telescopic crawler crane features a boom length of up to 60 metres as well as a lattice jib extension of up to 43 metres. As a telescopic crane, it requires a shorter set-up time compared to its lattice-boom compatriot and holds more versatility and transportability thanks to its automated boom system.

Featuring a Liebherr, 4-cylinder diesel engine, the LTR 1220 holds a maximum hoist height of 101 metres in tandem with a radius and has proven itself equally adept on mining sites or civil construction projects.

“We are proud to put this crane in our fleet,” says Belsey. “It is perfect to assist with the wind farm, mining and new construction projects starting around Australia at the moment. We have already had a lot of interest in this crane as soon as

it lands in the country.”

With the fifth new crane added to their fleet being the Japanese manufactured 8-tonne Maeda mini-crawler – only the second of its kind in Australia – Belsey and McDonald were keen to point out the shifting power dynamics in the heavymachinery market, highlighting the rising quality coming from Asia.

“The quality keeps consistently improving. It’s been especially notable over the past few years, and we were lucky enough to witness it in person on our trip to Sany’s factory,” they say. “The amount of time and investment they’ve made into making those cranes meet the high standards that we have here in Australia must be underscored.”

“We feel that the market is turning to other players, and we really believe the Sany brand is going to go from strength to strength here,” Belsey continues. “With

this round of purchasing, we’ve identified some key areas in which we’d like to grow our fleet that are in line with what the market is telling us now. We are very keen to get them out there and working!”

Having grown their fleet from one MAC25 Franna crane in 2019 to over 20 cranes in 2023, consisting of pick & carry, all-terrains, rough-terrains and crawlers of all sizes, business is escalating at a rapid rate for Empire Cranes.

Putting their success down to a customer-centric approach, Belsey says Empire Cranes “want to ensure our product and service to our clients is always of the highest quality.”

“With this focus front of mind, we are committed to continuously updating our cranes, and reducing the age of the fleet as well; we want the best for our clients, and we believe they notice the difference in our level of customer service.”

“We are seeing a real demand for rough terrains and mid to large size telecrawlers recently, so we had to invest. We are listening to our customers’ needs and working fast to fulfil them.”

The team at Empire Cranes believe the market is shifting, and there is a rising level of quality coming from the East.

NATIONAL DRY-HIRE CRANE SPECIALISTS

HES HITS THE ROAD WITH NEW LIFTER

In operation for over 40 years, Hoisting Equipment Specialists (HES) holds a tight focus on supplying lifting products and customer service for lifting, lashing, rigging, materials handling and height safety applications. The company’s latest new product release ticks all those boxes.

WORKING WITH HES FOR JUST OVER two years and moving to his current position just six weeks ago, sales manager Greg Francis has been on a steep learning curve to understand the contribution HES has made to the lifting sector over the years.

“It’s been a sharp learning curve for me since I started. We’re a small-tomedium business, we employ a small but specialised team and we’re growing. We have an office in Brisbane and a Sydney one, and while we do operate mainly out of those two areas, we also

The OzBlok Road Plate Lifter is designed to lift road plates and other sheets of metal.

have a distributor network in each state – excluding Northern Territory and Tasmania.”

“We opened up our Brisbane office over 5 years ago, and that’s proving to be a growing market for us,” he said.

Supplying a mixture of both their own OzBlok products and those sourced from local suppliers, Greg says HES is selling and supplying products right across the construction and lifting sectors.

“With the construction sector being a major focus for the business, you are likely to see our products on any construction site - with lifting and rigging being our main areas of expertise,” he said.

As the newly appointed sales manager at HES, Greg is across all product-related releases coming from the company and, under its ‘OzBlok’ brand, he reveals HES will launch a new product that will hit the shelves of lifting and rigging specialists’ on July 1.

Stating it to be a Road-Plate Lifter, Greg says the product does exactly what it says it will.

“Essentially, it will be used for lifting road plates and other sheets of metal,” he says.

“We believe it’s the best in the marketplace. It comes with its own serial number and its own certificate, as opposed to other brands that need to be load tested. Ours can be bought straight off the shelf and put straight into action,” he said.

In tandem with its quality, Greg says, the five-ton capacity device is priced

Greg Francis, Sales Manager for Hoisting Equipment Specialists.

“Essentially, it will be used for lifting road plates and other sheets of metal. We believe it’s the best in the marketplace. It comes with its own serial number and its own certificate, as opposed to other brands that need to be load tested.”

to be competitive in the marketplace, offering the utmost value for money. Speaking to its components and functionality, he adds there are “two components” that ensure the product works effectively.

“It has a base which is welded into a plate, and then there’s a lifting component which fits into that plate, and then a shackle or a hook will slot in and then you just lift it. So, when you see road plates on roads and things like that, covering holes – it’s designed to enhance the productivity of the installation and removal processes of the road plates, facilitate easier access in and out for construction workers and enhance the safety of the workers handling the plates.

Speaking to the conception of the product, Greg says there will “definitely be local demand for it”.

“We saw the Road Plate Lifter concept in Australia and thought that

if we could create something similar it would complement our existing OzBlok range of products. We expect big things from the launch, and we are confident the local construction and civil sectors will quickly realise the benefits of our OzBlok Road Plate Lifter.”

Aside from its array of products, HES also offers a plethora of services to keep those operating in the construction industry safe and in business.

“With our facilities we’ll test anything from chains and wire ropes, to height safety gear, wire rope pullers - basically anything you might see on a construction site or in the rigging and lifting sectors,” says Greg.

Providing the option for customers to have their gear inspected and certified on site, he also specifies that people can bring their products into a HES workshop to get tested on the spot.

“We’ve had a good last couple of years,” he says. “We are very busy in both departments; selling merchandise, and testing and certifying equipment.”

“With people needing to have their height safety or their lifting gear checked on a regular basis to prevent any mishaps, we make sure we’re available to offer that service to them as well. Sometimes, depending on what the item is and how often it is used, it might need to be checked every three months, so we’re always open to managing these types of check-ups for people.”

With HES set to acquire its credentials from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), the implications of the job are not lost on Greg as the conversation turns to safety in the industry.

“Getting accreditation from LEEA is a very important milestone for us; it will give us recognition that the industry will resonate with. LEEA accreditation

says we are a safe tester and certifier. It gives people who get their gear tested confidence that you’re following the right safety guidelines – which is critical,” he says.

“Lifting is all about safety. Everyone in the height safety, rigging and lifting sectors must ensure the equipment is fully compliant and that safe work practices are adopted at all times.

“Ultimately we are talking about people’s wellbeing here and the team at HES wants to make its contribution to ensure everyone is able leave home for work with the expectation they will go home safely at the end of the day,” said Greg.

HES is confident the local construction and civil sectors will quickly realise the benefits of the OzBlok Road Plate Lifter.

“Lifting is all about safety. Everyone in the height safety, rigging and lifting sectors must ensure the equipment is fully compliant and that safe work practices are adopted at all times.”

ROAD PLATE LIFTER

CAPACITY: 5.0T

Manufactured and certified to AS4991

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Lift and position road plates safely and securely with the NEW OzBlok Road Plate Lifter. Robust and easy to use, the OzBlok Road Plate Lifting System is the only one on the market that is ready to use from the box with an individual serial number on each unit (not just a batch number) eliminating the need to individually tag each unit.

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LEEA’S CERTIFIED SAFETY

During LiftEx, the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association’s (LEEA) Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Justin Boehm, announced that LEEA has officially launched its Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection.

MAKING THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN A speech to a strong crowd on May 25th at the Australian Maritime Museum –where LiftEx was being held – Justin said the certification represented a “milestone” in the industry, labelling the certificate a “real gamechanger”.

“We’ve worked hard to achieve this, as a testament to the dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment of the professionals who strive for excellence in their craft – our technicians,” he said. “The Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection stands as a symbol of industry knowledge, competence and proficiency in ensuring safety in the lifting equipment industry.”

Boehm also highlighted that the Certificate IV was developed in

collaboration with “industry experts, regulatory bodies and educational institutions”, stating that it will “set a new standard for excellence in our field”.

“It equips our professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to assess, test, and inspect lifting equipment, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards and regulatory requirements,” he said.

The new qualification was recently accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority – the body responsible for regulating around 90 per cent of vocational education and training providers.

Boehm says the Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection is both broad and comprehensive in its content.

Justin Boehm and the LEEA Regional Council celebrate Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection.

“It covers a wide range of topics, including equipment maintenance, calibration, load testing techniques, inspection protocols, risk assessment, and documentation procedures,” he said.

“It offers a holistic approach to the inspection and testing process, empowering professionals to identify potential hazards, prevent accidents, and enhance workplace safety.”

The course was developed to meet the requirements of the industry, as the association sought to fulfil a long-time request from members in adding more veracity to their accreditation.

“This certification program recognises the vital role that professionals play in the lifting equipment industry, and it celebrates their expertise, dedication, and contribution to ensuring the safe operation of equipment that is integral to our clients,” Boehm said.

“By earning the Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection, professionals demonstrate

There was plenty of interaction between attendees and exhibitors.

LiftEx attendees were highly engaged over the two days.

their commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.”

“This certification is evidence of high-level competence, allowing them to provide valuable services to organisations, enhancing operational efficiency, and minimising risks.”

Justin says the new Certificate IV represents success for the industry.

“The approval of program is evidence of the lifting equipment industry’s

continuous progress, innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety,” he told attendees.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp congratulated LEEA, as did Member for Woollongong Paul Scully.

The Minister said the development of the new certificate was a great achievement.

“I would like to congratulate the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, and all involved on the

development of the Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection,” he said.

“These things aren’t easy to create. It takes technical expertise, industry understanding and a whole lot of hard work, and that’s before the Australian Skill’s Quality Authority takes a look.

“To have ASQA endorse the course is a massive achievement and is testament to the personnel in your industry and your association.

“I’m sure a nationally accredited training package will be a gamechanger, not just for you, but for the industries you service.

“Everyone who goes to work needs to return home safe as well, so it’s critical that equipment being used on work sites across the state is inspected to the highest standard. Congratulations again on this achievement,” he said.

“By earning the Certificate IV in Lifting Equipment Testing and Inspection, professionals demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.”

A huge thanks to our supporters & attendees in joining us for LiftEx Sydney 2023, and we’re looking forward to seeing you again for a bigger event in 2024!

liftex.org/liftex-australia

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.

For over 30 years Pace Cranes have offered premium quality equipment to the Australasian market with a dedicated and unrivalled service, supported by specialist technical advise across the full range of equipment sold.

Mini Crawler Cranes Crawler Cranes

Electric Cranes

Mobile Cranes Telescopic Crawler Cranes

Duty Cycle Cranes

Glass Lifting Devices

Tracked Carriers

Crawler Cranes

Knuckle Boom Cranes

Electric Pick & Carry Cranes

Glass Manipulators

Bi-level Multi Loaders

NAU MAI HOK MAI

WELCOME BACK

PARTNERSHIPS: THE SECRET OF OUR SUCCESS

At the time of writing I’ve just returned home from a trip to Nelson. I met with our new virtual support team On Cue and I took the opportunity to swing by the “Adam’s Crane” yard.

I WAS FIRST IN TOUCH WITH ADAM Gausel in his previous role at a development/construction company. Adam informed me that he was about to buy a crane to start up his own business and would, in time, join the Crane Association of New Zealand as a member in his own right.

So it was great to roll up to the yard and see the fantastic yellow Grove in all its glory, after watching the business get up and running over the past couple of years.

This word “partnership” features in the Adam’s Crane logo. It also features in the way he does business.

So when I sat down to review this second instalment of the “New Zealand Feature” and saw his article that follows in this section, the idea of partnership once again came to mind.

NOT JUST AN IDEAL

Partnership and collaboration are easy words to throw around, but the success the Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) has enjoyed over the past few years, wouldn’t be possible without holding tight to these two ideals.

Partnership is what has made this New Zealand Feature possible. The team at the Cranes and Lifting publication have put in an incredible amount of work to make this a possibility.

The association has limited resources so by coming to me with an idea and the resources to make it happen, together we have been able to partner to create this feature. In return we’ve provided our knowledge of industry and stories of the great work being done across the motu (country/land/nation) and the connection with the incredible people who are making it all happen. That’s you!

This feature highlights the passion, innovation and success of our members. CANZ is the voice of the industry, and through this partnership with Cranes and Lifting we’ve been able to use that voice to highlight your businesses and your success.

Sarah Toase, CEO of The Cranes Association of New Zealand.

BIGGEST PARTNERSHIP IN OUR HISTORY

We work closely with other associations to identify common streams of work where we can share ideas and resources to create a partnership that benefits both industries.

The perfect example of this is when the Port Industry Association and CANZ sat down over a drink in January 2021. In looking to reestablish the relationship between the two associations we identified that both industries with feeling underserved by the new vocational education framework promised by the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE). We quickly realised that there was an opportunity for our industries to create a partnership. One which would provide high quality industry training and remove the bureaucracy which would place our niche industries under the behemoth of the post-RoVE model.

We spoke about our vision of creating better outcomes for learners, employers and industry.

This partnership has now come to fruition with the registration of the PTE to be known as PCANZ being confirmed in May 2023.

The success of the PTE is going to require even further partnership as we navigate a once-in-a-generation change to the vocational education sector in New Zealand.

We may need to traverse some rocky water with current providers, trainers and assessors in our industry as we all find our place in the postRoVE world.

I am confident that because we share a vision of an industry which is better served by quality training, we will be able to work through whatever challenges arise.

We will need to rely on that shared vision to create a strong partnership that we can lean on when the waters get a little rough. However, nothing great comes from staying exactly where you are. I know that by moving

forward and moving forward together we will be able to achieve CANZ’s vision to ‘provide world class-training in our own backyard’.

CONFERENCE A CELEBRATION OF PARTNERSHIP

You may well be reading this at the annual CANZ conference being held at the fabulous Te Pae Convention Centre in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Let me assure you that this oncea-year coming together of the New Zealand crane industry would not be possible without partnership at every level.

Our loyal sponsors partner with CANZ to showcase their products and services and by doing so make this conference the premier event for the Kiwi crane industry.

Our delegates are leaning on partnerships both at home and at work to be here and indeed the company owners who allow their

genuinely increase the benefits to our members and to the wider industry.

Our supplier partnerships are mutually beneficial. An example of this is the printed material you see here at the conference is which sponsored by our printing partner Excel Digital. They print and deliver all of the products that are available in the Crane Training NZ shop.

Another example is how invested our consultant has become in the success of our PTE. The incredible team at SAARA were so invested in getting our registration across the line that when they could see the billable hours mounting up, one of their staff members chose to do work in his own time.

Those two examples demonstrate how vital it is to develop and maintain partnerships with the right people and this is something that the association has focused on. This helps us to achieve our purpose

staff to attend the conference are showing true industry partnership.

I look forward to celebrating partnership at the gala awards dinner taking place on the final night of our conference. This sees our members, who are often fierce competitors, coming together to nominate each other or to nominate a project collaboration for one of the awards.

SUPPLIERS COMING TO THE PARTNERSHIP PARTY

As I mentioned earlier, CANZ does have limited resources – but through supplier partnerships we are able to deliver for our members.

I have been so grateful of the support of our suppliers as we work to

and work towards our vision, not just with suppliers, but with all key stakeholders.

Our key partners of course are our members - the people the crane association is here to serve. There is such a rich history in our industry and so many of your stories are woven together in tales of partnerships (past, present and most certainly - future.)

Adam, of Adam’s Crane shared with me yesterday that two of the association’s life members have (each independently) supported him to get his business off the ground and make it a success.

I can’t think of a better example of partnership, for the success of the kiwi crane industry, than that.

“I have been so grateful of the support of our suppliers as we work to genuinely increase the benefits to our members and to the wider industry.”

ADAM’S CRANE LIFTING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Driven by a strong passion for his local community, his family, and the industry he works in, CANZ member Adam Gausel opens up on his history in the industry, his business and his Grove GMK3060L-1.

FOR NELSON LOCAL ADAM GAUSEL, engineering and the construction industry have consistently been at the centre of his professional career.

“I’ve always had a passion for cranes and machinery,” he says. “Before starting my own company, I’d worked my way up to management at a small crane hire company that was a subsidiary of a developmentconstruction company. A change in the business provided the timing to give ownership a go.”

Having been in the construction industry for 23 years, being owner and

The Grove can be controlled by remote, something Adam says is beneficial for working closely with his clients.

operator of the Nelson-based crane hire company is turning out to be what he’d “hoped it would be”.

“The business is ticking along well,” he says. “I’m established now and have a good core clientele who I’m focused on providing with a high level of service. The casual crane hire is increasing at a pace that is manageable, so I’m happy with how the first couple of years have gone.”

Out of many, one of the things Adam enjoys about working in the crane hire business is that there are a multitude of different aspects to the job. Constantly needing to adapt to other people’s projects at pivotal moments and being kept on his toes is a challenge that Adam regularly embraces through his business.

“Crane hire is always interesting as you never really know what you might end up doing next,” he explains. “My work is mostly construction and industry based, but I also have construction projects within other industries as well as ongoing work for a provider to central government.”

Aiding him in his conquests around the region is Grove’s GMK3060L-1, a

60-tonne capacity crane possessing a 48-metre boom length and a 65-metre maximum lifting height. Coming up to two years since purchasing the crane, Adam says the Grove is “great to use”, reserving special praise for Tidd Ross Todd Limited (TRT), which was where he acquired the crane.

“I enjoy a really good relationship with TRT; they’ve been very good to me considering I’m just a small entity,” he said. “I appreciate the product support from their team; it’s one of the main reasons I purchased a Grove.”

On top of the aforementioned specifications, Adam’s main sellingpoint for the GMK3060L-1 is its radio control feature. Allowing the operator to

control the crane from outside the cabin, having an enhanced vantage point and the ability to work alongside his clients are some of the major positives for him.

“Half of my background in cranes is working with knuckle boom cranes,” he says. “I got very familiar with radio control and can see the advantages especially for a small business starting out where it’s hard to justify rigging staff. The radio control was something I really wanted to try with a mobile crane.”

Being able to do all the functions from outside the crane allows the operator to position themselves in what they deem to be the best possible place and also allows for optimal

The GMK3060L-1 possesses a 48-metre boom length.

Adam’s Crane, operating out of scenic Nelson, NZ.

communication between client and operator. However, there are instances where Adam won’t use radio control, as he explains.

“Not being in the machine and being able to feel how it is behaving is always a consideration,” he says.

“I’m fussy with blocking under the outriggers and I optioned the crane with outrigger point load sensors so I can keep track of the stability of the crane. It goes without saying, configuring the crane correctly and operating it safely is critical.”

“There are situations where I don’t use the radio control, like tree removal

with arborists or if I feel it’s safer to be in the crane.”

Overall, though, the radio control feature of the Grove – a first in Nelson – is something Adam says he “couldn’t” go back on.

“With a mind on not having the feel from being in the seat, being at the load makes a massive difference for how I interact with my clients,” he says. “I feel it’s a positive step forward, and I don’t think I could go back to operating a crane of this size conventionally.”

Having been born and raised in Nelson, Adam and his family feel a strong sense of connection to the

local community and surrounding environment. Having purchased the latest model Grove with a EUROMOT 5/Stage four engine as well as a counterweight trailer to eliminate the need for a support truck, Adam says producing fewer emissions and cutting fuel consumption and end of life waste are a step in the right direction.

“It’s good to see hybrid cranes starting to come through,” he says. “At the time of purchase the hybrid wasn’t an option but the Cummins engine is a good little runner and a step forward on previous models in terms of emissions.”

“I’m fussy with blocking under the outriggers and I optioned the crane with outrigger point load sensors so I can keep track of the stability of the crane. It goes without saying, configuring the crane correctly and operating it safely is critical.”

With a counterweight trailer and a stage four engine, Adam is doing what he can to reduce his environmental footprint

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SMITHBRIDGE GROUP CELEBRATES MULTIPLE MILESTONES WITH THREE ANNIVERSARIES

Smithbridge Group is set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Universal Cranes in 2023, the 30th anniversary of Smithbridge Guam in 2022, and the 60th anniversary of the entire Smithbridge Group in 2024.

WITH A RICH HISTORY DATING BACK

to 1964, Smithbridge Group is a 100% family-owned crane and construction business now entering its third generation of family ownership and management. The company’s brands Universal Cranes in Australia, Auckland Cranes in New Zealand and Smithbridge Guam in the Micronesian Islands have each earned reputations for industry leading engineering and construction services. These milestones further highlight the enduring success and commitment of

Smithbridge Group to excellence and industry leadership.

“As a family-owned business we take immense pride in our team of experienced and skilled employees who ensure every job is done right,” says Albert Smith, Managing Director of Smithbridge Group.

“Back in 1964 my father, John Smith founded John C Smith Contractors, and I’m proud to say we have continuously evolved this business to meet the diverse needs of the construction industry. From a small site in Rangiora, New Zealand, we now have

locations across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Region including Guam.” Over six decades, Smithbridge Group has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its service offerings, acquiring subsidiaries, and garnering recognition for its contributions to the industry and the communities it serves.

SMITHBRIDGE GUAM

Smithbridge Guam, offers a wide range of services, including civil and mechanical work, precast and ready-mix concrete, aggregate, heavy equipment, and crane hire. With depots located in Yigo and Harmon, Smithbridge Guam is wellequipped to handle all construction needs in Guam. Their commitment to providing high-quality and innovative services has solidified their reputation in the region.

UNIVERSAL CRANES

Universal Cranes is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned crane hire companies. With branches strategically located across the eastern seaboard, Universal Cranes offers high-capacity cranes and expertise in complex lifts.

Universal Cranes currently celebrating 30 years in 2023 with custom crane graphic and team.

Auckland cranes GMK4100 and Hiab removing old tower lines 2023 March.

services and support, along with their emphasis on building strong customer relationships, has made them a trusted partner in the industry.

AUCKLAND CRANES

Auckland Cranes has been serving the Auckland and Waikato region since 1970. The team provide complete package lifting and heavy haul transport engineering and

Smithbridge Guam celebrated 30 years in 2022 with a community carnival day and customisation of one of their concrete trucks.

have established themselves as leaders in the market. With branches in Auckland and Hamilton, they are dedicated to providing efficient and reliable crane hire solutions to the local community.

In addition to their impressive individual capabilities, the Smithbridge Group’s trans-Tasman relationship between Universal Cranes and Auckland Cranes further enhances their service offerings. This cross-border collaboration allows

them to leverage their combined expertise, resources, and knowledge, providing seamless solutions for clients operating in both Australia and New Zealand.

The synergy between the two subsidiaries strengthens their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services across the region, reinforcing the Group’s reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry. Whether customers are in need of crane hire, transport solutions, or engineering services, Smithbridge Group is the go-to choice.

“Looking towards the future, Smithbridge Group remains focused on building a brighter and more sustainable business”, says Dashelle Bailey, Group Manager for Strategy and Growth and daughter of Albert Smith.

“As our 60th anniversary approaches in 2024, we take great pride in the achievements of my Grandad and Dad, while also preparing for the significant change we anticipate in our industry over the next few decades. Things like sustainability, environmental stewardship, and diversity are high on our agenda in the near future.”

Auckland Cranes installing box culverts late April 2023.

TRT’S BIG BIRD TAKES OFF

TRT’s ‘Big Bird’ trailer was used on an impressive project in Sydney recently. Cranes and Lifting breaks down the 11-line trailer and how it is delivering for the crane sector.

THE IMPRESSIVE ‘BIG BIRD’ 11-LINE trailer from TRT was used along Qantas drive in Mascot to deliver a 130-tonne bridge section.

This move was accomplished by the team from McDonald Contracting Pty Ltd, working alongside Borger Cranes which has been sub-contracted by John Holland to move the bridge sections.

McDonald Contracting’s 11-line TRT Electronic Steering System (ESS) modular platform trailer was configured as a 4 x 8 Lead Trailer, 5 x 8 ESS module and a 2 x 8 ESS module.

TRT’s ESS System is available in its modular platform and house trailer range and is an exciting development made by the company.

Every axle is controlled individually via a computer system that detects

any offset angle between the trailer’s gooseneck slew-ring connection and the truck’s fifth wheel.

This is translated into hydraulic oil movement within the steering ram of each axle leg, thus maintaining nearperfect steering geometry.

Jeremy Carden from TRT trailer sales breaks down the ESS system and how the trailers work with the crane division of TRT and the crane industry itself.

“I am in trailer sales, so I work closely with the transport of cranes and many of our trailers are working closely on these large infrastructure projects,” Jeremy said.

“We engineer and build them onsite here in Hamilton, New Zealandutilising our teams to understand the wants and needs in the industry.”

With TRT’s ESS System every axle is controlled individually via a computer system that detects any offset angle between the trailer’s gooseneck slew-ring connection and the truck’s fifth wheel.

TRT’s ‘Big Bird’ trailer is a four modular system, using TRT’s quick connect innovation, coupled with the ESS technology.

“We were looking to partner with the right company to place the Big Bird Trailer, and we wanted to put it out with a company who would push its limits and use it to its full potential. McDonald Contracting was a house moving company originally, so they specialise in the movement of large structures and have been purchasing trailers from us for close to 20 years.

“The ‘Big Bird’ trailer is a four modular system, using our quick connect innovation, coupled with the ESS technology, we believe it to really be at the cutting edge of trailer technology” Jeremy said.

That system effectively allows the user to reconfigure the trailer into a completely different unit within

around 90 minutes. This is a gamechanger when compared to traditional mechanical linkage steer platform trailers currently available to the market in both New Zealand and Australia.

“The trailer is a lead unit of four rows of eight, and then a five row of eight module and a two row of eight module. This allows the trailer to operate as a four, a six, a nine, or 11 row platform trailer,” Jeremy said.

“The technology that we see on this trailer is not a new concept, it has been used in the construction and design of mobile and all-terrain cranes and Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMT) since the 1980s.

“However, TRT has taken it to the next level.

“Our patented innovative ESS system including the ‘Quick connect’, integrates the prime mover, fifth wheel and TRT modular trailers into one cohesive unit,” Jeremy explained.

TRT has struck a strong balance between modern technology and tried and tested trailer mechanics. The trailer is 90 per cent hydraulic and mechanical with the remainder of the system using encoders and a computer system for signals and communication to shift hydraulic oil where needed.

The 11-line trailer has a range of steering modes, which are a mixture of auto modes – controlled by the Prime Mover and then Manual modes – controlled by an operator using the fully-proportional remote control.

“The ‘Big Bird’ trailer is a four modular system, using our quick connect innovation, coupled with the ESS technology, we believe it to really be at the cutting edge of trailer technology”

over conventional SPMTs, in that the unit can be driven at any road legal speed.

The trailer has fail safes for steering and suspension in the form of a pressured accumulator system in the very unlikely event of a powerpack failure. This is a redundancy that is very similar to what is being used in modern day cranes.

MULTIPLE STEERING MODES ARE AVAILABLE TO ANY OPERATOR USING ONE

OF THE TRT ESS TRAILERS

• Normal Auto Steer (commonly used for transiting locations)

• Rear Axle Straight

• Auto Crab Mode

• M anual Crab Mode

• Site Manual Mode

Owner of McDonald Contracting Pty Ltd, Shane McDonald talks about the technology.

“We have been using TRT’s ESS technology for over three years now. The

scope is 110 per cent beyond expectations.”

“Our 5 Axle ESS Trailer manufactured by TRT is extremely reliable. TRT’s service and back up is way beyond expectations. I can ring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the phone will always be answered.”

“TRT’s ESS Trailers provide us with a huge competitive advantage by providing us with stability on jobs. We have more ability to access difficult sites compared to any other trailer in the market.”

Jeremy goes on to explain the flexibility of the trailer.

“The best thing with the trailer is that it is extremely strong when it is closed which is how it will spend most of its life, then it can be extended to give you a better opportunity to win contracts and working on bigger projects,” he said.

“When it comes to sourcing the right trailer for users, it is all about having open conversations about the needs for the trailer. From there we work out

customise it to their specific needs.

“For us it is all about creating a partnership and a clear understanding between each other to ensure the right product is being delivered,” Jeremy said.

A challenge that TRT recognises is the varying laws state to state within Australia with axle numbers and weights on the trailer.

“We have found, for example, in New South Wales that the five rows of eight rule means that operators can get excellent tonnage and it is extremely simple to get permits,” he said.

“We believe these layouts for trailers will be the norm in Australia as they begin to be rolled out.”

According to John Holland Group’s Heavy Lift Specialist, Conan Jenkins, the exceptional and versatile capabilities of TRT’s ESS Modular Platform System makes these trailers an unparalleled choice for complex tasks.

Their innovative configurations have made them the preferred solution over other options.

TRT’s patented innovative ESS system including the ‘Quick connect’, integrates the prime mover, fifth wheel and TRT modular trailers into one cohesive unit.

TRT ANNOUNCE MAJOR OWNERSHIP CHANGES FOR FIRST T IME IN 56 YEAR HISTORY

NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURING company Tidd Ross Todd Limited (TRT) has announced that Engineering and Technical Director Robert Carden will step down.

The first to hold the role in the 56 years since TRT was formed, Robert will also be resigning from his role as a director and as a TRT employee.

“Five and a half years ago I joined TRT not just because it made a quality product and delivered exceptional support and service, but because of its people,” said COO Lawrence Baker.

“I was given the opportunity to work with Bruce and Robert Carden

on the executive team and it has been my absolute privilege to have worked with them both, I have learned a lot from the Carden’s during this time. I would like to thank them for this opportunity.”

To fill the void whilst retaining the same set of values, Robert’s brother, Bruce, and his family have taken over Robert’s shares in the business, giving Bruce Carden total control of the business in addition to his role as Director of Sales and Innovations.

Other hierarchical changes include Neil Webb being appointed new investment partner and 20 per cent

shareholder of TRT’s Australian operations at the back end of 2022.

“With over 29 years of experience, extensive networks, and immense capabilities right across the industry,” said Bruce, “Webb has demonstrated notable success, taking TRT from strength to strength.”

“The changes in New Zealand are also seen as an opportunity for the future. TRT was created by the innovative ingenuity and relentless hard work of its founders and I’m still very energised and motivated to pursue the legacy that started 56 years ago.”

Bruce Carden, Director of Sales and Innovations has taken 100% control of the TRT business.

Providing crane hire, transport solutions, engineering, civil and marine construction, aggregate and construction materials, ready mix concrete and precast concrete.

800+ 1964

500+ UNITS OF EQUIPMENT GROUP FOUNDED

EMPLOYEES

LINQING INTO NEW MARKETS

After acquiring Paramount Safety 18 months ago, PIP Global Safety are firmly setting their sights on expanding into the New Zealand market. National Category Manager at LINQ Height Safety Paul Bozkurt elaborates on using customer service as a point of difference, why their products are better than others, and general market competitiveness.

FOUNDED IN PERTH IN 1992, Paramount Safety’s portfolio has always consisted of safety products applicable to many different industries – whether it be mining, oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics or among others where they prove useful. However, things have changed. 18 months ago, PIP Global Safety - one of the fastest growing safety companies globally - made the move to acquire Paramount Safety, integrating all their brands but changing the name of the entity to reflect their unified position.

One of those brands in its portfolio is LINQ Height Safety. Having been at Paramount for 15 years, National Category Manager for LINQ Paul Bozkurt is in a unique position to speak to the takeover of Paramount by Protective Industry Products (PIP) Global 18 months ago.

“We are now PIP Global. A house of brands exist under PIP Global, and we are now one of them,” he says.

“You will see and hear a lot more about PIP moving forward, as right now it is the world’s fastest growing company in safety. With this comes greater investment in innovative product development, which excites me a lot.”

Starting work on his current role at LINQ six and a half years ago, Paul’s responsibilities at the company currently revolve around the height safety, rigging and lifting sides of the business.

“The height safety side is the biggest part of our business,” he says. “We’re a wholesaler, so we go through our distribution network. We have manufacturing capabilities in

Brisbane, allowing us to create bespoke products for our clients.”

Paul only recently added responsibility for lifting to his duties, but says including it in the company’s daily operations “just makes sense”.

As most of the customers coincide with those already going to LINQ for height and safety products, Paul adds that whilst lifting, rigging and height safety are separate industries, there are “lots of crossovers”.

“The lifting and rigging side is really what I would say are your hard

goods style of products: your chain lever blocks, etc. And then we go into our soft goods, which will be your flat round slings and then we have ratchet tie-downs. That’s the two parts of the business.

As the conversation turns back to the PIP takeover of Paramount, Paul highlights his stance that the company wants to “provide better safety products globally, at scale and readily available to serve our markets.”

With roots established in the USA, Canada, and the formative stages of

“In terms of the market that we’re looking after here, it’ll see not only Australian and New Zealand markets expand, but we’re also looking af ter Southeast Asia as well, and we’re actually finding our gear going into Africa.”

LINQ National Category Manager, Paul Bozkurt.

business development appearing in the continent of Africa, Paul says PIP is “truly” starting to branch out globally, and expansion is at the forefront of management’s plans.

“In terms of the market that we’re looking after here, it’ll see not only Australian and New Zealand markets expand, but we’re also looking after Southeast Asia as well, and we’re actually finding our gear going into Africa,” he says. “It’s really starting to reach out in those areas that we’ve never seen before.”

Specifically highlighting the lifting, rigging and soft slings aspect of LINQ’s business, Paul says it’s an area that he knows they can “grow” in and place a lot of “focus” into the New Zealand market.

“One thing that we do want to do is relaunch in New Zealand,” he says. “The next step for us is to work

All LINQ products are designed in Australia with the majority also manufactured locally.

The lifting, rigging and soft slings aspect of LINQ’s business is an area that can grow in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

out what that marketing plan looks like, and then we can engage into the relevant shows and other marketing strategies to help us grow over there.”

Emphasising that the market across the Tasman is “brilliant”, Paul believes a lot of similarities can be drawn between how Australia and New Zealand operate when it comes to height safety and lifting, saying that things just need a “shot in the arm” to kickstart business.

“Expanding the lifting side of things across the Tasman is absolutely an area we want to target but again, it comes down to reinvigorating that market, putting stock into it,” he says.

“At the moment, it’s just been running off the back of LINQ.

“Lifting’s a tough market,” he continues. “It’s a mature market; we’ve got this particular saying that if aliens did not build the pyramids, someone would have used lifting techniques to do so at some point –that’s how old the industry is.”

However, marketing strategies and plans form only one aspect to a successful expansion, as Paul and PIP Global know.

Gaining access into the markets of New Zealand requires solid, dependable products that operate in tandem with a heightened level of customer service and, as Paul says, gain the trust of the industry professionals who have been working with people they know for an extended period of time.

Speaking to the products that LINQ designs, Paul stresses that “everything is designed in Australia” and that, while some manufacturing does happen overseas, the processes are controlled by LINQ.

Additionally, its manufacturing abilities in Brisbane allows the company to receive and fulfil some more versatile orders.

“The product gets developed and improved through our sales team being on the ground and talking with our customers,” he says.

“The chief technical officer and I work on the design of the product, and we listen to what the market and our customers are telling us.”

With accreditations from the National Association of Testing Authorities and the British Standards Institute, Paul says that anyone who purchases LINQ’s products can be sure of their quality, but that more is still required to assure people that LINQ and PIP Global are the company they should consistently work with.

“From a pricing point, we’re consistently fair and reasonable in terms of what we’re charging the market, and that comes into the equation as well,” he says.

“But we know that our customer service needs to be exceptional. When it comes to the lifting side, when we’re talking about slings, a sling is a sling,” he continues.

“So that’s the thing: this is where customer service becomes key.”

Not shying away from the fact that the stock still needs to be high in both quantity and quality, Paul adds that it’s hard to develop a stock profile if “you don’t have hundreds of people bashing down your door wanting it.”

“It comes down to customer service,” he says. “We’ve got to ensure that we’ve got the right people on the ground who can provide the support and access required better than everyone else.”

“You’re trying to convince someone that has a problem to come over to your side of the business,” he continues.

“We just need to show that we’ve got exceptional service in every single way, and that the customer’s best interests will be consistently looked after by working with us.”

“The product gets developed and improved through our sales team being on the ground and talking with our customers who have first-hand experience of using what we make.”

GRAY’S ANATOMY OF CRANES

With a career spanning 45 years surrounding cranes and construction, Andrew Gray has certainly seen it all. With retirement no longer on the horizon but a lived reality, Andrew opens up on the highlights, challenges and pivotal moments of working in the industry since the early ‘70s.

BEARING WITNESS TO THE RISE AND FALL of many a construction empire, raising a family, moving countries, working as a journeyman across companies, earning a reputation as a straight-talking expert in the crane sector sums up the career of Andrew Gray.

Exploring the start of his career as a 16-year-old in Napier, New Zealand, Andrew worked during the 1972 Christmas school holidays on an extension to the Victoria Hotel that was owned by the Diack family.

“Back then, we did what was revolutionary work: tilt up pre-cast panels that were erected by Diack Bros Cranes, an original member of the New Zealand Crane Association, and that was my introduction to cranes,” said Andrew.

Moving to Australia as a 19-year-old in September 1975 to work on the Gold Coast, Andrew spent the next six years in the high-rise construction sector, obtaining his Rigging & Dogging ticket, working in the erection, dismantle and operation arms of Favco’s, beginning with Fletcher Construction.

Andrew has earned a reputation as a straight-talking expert in the crane sector.

“After that, I joined a company called GRU Contracting, again dogging tower cranes and rigging, erecting, dismantling etc.,” he reflects. “GRU was a specialist tower crane and rigging company in the late ‘70s and early 80’s.”

But then in 1982, in a sharp turn of events, the downturn of the construction industry hit the Gold Coast and, as Andrew says; “it went from 53 tower cranes to basically none.”

“All those people in that industry needed a place to work. At that time, they were building the Wivenhoe and Tarong Power Stations. International Rigging ran all the rigging and cranes on Tarong Power Station and Wivenhoe Power Station had all GRU Contracting people who I worked for, so we did all the cranes and rigging. A lot of us were there for a couple of years.

“These new jobs were not what we were used to, being spoiled by going

home every night on an easy building site, but these mega projects were a saviour to our industry.

“It was definitely a learning experience and it taught us that we couldn’t just stay on the Gold Coast, Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast and work on what we wanted. It was a really big shock to the system for everybody. But those two projects were a massive saviour for nearly all construction people wanting to be in the industry at the time,” he said.

Andrew spent a few years as a Rigging Supervisor for GRU Contracting working all along the coast of Queensland and a few visits into Papua New Guinea erecting and dismantling Favcos before getting a job as a rigger with crane industry behemoth in 1985. It was during this period that Andrew first met Gordon ‘Boof’ Marr who was in Brisbane for his early years as a rigger.

“In early 1986, a tower crane fell over in Canberra on the Convention Centre. A team from Total Rigging (now Lindores Cranes) and myself came down to Canberra to recover that crane.

“Canberra was a shock to us all culturally and weather wise after so many years in south east Queensland, it was tough but we had some good times,” said Andrew.

Following this tower crane recovery Andrew moved between Canberra and the Gold Coast with Lindores Cranes for a couple of years, working on many projects including completing the Tower Crane removal at new Parliament House.

“In late 1988 I spent a few months in Taipei, Taiwan with the first ever Favelle/Favco in this country teaching the local crews how to operate the crane, and also using the Internal Climbing system on a 45 storey structural steel building.

Groves’ John Stewart, Andrew Gray and Neil Hollingshead.

“This was followed by a short stint at Ok Tedi Mine in PNG, recovering a collapsed 120m conveyor belt structure that was hanging over the side of a very steep and deep ravine. I stayed with Lindores until 1989,” he said.

As the nineties entered, so too did Andrew’s journeyman phase.

“Totalling three companies, multiple clients and jobs, and marking the beginning of his family, Andrew indicates this decade was one of the more formative periods of his working career.

“I worked for Concrete Constructions as a rigging supervisor from 1990 through to 1994 on various buildings and projects in Canberra. One of those was the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade building that had 4,000 precast panels and 700 different types of panels, and I needed to work out how the whole lot had to fit together,” he elaborates.

“After that, from 1994 until 1997, I was with Transfield at Port Kembla taking charge of the night shift with a crew of roughly 300 guys working for me after the base structures had been floated into Port Kembla Harbour. We were building two oil rigs for Esso and BHP.”

Andrew was harbouring hopes of returning to Canberra and, in 1997, the opportunity presented itself with Wilson Cranes.

“Laurie Wilson bought a Demag CC1400, a 250-tonne crawler crane,” he explains. “Laurie and Peter Rowell offered me a job to run that crane on the east coast of Australia and work from home, as I’d had enough of being away from the family.”

“I ran that crane for Wilson Cranes until the business was sold to Brambles in 1998. That’s where I met a lot of people who are imperative to the crane industry today - Gregg Melrose, Larry Fuller, the Borgers and many others,” he said.

In 2001 Andrew’s wife wanted to return to work after having two girls in 1995 and 1997, so Andrew spent a few years as a stay-at-home dad.

Spending time with his daughters during their formative years were precious, while doing some crane and rigging consulting on the side.

In 2005, Andrew’s wife needed to move to Sydney for work and Gregg Melrose offered Andrew a position at Melrose Cranes and Rigging. Flinching at the title of “Salesman”, Andrew says he supervised which cranes best suited the various projects.

“Gregg had a small fleet at the time, he’d purchased a 200t Liebherr from Lindores Cranes and he also had 160 tonner and a number of smaller cranes.

“Then Gregg and his brother Tony attended the 2006 CICA Crane Conference on Hamilton Island and they decided to take on the world by ordering the first Grove GMK7450 in Australia.

“At the time it was the largest capacity mobile crane on the East Coast. We took delivery of that crane in May 2007, and my job was to run the big cranes in the Melrose fleet,” said Andrew.

At the 2012 CICA conference after seven and a half years with experience of handling the logistics of the bigger cranes in Melrose’s fleet, Andrew found himself being offered the chance to work for global heavy-duty machinery powerhouse Manitowoc.

Speaking on his early days at the company, Andrew opens up about the collapse of D&G Cranes and relocating some of the equipment.

“Cleaning up the impact of the collapse of D&G and selling equipment that had come back to Manitowoc wasn’t the easiest of tasks. 2013 and 2014 was tough for tower cranes; there wasn’t a big market for equipment,” he said. “However, that did change eventually and through 2013 and 2014 we were able to move things around.

“I’ve looked after Potain in Australia

Andrew ‘riding the hook’ in the early ‘90’s. No Height Safety practices back then.

and New Zealand, plus Grove and Manitowoc cranes in Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand. And then there are some Sydney customers like Melrose, Larry Fuller and RAR in Canberra that I dealt with directly because of my relationships. Interestingly, my replacement as Tower Crane Sales Manager is Billy Rumble, the son of Jeff Rumble from Rumbles Cranes, now RAR,” he said.

From the failure of D&G came the

creation of FG Cranes in Perth, which Andrew regards as his “number one customer” and “an extremely important member” of the Manitowoc Australia family.

“I have an extremely close relationship with the owner, Joe Calabro. He consults with John and myself on what he thinks is best for the market in his line of work.

“He’s built up a fleet of 40 plus Potain tower cranes, plus eight Grove All Terrains, a fleet that is the result of our collective efforts,” says Andrew.

“I’ve spent the last 10 and a half years with Manitowoc and it has been a pleasure to work with all of our local employees and many great customers throughout Australia & New Zealand.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Manitowoc working under John Stewart, a great boss and friend. In addition, I have made some great friends around the world within the Manitowoc family,” Andrew said.

Working in the crane industry for close to 50 years means witnessing a lot of changes including the rise and fall of construction empires, new technology and improvement of safety for workers.

“As a rigger working on tower cranes in Australia and working in Taiwan,

relationships with unions, but the work they do to improve site safety cannot be understated,” said Andrew.

“I have two sons from my first marriage, the oldest working for Concept Cranes in Canberra and the other in earthmoving on the Gold Coast. It’s important that these guys and all others in the industry come home safe and well each night.

“I pride myself that I have never had an accident during my working life, but I have had to clean many up. Planning and consulting with all parties is imperative for a safe work environment,” he said.

Speaking on the improvement of technology and competition, Andrew highlights the rising prominence of quality machinery coming from Asia and underscores how the industry is moving towards an electric future.

“Around 2014 and 2015, when I was examining products from Asia it was all clunky and not well made. But today it’s a lot better designed and built.

“As for electrification, everyone that I used to work with is acknowledging that it needs to happen. Electric is the way of the future,” he said.

And so, what does an ex-rigger and crane expert have planned for his retirement? Family time, golf, and motorhomes, apparently.

With plans to sell the family home but stay in Canberra as his wife finishes her career in the public service, the future looks open for Andrew Gray.

“We’ll buy an apartment down on the lake and I’ll extend my days of golf from maybe two days a week to three or four days a week,” he says.

New Guinea from the mid-’80s, I’ve almost seen it all and the improvement in safety is really noticeable,” he says.

“We didn’t have harnesses back in the ‘80s, we thought we were Superman, but we’d lose friends occasionally. We were very blasé about some of our safety and what we did.

“There have been massive improvements to ensure you go home at the end of the day to be with your family. I’ve never enjoyed the most fruitful of

“We’re thinking about, purchasing a motor home so we can disappear out of Canberra during the colder months, it gets bloody cold here, head north then come back home again when it warms up.

After a 45 year career of scaling tower cranes like Spiderman, moving cranes and equipment and ensuring the right product meets the right customer’s demands, it might be time to put those plans into action. We wish Andrew the very best in retirement.

“There have been massive improvements to ensure you go home at the end of the day to be with your family. I’ve never enjoyed the most fruitful of relationships with unions, but the work they do to improve site safety cannot be understated.”

Celebrating excellence in the construction industry

20. 09. 2023 Melbourne

The Foundation Awards recognise both individuals and businesses who excel in the industry and bring together different industry segments to one room on one night for a glamorous night of celebration.

foundationawards.com.au

UAA PROUDLY PUTS FACES TO INSURANCE

MARC HAS BEEN A PART OF THE UAA FAMILY for over a decade and over this time he has grown professionally and personally, finding opportunities to learn, innovate, and contribute to the business in various capacities. His journey has been highly rewarding, and allowed him to witness firsthand the resilience, adaptability, and growth of the organisation.

“In a broader context, my foray into the insurance market spans a total of 18 years. This nearly two-decade journey has not only shaped my perspective and skill set, but also fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of the industry’s intricacies. I’ve seen markets fluctuate, trends evolve, and the role of technology dramatically alter how we do business,” said Marc.

Marc’s journey with UAA began in a business development manager role for the South Australia/Northern Territory region.

“It was a great opportunity to hone my strategic skills and expand our business. Recognising my contributions, I was promoted to the operations manager for the same region, where I had the chance to delve deeper into the operational aspects of our business, improving efficiencies and streamlining processes.

“In a significant turn, I was entrusted with the responsibility of establishing our business presence in Asia, as the regional manager based in Singapore. I spent 2.5 years deeply immersed in the challenge of integrating our values and services into a different market, all while adapting to the unique cultural and business nuances of the region.

“I recently returned to Australia to serve as the regional manager for Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Northern Territory, which is our largest region. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to synthesise my previous experiences and

adapt them to serve a diverse and extensive client base. Each role has offered unique learning opportunities and shaped my approach towards leadership and strategy, preparing me for my current executive position,” Marc said.

In his new role, forming part of the UAA Group executive team as Group Strategy and Distribution Manager, Marc will focus on fostering an integrated relationship between UAA and MECON. His goal will be to help the business development managers see the organisation holistically, breaking away from a siloed perspective, to leverage the unique strengths of both brands and broaden both entities market footprint.

“Moreover, I will spearhead our marketing strategy to ensure consistency in branding across the group, encompassing not only our Australian businesses but also our global ventures in regions such as Singapore, New Zealand, and our new initiatives in Canada.

“A primary goal will be to maintain consistent messaging across both brands, reflecting our customer-first approach and our status as market leaders in our respective specialty fields. The aim is to create a synergistic relationship between the brands to capitalise on our shared market leadership and strengths,” he said.

In his new role, Marc wants to bridge the gap between UAA and MECON, capitalising on the unique strengths of each to create a more formidable and unified presence in the market.

“My primary focus will be to integrate our strategies, sales and marketing efforts across the brands and regions, thus creating a cohesive identity that resonates with our diverse clientele.

“I anticipate challenges as we merge the distinct cultures and operational methods of UAA and MECON. However,

I’m confident that these hurdles will pave the way for innovative solutions and opportunities for growth.

“Furthermore, I expect to empower our business development managers and ensure they have the knowledge of both businesses and embrace a broader, group-level perspective. In doing so, we can leverage the collective expertise and resources of our two brands to enhance our customer experience and market footprint.

“Finally, I envisage the role evolving to adapt to the changing needs of our business and the wider insurance industry. Staying agile and responsive to market trends and customer needs will be vital as we aim to solidify our position as leaders in the industry,” said Marc.

One challenge Marc foresees is harmonising the unique cultures, strategies, and operational methods of UAA and MECON into a unified framework. It’s like bringing together two different melodies to create a harmonious symphony, he says.

“I view this as an opportunity more than a hurdle, as it’s through this amalgamation that we can leverage the strengths of both brands to better serve our customers. Maintaining consistency in branding and messaging across diverse geographical markets presents its own set of complexities. Each region has unique market dynamics and cultural nuances. However, this challenge also brings the opportunity to learn and adapt, and to build a truly global brand that resonates with customers wherever they are,” he said.

Marc’s role will require facilitating a shift in mindset among the leaders of both businesses and their Business Development Managers - to think of UAA and MECON not as separate entities, but as parts of a cohesive whole. While this might initially be challenging, it’s a chance to foster a more

Insurance has often been accused of being a faceless industry with a constant race to the bottom regarding who offers the best deals. UAA has always put faces to the business and with its recent restructure and investment, new and important individuals are taking on more responsibilities.

Marc Crossman, UAA’s Regional Manager South (VIC, SA, TAS, NT) is a good example.

collaborative and integrated organisational culture.

“Ultimately, these challenges serve as the catalyst for innovation, growth, and cohesion. I’m genuinely excited to navigate them, confident that they will propel our journey towards becoming an even stronger industry leader,” said Marc.

In his new role, Marc will serve as a bridge between UAA and MECON, fostering deeper synergy and collaboration between these two strong brands.

“This will enable us to create a unified, customer-centric approach, allowing us to leverage the strengths of each brand and offer our customers the best of both worlds.

For UAA, known for its strength in mobile plant and machinery insurance, the role will bring an expanded perspective, utilising MECON’s expertise in contract works insurance.

“This cross-pollination of knowledge will enhance our service offerings and diversify our portfolio,” he said.

For MECON, the integration will mean an increase in market exposure and footprint, with the support of UAA’s established sales force. This collaboration will open new avenues for growth and enable MECON to reach a larger, more diverse customer base.

“My role will also ensure a consistent branding and marketing strategy across the group. Whether in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand or Canada, our brands will communicate a unified message and value proposition, thus strengthening our global identity. This consistency will enhance brand recognition and trust among our customers, irrespective of where they interact with us.

“In essence, my role will bring about a harmonious alignment between UAA and MECON, creating a more robust, adaptable, and customer-focused organisation.

“This will, in turn, drive our collective growth and strengthen our standing in the insurance market,” said Marc.

In this new role, Marc aims to bring a positive impact to customers by further integrating the expertise and strengths of both UAA and MECON. This integration means customers will have access to a

broader range of products and services under one roof, tailored to their specific needs, whether that’s mobile plant and machinery insurance, or contracts works insurance.

“A key part of my role involves maintaining a customer-first approach across both brands. This focus ensures we consistently listen to, understand, and respond to our customers’ needs, offering solutions that are timely, relevant, and effective. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration between UAA and MECON, we will be able to serve our customers more efficiently and effectively,” said Marc.

“Moreover, my responsibility of ensuring consistent branding and messaging across the group aims to enhance our customers’ experience, providing them with clear, coherent communication no matter

need for our services, such as Singapore, New Zealand, and most recently, Canada.

“The success of our strategy hinges on our ability to adapt and localise our offerings to fit the unique requirements of each market, whilst staying true to our core values and brand promise. This is where the experience I gained while establishing our presence in Asia will prove valuable,” said Marc.

“An integral part of our global expansion strategy involves leveraging the synergies between UAA and MECON. By presenting a unified front across diverse markets, we aim to solidify our standing as a comprehensive insurance solution provider on a global scale.

“It’s an exciting path ahead for us. The challenges will undoubtedly be substantial, but so will the opportunities. We look forward to serving new customers and

which part of our business they interact with. This will streamline their interaction with us, creating a more seamless, userfriendly experience.

“In essence, this role is about putting our customers at the centre of everything we do. By leveraging the strengths of both UAA and MECON, we aim to provide an improved, holistic, and more satisfying customer experience,” he said.

Marc says that its global expansion strategy is one of the most exciting aspects of UAA’s growth journey.

“Our expansion plans reflect our ambition to bring our expertise and unique value proposition to a wider customer base beyond our established markets. At the heart of this strategy is the desire to extend our customer-first approach, niche product offerings, and exceptional service delivery to customers around the globe,” he says.

“We’ve identified key markets that align with our expertise and where we see a clear

learning from different markets, all while contributing to the growth and diversity of the global insurance industry,” he said.

Attracting experienced professionals from within the industry is a key part of the growth strategy in the UAA Group, he said.

“As we expand our business and headcount, bringing in seasoned individuals will inject fresh perspectives, deeper industry insights and diversified skill sets into our organisation.

“This will not only foster innovation and enhance decision-making but will also contribute to the growth and development of our own people through the exchange of knowledge and best practices,” Marc said.

“Specifically in our claims area, which George Grasso expertly oversees, seasoned professionals can contribute to faster, more efficient claims processing and resolution.

“They bring a wealth of experience in handling a wide variety of claim situations, which will enhance our ability to deliver

“It’s an exciting path ahead for us. The challenges will undoubtedly be substantial, but so will the opportunities. We look forward to serving new customers and learning from different markets, all while contributing to the growth and diversity of the global insurance industry.”

highly knowledgeable, deeply experienced, and well-equipped to resolve their concerns quickly and effectively. This will bolster the trust our customers have in us and enhance their overall experience.

“Simultaneously, we firmly believe in the immense value of nurturing talent from within. The UAA Group has a rich history of promoting internal talent and providing growth opportunities. By maintaining a balanced approach—combining the fresh, experienced talent we’re bringing in with the dedication and passion of those who have grown with us—we believe we can create a stronger, more adaptable, and customer-focused organisation,” he said.

Both UAA and MECON are deeply committed to delivering the highest level

and getting it right is crucial to achieving high customer satisfaction.

“To this end, we’re significantly increasing the size of our claims team, with the goal of elevating our service level to exceed industry standards.

“However, our strategy isn’t simply about increasing numbers. We’re consciously focusing on attracting experienced and seasoned staff to enhance the depth of knowledge and expertise within our teams. By doing this, we ensure our clients have access to some of the industry’s best, capable of providing swift and fair claims resolution,” said Marc.

In an innovative shift, UAA is transitioning to a state-based system for its claims team.

“Previously centralised in Newcastle, we found the talent pool was becoming limited. So, to tap into a broader range of expertise, we will hire the best candidates, irrespective of their location. They will then have the opportunity to work from one of our regional or state-based offices.

From a customer perspective, this new approach means faster, more efficient claims resolutions by seasoned professionals. It signifies that, no matter where they are, they will receive the same high standard of service. Additionally, our state-based system will offer customers more localised support, adding an extra layer of personalised service.

“In essence, this strategy is about putting the customer at the heart of what we do, continually refining our processes to ensure we provide the highest level of service possible,” said Marc.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

“I am excited about the potential that lies ahead for UAA and MECON. We are in a strong position to not only grow as a company, but also to redefine the industry standards through our customer-centric approach and innovative solutions.

“As we continue to expand our global presence, we remain committed to delivering exceptional services to our customers and creating a meaningful impact in all markets we operate in. Our mission remains the same – to provide a superior, seamless insurance experience that is underpinned by a deep understanding of our customers’ needs and the unique expertise of our teams,” said Marc.

“Furthermore, I want to emphasise our ongoing commitment to our people. Whether we’re recruiting industry veterans or promoting from within, our focus is on fostering a culture of growth, knowledgesharing, and innovation.

“We believe that it’s our people who make the difference and it’s through their dedication and expertise that we can deliver on our promises to our customers.

Ultimately, we’re excited about the journey ahead and look forward to making our mark as a global leader in the mobile plant and contract works insurance industry,” he said.

Marc Crossman, UAA’s Group Strategy and Distribution Manager.

SAND-GROVERS ON THE RISE

After being appointed CEO of Western Australian company WATM Crane Sales and Services earlier this year, Adrian Wilkes platformed his aspirations to develop and grow the awareness of the products they are offering, as well as a commitment to the service and support WATM provides throughout WA – and the preliminary results are showing he’s a man of his word.

WATM, BEING THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN distributor for the Manitowoc, Grove and Hiab brands, holds a rich history dating back to the 1970’s under chief founder of the then-family business Frank Lazenby and his wife, Marcia. Selling over 330 mobile cranes, demand at WATM is strong, ensuring that Adrian is consistently being kept on his toes but, as he insists: “there is always room for improvement”.

“Our focus continues to be firstly on safety; safety within our business, with our employees, and trying to ensure that the

products that we provide and support, are superior out there in the market,” he says. There is a lot of movement across our Grove products, with new cranes being delivered to customers operating on mining sites, in remote territories such as the Cocos Islands, and to WATM itself because, as Adrian says, the Grove products are “constantly coming out with exceptional upgrades”.

“Next month we’re taking delivery of the brand new GMK5120L,” he says. “It’s got an unbelievable chart on it, all with the new Grove Crane Control System (CCS).”

With “significant orders already in place”, all cranes coming out from the Grove factories are carrying the new Grove Connect: the remote diagnostic support so that companies like WATM can ensure that they provide “the right people with the right tools and the right equipment to ensure maximum reliability along with minimum downtime, particularly in remote areas.”

Exercising the opportunity to spend the last week in Newman to visit WATM’s facility up there, Adrian says he visited a number of client sites and, on the back of

The GRT 880s feature a four section, full-power, 41-metre boom, as well as a new cab and the new Grove CCS to ensure ultimate efficiency on the job site for all lifting required.

the “extensive opportunity and volume of work that’s up there”, WATM has just doubled its number of technicians.

“We used to have either one or two people,” he adds. “We’ve now got up to four people that are rotating through the Pilbara, to make sure that the backup support on the product is exactly where it needs to be – especially in challenging remote areas throughout the Pilbara.”

On top of providing improved support throughout the Pilbara, WATM received an order back in March for two new Grove GRT 880s from a leading supply and logistics company – operating on the Cocos Islands – to replace two obsolete GRT880s also acquired from WATM.

“This is an existing long-term customer of WATMs, and they previously had two GRT880s, which is a two axle, 80-ton, rough terrain crane, which they really liked,” says Adrian. “They spent their whole life out on the islands and when it came up time for the age of those cranes, they had no hesitation in approaching us for a straight replacement of the two, with two brand new GRT 880s.”

The GRT 880s feature a four section, full-power, 41m boom, as well as a new cab and the new Grove CCS to ensure ultimate efficiency on the job site for all lifting required.

With a maximum lifting weight of up to 80 tonnes, Grove itself backs it with a twoyear standard warranty, indicative of the manufacturer’s faith in its performance and reliability – something Adrian points out was a key “reason” the customer decided to “stay with those two cranes”.

“They were proven, they had very good utilisation, and that was with midrange hours on them”, says Adrian. “The reliability was the key factor because shipments can be minimum two weeks and often three to four weeks in between parts and suppliers getting access to the island. However, those cranes certainly were well-suited for the environment and terrain that they needed to work within.”

Taking delivery of the cranes in March from their US factory, Adrian says WATM was able to hold the cranes at their facility in order to add features such as rust protection measures – tailoring their

The GMK 5150XL features 69m of main boom and a very good taxi chart, making the crane easy to move between an urban environment and long boom work on mine sites.”

work to make sure the “longevity” was going to be “where it needed to be” in an environment such as the ports and wharfs on Cocos Islands.

Additional to tailoring work to their customer’s specific needs, WATM also holds a preventative maintenance program where technicians – “experienced Grove Manitowoc mechanics” - are sent to

the location of the crane, in addition to some “basic training” conducted with site personnel to ensure that customers in remote locations can access whatever support they need as soon as they can obtain it.

“All of this is because we want to make sure we’ve got the right people and the right in-house support for a product that is

WATM received an order back for two new Grove GRT 880s from a leading supply and logistics company – operating on the Cocos Islands.

well entrenched in the WA market,” says Adrian.

“Finding good people has been an absolute challenge over the last couple of years, but we’ve got more technicians now than we’ve ever had in our WATM 49-year history; for me that’s critical to ensure the support is provided to the product that we back.”

Further to catering to the demands of customers operating on remote islands, WATM has also seen demand for their products in mining sites across the state and, once again, Grove was the name at the tip of everyone’s tongue – this time, in the 150XL edition.

“Obviously, that’s (Grove GMK 5150XL) a great crane,” says Adrian. “It features a 69mmain boom and a very good taxi chart, making it easy for that crane to move both between an urban environment as well as the long boom for mine site works.”

“It was a no-brainer for one of our largest proven customers to actually be the first to take delivery of that in WA,” he adds.

Also taking delivery of the GMK5150XL in March and undergoing mine site spec modification, CraneSafe inspection and road registration at the Department of Transport in WA, Adrian says the crane should be out in the Pilbara as soon as May.

“The operators loved the Groves; they did not want to go away from the Grove product,” he says. “The key issue for them was holding a proven understanding of the capability of the crane as well as it being a very comfortable, proven, reliable machine.”

However, as Adrian outlined, safety is also at the forefront of his mission as CEO at WATM, something taken into account when initially taking delivery of both the GMK5150XL and the GRT880s. Saying

they “don’t come standard” and that the safety process revolves around “making sure” that all of the protection measures for working at heights are “put in place”, Adrian says WATM wants to “exceed safety requirements on site”.

“WATM specialises and customises our cranes for our customers’ specific requirements”, he says. “So that’s everything from air-actuated handrails up on the deck, to modifying ladders, and ensuring proper grab points are where they need to be.”

“Additionally, we lowered the rear chain boxes and timber boxes so that it can all be done from ground level, meaning you don’t need a platform ladder to access the rear chain boxes anymore,” he adds.

“Essentially, it’s just making sure that everything is done the way it needs to, and that it’s safe and it can handle all the terrain and the challenges that’s thrown at it from the site it’s operating on.”

The customer had no hesitation in approaching WATM for a straight replacement of the RTs, with two brand new GRT 880s.

69m Boom!*

MAXbase Equipped

LEVEL ACCESS THE BENCMARK 150t HAS MORE REACH

The New GMK5150XL is the latest sibling of the GMK5150L-1, with longest boom (69m) and most versatile road weights in class

• Reach further with 69m boom and 30m hydraulic luffing fly

• 50t GVM with outriggers in situ for reduced cost legal travel in all Australian states and territories

• 10.2t counterweight in situ at 12t per axle

• Increased safety and flexibility with MAXbase variable outrigger positioning

• Faster, intuitive set-up with CCS (Crane Control System)

• Grove Connect Telematics

• Capacity: 150t

• Main boom: 68.7m pinned*

• Maximum Jib: 30.2m (40O hyd luff)

• Maximum tip height: 99m

New GMK5150XL

PACING OUT WITH MAEDA

South West Spider Cranes recently took delivery of a new Maeda MC305-3. Company owner Jacob Arevalo talks us through the decision to buy the mini crawler from Pace Cranes.

JACOB HAS BEEN IN CRANES AND RIGGING for close to nine years. Towards the end of last year, he saw an opportunity for a specialised crane service in his area and launched Southwest Spider Cranes with a new Maeda MC305C-3 mini crawler from Pace Cranes.

“My experience within cranes includes working in the northern regions of WA on construction projects, mining, maintenance and shutdowns and taxi hire crane work in the South West of WA –based in Busselton. I’ve worked on many different mine sites driving cranes and rigging for companies such as Mammoet

and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) to name a few,” he said.

It was during his time here that Jacob saw an opportunity to launch SouthWest Spider Cranes.

“I wasn’t planning on investing in a mini crawler crane, and I was looking at buying something I was more familiar with, like a Franna or an all-terrain slewing crane. But after some research and conversations with people within the industry I was confident the mini crane would have some very useful applications in Busselton as there isn’t any down here.

“So, we started SouthWest Spider

Cranes in November last year and got rolling in December when we brought a truck over from Melbourne and the Maeda MC305-3 arrived,” said Jacob.

There’s a variety of different businesses SouthWest Spider Cranes is working for, Jacob says.

“We have been specialising in steel erection and glass glazing. We have all the equipment to glaze big panels, and for steel erection. But we also provide general lifting services and with the truck, we offer transportation services as well.

“Some of the clients we are servicing are local, high-end bespoke builders including Valmadre, Lodge & Co and Kurys-Romer to name a few, and the local clients we work for in the glass and glazing sector would be Pure Glass and HeatSeal,” he said.

Jacob spent a lot of time researching the mini crane crawler market before making the decision to go with Pace Cranes and the Maeda brand.

“I did a lot of research and examined most of the major mini crawler crane brands that were available in Australia. After looking at their specifications and capabilities of the various models, I finally narrowed it down to three which included Maeda.

“I started ringing the various distributors and representatives for the brands, including Michael Cawston at Pace Cranes. As I spoke to each company and began asking questions, lots of questions, the decision to go with them became straightforward.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Michael and the team over at Pace Cranes. Every question I had they were able to answer off the top of their head, they didn’t have to get back to me on anything. Michael really knows his product and he has a great team supporting him,” said Jacob.

“Michael doesn’t really sell the crane. He is highly educated about the product and wants to make sure he is proposing the right crane for the customer’s requirements. When I was speaking to the other representative companies, they couldn’t answer fairly basic questions, and I was thinking ‘you’re selling a $250,000

The Maeda MC305C is a compact crawler crane and in spite of its small size, it is very powerful and is perfect for hard-to-access locations.

machine, you should know the answer to that’.

“I understand everyone is in business to make money, but I have never really felt like this with Pace Cranes. Even though I’m not in the market for a crane, I still give Michael a call to chat about the crane and any issues I might have with it, and how I might be able to improve the performance I can get from it. He is always prepared to spend the time helping me and understands this is my first business and I’m still learning a lot. Michael has made the process of buying and owning a crane super easy,” he said.

Jacob has kicked off SouthWest Spider Cranes with a diesel-powered Meada 305C-3.

“I went with the Maeda 305C-3 diesel version. I also purchased the Searcher Hook because I was going to be targeting a lot of glazing work and listening to Michael, I could see that the Searcher Hook would give me a huge advantage. It’s

“We have been specialising in steel erection and glass glazing. We have all the equipment to glaze big panels, and for steel erection. But we also provide general lifting services and with the truck, we offer transportation services as well.”

been excellent and well worth the extra money, it’s such a handy little tool. We also have the Uplifter inline 6 glass lifter with a capacity of 450kg and that’s also excellent,” said Jacob.

The Maeda MC305C is a compact crawler crane and despite its small size, it is very powerful – making it perfect for

Jacob is impressed with the precision of the way the Maeda operates.

Because he was targeting glazing work, Jacob could see the Searcher Hook would give him a huge advantage.

hard-to-access locations. It features a load capacity of up to 2980 kg, its only 1.28m wide and has a maximum liftmheight of  12.52m.

Jacob says he is impressed with the Maeda, how intuitive he finds the controls and how smoothly the crane operates.

“The Maeda is really impressive and has a 3t capacity while also lifting nearly 300kg with its 12.5m max radius,” he says.

“We purchased the cable remote control as well which can be handy on some jobs, but so far, I’ve mainly used the seat controls as I prefer them.

“Prior to owning the crane, I did have concerns about it not having very smooth operation as smaller machines such as excavators usually have a reputation for being jerky and I had never operated a crane under 20 tonnes.

“But after purchasing the Maeda I can

confidently say it stacks up equally with a 300 tonne slew crane in terms of smooth operation, it’s so nice and easy to control,” said Jacob.

Jacob is also impressed with the precision of the way the Maeda operates.

“When you’re installing glass there is no room for error, the movements you make have to be incremental and to within a millimetre sometimes, because if glass gets caught up when it’s being installed into its frame, they can shatter quite easily so you have to be careful and precise. The Maeda is awesome for this.

SouthWest Spider Cranes has quickly established a good reputation in the local construction sector and Jacob has a growing pipeline of work.

“We are now servicing pretty much the whole of the South West now, and we’re getting work from Mandurah down to Augusta. It is quite broad spread of work

which wasn’t necessarily the plan in the beginning. But when you start a business, you learn that plans can quickly go out the window and you work with what you get.

“The work is predominantly in the glass glazing and building industry, but we’ve also done a bit of work in wineries and breweries in the Margaret River Wine region, and that’s been really interesting. We do a lot of steel erection and a lot of indoor works. Thanks to the Maeda and Pace Cranes we’re slowly but surely growing and getting bigger and bigger, which is great for business,” said Jacob.

“We plan on expanding in the coming six months and taking delivery of another larger slewing crane to target the works that are just a little too far out of reach for our Maeda so we can cover a broader scope of work and offer even more lifting solutions to our current and future clients,” he said.

DYNAMIC OPERATIONS AT CORE OF FRANNA’S AT 40

Tasmanian crane hire company Billing Cranes recently took stock of a Franna AT40. General Manager (GM) of Billing Cranes Darren Ling discusses the crane, its technological and safety features, and how it stacks up compared to other Franna cranes.

BASED IN BURNIE, TASMANIA, AND OPERATING throughout the entire state, it was a nobrainer for Billing Cranes to add Franna’s AT40 crawler to its burgeoning fleet.

Since its inception in 1992 at the hands of Greg Billing and Geoff Gibson, the company now known as Billing Cranes is a household name across the Tasmanian crane industry, with a fleet of 16 cranes.

Billing Cranes’ GM Darren Ling, who

industry experience, says the upgraded lifting capacity of the Franna AT40 compared to the MAC 25 means that, since receiving the crane, it “hasn’t stopped working”.

“The capacity upgrade has seen the demand for this machine grow,” he says. “During its first week, we installed two modular barges into a lake for upgrade works in the middle of Tasmania, as the

Franna’s AT40 is the latest addition to Billing Cranes’ fleet, a P&C crane featuring the latest technological advancements.

According to Ling, working on hills and slopes is “so much safer” thanks to Franna’s patented Dynamic LMI.

As one of the newest additions to the Franna’s pick & carry portfolio, the AT 40 incorporates the latest technology with engineering excellence to provide features such as a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tonnes – a 44 per cent increase on the standard MAC 25 – and a three-axle design eliminating the need for a removable counterweight, something Ling labels as “fantastic”.

“It’s much easier than having to attach the counterweight for the MAC 25,” he says. “We’ve been looking at the AT 40 for a few years. The delivery was well communicated and on time, with a handover and training course completed as soon as it arrived.”

On top of its increased lifting capacity and convenience, the AT 40 provides additional features including a full-width isolated cabin, articulating counterweight and increased cabin storage, as well as a maximum road speed of up to 80 km/h –allowing for efficient and safe transportation to different job sites for the operator.

“It is certainly smoother on the road, and holds more safety features with additional cameras”, says Ling. “The operators love it, and also enjoy the new computer system and got comfortable with

very own patented Dynamic LMI. Entering the market in 2013, the system provides ‘real-time’ calculation of rated capacity, taking into account boom configuration, chassis articulation, pitch and roll, a continual assessment of structural limitations and forward and side stability –a feature Ling says Billing Cranes “loves”.

“It makes working on hills and angles so much safer for the operator and rigger,” he adds. “Additionally, the cameras are a great feature to show where everybody is around the crane at once.”

Made possible by a finer measurement of articulation pitch and roll angles, the increased resolution of rated capacity allows for an improved capability of the AT 40 machine. The capacity will be constantly updated when operating over undulating terrain on a jobsite providing instant information on the percentage of the utilisation of the machine on a 0-100 per cent scale. Furthermore, operators hold no need to manually calculate a reduction of rated capacity when working on a side slope or undulating terrain, with Franna’s Dynamic LMI automating that process, a feature to aid Billing Cranes’ mission of improving safety.

Further to its physical capabilities, an additional feature of the Franna AT40 is ‘Lift Planner’, Franna’s free dedicated lift planning tool, available online for operators to use as they see fit. Featuring options to choose the model of the crane, LMI, configuration and a range of inputs pertaining to the specific lift in question, the online widget allows for operators to calculate the precise measurements required to perform their lift and plan ahead of time.

“The Operations team is really only three of us that deal with bookings, planning and daily challenges on the jobs,” says Ling. “Our operators and riggers are top class and make decisions on the job to suit the conditions of each site, and the features on the Franna make this job easier.”

“It is always a challenge in this space,” he adds. “That’s where we rely on the team to work together as one with the client to manage all the risks and conditions that each job throws at us.”

Operating in Tasmania, and with

Franna’s servicing stations residing on the mainland, one could be forgiven for assuming there would be a delay in receiving key servicing features and spare repair parts – an assumption Ling instantly dismisses.

“We have had no issues since receiving it,” says Ling.

“Our relationship with Franna is great; they always get parts out on time. We choose having a Franna over others, as the back-up we need is always there and willingly provided.”

The AT40 in action, a crane Ling says the company has had “no issues with” since receiving it.

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

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

2020 LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - Universal Cranes for the Kettle Tub Replacement Project.

To enter the 2023 awards visit cica.com.au/awards-lift-of-the-year

WINNER - John Holland for the Sydney Football Stadium

2021 LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - Johnson and Young Cranes for the Hyde Street

Exit Ramp Span 31 Load Transfer Pass out project.

2022 LIFT OF THE YEAR LESS THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - Fullers Mobile cranes for their work on the White Bay Power Station.

2022 LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - John Holland and Tutt Bryant for the Auchenflower Overpass Demolition Project.

THE BILL SHAW AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR THE OVERALL BEST LIFT was John Holland and Tutt Bryant for the Auchenflower Overpass Demolition Project.

THE INNOVATION AWARD went to John Holland and Edwards Heavy Lift for the Precast Concrete Trunnion.

BRIDGING THE GAP TO A SUSTAINABLE F UTURE

Tasmanian construction and civil engineering experts BridgePro Engineering is committed to sustainability and, thanks to leading construction and heavy equipment distributor Tutt Bryant Equipment and its provision of HSC’s SCX2800A-3C5 crawler crane, that commitment is becoming a reality.

SUSTAINABILITY, A COMMITMENT TO community, and a desire to build a better future.

Those are the pillars that Tasmanian construction and civil engineering company BridgePro Engineering uses to guide its operations. After all, as Managing Director and Founder Aaron Brimfield says: “we’re part of the community”.

Established in December 2010, BridgePro was initially an aptonym – the company specialised in bridges, whether they were road or pedestrian – however, as Aaron explains,

The HSC SCX2800A-3C5, a 275-tonne capacity crawler crane

a lack of larger projects compelled the company to diversify.

“First and foremost, we build bridges,” he says. “We do foundations for bridges and walls and buildings, but we’ve worked our way into other projects that the state needs, such as marine structures, wharves, jetties, and other civil infrastructure jobs.”

Aiding that conquest in expanding to other projects are two SCX2800A-3C5 crawler cranes from Japanese company HSC Cranes, purchased through leading construction and heavy equipment distributor Tutt Bryant Equipment.

“We’re looking at projects like the hydrogen plants built by the Marinus link power upgrades in tandem with other things such as wind farms and wind projects” he says. “It’s what sets BridgePro apart from more traditional construction companies; our engineering focus is that we innovate and try to find better solutions to any given problem.”

“We see lots of opportunity here for upcoming infrastructure projects, and we’re keen to capitalise on them. Hence, the two cranes.”

Receiving the first 275-tonne capacity crane in September last year has allowed BridgePro to expand on its previous business, and the flexibility it has offered the Tasmanian construction experts has been invaluable.

“One of the features of the SCX2800A3C5 is that it can be operated with reduced counterweights. When we were initially choosing a new crane, we were stuck between the 275-tonner and the 150-tonner,” says Aaron.

“With the reduced counterweight, we equated that to being equivalent to about 180-tonne crane as well as anything in between. The pricing wasn’t too different, and it provides us with the option to work on bigger projects if we take those on.”

Taking the opportunity to expand within the market, Aaron can see the potential for a bright future, keeping an eye on upcoming projects that provide long-term benefit to BridgePro, the community, and the industry; and HSC’s SCX – three series will help them do exactly that.

As mentioned above, sustainability and longevity are at the forefront of BridgePro’s

operations, so when Aaron came to Tutt Bryant with a specific request for the lowest emission crane available, Southern Region Sales Manager Philip Chadwick came through with the SCX – 3 series offering.

Powered by a Cummins engine, the SCX2800A-3C5 crawler crane combines a cleaner running engine and advanced control system to provide greater energy efficiency during the crane’s operation.

The engine itself features an advanced, eco-friendly technology – the Urea SCR System – which is a device for the aftertreatment of exhaust gas, that injects urea fluid – AdBlue – into the gas itself to breakdown nitrous oxide gases into its original chemicals of nitrogen and hydrogen; in other words, harmless compounds.

“We took the option and paid the extra to

get the lower emission engine,” says Aaron. “It isn’t the standard at the moment here in Australia; the standard is to get the cheaper cranes with the older style engine.”

The newer, more eco-friendly technology that resides within the crane’s engine also means that the machine is compliant with European Union Stage Four and U.S Tier Four exhaust gas emission regulations. In comparison to the previous model, HSC has managed to reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter by around 90 per cent, meaning that – on top of reduced emissions – the machine requires less fuel and produces less carbon dioxide.

“We’re looking forward to the future, and we see our work revolving around projects to drive towards that net zero,” says Aaron. “It wouldn’t have been right to buy

Featuring a 70-metre lattice boom, the crane can also operate at reduced counterweights, offering the user increased flexibility and versatility

an asset that has a 20-year lifespan and look to the past without looking into the future. And not to mention, we plan to make money out of the crane working on projects that are all about reducing emissions.”

Reduced counterweight capabilities and an eco-friendlier design aside, other features of HSC’s 275-tonne crawler include enhanced visibility in the operator’s cab, accessible transportability, a practical counterweight set-up process and other main specifications such as a 70-metre boom length with an additional jib length of 36 metres.

“We’ve been really happy with the first crane,” says Aaron, “hence the decision on our second one.”

“The project that we’re working on currently is utilising barges for uneven ground, a bit of having to work in a reasonably windy environment,” he continues. “We felt, in this case, spending a bit extra and getting the crane that can be trusted from a source (Tutt Bryant) that we trust was worth it.”

When they first saw the crane coming off the truck, Aaron and the team at BridgePro felt vindicated in their decision to go with the SCX2800A-3C5, noting visual features such as the quality of the welding and the paintwork.

“When you buy a Japanese crane like that, you’re not buying it for one job, you’re not going to write it off over the next two years. We bought it as an investment in our

long-term future,” says Aaron.

“It was also encouraging to know that HSC hold the belief that their cranes are designed to last 30 or more years,” he continues. “It’s encouraging to know that that’s the place they’re coming from; they want to provide a service that gives us quality for an extended period of time – there isn’t any short-termism.”

Set to travel to Japan with Tutt Bryant’s Philip Chadwick to visit the HSC factory and inspect the second crane that’s due to land in Tasmania in a matter of weeks, Aaron is nothing but complimentary of the

because we knew the quality of both service and product we were going to receive.”

Also citing Philip’s attentiveness during the process, Aaron is keen to stress that, in line with BridgePro’s ethos and HSC’s mantra on long-lasting quality, Tutt Bryant placed an emphasis on making sure Aaron and the team received the right products for their needs within the parameters of what they wanted.

“The infrastructure that we’re doing is here for the long term; it’s stuff that will last and will make an impact on generations into the future. That idea of constructing for future generations applies across everything we do,” he says.

“With the decision to buy the lower emission crane, well, that falls into our decision to work on projects that we want to survive for 100 years.”

“The whole basis of what we do and the whole reason why we do what we do is we hold a strong belief that we are making the world a better place for the people in the future.”

As good as their word, BridgePro’s commitment to the local Tasmanian community is evident. Consistently donating to or sponsoring local clubs, organisations and charities throughout the region, the construction experts also host tours of their facilities for year 12 science students at St Brendan Shaw College, whilst also hosting

service Tutt Bryant provides to BridgePro and speaks of his excitement in visiting the factory.

“Phil’s a really good salesman. He was able to offer advice based on what we requested and talk us through our options,” he says. “Crane charts, wind charts, load charts – whatever it was that we wanted to know, Phil was really good to us. We can’t fault them – or HSC by default.”

“They’ve consistently been good to deal with and we held no hesitation in dealing with them again, and spending another couple of million dollars wasn’t a problem

science presentations to local schools.

“We’re a major employer here in Northern Tasmania – probably one of the largest,” he says. “We work on projects all over the place, and a big part of what we do is constructing for future generations.”

“We believe that we need to be a good community partner that helps the community grow, because in turn that helps us improve,” he says. “I believe that by doing good out there in the world and contributing to the community provides untold benefits for us, particularly as most of our workforce comes from the local community.”

The team at BridgePro wanted a crane with the lowest emissions possible, and leading heavy equipment distributor Tutt Bryant came through with the HSC crane, featuring eco-friendly technology

“With the decision to buy the lower emission crane, well, that falls into our decision to work on projects that we want to survive for 100 years.”

SCX2800A-3

STAGE IV / TIER 4f

Engine - CUMMINS QSL9 TIER 4f

Capacity at Full Reach - 1.5t x 78.3m

Max Lift Capacity - 275t x 4.3m

Max Boom Length - 91.45m

Precise Swing Operation

Superior OperationReliable and PreciseOptimal Work PositionCounterweight Self Assembly

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brisbane | sydney | melbourne adelaide | perth

Peter Lawgall0411 256 388Peter.Lawgall@tuttbryant.com.au

Philip Chadwick0457 510 097Philip.Chadwick@tuttbryant.com.au

XCMG AND THE CRANE FACTORY

Locking horns with the bigger manufacturers in Europe to expand a market in Australia is no easy task. However, armed with an updated factory, new facilities nation-wide and a ranking of number one crane manufacturer in the world, XCMG is more than ready to embrace the challenge.

CONCEIVED IN 1943, CHINESE manufacturing group XCMG wasn’t always the heavy-machinery powerhouse it is now. Initially named Huaxing Iron Works, the company provided the arsenal for the national army of China.

Rolling through to 1989, the company decided it was time to rebrand into the name that construction, mine and engineering workers recognise globally today – but not before they had already taken huge steps in the heavy-lifting machinery industry.

Fast forwarding to today, while providing sustainable development on a global scale in tandem with construction solutions, XCMG targets nine different focus areas: hoisting, earthworks, roadbuilding, mining, tunnelling, civil engineering, sanitation engineering, firefighting and paving equipment.

On top of these foci, the company has expanded globally, holding manufacturing capabilities in Brazil, India, China, USA, and Germany on top of its homeland operations base. With its global expansion, XCMG is now putting its roots firmly down in Australia by investing in OEM backed dealers across Australia and New Zealand.

Sales manager in the ANZ region for XCMG Stephen Broomfield elaborates on the company, its social standing, goals, and operational developments.

“Without compromising on quality, the XCMG team produces plant and equipment to ISO recognised quality assurance standards. The quality being produced by China manufacturing facilities currently is now changing people’s view of China manufactured products,” he said.

“It is widely acknowledged in the crane industry that spare parts and components are already manufactured in China and widely used across Australia and New Zealand. Today’s current global situation has challenged all manufacturers to overcome and adapt to these new times; this is where XCMG has risen to the challenge to become a global force,” he continued.

The figures back it up too. In 2022, XCMG placed third on the KHL Yellow Table, an annual power-ranking chart of the top construction companies in the world, and number one in the world for crane manufacturing companies.

Encountering the stigma associated with Chinese products is a hurdle XCMG Australia New Zealand will need to overcome. But Stephen says that as customers become familiar with its products, the quality will overcome the stigma.

“That angst that Australian clients have over Chinese products is unfounded, but it’s on us to give customers an understanding of where the product lies in the marketplaceespecially the technologies and the highest level of quality control that are involved with XCMG.”

XCMG and its Australian team are working vigorously behind the scenes to put processes in place to support owners, users, and business partners, according to Stephen.

Signing up to be the platinum sponsor for CICA’s event in Perth later this year, he believes that it’s indicative of how XCMG “sees the Australian market” and that the company is “here to stay for the long haul.”

“We’re certainly seeing the fruits of our labour come to the fore,” he said. “I doubt 50 per cent of the crane guys even knew who XCMG were when we first expanded to Australia. Now, it’s a completely different story.”

With its global expansion, XCMG is now putting its roots firmly down in Australia by investing in OEM-backed dealers across Australia and New Zealand. Featured: XCMG’s 1700t crawler crane.

While a strategy built around brand exposure and platforming the quality of the product being provided to customers are parts of the plan, Stephen is quick to specify that they do not form the whole approach to growing XCMG’s business globally – it is more a targeted, locally focused approach.

At the very forefront of this approach is a recently updated factory for the crane division back in China, featuring an array of new technologies and processes. Notably, on top of the already 75-squarekilometre facility, XCMG has also added a 4000-tonne pressing machine purchased from Sweden.

“The machine can create a curved boom – a special feature which increases a crane’s lifting capacity,” Stephen says.

“The factory saw that technology, and that was something they purchased abroad for in-house use. We didn’t want to outsource that work and drive up the cost.”

Additional to the new press, XCMG have also upgraded the capacity of its robotics so that 80 per cent of all welding completed on cranes is done by robots – up from the previous 50 per cent – containing the “latest technology in plasma welding”, according to Stephen.

“It’s a very special cool welding, which is stronger and yields better with the steel, resulting in efficiency and a maintenance of the high standards we want to uphold,” he says. “It really is state-of-the-art.”

“It’s why we’re able to keep our prices relatively competitive across the global market,” he continues. “Steel is less expensive in China, and using the latest robot technology enables XCMG to reduces costs.”

“A lot of the technologies that we adopt in our factory result in the product being of a higher quality.”

However, being in possession of stateof-the-art facilities is only one aspect of XCMG continuing its path as a global heavy-machinery powerhouse. The others, as mentioned above, revolve around clear communication strategies regarding what XCMG will provide to their customers and ensuring that support is consistently available from top-to-bottom.

“We want to make sure that when we sell a product, that parts, service

and technical support is available locally. We’re continually expanding our technical support,” says Stephen.

For Stephen and XCMG, it’s about making sure this level of service is applied consistently – after all, as he points out, availability in a crane is just as important as pleasing the business owner.

“Yes, we’re selling to the owner of the business. But we continue to work with the operator of the machine as the feedback is critical in ongoing development, and we need to make sure we appease both.”

Appeasing just the operator and business owner isn’t all for XCMG though, as the company – with its ‘customer-centric’ mantra – carefully scouts out any potential dealer as to ensure that, through the supply and logistics chain, no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of expanding its business in Australia.

To support the crane industry further, XCMG has now opened OEM warehouses in Melbourne, Karratha and Perth to support customers in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re looking very seriously at who we appoint as a dealer,” says Stephen. “It’s not

a case of just grabbing somebody who wants to sell cranes; we want to grab a company that’s established, that possesses a workshop facility capable of servicing the cranes.”

And that, in essence, is the unfolding tale of XCMG’s fortunes in Australia. Ensuring consistency across all levels is paramount to transmitting a message about the quality of XCMG’s products.

“Telling that story to customers, of how we’re going about our business, of how we’re very customer centric, is what’s going to help us succeed initially. our role is just educating the customers to believe in our product,” says Stephen.

“Everyone’s starting to understand that there is this other company in China that’s got high-quality cranes and equipment,” he continues.

“We have nothing to hide and welcome customers to visit our facilities to understand how world leading we are. XCMG being the number one crane manufacturer in the world now is a big eye opener for a lot of people. They used to always think that the European companies were the number one, but now they can see and hear that for themselves.”

“Everyone’s starting to understand that there is this other company in China that’s got high-quality cranes and equipment.”

Platinum Sponsor:

NEW ZOOMLION HELPING NRC TO NEW HEIGHTS

Soon to start his own crane and rigging business on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Nathan Randles knows his time in the industry has served him well. Recently purchasing a Zoomlion ZTC251V from Australian distributor Gleason Cranes, the founder and director of NR Cranes (NRC) explores his career to date and hopes for the future.

BORN ON THE CENTRAL COAST, NATHAN lived there until he was a teenager, when he left to work in Darwin.

“So far, I’ve been in the crane industry for about 10 years; initially, I was working on the mine sites and gas projects underway out there.”

Following the energy projects, Nathan took his talents to Freo Group and worked there for a portion of his career – but then, COVID-19 hit.

“The work dried up out there,” he explains. “Most of the work Up North is gas related and so, with the rise in logistical expenses and drop in fuel prices across the industry during the pandemic, there wasn’t much for us to do.”

Deciding at that point to move back down to the Central Coast, Nathan then picked up work with Active Crane Hire, familiarising himself with the local industry, building up contacts, and commencing work that would align with what he is now conceiving his business in: structural steel work.

“It (starting his own business) is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he says. “I feel as though everything is starting to feel relatively normal again after COVID. I think now’s the right time for me to be starting a business in what I want to be doing.”

Amongst his other considerations in starting his own business is keeping his location stable for his young family. He admits that he “did enjoy” working on the bigger jobs when he was younger, but now wants to “stay closer to home”.

“The steel and construction work that

I’ll be doing is what I want to be around,” Nathan explains. “My main passion is to do smaller construction jobs. Considering I’m just starting out in the industry, being able to work regularly and on a much more local basis will allow me to get to know customers intimately and develop a strong connection with the other small businesses in the area.”

At the forefront of his endeavours is a Zoomlion ZTC251V recently purchased through Gleason Cranes, a 25-tonne crane with a four-section, 33.3-metre main boom.

Referencing his history with Gleason Cranes and personal experience with the Zoomlion brand itself, Nathan speaks of his comfort in working with Gleason’s sales manager Chris Logan when it was time to purchase the new crane.

“Back when I was working for Tomago Aluminium, they were in possession of a 50-tonne Zoomlion crane that they’d purchased from Gleason,” he says. “Gleason had styled it and placed their sticker on it, so that memory always stuck vividly in my mind. What also stuck with me was how well the crane endured the tough conditions we put it through, and that was what gave me the confidence to go through Gleason Cranes for the 25-tonner.”

“Additionally, throughout the purchasing process, they were very helpful with finances and ensuring that I received the product I needed for my business,” he adds. “Everything’s unfolded very smoothly so far, and Chris definitely helped to make mind up and commit to the Zoomlion.”

On top of the lifting capacity and boom length, the ZTC251V also features an eight

speed, manually driven six-cylinder engine, comes with a three-tonne auxiliary hook, a guarantee on Australian compliance and a 12-month labour and parts warranty as well as being ready to register on the road across the country.

“It’s a very easy crane to use – maybe the easiest I’ve experience in my lifetime,” says Nathan. “It doesn’t overcomplicate itself, and it drives really well on the road; I didn’t expect it to be so efficient on fuel consumption.”

Another feature that set the ZTC251V apart from its competitors for Nathan was the quality on offer when cross-referenced with its price.

“Starting a business requires spending a lot of money,” he explains. “For it to be as affordable as it is and offer that level of reliability is really beneficial for me personally. I’ve had multiple experiences

The Zoomlion ZTC251V, the crane Nathan Randles purchased through local dealer Gleason Cranes to help kickstart his new business, NRC.

working with Zoomlion cranes throughout my career, and they’re yet to let me down.”

“Additionally, it’s a perfect fit for the industry I want to be operating in (structural steel), so possessing a crane that provides the best option for potential clients is an ideal scenario.”

Speaking further to the qualities and characteristics of his new Zoomlion, Nathan is also very complimentary towards the crane’s practicality, user-friendly interface and the level of safety he feels when operating the machine.

Coming with a full set of manuals for the operator to review, Gleason also offers full operator and service training with the ZTC251V.

“Chris – who helped me in acquiring the crane – gave me the complete run through, even though the controls are very similar to the two that I’ve previously operated,” says

Nathan. “Even though it was a while ago, it all felt very familiar to me, and after a quick review of the manuals, it was all systems go – it’s just that easy to use.”

“I feel as though it’s a very safe crane to operate,” he continues. “I’ve got sight of the weight indicators, the load chart –everything. It’s just really accessible.”

“One of the most important things for me when it comes to operating a crane is the ease of use and practicality. If you’re comfortable with what you’re doing, then everything is automatically safer,” he adds. “Because of its simplicity, you can look at the load chart and see where you’re supposed to be quite easily without having to worry about relying on a heap of different technological inputs.”

“It’s so easy with the Zoomlion to know where you’re at and with it having the safety features in place to stop you if you were

to make a mistake makes it a safe crane to operate.”

So, armed with a new crane, a company title, and a desire to help and work with fellow small businesses around him, Nathan’s eyes are firmly set on the future as he seeks to establish his business.

“I’m looking at booking in projects that I’ve worked in before, but not with my own crane. I’ve already touched base with a few companies that I’ve worked with previously, and they’ve said they’re happy to work together,” he says. “I’m still working with Active Crane Hire while I go through the formative stages of opening the business, which has been helpful for me to maintain an income and reduce the pressure of succeeding immediately.”

“It might take a little bit of time to get that client base going,” he adds. “But that will all unfold in the next few months.”

FROM BRICKS TO CRANES

Wilson Lift co-founder Danny Wilson found his initial career of bricklaying hard to tap into. Making the switch to the crane hire industry, he progressively expanded his fleet and operations to arrive at the point he’s at today: purchasing his Tadano AC 4.080-1.

INITIALLY A BRICKLAYER BY TRADE, NOW utilising his skills in the crane hire service industry.

That is a sentence-long summation of Wilson Lift co-founder and director Danny Wilson’s working career.

“I started out as a bricklayer in 1998, working on the Sydney Olympic Village,” he says. “I was running my own crew, and the Olympics were a big deal; we saw it as a massive opportunity to make some money.”

But, as Danny says, things got difficult.

“It just never really panned out the way that we wanted it to,” he said. “I was really disheartened.”

However, opportunity was on the horizon. Married to his wife Tania,

Danny started looking for a different avenue of work and arrived at the crane business his father-in-law had owned for 30 years in Newcastle.

Putting his mind and body to work, Danny would spend all day working, and then arrive at TAFE on Tuesday and Thursday nights to complete a course for his dogging and rigging certificates, culminating in a breadth of experience at Structural Cranes, his father-in-law’s company.

“I then got a truck licence, and followed that up by receiving my crane licence,” he says. “All of these were new skills that I needed to learn at the age of 35.”

Fruitful skills they were to learn too as, a few years after obtaining some

The team at Wilson Lift receive the Tadano AC 4.080-1.

experience at Structural Cranes, Danny and his wife Tania took over an older crane hire company – Gary’s Crane Service – in May 2000.

“It’s funny,” he reflects. “We’ve just turned 23-years-old, and I still remember people assuming I was ‘Gary’s’ son or nephew, so we needed to change the business name.”

Since acquiring the Cardiff, NSW based company – which at the time possessed only one mounted truck crane – Danny says the company has grown at a “slow, but steady” rate.

Part of that slow growth revolved around gradual expansion into new markets, beginning with a 23-tonne crane, until a 35-tonne crane was needed, and ultimately eventuating with his latest purchase just before Christmas; Tadano’s AC 4.080-1, an 80-tonne, versatile, four-axle crane noted for its jobsite accessibility and lifting capacity in steep boom positions.

“Historically, I’d receive an inquiry for a crane with an 80-tonne capacity, and I’d pass on that business to other crane companies in Newcastle who did hold that capacity,” says Danny. “Now, I’m in the position where I can get into infrastructure type work and be another point of contact for different kinds of customers.”

“It’s given me a whole new revenue stream.”

Now armed with a fleet of seven cranes, adding the Tadano complements Wilson Lift’s current set of cranes well. On top of the aforementioned 80-tonne

capacity, the AC 4.080-1 also possesses a 60-metre main boom length, with a possible extension 6.5-metres and a maximum tip height of 69 metres.

Equipped with a Mercedes engine, Tadano’s all-terrain crane has a maximum lifting radius of 48 metres, a 6.8-tonne hoist line pull and, as a mounted truck crane, provides a very practical sense of roadability – the latter point having real benefits for crane hire service operators like Danny who takes his business across the Newcastle region from his Cardiff base.

“I’ve driven it on the road,” says

“The team at Tadano really know what they’re doing,” he says.

“If you need to talk to them, they’ll just pull up the schematics on their computer, and walk you through your solution in a step-by-step process.”

Danny’s new Tadano all-terrain crane has given Wilson lift a “whole new revenue stream”.

Danny, “and the Tadano is just so much better than all the other cranes that I’ve previously used on the road.”

“On top of the new engine gearbox package, the people who operate the crane love it,” he continues. “It’s quite similar to our 55-tonne Demag, which makes the transferral of skills into the new crane really easy.”

“Because of that, we didn’t need to hire new people for a different style of crane; it’s one of the main reasons we went with the Tadano. It’s just so practical to use.”

Being part of three different crane associations, working and lifting with safety is at the forefront of daily operations for Wilson Lift, and their new Tadano does not disappoint in this regard.

With a capacity radar providing crane operators with all the relevant information on the crane’s lifting capacity in the current working range, the radar also takes the boom position into account.

“That’s one of the reasons why we’re buying new machines – the safety features are continuously improving with each model that comes out,” says Danny. “The fact that they’re so easy to operate with inbuilt safety really helps to mitigate the risk of conducting heavy lifts.”

Of course, operating in such a part of Australia provides its challenges for Wilson Lift when it comes to the maintenance of their fleet. However, when it comes to Tadano’s virtual product support, Danny states that he simply “can’t fault it”.

“Servicing and product support has been brilliant,” he says. “With any problem that arises, the guys at Tadano are there and help me through everything.”

With Demag cranes being a subjugate of Tadano, and with Wilson Lift being in possession of a couple of Demags, the skills needed for the Demag “blend really well” with the requirements of Tadano’s cranes, according to Danny.

“The team at Tadano really know

what they’re doing,” he says. “If you need to talk to them, they’ll just pull up the schematics on their computer, and walk you through your solution in a step-by-step process.”

Servicing, however, will take a crane off the road, and for a company like Wilson Lift – which doesn’t have any immediate service centres around them – a four-hour drive or putting it on a float to Sydney is just not a feasible option, as it will likely result in the crane being off the road for a week, meaning lost time, revenue, and clients.

That issue is yet to arise during his current relationship with Tadano though, Danny says.

“What I’ve had done in the past is had Tadano technicians come up and complete the necessary work on the crane. It’s just a much more viable option, because in that instance the crane’s only off the road for a day, and it gets its servicing and warranty work done.”

“It all just works so well. Like I said before, the products, and the service around them from Tadano, are brilliant. I can’t fault them.”

The AC 4.080-1 carries a 60-metre main boom length and a maximum lifting radius of 48 metres.

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