Cranes and Lifting August 2022

Cranes and Lifting

THE DEDICATED RESOURCE FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY / AUGUST 2022

August 2022

A NEW ERA IN CRANE DESIGN STABILITY AND PERFORMANCE Official Media Partner

FEATURES

MELROSE CRANES AND RIGGING COMPLETES COMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURE LIFT SECOND LIEBHERR HEAVY LIFTER FOR JOHNSON & YOUNG NEW FEATURE HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGGING AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT

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IN THIS ISSUE

56

64 Lifting solutions for heavy transport RUD provide bespoke solution for heavy transport application.

66 JA & Son takes delivery of new eco Maeda New eco Maeda goes straight to work.

70 Second Liebherr heavy lifter for Johnson & Young New Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 arrives at JYC. 74 One family, two brands UAA and MECON merge.

78 New Tadano to Ashburton Crane Hire New Tadano heavy lifter delivered to WA hire business.

82 Potain tower cranes speed up construction Potains speed up construction and save money.

10 Up Front SMC launches new Ranger pick and carry.

40 Dynamic approach to rigging New products for hire from Dynamic Rigging.

85 New crawler arrives in Tasmania Tutt Bryant Equipment delivers new HSC crawler.

15 CICA President Report CICA National Conference and Exhibition coming into focus.

44 Intelligent construction site management BuildA1 system enhances construction site efficiencies and safety.

88 Modern fleet and new systems Wheeler Cranes prepare for more growth.

16 CICA Member Profile Industry legend calls it a day.

20 Complex lift and logistics project Melrose Cranes and Rigging completes complex project.

24 Liebherr unplugged First all battery electric crawler on the way.

28 Kobelco crawler to AnewX AnewX takes delivery of new Kobelco crawler.

32 McPhan Cranes and Transport’s new Liebherr excels McPhan’s Liebherr completes difficult pool lift.

37 Between Hook and Load feature New feature highlights the importance of the lifting equipment sector.

38 Lifting Eqipment Engineers Association LEEA welcomes new initiative. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

48 Everything under the one roof Bullivants has been providing high quality rigging solutions for decades.

90 Lift of the month.

What our industry does best.

51 Managing rigging equipment storage SlingRakz designs and manufactures a range of rigging storage solutions.

54 New wire rope products Andromeda launches new heavy lift range of wire rope slings.

56 Quality rigging products and service Bunzl provides the lifting sector high quality products and services.

60 Wind turbine lifting solutions.

The Crosby Group provides turbine lifting solutions.

62 Bespoke lifting equipment and solutions LiftQuip provides bespoke lifting solutions.

37 August 2022 CAL / 3

FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM Published by:

WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE OF CRANES AND LIFTING MAGAZINE THE INDUSTRY HAS welcomed a ‘once in a generation’ transformative NSW State Budget, delivered recently by NSW treasurer Matt Kean. The headline for the construction sector has been the $112.7 billion infrastructure spend, allocated over four years, and detailed plans to return the Budget to surplus by 2024.

There is also a focus on women. With the construction sector and the crane industry changing, more women are joining trades. Initiatives such as Women in Power programs have helped to progress this, but funding like the $20.2 million put towards tripling the number of women in construction by 2030 is a positive step in what continues to be a long but essential journey.

Recognising the associated hazards accompanying the lifting of loads, with any type of crane, Cranes and Lifting magazine is pleased to present the first of its regular features entitled ‘Between Hook and Load’.

It is important to not only understand proper rigging techniques, but also the other hazards that accompany this type of high-risk work.

The ‘Between Hook and Load’ features are supported by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEAA) and will focus on the importance of avoiding lifting and rigging incidents.

These incidents can include the breakage of a sling, wire rope, or chain, resulting in a dropped load, 4 / CAL August 2022

11-15 Buckhurst St South Melbourne VIC 3205 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au CEO John Murphy E: john.murphy@primecreative.com.au Chief Operating Officer Christine Clancy E: christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor (Northern) Syed Shah E: syed.shah@primecreative.com.au Editor Simon Gould E: simon.gould@primecreative.com.au Journalist Joshua Farrell E: Joshua.farrell@primecreative.com.au T: 0420 298 087 Business Development Manager Emily Schlegel E: emily.schlegel@primecreative.com.au T: 0466 317 555

but they also include less severe incidents such as sprains, falls, crush injuries, electrocutions, and struck-by incidents.

Hazards also include swinging loads, manual handling of heavy rigging, holding onto tag lines, moving equipment, pinch points, working on elevated surfaces, trip hazards, slippery surfaces, etc.

As always, the team at Cranes and Lifting magazine will be pleased to hear from you in terms of the new content we are presenting in this issue. We hope you enjoy the read.

Simon Gould Editor, Cranes and Lifting

Client Success Manager Justine Nardone E: justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au Production Co-Ordinator Cat Fitzpatrick Art Director Bea Barthelson Advertisement Designer Lee Mawdsley Imaging Assistant Paul Breen Subscriptions Frank Rapone T: 03 9690 8766 E: frank.rapone@primecreative.com.au The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. © Copyright – No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Experience the Progress.

MK 88-4.1: Great things come in small packages.

MK now available in New Zealand.

The MK 88-4.1 mobile construction crane is a consistent further development of its popular predecessor. In addition to the compact transport dimensions and the outstanding tip load capacity of 2,200 kg at a 45-metre reach, it is above all the intelligent energy management that makes the four-axle crane stand out: It allows emission-free and silent operation also while using weaker power supplies. Liebherr MK mobile construction cranes – We are building the future.

Plus package: Powerful lung, Load-Plus and additional ballast Hybrid power concept: Emission-free or self-sucient – the right drive unit at the right time Adjustable axle loads: Less than 10 t thanks to the divisible and removable basic ballast New control system: Half-sided support and set-up status detection system possible Optimised working environment: Better view and more comfort in both cabins

Get in contact with us: www.liebherr.com/mk

2003-510_007 LBC_086_MK-4_1_GB_200x265.indd 1

10.10.19 12:18

INDUSTRY NEWS TRT AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NEW CRANE SALES SPECIALISTS TRT Australia has announced the appointment of Brendan Cook, otherwise known as ‘Cookie’, to the position of crane sales specialist.

In his new role, Cook will continue to progress TRT’s commitments and support its capabilities through providing solutions and ongoing support to its customers. He is responsible for driving crane sales throughout Australia for the Tidd pick and carry crane, along with the national and Oceania distributorship for Kobelco crawlers, and the Manitowoc Grove dealership for Queensland, combined with identifying new opportunities for TRT purpose-built trailer solutions. He will be working closely with Troy Hand and Neil Webb, who are both well-known and experienced in the industry.

Cook started his career at Linmac Cranes in 1994 as the Queensland representative and, shortly after, moved to managing its access division in 1995. From there he went to Franna Cranes and accomplished a huge career milestone by selling the first pick and carry crane to an American company based in Australia.

Following this, Franna was then purchased by Terex, where Cook was promoted to national access sales manager. After Terex sold its access division, he was promoted to Queensland sales manager and then onto Asia Pacific sales manager, where he sold the first new pick and carry crane into Jakarta to a fully owned and run Indonesian company.

Neil Webb, general manager of TRT Australia said: “Cookie is a proven performer with considerable strengths and knowledge in the industry. He has achieved many career highlights, including most cranes sold by one person into Queensland, and delivered valuable results in every market he’s led.”

Cook said: “I am very excited to be part of the team at TRT. The reputation they have developed in the industry has impressed me. Especially with their very own manufactured Tidd pick and 6 / CAL August 2022

Brendan ‘Cookie’ Cook has recently been appointed as crane sales specialist at TRT Australia.

carry crane in the way in which it sets new expectations in the market. The Tidd crane is manufactured from scratch and has innovative technology and features that other cranes lack. The commitment to quality in every component of the crane does not go unnoticed, even right through to the paint job.

“The workplace culture at TRT also stood out for me. I want to work for a team-orientated and hands-on company that has confidence in the products they sell, and I know TRT is well established for these traits.

“As a sales representative, you must believe in the value of the product that you’re selling, and since the Tidd crane first launched it’s never stopped improving. Not to mention the cab chassis, rear bodies, and booms are all done in-house, so you know you’re selling a good quality product that is made to last.

“In the short time that I’ve been here, everyone I have met has made me feel very welcomed. I’ve known Neil and Troy since they were apprentices and the knowledge and value they bring to the company almost guarantees TRT a very bright future.”

Outside of work, Cook enjoys motor racing, surfing, horse racing, and boxing.

Cook added: “I love working in the crane industry and selling good reputable products, including the Kobelco and Manitowoc Grove cranes. I am very much looking forward to this new journey and shaking up the industry.”

Webb said: “We are delighted to welcome Cookie to the team. His wealth of experience and great understanding of the industry will help TRT Australia’s continual growth, and we look forward to using his talents. We are excited to have him as part of our team.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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brisbane | sydney | melbourne adelaide | perth Peter Lawgall Philip Chadwick

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0411 256 388 0457 510 097

Peter.Lawgall@tuttbryant.com.au Philip.Chadwick@tuttbryant.com.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS Bridge segment on Mammoet’s Mega Jack 500 and SPMTs.

BRIDON-BEKAERT ROPES GROUP DEVELOPS DYFORM 36LR PI+ Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group (BBRG) is now offering Dyform 36LR PI+, a high performance, compacted, multi-layer construction rope, which incorporates an engineered extruded plastic that spreads between the 18 outer strands and the rope core. Ideal on shipboard deck cranes and foundation making equipment, Dyform 36LR PI+ is now available globally.

Travis Buck, global segment director of cranes and industrial, said: “Dyform 36LR PI+ compliments our existing portfolio of high performance non-rotating ropes. Due to the ropes’ unique features and improved lifetime performance, especially in rigid dynamic applications, it offers a tremendous cost/performance benefit to our esteemed customers.”

Dyform 36LR PI + has outstanding bending fatigue performance, and is the best rope choice when vibration and shock loading are major factors that are affecting rope life. Dyform 36LR PI+ is a rotation resistant rope offering excellent corrosion resistance, with an internal plastic layer inhibiting moisture penetration to the core.

BBRG understands the demanding requirements of the crane & industrial industry, and offers total cost solutions. Working together with crane manufacturers, BBRG is one of the most trusted and reliable suppliers of ropes and solutions in the industry.

To learn more about BBRG’s product offerings, please visit www.bridon-bekaert.com.

The Dyform 36LR PI + rope is now available from BridonBekaert Ropes Group.

8 / CAL August 2022

BRIDGE SECTION INSTALLED IN GERMANY TO PRECISE SCHEDULE The Rhine Bridge in Leverkusen is a heavily frequented section of Germany’s A1 highway. In order to adapt the bridge to increasing traffic volumes, it will be replaced with a new eight-lane structure.

SEH Engineering GmbH contracted Mammoet to move one bridge section to the installation position. Due to its weight of around 1,100t and dimensions of 66m by 34m, a full closure of the highway section was necessary. So, it was important that this operation proceeded to schedule, as reliably as possible.

The simplest approach – stacking the bridge section on the abutment benches using climbing jacks – could not be used because the bridge has a slope in both its the longitudinal and transverse directions. Therefore, the abutment benches would be both at an angle and at different end heights.

This approach would also require a longer road closure, so the engineering teams from both companies worked together to develop a different solution.

This smart solution using Mammoet’s innovative special equipment was able to lift the bridge from its supports, drive it to the installation location and set it down, all in one manoeuvre.

Four towers of Mammoet’s Mega Jack 500 system were used for the job. This equipment lifts the load via the insertion of successive cassettes at ground level; reducing the need for work at height and manual handling on site.

When the team of specialists arrived at the project location, final work on the bridge segment was still in full swing.

Due to a limited time window, lift preparations began immediately – even

though the limited space available made planning the route more difficult.

Due to a hole in the ground at the pre-assembly site, the bridge section was actually not accessible to the SPMTs. The hole was needed for a pillar of the bypass bridge. Instead of filling and covering the hole, it was more efficient to slightly change the position of the bridge section. So, Mammoet’s team moved the bridge section one metre just before execution.

The repositioned bridge segment was then lifted with four climbing jacks so that three units of 24-axle line SPMT could be driven underneath. The gantry girders and Mega Jack 500 towers were then erected on the SPMTs. The bridge section was manoeuvred 300m across the confined site to the installation location, then lifted several metres further so that it could be driven over the abutments of different heights, before being lowered and installed.

Throughout the operation, engineers on site monitored live load read-outs from the Mega Jack 500 system, ensuring every stage of the operation matched its planning phase.

The experienced team took advantage of every opportunity to save time. As a result, the work was completed on schedule and the highway section reopened to traffic on the planned date.

The new replacement Rhine bridge in Leverkusen is one of the largest and most challenging infrastructure construction projects in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The new Rhine bridge is scheduled for completion at the end of 2023 and will eliminate traffic bottlenecks. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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Philip Chadwick (VIC,SA,TAS) M: 0457 510 097 E: Philip.Chadwick@tuttbryant.com.au

UP FRONT / RANGER PICK AND CARRY AND SMC Ranger production has now started, and it is all Australian made, being fully fabricated and manufactured in Perth, Western Australia.

NEW RANGER PICK AND CARRY AN IMMEDIATE SUCCESS

The recent launch of the new Ranger pick and carry crane from Specialised Machinery Company (SMC) was exciting and successful, with a huge response from crane owners from all over Australia.

MOST CRANE OWNERS WERE PLEASED to see a new and very different approach to mobile pick and carry cranes enter the market. The new approach includes additional stability features, longer boom, higher hook capacity, and more power.

Ranger production has now started, and it is all Australian made, being fully fabricated and manufactured locally in Perth, Western Australia. A sales and service network has been established throughout the majority of Australian states and territories.

The design of the new Ranger 45 has always been safety driven, but the team at SMC have provided features that others pick and carry cranes don’t have.

THESE FEATURES INCLUDE: • heavier lift at better distances with 45t on the hook esign in the fast-acting outrigger • d stability system 10 / CAL August 2022

• • • • •

heavier line pull winch of 7.5t with six falls more boom length up to 25m tip height softer ride with road tuned suspension and sway stabilisers more power for better take off and maintaining better speeds on grade larger rigging storage.

Many crane owners and operators raised questions around the stability of pick and carry cranes and, over the years, this has been an issue for many styles of articulated mobile cranes. The new Ranger R45 provides more inbuilt safety features to ensure the operator manages the operations of the crane and lifts safely.

Kim Grierson, managing director of SMC, highlights the features and benefits he sees benefitting crane sector at large.

“The new Ranger is the only

articulated crane in Australia incorporating our new patented outrigger design. The outrigger concept is designed to provide much better stability with better safety when, and if, required,” said Grierson.

The new Ranger can deploy the outriggers quickly and easily to assist with the heavy static lifts. The outriggers can be deployed for both light and heavy lifts.

The R45 Ranger has a pick and carry capability of between 32t to 35t on tyres, but as many crane operators say, there are times when the operator needs to pick up a much heavier load just outside of the pick and carry stability rating and, in many cases, the crane is usually fully articulated. In these instances, the operator can simply drop out the outriggers to the ground and extend the boom to the load, lift it off the ground and then, using the boom, slowly retract the load back towards the crane and www.cranesandlifting.com.au

back within its pick and carry radius.

Once back in the radius, the crane can complete the task safely.

The main thrust of the outrigger system is mostly safety driven but, of course, it increases its lift capacity enormously. The Ranger R45 with outriggers in place will increase the lift capacity by approximately 30 per cent with an increased stability of almost 200 per cent with the outriggers out and down. This means the crane is now stationary and can lift those heavy 40t to 45t loads off trucks or smaller loads much further out.

Once the load is lifted it can be lowered to a safer handling height and moved back into a pick and carry radius.

Raising the outriggers allows the crane to move into pick and carry mode. The outriggers can also be lowered to just 10mm to 50mm off the ground or to a clearance height off the ground when manoeuvring heavy loads, and this will provide added safety if the pick and carry load does move out of radius.

If this happens, the crane will slowly rest on the outrigger, stopping the crane from overturning. The operator can then stop and readjust the load to a much safer radius but has avoided a dangerous rollover. Most articulated cranes roll over or tip over due to the

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

load being too close to the safe pick and carry rating and it doesn’t need much to overbalance. The Ranger R45 with its simple outrigger system will be arrested the load avoid overturning.

Safety was the main design criteria.

Safety with loads at a much longer and higher reach. The Ranger R45 has an exceptionally long reach of 25m tip height and has a maximum boom angle of 70 degrees, which allows it to work in and around refineries and construction sites, lifting those loads higher and longer than any other of the Ranger R45 competitor, said Grierson.

“When working at these heights the stabilising effect of the outriggers come in to play again,” he said.

“Articulated cranes tend to slightly sway or roll when lifting any load this high on rubber tyres. The Ranger R45 is designed to pick and carry the load with the booms mostly retracted back to a safe radius and manoeuvre into position and then raising and extending the

“The new Ranger is the only articulated crane in Australia incorporating our new patented outrigger design. The outrigger concept is designed to provide much better stability with better safety when and if required.”

Ranger R45 can be offered with various engines around the 240kW (320hp). The main engine offered is the Mercedes OM936 combined with the popular six-speed Allison automatic transmission and a drive line to match.

August 2022 CAL / 11

UP FRONT / RANGER PICK AND CARRY AND SMC

“The new Ranger R45 sets a new standard in articulated mobile cranes.

With 45t lift capacity on the hook, the fast set up outrigger stabiliser system provides an enormous increase in stability.”

Safety was the main design criteria. The Ranger R45 has an exceptionally long reach of 25m tip height and has a maximum boom angle of 70°.

12 / CAL August 2022

booms aiming to position the load at 24m up within a structure.

“During this time, the outriggers can be deployed quickly, providing better stability and safety to the operator whilst providing a safer workspace and better safety on site, whilst lifting the load in high tight confined areas. The outriggers can once again be fully deployed on the ground or held off just millimetres from the ground meaning that added stability is very close to hand if lifts go wrong.

“Although the Ranger R45 has been derated or limited to just 45 tonnes on outriggers it has almost doubled its stability, which is the focus of safety and stability. Other articulated cranes in the Australian market except for the Ranger R45 have greater exposure to rollover. The Ranger’s outrigger system is positioned almost 1m forward of the axle centre line, which provides enormous multipliers for stability and security when lifting heavy loads. The Ranger R45 comes with a 2t and a 3t removeable counterweight, which is easily fitted,” said Grierson.

The Ranger R45 can be offered with various engines around 240kW (320hp).

The main engine offered is the Mercedes OM936 combined with the popular sixspeed Allison automatic transmission and a driveline to match.

The Ranger R45, with its larger engine, easily accelerates to a comfortable 80 to 90km/h for on highway running combined with the soft handling steering to match and plenty of braking power when required.

“The new Ranger R45 with extra stability is unmatched, with a new standard in articulated mobile cranes with its 45-tonne lift capacity on the hook, fast set up outrigger stabiliser system providing an enormous increase in stability, and with features no other crane has,” said Grierson.

“Combined with a long 25m reach, five-section full power boom, more engine power for better acceleration and hill climbing, soft ride suspension, a more spacious operators cabin, large storage for rigging, automatic rope compensation on all booms, integrated spare tyre with inbuilt tyre lifter, and more,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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2022 CICA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, EXHIBITION AND CRANE DISPLAY Adelaide 10-12 November 2022

Platinum Sponsor:

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CICA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

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

CICA president Tom Smith.

LEADING THE WAY

CICA National Conference, Exhibition and Crane Display set for major success.

WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE OF Cranes and Lifting magazine. Plans are well underway for organising the 2022 CICA National Conference, Exhibition and Crane Display in Adelaide from 10–12 November 2022. Get onto registering for this event and book your accommodation as soon as possible, as the T20 cricket will be in town at the same time.

CICA thanks Underwriting Agencies of Australia Pty Ltd (UAA) for its generous Platinum Sponsorship of this exceptional event.

Cranes and Lifting magazine is the sponsor of the Lift of the Year awards.

This year, CICA will be accepting entries of lifts from 2020 onwards. These awards recognise excellence by those within our industry who have performed complicated and technically challenging lifts, or who offer new ways of solving day-to-day challenges our industry faces. I encourage you to enter, as the spin offs benefit your business through industry media coverage and by building your company’s profile.

After the uncertainty of the last couple of years and the economic headwinds Australia is moving into, the Conference www.cranesandlifting.com.au

CICA OFFICE Brandon Hitch Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 04 2822 8048 ceo@cica.com.au Paul Arztenhofer Membership Engagement/Business Development Specialist 04 9093 9274 paul@cica.com.au Alice Edwards Technical Project Engineer 03 8320 0440 alice@cica.com.au Patrick Cran CraneSafe and CrewSafe Technical Advisor 048 800 4274 pat@cranesafe.com.au

Damien Hense CICA Road Policy Advisor 03 8320 0460 04 8800 7575 damien@cica.com.au Jed Kenwright Road Technical Engineer 04 3955 6867 jed@cica.com.au Julie Turner CICA Executive Assistant / Office Manager/Vic Secretariat Direct: 03 8320 0411 Email: julie@cica.com.au Shane Coupe CraneSafe and CrewSafe Administration Officer Phone: 03 8320 0455 Email: shane@cica.com.au Michelle Verkerk Marketing Communications Officer 040 493 8714 michelle@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. theme ‘Leading the Way’ is both apt and visionary. The crane industry is front and centre of growth and the opportunities that will present in the renewables sector in the coming years mean that we need to ensure our workforce is well equipped.

Skilled labour shortages continue to impact most states and the only way we are going to combat this problem is to invest in new industry entrants and the traineeships on offer need business buy-in.

CrewSafe enables owners and managers to gauge an operator’s competency, by using preloaded assessments and an

obstacle course to test knowledge and practical ability. With new work health and safety legislation requirements in most states, CrewSafe keeps a record of how an employer has fulfilled its duty to uphold the standard of what is ‘reasonably practicable’.

I hope you’ll enjoy this issue, remember to stay safe.

Tom Smith CICA president managing director – McKay United 0439 130 567 August 2022 CAL / 15

CICA MEMBER PROFILE

INDUSTRY LEGEND RETIRES Following a long and distinguished career operating cranes, Steve ‘Poppy’ Foster is closing the cabin door behind him for the last time.

16 / CAL August 2022

FOSTER HAS BEEN WORKING AT Melrose Cranes and Rigging since April 2007, but his personal and professional relationship with managing director Gregg Melrose dates back 33 years.

In 1989, Melrose was the manager of a company called Mobile Concrete Pumping based in Wetherill Park, and Brian Callahan was his manager.

“We pumped a massive amount of tilt panels then watched two Wilson Cranes, HC340 Demags with 130t capacity, and two Brambles Cranes, PPMs with 127-tonne capacity, lift them. One day Brian said to me: ‘I want to pump them and lift them.

How big a crane will I need to order?’” said Melrose.

“He registered the name Mobile Crane Co Pty Ltd before we flew to Germany and ordered a Demag AC615, 200t capacity, six-axle with 60t of counterweight and 51 metres of luffing fly with a triaxle dolly. It was the biggest on-road crane on the east coast

After a distinguished career, Steve ‘Poppy’ Foster is closing the cabin door behind him for the last time.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“He was like a duck to water and easily in the top three operators I have ever employed.”

Foster (right) has been working at Melrose Cranes and Rigging since April 2007 but his personal and professional relationship with managing director Gregg Melrose dates back 33 years. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of Australia at the time,” said Melrose.

“We employed approximately 50 concrete pump operators but no crane drivers, so we placed an advertisement in the paper and a dozen drivers applied.

One of them was Steve Foster. He was 34 years old and easily liked.”

At the time, Foster was working on the maintenance of Warragamba Dam, where he operated a high-capacity flying fox crane. This went from one side to the other and could lift 6m3 concrete kibbles.

He also drove an Omega 30T roughie on the ground works.

“Basically, he had very little experience in anything mobile, let alone a large all terrain. Naturally, he got the job and he never looked back. He was like a duck to water and easily in the top three operators I have ever employed,” said Melrose.

Mobile Crane Co Pty Ltd was sold to Wilson Cranes Pty Ltd in 1991. Melrose and Foster continued to work together during the 1990s until Laurie Wilson sold his business to Brambles in mid1998. Steve went over to Wheelers Cranes and drove its Liebherr LTM1200 200t capacity all terrain and, later, its Liebherr LTM1300 300t all terrain, lifting panels.

While Melrose went about setting up Melrose Cranes and Rigging, Foster stayed with Wheelers, returning to work with Melrose in 2007. He jumped into MCR’s Liebherr LTM1200.

“He stayed in that crane until we got him a 2006 Demag AC350, which we nicknamed ‘Bewdy’. It came from Ireland secondhand and landed in our yard in 2008/2009. He treated it like his baby until a new Grove GMK5250XL-1 arrived in late 2020. This crane bears the August 2022 CAL / 17

CICA MEMBER PROFILE

“Like select employees before him, I have no doubt Poppy will become a Melrose Cranes and Rigging ‘immortal’, following the likes of our original allocator, the late Steve Smith, and the best all-rounder we’ve ever had, Greg ‘Pecker’ Lawless. A great innings Steve!” registration ‘Poppy’ in his honour,” said Melrose.

“During the late 1980s, and right through the 1990s, Poppy was the best tilt panel lifter anywhere and I calculated that he erected well over 200,000 panels in approximately a 20year period,” he said.

For Melrose Cranes and Rigging, Foster was initially the senior operator onsite at major construction and maintenance windfarm projects, from South Australia to Tasmania and back up the coast to Goulburn, NSW.

More recently he completed a stint in Queensland, working with the Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1 and managing more maintenance work. He has lifted just about everything that can be lifted and has always done it well.

Driving any crane is a big responsibility and involves getting from A to B safely, pulling the sticks to everyone’s satisfaction in a safe and productive manner, looking after the machine, mentoring the crew so they stay safe, and promoting the company to customers. Foster is the ultimate pro. He

also diligently served MCR’s crane crews as their union delegate for his entire tenure at Melrose Cranes and Rigging.

“Like select employees before him, I have no doubt Poppy will become a Melrose Cranes and Rigging ‘immortal’, following the likes of our original allocator, the late Steve Smith, and the best all-rounder we’ve ever had, Greg ‘Pecker’ Lawless. A great innings Steve!” said Melrose.

Foster has said he will still be available if needed as a casual, until such time as he and his wife, Susanne, find a house to buy in Queensland.

Melrose also said: “Words cannot express MCR’s sincere appreciation for his contribution to the growth of our business. His efforts and loyalty have been second to none and we wish him a healthy and happy retirement in Queensland, either at the pub or on his boat.”

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CICA WA INDUSTRY DAY

INDUSTRY DAY SHINES LIGHT ON OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER The Crane Industry Council’s inaugural WA Industry Day was held at the Perth Convention Centre, overlooking the Swan River and Perth CBD, on 9 June 2022. This event gave industry leaders, small business, and government stakeholders an opportunity to learn and consider the vast and varied aspects of the crane industry.

IN HIS OPENING REMARKS, CICA WA CHAIR Anthony Grosser emphasised the purpose of the event.

“The intent of this event is to foster collaboration,” Grosser said, welcoming the attendees and highlighting the strong partnership between government and industry.

The delivery of the day’s presentations went seamlessly, despite some last-minute Covid-related absences. To hold the event without restrictions based on physical capacity or Covid-19 precautions, however, was very enjoyable. The Industry Day was well attended, with more than 65 attendees from more than 25 different companies.

Paul Arztenhofer, CICA’s member engagement specialist, was one of the presenters and spoke highly of the event.

“This type of engagement can strengthen opportunities for local businesses and hosting this event locally meant that we could invite numerous representatives from across the board to learn from one another and network,” said Arztenhofer.

Subject matter experts from across www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The Crane Industry Council’s inaugural WA Industry Day gave industry leaders, small business, and government stakeholders an opportunity to learn and consider the vast and varied aspects of the crane industry.

“This type of engagement can strengthen opportunities for local businesses and hosting this event locally meant that we could invite numerous representatives from across the board to learn from one another and network.” the industry presented on areas such as innovation, lift planning, major inspections, and the new Certificate III plus skillset traineeship on offer in Western Australia. WorkSafe WA commissioner Darren Kavanagh presented on key changes to WA’s WHS laws and WorkSafe WA’s projects and findings.

CICA thanked Darren Kavanagh, Matthias De Troyer (Cranecorp Australia), Danny Black (Terex Cranes Australia), Anthony Grosser (MCT Equipment and CICA WA branch chair), Alice Edwards (CICA), and Paul Arztenhofer (CICA) for their interesting and relevant presentations.

The attendance of representatives from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Western Australia team, was also appreciated.

The evening dinner was a delectable showcase of West Aussie produce, Exmouth prawns and Harvey beef were on the menu, as well as local wines. Attendees enjoyed live music and welcomed federal safety commissioner David Denney, who spent the evening engaging with CICA members.

Sue Ryman-Kiernan and the WISE Connections team once again worked with CICA and the CICA WA executive to organise a valuable and memorable CICA event.

August 2022 CAL / 19

IN FOCUS / MELROSE CRANES AND RIGGING

MELROSE MANAGES COMPLEX LIFT AND LOGISTICS PROJECT The Sydney Gateway flyover is taking off next to the airport with the first four of 17 massive concrete headstocks. Each weighed more than a full Boeing 737 and have been installed at Mascot as part of the NSW government’s $2.6 billion Sydney Gateway project.

THE HEADSTOCKS EACH STAND AT MORE than six metres tall and will support an 800-metre long elevated road, giving motorists a toll-free connection to the airport.

Melrose Cranes and Rigging managed the complex lifts with some of its heavy Grove all terrains, but the project wouldn’t have been so successful without detailed planning and a coordinated approach from both the Melrose project management and logistics teams.

“This was one of those major projects where I was like a dog with a bone and I wouldn’t let go of it. So, once contracted, I put Michael Guthrie on point for Melrose Cranes and Rigging,” said managing director Gregg Melrose.

MCR project manager Michael Guthrie said: “I managed the project from a Melrose Cranes and Rigging perspective. The project involved a number of complexities, including the major road closures that were required to make the lifts happen. There were meetings almost every day, involving intricate planning and coordination by all invested parties.

“The major challenge with the Sydney Gateway project is the lack of space to physically get the required amount of equipment into position to conduct the lifts, which can only happen at night, and the operational hours were very limited,” he said.

“We couldn’t close the required roads around the airport until 8pm, which meant we had to get our 400t capacity Grove all terrain with 115t of counterweight, and all the associated trucks and trailers, ready and in position in various places close to the site. We had seven hours within which we had to set up the crane, install 20 / CAL August 2022

the headstock, pack up, and be out before 4am, so as not to delay the airport traffic arriving before the first flights left at 6am,” said Guthrie.

“We prepared 3D lift plans and engineering drawings to ensure everything was 100 per cent accurate, which allowed us to make on-the-spot planning changes as required, and as the job progressed.

“There were two or three meetings a week prior to the lift, and we literally accounted for every half hour increments.

This accountability gave the client the confidence we could handle the various elements of the project,” said Guthrie.

For Melrose Cranes and Rigging, the project would not have happened without a carefully detailed plan relating to the logistics of the project, said Guthrie.

“As far as traffic is concerned, Sydney International Airport has some of the most

counterweight and main boom. The lift involved head stocks weighing over 100t, with the heaviest headstock weighing 130t.

“With the Grove GMK7450, 450t capacity all terrain we had seven trucks and trailers carrying the required counterweights and lifting equipment parked nearby and ready to go when we knew the road closures had happened,” said Guthrie.

For the first two head stock lifts, the detailed planning paid off because Sydney was hit with torrential rain on the nights of the lifts.

“Our heavy lift crews understand if it is a night time time sensitive project involving road closures and they don’t complain. I was there side by side with the guys in atrocious conditions, and we simply worked through what needed to be done,” said Guthrie.

“There were two or three meetings a week prior to the lift, and we literally accounted for every half hour increments.

This accountability gave the client the confidence we could handle the various elements of the project.” congested road access points imaginable.

The Sydney Gateway investment is designed to address these congestion problems,” he said.

The Grove GMK 6400 400t capacity all terrain was deployed for the first visit to lift two head stocks. The crane managed the lift with 115t of counterweight and main boom.

The Grove GMK7450 450t capacity all terrain was then deployed with 120t of

“There are more lifts to come, and the next head stock will weigh 145t. We are deploying the Liebherr LTM 1500 8.1 500t capacity all terrain for this lift.”

Understandably, with critical projects like the Sydney Gateway, the larger crane hire businesses in Sydney have been tendering for the work. The next stage of the project included head stocks that were much larger and heavier.

Melrose Cranes and Rigging was www.cranesandlifting.com.au

tendering against a number of Sydney crane hire businesses, Guthrie explained.

“With the next stage of the project, the Sydney Gateway team were told they would need a 650t and 500t capacity cranes to manage the lifts. I was able to make these lifts work with our Grove GMK 6400 Grove GMK7450.

“I looked at the head stocks, I spoke to the various teams on the project, and we discussed what was involved in terms of the road closures and the detail involved in the lifts. I then worked out how we could get close enough to make the lifts happen with these capacity cranes. I then provided the teams with the 3D draft of the plan, which answered any questions they had.

“The Sydney Gateway team was impressed that we were able to work on a different solution that provides a far better dollar value. It also means the team continues to see the same faces and they now understand what Melrose Cranes and Rigging brings to the project,” he said.

The project would not have run so smoothly without the total support of Melrose Cranes and Rigging’s entire logistics team (Shaun Russell, Wei Xen [Wilson] Cheah and Ann-Marie Docksey) and the crane crews who went above and beyond to make the lifts happen within such tight timelines, and in inclement weather.

Cheah discusses the complexities involved in making such a time sensitive project work from a logistics point of view.

“Michael always briefs us in terms of what size cranes are required and we arrange for the various crews to get inducted onto the site,” he said.

“He confirms dates, times, the machines required, the crews and the required skill set, and it is our job to ensure all this detail is ready to go come the project.

“The induction process is quite involved and can take up to six hours to complete.

We also organise the upskilling of the team in terms of working at heights and elevated work platforms tickets, which were required on site for safety purposes. We also ensure the rigging equipment is checked and ready to go along with the cranes, obviously.

“The logistics team in a large crane hire www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Melrose Cranes and Rigging only had seven hours to set up the crane, install the headstock, pack up, and be out before 4am.

business is basically managing a game of chess. Every time something changes you have to be able to react and put in place the right solution to cover the change. This can involve crew, cranes, and many other variables and include working early hours to ensure we get the right crane and crew to site,” said Cheah.

Melrose Cranes and Rigging runs an internal training program designed to bring promising youngsters up and

through the business by starting them in the yard, enabling them to understand the business from the bottom up. Both Guthrie and Cheah worked their way up through this program.

Guthrie was 19 when he started with Melrose Cranes and Rigging and he has been with the organisation for eight years.

Gregg Melrose said that he is proud of the Melrose Cranes and Rigging traineeship program and Guthrie is the fastest August 2022 CAL / 21

IN FOCUS / MELROSE CRANES AND RIGGING Melrose Cranes and Rigging’s Wei Xen (Wilson) Cheah from the logistics team and project manager Michael Guthrie.

individual to complete the process.

“We have a traineeship program called ‘Gofers in the Shed’ and we are up to our 19th trainee. Usually, the trainees will remain in the program for between eight to 12 months but, after three months, we knew Michael was good enough to move quickly through the ranks,” he said.

Guthrie started dogging on a 25t rough terrain and, after two months, he had moved onto 100t capacity all terrain.

Within a year he was on a 220t and, a year later, he was the lead on the 400t. He moved into the role of project manager 18 months ago.

The Sydney Gateway team is very happy with Melrose Cranes and Rigging. It’s a major project and there are numerous crane businesses working on the various elements of the Sydney Metro project.

Premier Dominic Perrottet is also happy with the progress being made on the Sydney Gateway project, saying it was yet another milestone in the NSW government’s $110 billion infrastructure pipeline.

“This is a transformative project that will get people to and from Sydney Airport faster, supporting more than 4,000 22 / CAL August 2022

construction and manufacturing jobs, while modernising our road network,” Perrottet said.

“This is yet another example of the NSW government’s decade of delivery, which has transformed Greater Sydney and NSW while vastly improving quality of life for residents and businesses.

“It is because of our strong economic management that we are able to continue to deliver both the mega projects and the smaller scale community projects that make such a big difference to how people live their lives each day.”

Minister for infrastructure, cities and active transport Rob Stokes said 17 headstocks weighing more than 90 tonnes each would be installed to support the flyover road.

“Businesses in Western Sydney and regional NSW have been integral to this project, with the headstocks manufactured in Picton using steel made in Western Sydney, all to support 34-metre long steel and concrete girders made in Maitland,” Stokes said.

“Sydney Gateway is great news for local residents also, giving them an additional

three kilometres of new pedestrian and cycle paths along the Alexandra Canal.

“Over the past decade, NSW has gone from being laggards to leaders on infrastructure and Sydney Gateway is yet another example of how we’re delivering a brighter future for NSW families.”

Minister for metropolitan roads Natalie Ward said Sydney Gateway will have the capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles daily and slash travel times to and from the airport when it opens to traffic at the end of 2024.

“One of the key features of Sydney Gateway is the landmark Australian steel arch bridge connecting to the international terminal, that will be wider than the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Ward said.

“This project will help slash travel times from Parramatta to Sydney Airport by up to 40 minutes in the morning peak, bypassing 26 sets of traffic lights.

“In addition to the travel time savings, the Sydney Gateway will also deliver stunning Indigenous artwork and designs on the flyover, walls, underpass, and paths, making for an iconic entrance to Australia’s largest airport for travellers and motorists.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR UNPLUGGED AND AUSTRAL CONSTRUCTION

CONTINUOUS INNOVATION LEADS TO ARRIVAL OF FIRST LIEBHERR UNPLUGGED Austral Construction recently announced it was about to take delivery of its first Liebherr LR 1160.1 unplugged (160t capacity) 100 per cent battery operated lattice boom crawler crane. It will be the first to arrive in the country.

THE UNPLUGGED SERIES OF CRAWLER CRANES have been in development for several years and momentum for the creation of the series has increased due to the changing emission standards in the EU. Over the last five to six years, Liebherr has had to change the engine tiers to not only comply with but to stay ahead of the emission regulations in developed countries. At the same time Liebherr has been developing the unplugged battery operated series of crawlers.

Andrew Wilder is the general manager of Liebherr-Australia. He provides background to the development process that led to the launch of the Liebherr unplugged series.

“Liebherr has the distinct advantage of manufacturing the majority of our engines in-house, so we can engineer an engine that suited our product and not rely on off-the-shelf OEM engines used in multiple machines,” said Andrew.

“The Liebherr research and development department are always looking for the next generation of machinery and technology. Based on customer feedback, increasing demand for zero emission job sites, and feedback from Liebherr offices around the world, the unplugged concept was born,” he said.

AUSTRAL CONSTRUCTION Established in 1979, then divested and sold to Keller Group in London, Austral Construction is well recognised for innovative marine piling and civil construction works.

Aaron Turner is the managing director of Austral Construction and Mark Johnson is the piling marine manager. Both Aaron and Mark have been with Austral for over 20 years. They

The Liebherr LR 1160 unplugged will be the sixth Liebherr crawler crane welcomed into the Austral Construction fleet.

24 / CAL August 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

provide the background to the purchase of the first Liebherr unplugged in the region.

“We own and operate a fleet of very specialist plant and equipment. The Liebherr LR 1160.1 unplugged will be the sixth Liebherr crawler crane we have welcomed into the fleet. We already operate two LR 1300s, two LR 1280s and a LR 1160 diesel powered crane,” said Aaron.

“We operate in many industry sectors, including mining and resources, and we service non-process infrastructure, including civil, structural, steel work erection, and building works. We also work in land-based and marine-based piling.

“Within our business, we have three ‘levers’ and we are working on these globally. One of these levers is sustainability, which isn’t just around environmental sustainability – it includes sustainability for us as a business, with a focus on operational excellence, reducing our carbon footprint, and training and developing our people,” said Aaron.

SELECTING THE LR 1160.1 UNPLUGGED “We picked the LR 1160.1 unplugged as a result of lift plans and studies that showed it would be the most appropriate crane in terms of the configuration of our yard, including its footprint and reach plus its ability to load the trucks that come in and out of the yard,” said Aaron.

“Because the crane will be based in the yard, we won’t be using it all day every day.

There will be times when we can charge the battery using solar power and not just off peak power, and we will be able to understand more about its capabilities and functionalities and how often we need to walk the crane and track it.”

FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF THE LR UNPLUGGED SERIES Andrew explains more about the features and benefits of the LR unplugged series when compared to the diesel equivalent.

“Besides the obvious environmental advantages, another distinct advantage of the LR unplugged series is that the lifting capacity, boom length options, etc. are 100 per cent the same as the equivalent diesel models,” he said.

“Over many years, our diesel LR cranes www.cranesandlifting.com.au

have been tested and loved by customers around the world.

We did not want to change this winning formula by producing a crane that was not up to the same high standard as our diesel LR range. Essentially, the diesel motor and tank have been replaced with an electric motor and batteries, everything else remains unchanged.

“The load charts and performance of the unplugged series remains the same as the diesel version. One could argue the overall performance is increased when factoring in overall cost of ownership, including fuel savings, reduced maintenance costs, reduced carbon footprint, and reduced environmental impact.”

Austral Construction is excited about the arrival of the LR 1160.1 unplugged and Aaron

The LR 1160.1 features a 136m maximum lifting height and maximum lifting radius of 84m – the same as for the diesel version.

“Once we have put the crane through its paces in the yard and we fully understand it’s battery life and functionality, we will look to move it onto projects in Melbourne’s CBD to demonstrate the benefits, including the lack of noise and engine emissions.” can already see numerous benefits with the battery powered crawler.

“Obviously the crane provides us with the ability to reduce diesel usage and we don’t have to change filters or oils. It also provides us with the ability to, again, work with Liebherr-Australia and train our people on how to maintain and service the next generation of electric cranes,” said Aaron.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE The arrival of the LR 1160.1 unplugged will also provide Austral with a competitive advantage in the market, said Aaron.

“Once we have put the crane through its paces in the yard and we fully understand it’s battery life and functionality, we will look to move it onto projects in Melbourne’s CBD to demonstrate the benefits, including the lack of noise and engine emissions,” he said.

As with its siblings – the 130-tonne capacity LR 1130.1 unplugged, the 200-tonne capacity LR 1200.1 unplugged, and the 250 tonne LR 1250.1 unplugged, with more models to come – the LR 1160.1 unplugged lattice boom crawler can be operated via a mains power cable, or untethered, on batteries.

On a full charge, the unplugged series averages approximately eight hours a day of crane operation, which should cover the majority of jobsites around the world, especially given that most crawler cranes are idle on site at least 50 per cent of the time.

The unplugged series can also operate whilst ‘plugged-in’ too, providing aroundthe-clock utilisation if required. Based on average crane usage, Liebherr expects an average of 10 years on the batteries and, even then, 80 per cent should still remain of the original charge capacity.

The LR 1160.1 unplugged features August 2022 CAL / 25

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR UNPLUGGED AND AUSTRAL CONSTRUCTION

“Via LiDAT, the Liebherr-Australia spare parts team can see the hours the cranes are working, and they can predict the types of spare parts we are going to need, and ensure these parts are available. The support we receive from Liebherr-Australia is fantastic,” said Mark.

The unplugged series can also operate whilst ‘plugged-in’, providing around-the-clock utilisation if required.

“In terms of a business justification perspective, we will save in the vicinity $80,000 a year on the purchase of diesel, servicing, and oils. When you factor in a 12-year life for the crane, we will be saving close to $1 million.” a 136m maximum lifting height and maximum lifting radius of 84m – the same as for the diesel version. A maximum boom and luffing jib combination of 52.1m plus 83m can be achieved, giving a total of 135.1m. On main boom only, with a 52.1m boom at 27m radius, the chart shows it will lift 21t.

Aaron goes on to discuss the benefits of working with Liebherr and operating Liebherr equipment.

“The technology behind Liebherr equipment, including the engineering, design quality of fabrication and the aftersales service and support, are all excellent. We have elected to have Liebherr as a crane of choice for Austral Construction,” he said.

BUSINESS CASE Aaron discusses the business case for the Liebherr LR 1160.1 unplugged.

“We understand new technology is going to be more expensive. We have been prepared to pay the premium from both an environmental and market perspective. We made the investment because we think the unplugged series is leading-edge technology 26 / CAL August 2022

and to have the first one delivered into the country is pretty cool.

“In terms of a business justification perspective, we will save in the vicinity of $80,000 a year. This is just in the purchase of diesel, servicing, and oils. When you look at the longevity of the crane and factor in a 12-year life, we will be saving over $1 million,” he said.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT Mark Johnson talks about the relationship Austral has with Liebherr when it comes to service and support for new and existing cranes. According to him, LiebherrAustralia provides service and support second to none.

“When we purchase and commission a new crane, we have a Liebherr-Australia technician onsite to help assemble the crane and help to train our guys on the new crane,” he said.

Liebherr has developed and delivered an excellent ‘over the phone’ support system and this includes an app that enables Austral to take a photo of the faulty part, send it to the Liebherr-Australia spare parts team, and they take it from there.

CHANGING RULES AND REGULATIONS AROUND EMISSIONS Governments are likely to dictate the uptake of electric construction equipment, including cranes, said Mark.

“We might be pioneers in terms of having an electric crane as a construction crane but as time moves on, we can see government regulations will dictate what happens on a construction site. In the Netherlands, for example, there is talk of diesel powered construction equipment being completely removed from construction sites by 2027.

“Being first to bring in this technology gives us a start on the market and provides us with an opportunity to manage the changes which are coming,” he said.

At present, the market for these cranes is in nations with stringent environmental emissions targets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, and, to a certain extent, the Asia Pacific region. More and more construction sites around the world are now enforcing zero emissions and Liebherr sees this trend increasing dramatically in the coming years, said Andrew Wilder.

“The infrastructure to support zero emission machinery on site will improve, especially in Australia, and many Tier 1 sites will make this mandatory. Perhaps not in Australia for next two to three years, but I would be surprised if this doesn’t occur soon after,” he said.

“Like all new technology, there were some initial challenges, but these were quickly ironed out with support from our head office in Austria. Today, the feedback from all customers who own or operate Liebherr unplugged cranes is very positive, and, I am pleased to say, Liebherr is now setting the standard for zero emission cranes in Europe and around the world.

This is a very positive step and showcases how Liebherr really is at the forefront of technology,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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Unplugged series

IN FOCUS / ANEWX, TRT AND KOBELCO

KOBELCO CRAWLER A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR SYDNEY FOUNDATION SPECIALIST AnewX, a specialist in complex urban civils and foundations, recently took delivery of Kobelco TK750GFS telescopic crawler.

TRT Australia’s Troy Hand hands over the Kobelco TK750GFS to AnewX’s Eddie Shanley.

28 / CAL August 2022

THE CRAWLER HAS SLOTTED INTO THE business perfectly and AnewX owners, general manager Eddie Shanley and operations manager Jack Longstaff, are delighted with its performance.

Shanley arrived in Australia in 1997 and he has been working in the piling and construction industries ever since.

He met Longstaff when both worked for another organisation, and they started AnewX in 2017.

“We could see a massive pipeline of infrastructure projects coming and many of these presented an opportunity for a specialised piling and civil foundation business,” he said.

“As Sydney was becoming increasingly congested, we thought the niche in the market to explore would be the smaller projects with smaller piling rigs and, so, we headed down that track,” said Shanley.

AnewX has grown significantly since these early plans and now operates seven piling rigs, two excavators, a concrete pump, and the Kobelco TK750GFS telescopic crawler. AnewX is an interesting name for the business and Shanley provides the story as to where it came from.

“We decided we didn’t want to ‘pigeonhole’ ourselves as a foundation piling company, as we could see there would be work for our machines in the civil sector as well, providing us with a far broader scope to work within.

“For us, the company name AnewX

means a new excellence and a new experience. That’s the thinking behind the name and our customers have responded very positively to the approach we take with our projects,” said Shanley.

He then goes on to discuss the reason for purchasing a telescopic crawler and why AnewX decided on the new Kobelco TK750GFS purchased through TRT Australia.

“Up until now, we have been hiring in external cranes on a number our piling and civil projects. We took at close look at the projects we could see www.cranesandlifting.com.au

A key reason AneX selected the Kobelco is the robust nature of the crane.

coming and it became apparent there was going to be a lot of work.

“Because of the amount of work, we could also see there might be a risk that our regular suppliers might not be able to hire us the cranes as they traditionally have. Last September we made the decision to purchase a crane and we took a look at what was available,” said Shanley.

Typically, when a crane is required for a project, AnewX will hire smaller 40t to 50t capacity cranes. Shanley explains why they’ve gone for a much larger capacity crane. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“With the amount of large projects coming online we decided a smaller capacity crane might be limiting. A larger capacity crane would enable us to look at a broader scope of works, including larger civil projects where bigger lifts are required,” he said.

“A key reason for the selecting the Kobelco is the robust nature of the crane. We use vibratory hammers and other hydraulic attachments on our projects and we know the Kobelco is designed and engineered to cope with this type of application.

“In our experience, other brands of

telescopic crawlers simply don’t cope.

Ultimately, we decided the Kobelco offered the business a broader scope in terms of the work it would be able to undertake,” he said.

The Kobelco TK750FS 75t capacity crawler is equipped with a Daimler 235kW diesel engine to provide the rugged power for the piling, foundation, and civil work.

The TK750FS has 208kN maximum line pull and 107.9kN-rated line pull on the main, auxiliary and third winch, and an operating weight of 74.8t. It also has 153kN maximum line pull and August 2022 CAL / 29

IN FOCUS / ANEWX, TRT AND KOBELCO

“A key feature for us is the robust nature of the boom – the hydraulic rams are significantly larger and stronger compared to other cranes.”

The Kobelco TK750FS 75t capacity crawler is equipped with a Daimler 235kW diesel engine to provide the rugged power for piling, foundation, and civil work.

68.7kN-rated line pull on the main and auxiliary winch, and an operating weight of 69.2 tonnes.

The telescopic crawler features a maximum lifting capacity of 75t at 3m and a telescopic boom length of 10m to 30.1m with a main hook maximum height of 30.4m The telescopic crawler cranes of the Kobelco TK750 Series combine the lifting power and high stability of crawler crane models with the excellent performance of an automatic boom extender/retractor.

AnewX worked with Troy Hand from TRT Australia during the sales process.

“We didn’t know Troy leading into the sales process, but we did know the Kobelco brand, and we’ve seen plenty of Kobelco crawlers out on sites. We know the brand has a long history with cranes and earthmoving 30 / CAL August 2022

equipment in Australia,” said Shanley.

“We spoke to Troy, and he was very professional throughout the sales process. He was also reassuring about the product and he confirmed the service and support TRT Australia would be providing in terms of aftersales. And he was right, the service has been excellent,” he said.

AnewX took delivery of the Kobelco TK750GFS in March. Troy and his team flew down from Brisbane and, with the AnewX operators and supervisors, the crane was commissioned. The crane has completed a number of projects, including major infrastructure work in the CBD. “It’s been used to lift 8t cages, big 1,250mm diameter casings, it has been operating vibrators, and generally supporting our piling operations,” said Shanley.

“The performance has been brilliant

and we are really impressed with the crane. The operators love the crane, they find it very user very friendly, it has a spacious cabin within which, everything is well laid out.

“The Kobelco TK750GFS is also very quick to set up and also quick to demobilise. When you get to site you can be set up and ready to lift within an hour.

“When you look at the design of the crane, it is quite apparent it is the result of traditional Japanese design, engineering, and manufacturing qualities.

“A key feature for us is the robust nature of the boom – the hydraulic rams are significantly larger and stronger compared to other cranes. In our opinion, the Kobelco TK750GFS telescopic crawler is bigger, stronger, and more robust than others in the same class,” said Shanley. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / CRANE CONNECTION AND MCPHAN CRANES AND TRANSPORT

LIEBHERR MAKES A SPLASH FOR MCPHAN CRANES McPhan Cranes and Transport recently took delivery of a Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 from The Baden Davis Crane Connection. It was quickly put to work on a complex pool lift.

The new Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 at work installing a pool.

MCPHAN CRANES DIRECTOR TONY MCPHAN provides feedback on the performance of the crane and his plans for it.

“I am delighted with the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2, it has already exceeded all of my expectations. The cranes’ performance is far better than I had anticipated,” he said.

“We’ve always had Liebherrs in our fleet, but from my perspective this LTM 1090-4.2 is leaps and bounds ahead and it has a real presence about it. It has been busy since it arrived and by promoting it to the greater Central Coast markets, we can see demand only increasing,” he said.

McPhan and his team have been impressed with the technology featuring in the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2.

“We’ve been impressed with the ‘bang 32 / CAL August 2022

for buck’ provided by the crane,” said McPhan.

“We have 60m of boom on four axles and the other technologies integrated into the crane, like the VarioBase, are really impressive. It is a very capable crane and, with the way it is designed, we can easily run it as a smaller capacity crane or with its full capabilities.

“Combined with our existing 100t heavy lift machine, this new addition to the fleet provides our customers with the largest capacities, in terms of both weight and reach, on the Central Coast,” he said.

McPhan used the services of Anthony Davis and the Baden Davis Crane Connection team to initially locate the crane, and then deliver it ready for action.

“When it comes to new additions to our fleet, I will always consult with Anthony and his team. We’ve worked with Anthony, Ben and Gerhard over many years. We bought our first 35t Liebherr all terrain from them almost 19 years ago,” said McPhan.

“Why do we use The Baden Davis Crane Connection to source our cranes?

Because I regard Anthony as a consummate professional, a personal friend, and key fleet advisor for our company.

“And Ben Baden and his team are our ‘go to’ for all our inspections and any significant repairs. Ben also provides an excellent service. It is a pleasure dealing with a family-oriented business with very similar synergies to ours,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The four-axle Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 provides a lifting capacity of 100t with 60m of main boom, a maximum lifting height of 76m, and radius of 62m. It also features outstanding mobility, power, and economy.

The LTM 1090-4.2 can be driven all over the world at low cost as it can be configured with a whole series of different axle loads for driving on roads and sites. ECOdrive and ECOmode reduce its fuel consumption and noise emissions, making it better for drivers and the environment. The Liebherr VarioBallast and VarioBase innovations enhance its capacity, safety, and flexibility.

McPhan confirms the new crane arrived amidst mixed reactions and emotions.

“There were people close to me and in the organisation who doubted the wisdom with the timing and risk of investing in the crane,” he said.

“My mum wasn’t one of them. She backed me 100 per cent and always encouraged me to trust my instincts. Unfortunately, she got sick during the crane’s delivery process and sadly passed two days before the crane arrived.

“So, I have dedicated the crane to the memory of my dear mum. There’s an inscription on the crane which reads ‘Fly High Mum’ and I know she is looking down and proud of what we are achieving as a business.

As a family, we strive every day to honour her legacy,” he said.

Recently, the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 was deployed for a ‘pool lift’ project. McPhan provides more details.

“The project started out as a typical owner builder and pool installer job, with the pool being installed by a Franna via the back of the property. Due to council regulations, this changed which meant there was no access and then the lift was delayed for several weeks due to the relentless wet weather,” he said.

“We’ve been working with the pool installer for a while, and he knows his business. He is always accurate with his estimations, and we work with him by visiting the site, assessing the challenges, and then advise on the right way of completing the lift.

“We’ve been managing the smaller lifts and, now, he’s seen what we can do with the larger capacity cranes in our fleet. He has also seen we have the required transport to support all of our cranes, large and small. We are grateful to not only service the work, but www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Tony McPhan is super proud of his new crane.

August 2022 CAL / 33

IN FOCUS / CRANE CONNECTION AND MCPHAN CRANE AND TRANSPORT

This lift required 17t of counterweight and 54m of boom.

to also have role in bringing satisfaction to their customers. It’s not every day you see a large crane lift a pool over a house and it is always a spectacle for the homeowner and their neighbours,” he said.

“With this lift, the Liebherr LTM 10904.2 required 17t of counterweight and 54m of boom, with the radius at 47m and around 70 per cent of the chart to land it in the hole.

“We are still feeling our way into the cranes’ capabilities, but the crane cruised through the lift. As we learn more about its capabilities our business approach of always ‘measuring twice and cutting once’, will see it heavily utilised.”

The cranes’ operator and the crew are also impressed with performance of the crane. Word is also getting around and more work for the crane is coming.

“Our operator has plenty of experience 34 / CAL August 2022

“We have a wide and varied customer base, including Tier 1 contractors in the power and infrastructure sectors through to clients in mining, councils, and private customers installing pools, spas, and everything in between,” said McPhan.

“We operate a mixed fleet of cranes and vehicles, which includes Frannas and all terrain mobile cranes. We also operate rigid trucks with vehicle mounted cranes and a tilt tray.

We have four Frannas in the fleet with capacities from 15t through to 25t.

With the all terrains, we range from 40t, 55t, 90t, and now 100t capacities. Our brands include Terex Franna, Tadano, and Liebherr. We continue to re-invest in our equipment to ensure the fleet is efficient and relevant and we work hard to maintain our reputation for delivering a prompt, professional, and personalised service. We focus on maintaining longterm relationships and I am delighted to say many our customers have been with us for the 20 years we have been in business.”

McPhan Cranes and Transport operates throughout the Central Coast and into the Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley regions. The business places a major emphasis on customer service and satisfaction, which helps to develop longterm relationships.

“We continue to re-invest in our equipment to ensure the fleet is efficient and relevant and we work hard to maintain our reputation for delivering a prompt, professional, and personalised service.” within our organisation and he’s also operated some big cranes here and overseas. The Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 is his baby, and he treats the crane as such. He continues to find new features and efficiencies with the machine. He is impressed with its capabilities, as are the rest of the crew.”

McPhan Cranes and Transport has been operating out of its 8,000 square metre yard in North Wyong on the Central Coast of New South Wales since June 2007, with plans to potentially relocate as the business continues to grow.

Safety and lift planning are integral to the way it operates, with measures in place to ensure lifts are conducted safely.

“Safety is the main priority with everything we do. We regularly conduct site inspections overlaid with the latest lift study software to equip our staff with all the information and tools to perform the service safely and efficiently. We like to visit a site before the lift and we will conduct an initial site consultation with the customer and then provide a documented lift study utilising current software where required,” said McPhan. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGGING AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

August 2022 CAL / 37

WELCOME TO BETWEEN HOOK AND LOAD The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and the Lifting Equipment Industry is very excited with the launch of this new Between Hook and Load feature in Cranes and Lifting magazine.

BETWEEN HOOK AND LOAD WILL BE a regular feature in the magazine and also on the digital platforms associated with it. Between Hook and Load is dedicated to highlighting the expertise within the lifting equipment industry, including coverage of the manufacture, sales, and support of specialised equipment as well as the criticality of dedicated specialist periodic inspections.

Between Hook and the Load is a great medium for LEEA members and affiliates to talk about their unique skills and specialities, and to identify the quality, competence, and knowledge in this niche area, said Justin Boehm, LEEA regional manager Australia and New Zealand.

“We have a vast array of firms who design and manufacture products and equipment, break [test] these products and equipment, and lift and shift almost anything. But one key point I’d obviously like to highlight is that full members of LEEA are highly trained and uniquely qualified to offer expert advice on lifting equipment testing, inspection, and certification.

“These firms have dedicated significant time and resources to ensure the knowledge held by their professional personnel are contemporary, up-to-date, and, ultimately, following world’s best practice,” said Boehm.

Over the past 12 months LEEA has matured further in the region to become the peak body representing the lifting equipment industry, as defined in terms of hook lifting apparatus and accessories.

“Within our membership, it’s expected that our lifting equipment 38 / CAL August 2022

“It then begs the question to those who choose not to use LEEA, why are you ‘trusting’ an underqualified person with expensive equipment and the value of the load?” testing, inspection and certification professionals are trained beyond the requirements outlined by standards.

These professionals leverage LEEA’s global reach in using global best practice guidelines to ensure every piece of equipment inspected for use in lifting operations is compliant and safe. The investment in regular training and knowledge sharing is what sets LEEA members apart,” said Boehm.

LEEA’s members offer a range of critical, service orientated solutions for all users in industry

sectors, including construction, infrastructure, mining, marine and offshore, manufacturing, wind, energy and ports. LEEA is there supporting these members to ensure everyday practice is best practice.

“It then begs the question to those who choose not to use LEEA, why are you ‘trusting’ an underqualified person with expensive equipment and the value of the load?” said Boehm.

“If you were forced to stand under a load, wouldn’t you want the person inspecting the lifting gear to be the best?” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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Everything is stored under one roof and is always ready to go. All equipment is issued with current certification, and we work with the client to supply exactly what is needed when it is needed.

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IN FOCUS / DYNAMIC RIGGING HIRE

KEEPING RIGGING DYNAMIC IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF LIFTING SAFELY The capacity of cranes continues to increase at an astronomical rate. We are seeing 500t all terrain cranes becoming common place in the industry and capacities now reach 1,200 tonnes. Rigging equipment needs to keep pace with the sheer weight of lifting that is completed on site. Dynamic Rigging Hire is investing in the right equipment to ensure it keeps pace with these developments.

The Dynamic Rigging equipment has been an important addition on sites and is durable enough to last in harsh environments.

40 / CAL August 2022

THE LIFTING INDUSTRY IS BECOMING more and more complex – the sheer number of sites requiring robust cranes that can lift greater amounts is astounding.

Dynamic Rigging is living up to its name, keeping pace with the fastmoving crane industry with a continued investment strategy in a diverse range of products.

Ross Johnson, the manager for Dynamic Rigging Hire, is astonished by some of the lifts and the technology that is required to complete them safely.

“Lifts continue to grow in their complexities. We have to be able to deliver for clients both a diverse but also a high quality range of products,” said Johnson.

Johnson and the team at Dynamic Rigging Hire provide a range of equipment that helps crane owners supplement their rigging gear and with specialty rigging products.

“It is interesting – in the crane industry, a lot of the operators have a fair bit of their own lifting gear but, at times, the needs of rigging gear outstrips the crane client’s own stock or, due to supply chain issues, they are unable to source at those critical times,” he said.

“We often also have times where the client may own the equipment but may not be currently certified, they cannot find the paperwork or, sometimes, they can’t even find the gear itself when they are about to head out on site.

“Owners of these small to medium crane businesses tell us they are sick of buying and owning the equipment,

because it gets lost, left behind, or damaged.

“Hiring rigging gear, much like the rental of capital construction equipment, means the rigging gear is supplied through a formal inventory management system, has current certification and is tagged then simply handed back on completion of the lift.”

According to Johnson, utilising the services and the equipment offered

by Dynamic Rigging Hire ensures the management of this equipment is taken out of the hands of the crane crews.

“Everything has a periodic inspection criteria, which is determined by Australian Standards. These work alongside the manufacturers’ standards and guidelines, which determine how often equipment should be checked for wear and tear, along with any faults,” Johnson said.

“These inspections can occur either quarterly, every six months, or annually and, of course, we maintain this inspection regime vigilantly. Once a piece of equipment is out with a client and it gets returned to us, that equipment gets inspected in the same manner as if it was receiving an annual inspection,” Johnson said.

“Equipment hired say 15 times over 12 months will effectively receive 15 annual inspections. For us, it makes sense to inspect the equipment after every use just so we can ensure it is completely up to standard, that it hasn’t been damaged, and is ready for the next project,” he said.

When a product is returned it is www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Dynamic Rigging’s flat rack made the arrival of the mini excavator a simple task.

“Every piece of equipment has a certificate, everything is tagged and in good order. They are absolving themselves of those headaches and ensuring they can work on Tier One sites with minimal fuss.” cleaned and inspected. Before it is sent out again it is again checked to ensure nothing was missed in the original inspection.

Dynamic Rigging Hire’s lifting equipment allows operators working on Tier One construction sites to ensure everything meets the strict standards and compliances employed on these sites.

“If you are working for a Tier One building company, you have to be double, triple checking your equipment, ensuring it as absolutely up to scratch.

It must meet the strict criteria enforced

by Tier One sites, with all of the correct documentation,” Johnson said.

“It’s not just about large capacity high value gear either as a significant part of our business caters for those minor odd pieces of rigging gear that can stop the simplest of lifts. Pre-cast lifting clutches – the bane of the crane industry – are well www.cranesandlifting.com.au

catered for so the client doesn’t need to own all the brands in all the sizes.

“We often receive calls early in the morning where a site has trucks in the street loaded with panels below a tower crane and the correct type of pre-cast lifting clutch isn’t on site. This is a costly delay and we respond to these calls promptly.

“Every piece of equipment has a certificate, everything is tagged and in good order. They are absolving themselves of those headaches and ensuring they can work on Tier One sites with minimal fuss,” he said.

For Dynamic Rigging Hire the quality of the products it invests in is pivotal to the success of its customers’ projects.

Wherever possible, it utilises Australian made products to ensure they are of the right standard to withstand the rigours of working on site, said Johnson.

“We always like to go with known brands. Wherever possible it is Australian made. Maxirig in Geelong manage all of our fabrication – they fabricate our spreader beams among many other products,” Johnson said.

“We buy predominantly SpanSet or United slings, also Australian made, so we have a lot of faith in the products, which allows us to say to our clients with 100 per cent confidence ‘they are up to the challenges they will face on site’.”

“The rest of our range are known quality brands, we avoid the cheaper end of the market. I know a lot of people purchase second hand equipment but we purchase new, so we have the manufacturers’ warranty and, as the product is used and ages, we know everything about its history.”

Dynamic Rigging Hire will work closely with the client and, when approached with a lift plan, the team will find the correct rigging solution.

“A company will come to us and explain the lift they have planned, and we will work closely with them to understand it and establish what equipment may be required to complete August 2022 CAL / 41

IN FOCUS / DYNAMIC RIGGING HIRE

The water bag tests are ideal for difficult areas to bring standard weights.

points are the side trunnions, and this allows clear lifting using a dedicated spreader beam to keep the slings away from the load.

Securing the load are five lashing points along each side, and forklift pockets are incorporated for empty loading. The flat rack has found use as a platform for load tests on factory cranes, while steel weights loaded on the rack can test the capacity of the crane and allows for quick and simple testing.

“A recent use for the flat rack came on site when a mini excavator needed to be transferred to the basement level of the site,” Johnson explained.

“The machine was chained to the lashing points on the side of the flat rack, the tower crane then lowered the flat rack and excavator into basement allowing a quick transition onto site.”

For Dynamic Rigging Hire, the testing of products on cranes, such as utilising the flat rack, has become a core component of the company and an array of testing options ensure they can test

completion of the test, simplifying the task for operators.

“These bags can be used to test up to 200 tonnes and we are often using them on offshore rigs, factory cranes, and in yards,” Johnson said.

As with all rigging equipment sent out on site by Johnson and Dynamic Rigging Hire, clients are emailed certificates and user notes to ensure all the pivotal information and information and documentation is available if required.

“We are transitioning across to a new platform that will allow us to go completely paperless. This will remove a lot of headaches for operators as the required information will be at their fingertips as opposed to in binders containing pages and pages of information,” Johnson said.

The Dynamic Rigging Hire team has recognised the importance of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and what the organisation offers in terms of training.

“We are development members of

“We are development members of LEEA and a number of the team have been through the full LEEA courses for inspection of equipment and the training has been invaluable for them.” it. Sometimes there is a risk when investing in bespoke equipment for a particular lift, but if it is required to create the solution, we’ll make the investment,” Johnson said.

Some of the impressive equipment Dynamic Rigging Hire has invested in has been Ingersoll Rand pneumatic chain hoists, which come in 12t and 25t models. Another product that excites the Dynamic Rigging Hire team is the 35t flat rack that has a vast array of uses in the lifting sector. The 35t flat rack is ideal for lifting difficult loads that don’t have lifting points or may move or turn if lifted directly.

Other equipment like small machinery can also be loaded and secured for lifting to the flat rack.

Measuring 5.5m x 2.2m, the lifting 42 / CAL August 2022

with a range of weights and capacities.

Dynamic is the Australian agent for Seaflex, a UK-based water load bag manufacturer. Load testing cranes is one of Dynamic’s key specialities and orange water load bags regularly proof load test cranes where steel or concrete weights are not practical or economical to do so.

“Because we are only transporting empty bags, which are then filled on site, and not the actual weights to test the equipment, we greatly reduce transport costs and they also provide us with greater access to more challenging sites,” Johnson said.

The water bags are hired with a technician to ensure they are set up correctly. This includes the hoses, load cells, and rigging and then the demobilisation of the equipment at the

LEEA and a number of the team have been through the full LEEA courses for inspection of equipment and the training has been invaluable for them,” Johnson said.

“As a business, we recognised early on that being members of LEEA was vitally important, not simply for training but to be involved with an organisation that represents our industry and is pivotal in fighting for improvements in the sector,” he said.

Finally though a Melbourne-based business, Dynamic has clients across all of regional Victoria and regularly freights rigging gear into other states. Deliveries to locations like Olympic Dam in SA and Tasmania for example is all part of the day-to-day operations at Dynamic Rigging Hire. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

For safer and more efficient crane operations buildai.construction | info@buildai.com.au | 0499 712 371

Visibility Efficiency Safety

IN FOCUS / BUILDAI

ENABLING DATA-DRIVEN CONSTRUCTION BuildAI has only recently made its foray into the construction but, even in a short period, it is making strides to bring the industry to the forefront of technology advancements.

The BuildAI equipment has been an asset on sites it has been put to use.

BUILDAI WAS FOUNDED IN 2018 TO enable more productive and safer work practices across the construction industry.

CEO and founder Kristian Butcher explains some of the challenges the construction sector face when adapting to new technology.

“Construction is a fragmented field requiring a lot of labour-intensive hours. There is poor communication and a lack of data transparency, leading to the inefficiencies which currently characterise the industry,” Butcher said.

“This current model places incredible 44 / CAL August 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The BuildAI technology provides an extra set of eyes for crane operators to ensure everyone working in the vicinity is safe.

stress on the individuals that work in our industry, which is why we wanted to be part of the solution. BuildAI is not about replacing jobs, instead, artifical technology [AI] is used to provide more connected productive work environments and to give employees flexibility they never had, which means more time with their families.”

Leveraging AI technology, including computer vision and deep experience in construction and commercial environments, BuildAI supports project delivery teams to optimise the critical path. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Integral to the critical path of any project is the safe and efficient operation of the crane, since it’s the timely movement of materials from the delivery zone to the work face that drives the progression of critical activities.

Coordinating material deliveries and lift plans is a daily occurrence and requires constant rescheduling to meet overall project program milestones.

Often this is done manually and lacks transparency for all relevant participants such as sub-contractors, material suppliers, and project management.

This dynamic environment places

crane operation teams under pressure, while requiring the highest safety standards are maintained.

In conjunction with industry experts, BuildAI created a gamechanging innovation called CraneCast to support safer and more efficient crane operations.

CraneCast is the crane driver’s extra set of eyes to look out for those working in the vicinity, monitoring every lift with unprecedented vision streamed live to the driver’s cabin. CraneCast is fitted with the latest camera technology, providing high-resolution vision in August 2022 CAL / 45

IN FOCUS / BUILDAI

The equipment can be easily fitted to cabins.

multiple directions, including sideways, to see what’s nearby during slewing.

This vision maximises the driver’s situational awareness at the hook to reduce risk to people, plant, and structures in the vicinity of the lift.

Effective crane management remains a significant challenge to constructors as crane activity can’t be effectively managed with evidence.

In addition to the vision, the system is capable of capturing data of every movement and relaying this in real-time to a cloud-based software platform that automatically produces lift, load, rated capacity, and overall utilisation and efficiency statistics.

This provides crane and site management with automated lift schedules and reporting on planned vs actual lifts, understanding of how the cranes are performing in real-time, and ultimately improve crane management with data-driven decision-making.

46 / CAL August 2022

As the system can automatically generate lifting logs with the crane time categorised, it can integrate with other existing crane booking or delivery scheduling software packages such as Voyage Control – helping you get the most out of your resources.

With this ultimate transparency of what the crane is doing, project delivery teams have their finger on the pulse of all critical path activities. Productivity rates can be measured, forecasts of upcoming activities can be accurately scheduled, and program risk indicators can be calculated.

The physical dimensions of the device have been intentionally designed to mimic ponder weights used on tower cranes. The unit is less than 200kg and housed in a polymer shell that is engineered to withstand the impact of regular crane operations.

It is supplied with its own rigging assembly that can be easily attached

to existing chain setup. The rigging assembly, including hook, has been proof tested to 32t capacity.

CraneCast is fully independent, using battery power and wifi connectivity, so there’s no need for cabling runs across the boom. This means it can be fitted to luffing, hammerhead cranes, crawler and allterrain cranes. The system also comes with a device stand that remains on site, to enable safe and efficient servicing.

Marr Contracting is among the first to experience the benefits of CraneCast.

“CraneCast’s technology is a game changer for our industry,” said Simon Marr, managing director of Marr Contracting.

“Although there are lots of crane cameras out there, CraneCast’s unique ability to provide a 360-degree view and capture data is the missing link for us in delivering even safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions for clients.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

VIEW OUR RANGE

For more information on how we can support your lifting and rigging requirements, contact our specialists on 1300 543 846 or info@bullivants.com or visit www.bullivants.com

Celebrating of supplying solutions across Australia

IN FOCUS / BULLIVANTS

Bullivants has a range of products to suit any lift required on site.

EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATIONS THE KEY TO LIFTING SOLUTIONS Bullivants is a name synonymous with the lifting industry. Calling on its extensive experience and expertise in the industry, Bullivants continues to develop products that impress in the lifting sector.

48 / CAL August 2022

BULLIVANTS IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S largest, most established and yet progressive specialist providers of lifting, rigging, testing, and related inspection services to the industrial sector. For over 130 years, Bullivants has been a business that is all about safety.

Bullivants is a part of the Wesfarmers network, ensuring it has backing to continue developing industry-leading service and solutions for many years to come. With 18 branches and over 260 employees nationally, the approach for Bullivants is always the same across each branch, providing consistent service and quality.

Located in five major capital cities, including Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, Bullivants has six key resource hubs as well as regional branches nationally, sustaining a high level of

service to its customers.

Safety is always the highest priority for Bullivants, exemplified by the company’s zero harm policy, which is in action across the network.

By understanding the serious risks involved in the lifting and rigging industry, Bullivants’ zero harm philosophy supports customer safety and efficiency goals.

Adam Esho is an area sales manager for Bullivants, and he explains why the zero harm policy is so important for the Bullivants team.

“Zero harm is in our DNA. It is something we strive to do in every part of every day,” he said.

“We find that safety is a cultural issue – if you don’t practise zero harm in every action you take, it doesn’t become second nature. It transcends the workplace into the home like www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“Zero harm is in our DNA. It is something we strive to do in every part of every day. We find that safety is a cultural issue – if you don’t practise zero harm in every action you take, it doesn’t become second nature.” wearing the right PPE when mowing your lawn,” Esho said.

Bullivants provides key services to cover all risk management areas for inspection, rigging, lifting, restraint, recovery, and height safety requirements.

Bullivants has worked with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for over 60 years and has maintained NATA accreditation in all 18 locations of its business for ISO17020 Visual Inspection and ISO17025 Mechanical Testing, as well as its specialised NATA accredited laboratory in Shanghai, China.

NATA is Australia’s leading accreditation body, assessing organisations against a number of international standards for inspection bodies, mechanical and proficiency testing scheme providers and reference material producers.

The benefits of Bullivants’ long association with NATA and NATA accreditation to the international inspection and testing standards (ISO17020 and ISO17025) mean that customers are provided with assurance around product compliance and technical systems for manufacture, testing, and inspection in our industry.

The company is committed to ensuring that the product and services provided to customers are of the highest quality and performance, and have the capability to maintain compliance standards.

For over 10 years Bullivants’ training manager Andrew Taylor has been working closely with the crane industry and its peak body CICA, representing it on the relevant Australian Standards committee.

Having been in the lifting and rigging industry for over a century, Bullivants www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The lifting and rigging gear from Bullivants is utilised on sites across the country.

recognises that building strong longterm partnerships with exclusive and key suppliers is essential to the survival of a business and understanding the needs of the industry.

These partnerships provide unique opportunities for product development, as well as ensuring Bullivants has the right stock available for customers when needed.

Together with its long-term suppliers, Bullivants can work with all customers to solve their lifting challenges.

Scott Gundry, national sales manager of Bullivants, recognises that when lifting equipment arrives on site, it might not be of the expected quality or may even be damaged.

“When this happens, we generally get a phone call from our crane partners looking for support in obtaining the correct lifting gear or to conduct an inspection on equipment that has expired from its previous inspection. This is where Bullivants provides our just-in-time service

to our crane partners,” Gundry said.

“Whether it’s manufacturing a new chain sling, cutting a new wire rope or even attending a site to inspect a rope on a crane with broken wires, Bullivants understands these time pressures put on crane companies and does everything it can to support the outcomes customers are looking for.

“With our national branch coverage, specialist lifting salespeople and versatile manufacturing capability, we deliver on these expectations when the time pressure is on.

“We understand the importance of minimising downtime in the crane industry. To ensure downtime is kept to a minimum our services enable our team to respond quickly and efficiently to enquiries and provide a complete solution to our customers.

“Our NATA ISO1720 inspections continue to help manage risk and provide you with confidence to use your equipment August 2022 CAL / 49

IN FOCUS / BULLIVANTS

with the knowledge that it will comply with the strict Australian Standards and your site requirements,” he said.

Bullivants ensures diligent inspections are only carried out by trained and approved field services technicians to deliver a high-quality service.

Following each inspection process, Bullivants provides a comprehensive listing of all assets registered both electronically in its Bullivants asset management system (BEAM) and in hard copy format.

The BEAM system is designed to provide maximum operational efficiency and access to data when dealing with onsite inspections and lifting gear registers.

Bullivants is truly a market leader, tailoring a training program for its team members to ensure they continue to develop their skills.

“To ensure our staff are capable to serve our customers, we have built over many decades a training curriculum that helps them understand the lifting and rigging market, the products, and services that we offer and that encompasses how they are manufactured, how they are used, repaired or serviced, recertified, and all the relevant

reference guide that can be kept on hand in the pocket, cab, or toolbox for operators.

This guide is supported by the Australian Standards and designed to help make the correct decision on type and size of sling required when selecting the lift requirements for an application.

Esho explains the feedback from operators and riggers who have used the RigCheck card.

“Riggers know their stuff, but sometimes on site they can second guess themselves,” Esho explained.

“Having the RigCheck card available takes the guesswork out of knowing the loads and angles. It is a simple tool to help keep everyone safe.”

“The courses we deliver internally to our teams and to our customers range from slinging awareness and safe use of lifting equipment sessions, lifting toolbox talks, and a suite of accredited programs.”

Australian or international standards,” Gundry said.

“The courses we deliver internally to our teams and to our customers range from slinging awareness and safe use of lifting equipment sessions, lifting toolbox talks and a suite of accredited programs.

“Our field service technicians undertake around 220 hours of training, both theory and practical, and are mentored alongside the more experienced team members before receiving their approval and a Bullivants FST license,” he said.

To further support its customers, Bullivants have excellent tools available to increase an understanding of lifting loads safely.

This includes the RigCheck card, an easy 50 / CAL August 2022

Maintenance and storage of products before and after use is also extremely important.

The Bullivants catalogue provides the end user with significant care and use guides on their product ranges to ensure equipment is kept in the best possible condition for use.

Adam Esho explains how Bullivants continues to develop fresh products and revolutionise the industry.

“As a bespoke manufacturer of lifting equipment, we always look for more efficient ways to help our customers complete their lifts,” he said.

“We help ensure our lifting equipment is lightweight, without handicapping the customer’s ability to lift more weight. Our

fibre rope solutions are an example of this.

Another great example is our Multimeter Powertex high performance range of slings.

These are lightweight and can lift some serious loads,” he said.

Bullivants is also heavily involved in supporting Indigenous engagement.

Partnering with the Clontarf Foundation, Bullivants offers school-based traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men, employing trainees part time while also supporting their education, discipline, life skills, and self-esteem.

“At Bullivants, we teach our trainees the operations of our warehouse as well as the importance that safety plays in the workplace. This provides essential learning experiences and potentially future full time post school employment prospects with Bullivants. This program shows great success as we continue to grow our traineeships nationally,” Gundry said.

Bullivants also supports two Indigenous University students studying engineering.

Introduced in 2019, the Bullivants Indigenous Scholarship Program provides $10,000 of financial support per annum to each student, enabling them to achieve their dreams of becoming engineers.

Funded through the sales of selected Bullivants alloy chain slings a portion is contributed towards this program.

“We are grateful and thank all our customers for their support in purchasing these products,” Gundry said.

“We are proud to invest in the education of our trainees and scholars as they represent the future of the lifting and rigging industry.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

IN FOCUS / SLINGRAKZ

SLINGRAKZ’S INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO RIGGING EQUIPMENT STORAGE Lifting and rigging equipment is heavy to handle and awkward to store properly. The SlingRakz range of storage and handling solutions for lifting and rigging products has been specifically developed in response to a changing working environment.

ANYONE WORKING IN A BUSY CRANE hire business, or the lifting industry at large, will have encountered a situation where this critical equipment has been dumped rather than stored.

Essentially these are pieces of safety equipment and not only is it inadvisable to house in this way, it also makes it difficult to lift and handle the equipment and hard to assess the condition the equipment is in.

“Our aim is to develop products that will make lifting equipment easier to handle and create orderly storage solutions,” said Steve Anderson, manager of SlingRakz.

“Our products are designed for businesses that don’t have an organised area for their lifting and rigging gear. We’ve seen how our products transform a disorganised situation into a system where the equipment is well managed and maintained.

“The continuous handling and storage of heavy chains and rigging equipment requires dedicated equipment and that’s where the SlingRakz range come in,” he said.

Modern health and safety regulations makes it inadvisable to manually haul and drag heavy chains,

The SlingRakz range of storage and handling solutions for lifting and rigging products has been specifically developed in response to a changing working environment.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

August 2022 CAL / 51

IN FOCUS / SLINGRAKZ

THE PRODUCTS ARE MANUFACTURED IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED BY PARTNERS IN EACH STATE IN AUSTRALIA WA – The Rigging Shed, Total Lifting, Lifting Gear Hire & Sales VIC – Lifting Victoria, Elevate & Alpha Rigging NSW – On Call Lifting, All-Ways Rigging, Mr Lift IT QLD – Stenhouse Lifting & All-Rig NT – Stenhouse Lifting SA – Schillings Hoisting Equipment & LiftQuip Australia TAS – Webster Lifting

slings and equipment around a workshop or crane yard. A changing demographic in the workplace may require solutions to make it easier to handle this equipment by different people of different ages and sexes.

Efficient equipment management and testing protocols are important for traceability and safety.

The SlingRakz range of professionally designed racking, storage, and safe handling products are designed to minimise manual handling, minimise physical lifting, allow for easier, more orderly storage, and reduce manpower requirements.

“The workforce in this industry sector is changing and safe workplace practices are going to dictate how the handling of heavy equipment is managed into the future. That’s where our SlingRakz products will really make a difference,” said Anderson.

SlingRakz has been developing a number of new products including two ranges of smaller racks.

The SR15 range of Mini Mobile 52 / CAL August 2022

SlingRakz products are designed for businesses that don’t have an organised area for their lifting and rigging gear.

“We regularly see how our products transform a disorganised situation into a system where the equipment is well managed, maintained, and inspected.”

Rigging Racks have a small enough footprint to wheel through isles of parts and site stores. The racks have a capacity of 200kg and come in three styles including a 14-hook, 26-hook, and a seven-hook, five-pin option.

The SR24 Range is a floor rack ideally suited for storage areas that don’t have wall space. The racks are free standing and double sided. There

are four styles starting at 14 hooks through to 26 hooks.

With a footprint of 1m x 1m x 0.8m the SR19 SlingBuddy is ideal for long legged slings. It features fork tine pockets and heavy duty castor wheels.

The SlingBuddy is available for a single sling or dual sling options with chain brackets. Soft sling brackets are currently being developed.

The SR 50 range are modules for walls or containers. With various option available in bars, pins, and bins the SR 50 range can be mixed and matched to meet specific requirements.

“As interest in the SlinRakz range of products gathers momentum, so does the level of enquiries we are receiving and the type of enquires is increasingly varied,” said Anderson.

“We are terrific response from the local lifting and rigging industry and www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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there has been a lot of interest from international markets as well.

“We recently shipped five rigging racks and a SlingBuddy to a nuclear power station in Albuquerque in the United States, some equipment has been delivered to Boeing in Seattle, and some Chain Buddies to a plant in Wisconsin,” he said.

The SlingRakz Chain Buddies and chain racks allow the user to lift directly without the need to lug, drag, or straddle heavy chains and wire slings. This eliminates the weight on the back and shoulders of the user and, at the same time, makes the storage more orderly and organised.

As well as the Chain Buddy and chain racking, SlingRakz offers standard and budget style racking and storage. Wall mounted, floor or fixed, mobile, pedestal, cages, caddies, and bins are available, plus the company can make special requests to order.

Health and safety regulations makes it inadvisable to manually haul and drag heavy chains, slings, and equipment around a workshop or crane yard.

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STORAGE & HANDLING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR LIFTING & RIGGING EQUIPMENT

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August 2022 CAL / 53

IN FOCUS / ANDROMEDA INDUSTRIES

XL SUPERFLEX SLINGS – BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

Andromeda Industries is increasing the range of Superflex slings to cater for heavier lifts.

The larger slings will retain the ultra-flexible nature of the original product by using the same wire rope construction.

54 / CAL August 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

NEW MAXIMUM CAPACITIES WILL BE 80t in a straight lift and 330t cradled.

These larger slings will retain the ultra-flexible nature of the original product by using the same wire rope construction.

The decision to do this was made two years ago when the

company designed, assembled, and commissioned a new 30m-long mechanical braider to manufacture larger Superflex cables to 96mm diameter. In addition, a 4,200 tonne press was ordered and is being supplied by Talurit from Sweden and 350t test bench was also ordered from Wirop in Korea.

“Every sling we make is ‘to-order’, meaning we don’t keep any assembled slings in stock,” says business development manager Scott Taylor.

“In addition to this, our lead times have always been very short and this will be the same with the larger slings.

Whether it is an 80t sling or 168t strop, our turnaround times will not change, we will generally have the product assembled, tested, and dispatched within one week of receiving the purchase order. This allows customers to receive their order several weeks earlier, compared to current the delays being experienced when purchasing product from overseas. This can be vital on large projects where there are significant costs for delays.

“Our increased range now means

we can assist more industries with our larger range of slings. This allows us to manufacture our Deano Strop to a capacity of 165t. The Deano Strop is a sling that is used to provide a single lifting point under a ramshorn hook.

It was designed to replace the need to use headrings [which can be ill fitting] and the need to use stinger slings,” said Taylor.

The superior flexibility of the Superflex, even in the larger sizes, has enabled Andromeda Industries to provide 24-0 (96mm diameter) in a shorter length for a special lift. It was able to provide a sling of 168t capacity at a 2.5m effective length.

“We are also able to work with the customer to design and manufacture slings and strops for specialty jobs, such as lifting and turning bridge pylons on the level crossing upgrades in Melbourne, which require a durable easy-to-handle sling, and for the stripping of billets in an aluminium smelter, which requires excellent gripping qualities while being pliable enough to not mark the product,” said Taylor.

“We are also able to work with the customer to design and manufacture slings and strops for specialty jobs.”

Andromeda Industries can now manufacture the Deano Strop to a capacity of 165t. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The existing Superflex sling range has been used for offshore work for many years and the larger slings will be useful due to their flexibility, which means they remain in service longer.

Issues with conventional wire rope slings include their weights, rigidity, storage and handling, defects like bends, kinks and flatness. The larger Superflex slings have dual qualities that can satisfy both the synthetic and conventional wire rope features of flexibility and abrasion resistance.

August 2022 CAL / 55

IN FOCUS / BUNZL

BUNZL SAFETY’S SLINGMAX HEAVY LIFTING SLINGS AN ASSET Bunzl Safety and rigging go hand in hand. One of the pre-eminent companies in the lifting sector, Bunzl Safety continues to develop game-changing products such as its Slingmax heavy lifting slings.

56 / CAL August 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Bunzl Safety’s twin path slings can stand up to the rigours of most lifting applications.

THE TWIN PATH HEAVY LIFTING SLINGS have been an impressive addition to the Australian lifting sector after being widely utilised internationally.

The twin path sling itself is not a new invention, used for over 20 years within multiple industries. However, Bunzl has developed the latest iteration to stand up to the rigours of working in the lifting industry.

The slings are precise, strong, and versatile but are far lighter than wire rope slings. This, coupled with added safety features, ensures lifts are performed quicker and safer.

An important addition to the slings is the K-Spec core fibre technology, which is a unique proprietary blend of high-performance fibre that will not stretch under load, allowing accurate planning for heavy lifts.

“The slings are simple to handle, 80 per cent lighter than wire rope and chain slings, and 50 per cent lighter

us that they are extremely versatile and the 3-in-1 safety features give them significant levels of confidence and peace of mind when lifting with the slings.”

The twin path sling design has been important in improving safety for lifting. Each path alone is capable of lifting the rated working load limit, ensuring any faults in the system will not result in a catastrophic failure.

Safety is a top priority for Bunzl.

SlingMax twin path slings have less than one per cent elongation at working load limits, so operators can be confident in the margins of the sling.

The Check-Fast system provides for quick and effective pass/fail inspection of the internal load bearing core yarn.

Damage to the core yarn from fibreon-fibre abrasion, fatigue, and severe overload can be detected. If the sling is mistakenly loaded beyond rated

“Bunzl Safety customers have told us that it is extremely versatile and the three-in-one safety features gives them significant levels of confidence and peace of mind when lifting with the slings.” than polyester slings,” said Amy Paris, Bunzel Safety category manager – lifting and materials handling.

“The low weight allows rigging to be made far simpler. Being lightweight, they are easier to store and, in turn, they can be loaded into utes or cars with ease, lowering the instances of damage.”

The Covermax exterior provides numerous benefits. The slings do not absorb moisture, allowing them to be used for off-shore and salvage work, and are four times more resistant to abrasions when compared to common nylon or polyester.

Feedback from customers has been excellent for the twin path slings.

“They have been impressed by the lightweight design and how well products have performed,” said Paris.

“Bunzl Safety customers have told www.cranesandlifting.com.au

capacity, the early warning indicator, which is the internal load bearing core yarn, will disappear before the sling fails.

For those unfamiliar with the lifting sector, slings and rigging gear can seem simple. Slings appear to be just some some fabric used to lift heavy objects.

The twin path slings from Bunzl demonstrate the sheer amount of technology that has gone into them.

A major breakthrough for improved break strength is the spinning or helical winding of the core yarn. This process increases the slings’ breaking strength by 18 per cent without the need for any additional core yarn.

The optional fibre optic cable provides another simple and effective method of inspection. A light shone through one end of the fibre optic August 2022 CAL / 57

IN FOCUS / BUNZL

The K-Spec core fibre has been revolutionary for the industry

cable will travel throughout the body of the sling and shine out the other end. A light that does not pass through the sling may indicate heat or chemical damage.

The twin-path slings from Bunzl Safety centre around proving added protection for those using the lifting gear to ensure all lifts are completed safely.

58 / CAL August 2022

“It is a very important part of Bunzl Safety business – to ensure our customers maintain, record, and inspect their lifting equipment regularly to ensure it is safe for use.”

There are two independent cores of K-Spec fibre in the one sling, so if a single path is damaged in use, the second path will perform as a backup and maintain control until the load is lowered.

The twin path helps reduce the potential for catastrophic material mishandling.

Another early warning system is

built into twin path slings through the use of two independent colourcoded covers.

If the outer cover is cut, the red inner cover is instantly visible, providing a visual alert to remove the sling from service. As long as the inner core yarns are not damaged, twin-path slings can be repaired with bulked nylon patches, proof tested, and re-certified.

Whilst Bunzl Safety is one of the largest suppliers of rigging gear in Australia, it has not lost sight of the cornerstone of its business: service.

Taking the time to ensure inspectors are well trained has been imperative for Bunzl Safety.

All inspectors have been trained by LEEA and utilise electronic inspection technology to deliver a high-quality service for those using the lifting gear.

Running alongside the high-quality trainers is NATA accredited testing and repairs in most branches, as well as mobile testing facilities.

Amy Paris explains why the testing service is so important to Bunzl Safety and the users of its equipment.

“It is a very important part of the Bunzl Safety business – to ensure our customers maintain, record, and inspect their lifting equipment regularly to ensure it is safe for use.

“We have a fantastic Field ID Asset management system, which is user friendly for our customers to log in and use,” she said.

“We work with them to understand their unique site needs and provide a complete safety asset and uniform management solution for their requirements.” www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Australia Made Slings lifting professionals first choice.

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IN FOCUS / THE CROSBY GROUP

THE CROSBY GROUP ACQUIRES AIRPES The Crosby Group, a global leader in lifting, rigging, and load securement hardware, has announced that it has acquired Airpes Sistemas Integrales de Manutencion Y Pesaje S.L. AIRPES, BASED IN BARCELONA, Spain, is a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative lifting, handling, and weighing solutions for customers in the wind energy and industrial markets. Airpes’ highly engineered solutions, such as its yoke blade clamp, ensure safe and efficient wind turbine installation and maintenance.

Airpes will be part of The Crosby Group’s rapidly expanding Technology Solutions portfolio, along with Crosby BlokCam, Crosby Straightpoint, and its investment in Verton. This portfolio combines robust technology and the highest quality lifting and rigging hardware 60 / CAL August 2022

to deliver solutions that improve safety and productivity for customers in every industry around the world.

Robert Desel, CEO of The Crosby Group, said: “We are thrilled to expand our Technology Solutions’ product portfolio with the acquisition of Airpes. Airpes is a leading innovator in the lifting industry, with deep domain expertise in the wind energy and industrial markets, and shares our core values of safety, reliability, and innovation. This acquisition expands The Crosby Group’s industry leading role and commitment to supporting safe and efficient lifting, rigging, and securement for the renewables

market. We are thrilled to welcome the Airpes team members to The Crosby Group and will be extending our employee ownership plan to all Airpes employees.”

Josep Compte, managing director and co-founder of Airpes, added: “This is the next exciting stage of our journey. Leveraging The Crosby www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Airpes’ innovations include the yoke blade clamp.

Group’s global footprint, technical field support and training team, and world-class hardware, together we will bring Airpes’ solutions to more sites and make the lifting and renewables industries safer and more efficient.”

Now, part of The Crosby Group, Airpes will go to market under the Crosby Airpes brand. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“Airpes is a leading innovator in the lifting industry, with deep domain expertise in the wind energy and industrial markets, and shares our core values of safety, reliability, and innovation. This acquisition expands The Crosby Group’s commitment to supporting safe and efficient lifting, rigging, and securement.”

August 2022 CAL / 61

IN FOCUS / LIFTQUIP AND CRANE ROPES AUSTRALIA

TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR ANY CHALLENGE Mark Eberhard has seen a lot in his 25 years-plus in the industry. This experience saw him start two companies, LiftQuip and Crane Ropes Australia, to deliver bespoke wire rope, lifting, and rigging equipment solutions to the crane and lifting industry.

FOUNDED IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, LiftQuip specialises in technical lifting solutions, focusing on the manufacture and supply of lifting gear. This includes a range of products and service in the fields of lifting, rigging, height safety, load restraint, hoisting, materials handling, and safety equipment.

Crane Ropes Australia, also based out of South Australia, with a national distribution model, specialises in the supply of wire ropes as well as associated services, including on site resocketing.

Eberhard, with his 25 years’ experience in the industry and managing national lifting companies, ensures he has a deep understanding of the industry’s requirements.

“The cornerstone of offerings from both companies is quality products along with a high level of customer service,” Eberhard said.

“We work hard on customer service, that is really where we come into our own. We think our service sets us apart from our competitors – some larger companies can lose sight of this so we make sure we keep service as a corner stone for our business.”

The specialised wire rope work that the Crane Ropes Australia team does sees them called upon to go to all parts of the country.

“We perform work in all states and can mobilise our technicians quickly.

Our technicians are regularly travelling to all parts of Australia to perform tasks such as load testing and resocketing 62 / CAL August 2022

terminations on crane winch ropes,” Eberhard said.

LiftQuip provides testing services for a wide range of products, to ensure they meet the required Australian and international requirements, as well as the company’s strict standards.

“We have full testing facilities for up to 120 tonnes, as well as a mobile testing facility, which provides our customers with the flexibility of getting their assets tested on site or in house.”

Some of the products that can be tested with its mobile test trailer include chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings, lifting and spreader beams, shackles, and plate and beam clamps.

Coupled with testing is LiftQuip and Crane Ropes Australia’s ability to source products for customers, no matter the challenges, for them to complete lifts.

“What we do well due to our industry experience is knowing where to source products from in a really quick period of time,” said Eberhard.

“When a customer comes to us we have to establish their timeframe. We can’t say to them: ‘I can’t get to that for another week,’ that just won’t work in this industry.

“It has been important for us to leverage our relationships with our suppliers and work with them closely to deliver products for our customers when they need.

“We are ISO 9001 and LEEA accredited, with all of our technicians trained through the LEEA programs.

LiftQuip provides servicing for chains and lifting gear.

Crane Ropes Australia services businesses across the country quickly.

We have our systems audited regularly to ensure we are meeting the high standards that our customers demand.

“We work within our procedures and the required standards without compromise. We are in such a highrisk industry, it is important to always ensure the highest level of safety,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“We have full testing facilities for up to 120 tonnes, as well as a mobile testing facility, which provides our customers with the flexibility of getting their assets tested on site or in house.”

The LiftQuip team will work closely with operators to deliver the right product on site.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

August 2022 CAL / 63

IN FOCUS / RUD

ICE GRADE 120 LASHING: THE SOLUTION FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ROTOR BLADES RUD’s global headquarters in Germany played a crucial role in the transport of rotor blades used in the Eneco wind farm project. 23 kilometres off the coast between the Dutch cities of Zandvoort and Noordwijk lies the 129 megawatt Eneco Luchterduinen wind farm. It generates clean electricity for nearly 150,000 households.

VAN OORD, A GLOBAL SPECIALIST FOR hydraulic engineering, coastal engineering, and demanding sea transports, was given the engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the wind farm.

To facilitate the delivery of materials, Van Oord used Aeolus– a 140-metrelong transport and installation vessel built in Germany.

The goal was to ensure the safe transport of all 129 rotor blades required for the wind turbines being built for the project.

Each rotor blade was 50 metres long, heavy, and oddly shaped, thereby posing unique securing and lashing challenges.

In anticipation of the difficulty of transporting these rotor blades, Van Oord involved RUD early in the transport planning process, and set the specific conditions and requirements for the journey.

The rotor blades had to be transported using a special steel frame called a ‘rack’, which was mounted on the transport surface of Aeolus. This rack could carry 24 rotor blades at a time.

The RUD lashings needed to secure the 50 metre long rotor blades.

64 / CAL August 2022

The fully loaded rack was transported on every trip, alongside eight towers and machine houses.

The rack needed to withstand transport loads and wind loads, so the two halves of the rack needed to be stabilised with lashing equipment.

At each of the 160 force transmission points, the lashing equipment had to have a strength of 10,000 dekaNewtons (daN).

The lashing equipment elongation had to be minimal, and its weight kept as low as possible. The manpower required for lashing also had to be kept to a minimum.

The RUD team, together with Van Oord’s engineers, developed a highly specific lashing solution for this demanding project.

The engineering of the complete lashing system was carried out during a two-day visit by the Dutch team at RUD’s headquarters in Aalen, Germany.

At the centre of the solution was the RUD ICE Grade 120 lashing chains system using 10mm chains, tensioning elements, and end lifting and shackle componentry.

A combination of this tried and tested ICE lashing chains system and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ropes were utilised.

This was done to address a specific issue resulting from the enormous clamping lengths of more than 20 metres. Any slack in the lashings was www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The RUD team worked closely with Van Oord to find the most efficient solution.

reduced to a minimum, with the smallest amount of effort possible.

The bottom 2m-long end made use of the ICE system. The main handling – shortening and tightening – takes place at this part of the lashing, and the ICE system offers particular advantages here.

As the 10mm ICE system replaces a 13mm system of the usual quality class 8 with the same lashing capacity, it is 40 per cent lighter. The system’s very precise shortening capabilities enabled by links in 30mm steps reduced the time for pre-tensioning considerably compared to other solutions considered.

The long end was secured using UHMWPE ropes. These efficiently performed the task of transferring the retention forces securely and costeffectively, with little weight and low stretching, leading to a successful project execution.

RUD Australia can provide lifting and lashing solutions for Australian wind farm projects through its special product range such as fall protection anchorage points special chain suspension for lifting systems. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The rotor blades were loaded onto the 140 metre-long vessel headed to the wind farm site.

August 2022 CAL / 65

IN FOCUS / PACE CRANE, MAEDA AND JA & SON

LEADING GLASS HANDLER RECEIVES MEADA ‘ECO’ FIRST

Melbourne’s glass handling experts JA & Son recently took delivery of the first fully battery operated, Maeda MC305Cb mini telescopic crawler to arrive in the country.

JASON SCORDO OWNER AND DIRECTOR of JA & Son is delighted to add the Maeda MC305CB to his already extensive fleet of Maedas.

“I am very pleased and very excited to take delivery of the first Maeda MC305CB delivered into the country. It absolutely fits into the journey we have been taking with battery powered mini crawlers,” he said.

“To date we have been successfully operating hybrid cranes with three-phase capabilities, but we are confident the MC305CB is the beginning of a whole new era for mini telescopic crawler cranes.

Like all businesses, we are focused on our environmental responsibilities and the addition of the Maeda MC305CB will make a significant contribution to reducing our carbon emission footprint.

“As business we are focused on recycling products. For example, all of the batteries in our electric machines will be recycled. We can see the construction sector moving in a similar direction.

“Although it is early days, I can see construction sites requesting battery operated construction equipment such as mini crawlers to stop emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of a construction site,” he said.

With so many types of equipment operating at any one time this is a going to be a complex and drawn-out process, but it is beginning to happen says Scordo.

“The benefits of battery powered mini crawlers, such as the Maeda MC305CB, include the lack of downtime, the reduction in risk as we won’t need dangerous goods cabinets on site to store fuel, and no need for spill kits, as these issues will be things of the past,” he said.

The development of battery powered equipment has come a long way in the last decade or so, he said.

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The battery powered Maeda MC305CB is designed and engineered to be an outdoor machine as well as an indoor machine.

“The Maeda MC305CB has the same capabilities of the diesel powered model. 10 years ago, when you were operating battery powered equipment you could tell it was underpowered and sluggish. Today, you couldn’t tell the difference apart from the lack of noise, and emissions,” said Scordo.

“This brings into focus another significant advantage. When you are operating the smaller diesel models, you have to bring up the revs to make the lift and the dogman and operator will be yelling at each other to be heard. With battery electric cranes this problem is completely eliminated,” he said.

JA & Son has Australia’s largest fleet of Maeda electric powered cranes, including

the MC285CWME, MC305CRME-2, and our MC405CRME. The cranes are great for working in confined spaces, and indoor environments such as refineries, food processing plants, and shopping centres.

With these cranes, there will be no worry about annoying exhaust fumes, making the work environment safe.

The business started as a glass equipment hire for the glazing façade industry, explained Scordo.

“We were receiving calls about the 285 Meada managing small glass installation work and for jobs which required getting into tight spots. We sub-hired the crane and operator in for this work. I would dog the crane and supply the glass lifting www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Jason Scordo with Pace Cranes’ Michael Cawston.

equipment. The work kept coming and so we took the leap of faith and bought our first crane in 2016. That crane was a Maeda 285.

“Work continued to increase in the façade industry with the bulk of the work being commercial in high rise construction and also shop fronts. We have grown by providing the service our customers have been calling for and the demand for our ‘high level’ of service,” said Scordo.

JA & Son purchased its first three-phase electric crane in 2017 – a Maeda 305 model.

This was a second-hand crane that became available to the business, with the threephase option seen as a bonus, said Scordo.

“It turned out to be the perfect addition as we started getting enquiries for work which required zero emissions. Being a hybrid, and with the option of running it on diesel or three-phase, we quickly saw the potential for this model and ordered another,” he said.

“This meant we had options if one was out on a long-term project for example.

We then moved into a 405 with the same diesel and three-phase option and we now have 285 in diesel and three-phase. The addition of battery-operated Maeda 305 mini crawler is another step up.

“We believe this crane will be a perfect fit for us. It fits in with our commitment www.cranesandlifting.com.au

to be as green as possible. The high performance rate of the crane changes very little with it being battery powered and, when Michael Cawston, national sales manager at Pace Cranes, called and said he had the first battery powered 305 coming, we jumped at the opportunity to grab it.

Again, it’s a good fit for us and we know there will be plenty of work for it.”

Scordo explains how beneficial the

“Because the crane is battery powered, they can use the machine, and if the charge in the battery gets low, they can plug it into a standard power supply, recharge the battery, and continue to use the crane at the same time. With all the trades onsite, there are always power cables for the crane to use.

“Long-term, I think the cost of fuel, including diesel, is going to be an issue

“Because the crane is battery powered, they can use the machine, and if the charge in the battery gets low, they can plug it into a standard power supply, recharge the battery, and continue to use the crane at the same time.” battery powered 305 will be for a customer.

“The battery powered 305 is designed and engineered to be an outdoor machine as well as an indoor machine. Typical applications will be high rise construction sites and the biggest advantages will be around the availability of the crane, with very little to no down time,” he said.

“Work doesn’t have to stop to refuel the crane. The hassle of having fuel delivered to the site and then have the fuel delivered to the floor where the machine is working is completely eliminated.

for many industries. Our move to battery electric Maeda cranes will be seen by many of our customers as a very positive one.”

Scordo discusses the performance of the battery electric crane and what he expects to see from the life of the battery.

“We’ve examined the battery with Maeda and we reckon it will provide a good 10-year working life. There has been an approximate replacement price provided for down the track and we understand this will be quite expensive.

“But, we worked on a business case of August 2022 CAL / 67

IN FOCUS / PACE CRANE, MAEDA AND JA & SON

The Maeda MC305CB absolutely fits into the journey JA & Son has been taking with battery powered mini crawlers.

a seven to eight-year life for the battery, which will come with the right usage, maintenance and care, all of which is our responsibility.

“It’s a lithium battery, which also provides more peace of mind and we realise if we don’t look after the battery the crane doesn’t work.

“On the seven to eight-year forecast, dividing through the weekly average and calculating how much time it will be out and working, it made our decision a no brainer.

“Based on today’s rates, we see a 50 per cent reduction in operational costs by simply eliminating the need for a person to jump in a vehicle, fill up fuel tanks, take these to site, refuel the crane and then come back to the yard.

“We can see this type of saving only getting greater over the years because fuel prices are only going to increase. For our business, the new Maeda MC305CB is already set at a price which includes the replacement battery and this will happen at some stage.”

The new crane will help with the builders’ reputation said Scordo.

Everywhere in the construction sector there is a continued push for more environmentally sound practices. These 68 / CAL August 2022

“In my opinion, the Maeda 305 mini crawler is the best of the models. It is compact enough to fit into most of the job sites and work zones and it provides a good reach and output to work with.

“The weight of the crane is also excellent, and this provides benefits from a transport perspective. The weight of the Maeda 305 is 3.8t and the capacity of most common tilt trays is 4t. If we don’t have our own transport available to move the crane, there is no issue calling any transport provider and get a truck at short notice,” he said.

The new Maeda MC305CB is ideal for a regular job JA & Son has in Melbourne. For some time, the business has been sending a three-phase machine to an art gallery to help set up exhibits. It has proved to be the ideal crane as it fits into the goods lift, which has a 5t capacity, says Jason.

“This crane has worked on a number

“The move to battery electric cranes is going to change the whole game. They are much cleaner and quieter and I can see the construction sector increasingly insisting on battery electric cranes for the type of work that we do.” include ensuring there are less emissions from equipment on site.

“The move to battery electric cranes is going to change the whole game. They are much cleaner and quieter and I can see the construction sector increasingly insisting on battery electric cranes for the type of work that we do,” he said.

Scordo goes on to discuss the features he is most impressed with on the Maeda MC305CB. “We’ve bought all of the Maedas with the full range of options, which means we are prepared for every scenario. The searcher hook is very beneficial, especially when we are working with the intricate designs from architects where we are in much tighter spaces and we don’t have the full headroom to work with. By using the searcher hook you will reduce your head height by 400mm or 500mm, which makes a massive difference in these areas,” he said.

of exhibitions and the three-phase has added massive benefits with zero emissions and little noise. All of the staff and management at the gallery recently stipulated they will only allow an electric machine into the gallery.

“Now, I can tell them they don’t have to worry about there being a power cable with the crane as we now have a full battery powered crane with the same capabilities as the crane they have been ordering,” said Scordo.

The MC305CB is fitted standard with non-marking tracks, a feature he likes.

“We work inside many buildings with our Maedas. Using the white tracks, we might see some white residue where the crane has been, but this is easily swept up and it’s gone. This is compared to the markings that black rubber tracks leave, which require detailed scrubbing to be removed,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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

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.

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sales@pacecranes.com.au

IN FOCUS / JOHNSON & YOUNG CRANES

A CRANE SO GOOD, YOU BUY IT TWICE Johnson & Young Cranes was so impressed with the performance of its first Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, it ordered a second, which has recently arrived.

70 / CAL August 2022

MELBOURNE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A construction boom, particularly in the inner city. Turn in any direction and you will see any type of crane feverishly working to keep the construction process moving.

The vibrant orange of the Johnson & Young Cranes fleet is striking and easy to spot. JYC Cranes is operating across a number of sites in the city, including the West Gate Tunnel project.

Brent Young started Young Plant Hire in 2010 before venturing into the crane industry in 2016, when Brent Young Cranes was born. In 2017, Brent Young and Reece Johnson formed a partnership and Johnson & Young Cranes (JYC) was established.

The rise of JYC can be described as meteoric. This is exemplified by the acquisition of a Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, an 800-tonne capacity all terrain and the jewel in the JYC fleet.

The nine-axle all-terrain was a monstrous addition to the fleet. It was immediately put to work and proved to be a game changer for the team, so much so that JYC recently took delivery of a second.

Young and Johnson have trust in the

abilities of their own team and also in the service and support they receive from the teams at Liebherr. This provides them with the confidence to continue to invest in such critical equipment.

Darren Stevens has responsibility of operating the new LTM 1750-9.1 and is thrilled to be working on it.

“It is a typical Liebherr, they keep it simple but don’t lower the quality,” Stevens said.

“So far, we have been using it for a lot of wind farm projects, completing maintenance programs and working on the construction of new sites.”

Young has been impressed by the LTM 1750-9.1, but he was always confident in the crane’s capabilities before it arrived.

“To be honest it is the same as all of our Liebherrs, we never have a problem and all of the crew love them. This is why we keep coming back to the Liebherr brand – we have complete confidence in the product,” he said.

“A lot of the heavy lift cranes have to sacrifice boom length when raising the capacity. This is what stood out to us on www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“A lot of the heavy lift cranes have to sacrifice boom length when raising the capacity. This is what stood out to us on the LTM 1750-9 – it was the fact it had an amazing capacity but still had an excellent radius.”

The Johnson and Young Cranes have been immediately put to work across the state, particularly in Melbourne.

the LTM 1750-9 – it was the fact it had an amazing capacity but still had an excellent radius.

“The higher capacity is important as well as many of our jobs now require us to run at 75 to 85 per cent of our limits, so the higher capacity is an asset on a lot of sites now.”

The LTM 1750-9.1 has a boom length of 52 metres, a maximum height of 152m and a maximum radius of 11m.

The nine-axle LTM 1750-9.1 can carry

its complete telescopic boom when driving on public roads.

Due to its high lifting capacities and variable boom system, it can cover a wide range of jobs in a wide variety of industries, including the infrastructure and energy sectors. Its Y-telescopic boom guying enables the crane to achieve enormous lifting capacities. The all terrain crane is designed to ensure particularly short set-up times and great mobility. The extensive comfort and safety equipment, such as load charts for various wind speeds, round off the concept for the LTM 1750-9.1. An 800t upgrade has been available since 2020, making this mobile crane significantly more powerful.

Young and Johnson have recognised the demands on crane capacities are continuing to grow and the 800t capacity Liebherr is a solution to these problems.

“With lifts continuing to get larger and more complex, everyone wants extra meterage or extra tonnage,” said Young.

“With this crane, we have the scope to meet these needs. More often than not the Johnson and Young have been so impressed by the capabilities of the crane they purchased a second.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

answer can be ‘yes’ for a request, which is what is important for us.

“We are finding now, there are more and more restrictions on site as community engagement has grown so rapidly. For example, there can be trees that cannot be moved so the capability to lift from a greater distance away is important,” Young said.

Coming with the VarioBase enables the crane to have less impact on site.

Particularly on wind farm work the VarioBase ensures the LTM 1750-9.1 can always find a firm footing.

The maximum lifting capacities are calculated individually and precisely for every situation. This ensures safe working practice with any chosen support base.

Young has been impressed by the manoeuvrability of the LTM 1750-9.1 when it has been out on site and faced with various surfaces.

“On site, it can steer as well as a semitrailer, which is pretty impressive when you look at its size. People would assume it is a liability on-site but it is incredible,” Young said.

“For both Reece and I, coming from operator backgrounds, we want to make sure our team has the best gear and going German made with the Liebherr gives us supreme confidence.

“The team and the customers love the Liebherrs, that’s why we always go back to them. Running the same gear makes our lives so simple.

“For JYC, we are big on uniformity.

When our team get a new crane, they know it is going to be a Liebherr. This makes it far easier to move from one crane to another rather than having to learn the different operating systems of other brands of cranes,” he said.

JYC has remained loyal to both Liebherr and Franna when purchasing cranes.

Remaining with Liebherr ensures the JYC team are confident in the equipment they are running and will receive the required levels of aftersales service and support.

Darren Stevens commented on how impressive the care from Liebherr has been, including service technicians being on call to speak to JYC team members.

“Liebherr have been great to deal with August 2022 CAL / 71

IN FOCUS / JOHNSON & YOUNG CRANES

as well, any one of us can call Ben from Liebherr and he will help us out, either coming on site or explaining over the phone,” Stevens said.

Young has once again been impressed

by Liebherr and the support it has provided, particularly around the LTM 1750-9.1.

“Ben from Liebherr is very hands-on; we can liaise with him at any time and he will always come back us quickly with an answer to a question or solution to a problem, no matter how simple or complex in nature. It is reassuring to know that we are in good hands from an aftersales perspective,” Young said.

“For us, Liebherr is such a renowned brand, it comes with a level of assurance that we can then pass onto our customers.

They are constantly developing and improving and that is what really stands out for us when looking to invest in our equipment,” he said.

JYC has two of a limited amount of LTM 1750-9.1s in the country, and there is high demand for its capabilities along the east coast and into South Australia.

“There are only a few of these cranes

The Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 has been a perfect crane for wind farm projects.

“It is hard to believe but the LTM 1750-9.1 gets around like a taxi crane, it is a seriously impressive bit of kit.” in the country but, for us, getting the first one 18 months ago, it made complete sense to get a second and Liebherr made that process as simple as possible,” Young said.

The challenge with a crane the sheer size of the LTM 1750-9.1 is the roadability.

John Humphries is an engineer at JYC and is charged with managing the LTM 17509.1’s road access.

Liebherr has taken regional road network restrictions into consideration and provided a wide range of operating configurations for the LTM1750 on the road.

“Usually, we can plan a route that will allow us to leave the boom on for the journey to the site. If it is a job that means we need to be on site quickly and we do not have time to apply for route assessments, 72 / CAL August 2022

we can remove the boom or outriggers to ensure each axle remains under weight,” said Humphries.

“The Department of Transport and Department of State Growth Tasmania have been fantastic to deal with – they are always looking to find solutions and understand challenges we may face.

“Their forward thinking and progressive approach to bridge assessments has meant cranes like the LTM1750 are beginning to realise the industry dream of ‘European style’ access on the Australian roads,” he said.

The LTM1750 is by far the large hydraulic mobile crane market leader in terms of the combined lifting power vs roadability ratio.

Stevens has been impressed when

driving the crane on the road and is surprised how simple the machine has been to use.

“It is astonishingly good on the road, it’s like driving a car,” Stevens said.

Young said he was concerned the crane would have issues getting on the road but has been pleasantly surprised how simple it has been.

“It is hard to believe but the LTM 17509.1 gets around like a taxi crane – it is a seriously impressive bit of kit,” Young said.

“We bought a trailer to carry the boom, but John has done so well we don’t actually have to utilise it much. More often than not it can get to site with the boom still on.

For us it is basically as roadable as an eightaxle crane, again which helps us get to site easily and efficiently,” he said.

“Honestly this was a simple addition for us to make to our fleet. Liebherr ensured we had complete confidence in the crane, and we knew it would stand up to the rigours of working on various types of sites and projects,” Young said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Engineered for the future, built on experience LTM 1110-5.2 with LICCON3 The LTM 1110-5.2 with 3 new core features: the crane control system, the driver’s cab and the gearbox. The new LICCON3 crane control system comes with large touch displays and is prepared for fleet management and telematics. The ZF TraXon gearbox with DynamicPerform offers wear-free manoeuvring. Plus a modern crane design – the future of the all-terrain series. www.liebherr.com

Mobile and crawler cranes

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Munich, 24 – 30 October Find out more at www.liebherr-bauma.com

2008-501_089 LWE_051_LTM_1110_5-2_2021_CranesLifting_AUS_GB_MH Bauma_03.indd 1

11.07.22 12:29

IN FOCUS / UAA MECON

Glenn Ross, chief executive officer Mecon Insurance, and Michael ‘Murf’ Murphy, UAA Group chief executive officer.

ONE FAMILY TWO BRANDS There has been a major development in the insurance industry with Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) and MECON Insurance (MECON) announcing that the two businesses have agreed to merge.

GLENN ROSS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MECON, Michael ‘Murf’ Murphy, UAA Group chief executive officer, and George Grasso, UAA chief claims and service officer, sat down with Cranes and Lifting magazine to explain the benefits clients in the plant and equipment and construction industries can expect from the merger.

Ross provides some background to the merger.

“MECON is short for Mechanical and Construction and, as an insurance business, we have been operating in the plant and equipment space for 18 years. We have been a competitor of UAA, although both business are under the Steadfast Group umbrella,” he said.

“Generally speaking, MECON has been operating in the SME spectrum of the plant and equipment industry and the reason we maintained the two business models and brands for plant and equipment was to 74 / CAL August 2022

provide our client base with an alternative insurer to UAA. Each business evolved at different rates and for different reasons.

More recently it became very practical for us to merge the businesses.

“The merger is also the result of market pressures, Steadfast Group’s business strategy, and our own business philosophies. We agreed that the alignment and timing was right and so we brought the two groups together. Obviously, we’ve been working on this development for some time, and I am pleased to say the fit feels right and we are all comfortable with everything that is happening,” he said.

Ross goes on to discuss how the various markets serviced by UAA and MECON are going to benefit from the merger in terms of improved service and capabilities.

“The first major benefit to the market will be around pricing. In insurance terms, volume brings its rewards. Then there is the

benefit of economies of scale in terms of the combined client base and also the combined, and ‘line-focused’ personnel resources we now have at our disposal,” he said.

“The opportunities are exponentially greater with the merger. As we move down the path of integration, we are increasingly seeing the efficiencies the businesses are bringing to each other. This will be very positive to our businesses and also to our clients,” said Ross.

Murphy discusses the benefits that clients of UAA and MECON will see following the merger.

“Although insurance can be a very complex business, the team at UAA likes to keep things nice and simple for our clients. In terms of the merger, we intend to maintain this ‘keep it simple’ approach.

If you require plant and equipment insurance, you can come to UAA, if you want construction/contracts works insurance you www.cranesandlifting.com.au

A number of You Hire’s heavy lift forklifts, tyre handlers, and container handling forklifts were severely damaged when the recent floods inundated the Brisbane suburb of Rocklea.

can go to the best player in this market and that is MECON. “Our philosophy behind the merger is ‘two brands, one family’. Why would we look at a merger? Well, imagine the amount of plant and equipment operating on construction sites on any given day across the country. There is plenty.

“MECON is by far the best contract works specialist underwriter in Australia and we like to think UAA is the best underwriter of plant and equipment. The power of bringing the two together is insurmountable.

“The message to our clients, the insurance brokers and also to our end users, is ‘two brands, one family’. Clients can now come to one ‘family’ for the best two products and receive the unparalleled service we are now capable of offering. In our opinion, the delivery mechanism is compelling,” said Murphy. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

MECON has also won the Best Construction Agency and the Best Annual Construction Policy Wording in the Insurance Business Awards, voted for by insurance brokers, he said.

“So, at the front end, there are compelling reasons to come to the ‘one family’ and, at the back end, we have the two best claims teams in the industry, delivering for our clients,” he said.

Although an official insurance industry announcement of the merger has not yet been released, feedback from insurance brokers who have learned of the merger through industry sources has been overwhelmingly positive, he said.

George Grasso explains there are a number of synergies within the two organisations.

“As Glenn and Murf have already highlighted, the key messages to the industry are that UAA will continue to be a specialist in mobile plant and machinery.

The mobile plant and machinery book of business which exists within MECON will transfer across to UAA during the renewal process. MECON will retain its brand and integrity in terms of its expertise in contract works,” he said.

Construction/contract works has been an area of the industry UAA has

“We intend to maintain this ‘keep it simple’ approach. If you require plant and equipment insurance, you can come to UAA, if you want construction/contracts works insurance you can go to the best player in this market and that is MECON.” The claims teams within both UAA and MECON have been recognised for ‘excellence’ during the recent flooding disasters, he added.

“Recently, the Insurance Business Awards for Australia nominated the claims team at UAA for an award as the Best Claims Team and Jackie McCarthy of UAA has been nominated for Best Business Development Manager. In the same awards, MECON has been nominated for Best Agency,” he said.

Each year, for the past six years,

considered targeting in the past.

“We always felt this sector would be a nice fit for UAA. It would provide clients operating as a principal contractor the opportunity to work with ‘one family’ and two specialised products. Now, with the merger, this has become a reality,” said Grasso.

“The merger will certainly improve efficiencies for our clients and with the brands working with an Australian security in QBE Insurance [and, for MECON, AIG also], each business will have far greater August 2022 CAL / 75

IN FOCUS / UAA MECON

“Moreover, about the quality of the claims; bringing two groups together who are at the top of their individual games, you end up with the best of the best and that’s where our clients will receive the most benefit.”

capacities. This is a huge plus for our brokers and for our direct clients as well.

“They now know our policies will continue to be managed in-house here in Australia. We don’t have to seek approval from securities outside of Australia. With the merger, the economy of scale has broadly increased, with UAA and MECON combined generating revenue in excess of $400 million globally,” he said.

“We are now able to leverage this scale and we will be able to pass on benefits to our clients in terms of the quality of the products we offer, the combined capacity we now have, and the continued quality of service we pride ourselves on,” said Grasso.

The merger means UAA and MECON will have a large market share in the construction insurance space at large. The combination of UAA’s strength in plant and machinery combined with MECON’s strength in construction means there is a high chance UAA will be managing the insurance for machinery and plant and MECON the insurance of the contract works facility.

“If we have two separate securities, 76 / CAL August 2022

that won’t be a problem,” said Murphy, “but if we can make things more fluid for the broker by working together without disenfranchising them, that is our goal.”

This is a situation MECON has been dealing with for quite some time says Ross.

“In this business, when you hear on the news that a crane has gone over, you sit on the edge of your chair and ask, ‘is it one of my clients?’. And, from a MECON perspective, the rest of the question is ‘has it damaged the buildings on a construction site?’ Not uncommonly, this has been the case.

“We had a recent incident where numerous buildings were impacted by an overturned crane. They were occupied and/ or under construction when the crane went over. The merger of the businesses will provide us with the ability to deal with an incident like this holistically, but with a dual focus,” said Ross.

“Moreover, about the quality of the claims; bringing two groups together who are at the top of their individual games, you end up with the best of the best and that’s where our clients will receive the

most benefit. The experience within the two groups of claims operatives is extensive and don’t forget that it is relatively unique for any agency to be entrusted with handling their own claims,” he said.

“Not only have we been entrusted with managing our own claims for a very long time, we are bringing together arguably the two most experienced teams in the market with the ability to handle all of their claims,” said Ross.

UAA conducts a ‘net promoter score’ (NPS) survey through the network of insurance brokers it works with and the most recent results have come back at plus 56. MECON also enjoys a high NPS, gauged through annual surveys with brokers.

“Most insurance and finance companies are happy to register a positive result. UAA’s results increased by 12 points compared to the previous survey. This is as a result of how the claims team performed during the recent flooding disasters. We challenged our team to be superstars during what was an extremely challenging period and they delivered,” said Murphy. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

TAKING CONSTRUCTION

TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

250,000sqm of exhibits / 130,000 attendees / 1,800 exhibitors / 150 education sessions

MARCH 14-18 / 2023 / LAS VEGAS / NEVADA

No matter what sector of construction you’re in, you’ll leave CONEXPO-CON/AGG with new ideas, new relationships, and new opportunities to grow your business, and your place within the industry.

This isn’t just North America’s largest construction trade show, it’s taking construction to the next level.

LEARN MORE AT CONEXPOCONAGG.COM CECA-2023-PRNT-SHOW-MISSY-210x279mm+3mm_Bleed.indd 1

2020 Attendee Missy Scherber, T. Scherber Demolition & Excavating

1/5/22 3:53 PM

IN FOCUS / ASHBURTON CRANE HIRE

TADANO’S CAPACITY PERFECT FOR WEST AUSTRALIAN MINES

Ashburton Crane Hire (ACH) recently took delivery of a new Tadano AC 300-6 all terrain crane and it has immediately been put to use in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

ASHBURTON CRANE HIRE IS NO STRANGER to the heavy lift industry in Western Australia. While well established in the Pilbara, ACH is not resting on its laurels.

The recent purchase of a new depot in Port Hedland and accommodation in town demonstrated the determination of Guy Black, managing director of ACH, and his team to continue the evolution of the business.

The company remains family-run, and Black’s team has bought into his vision for the company and the wider group. “l have pretty much been involved with cranes since I was 12-years-old when my father established Onslow Crane Hire Services in 1989. It is in my blood and I can’t get enough of it,” he said.

The business is run by Guy and Tenille Black and they are supported by an exceptional and experienced management team.

78 / CAL August 2022

“Our team has become like family, we look out for each other, and we are invested in the success of the group,” said Black.

The onsite experience of the ACH team is impressive and includes team members who have worked for the company since its inception as well as experienced operators recruited from within the industry.

“Our management team is very experienced. Many worked across various yards and depots for other crane businesses, and they have since come to us bringing their experience and skills,” Black said.

“Our operations manager has 17 years’ experience in the crane industry and our BDM has 18 years’ experience in the crane industry. My wife has been working in the business since the beginning when we established the company together in

2005 in High Wycombe. We have eight people in the office and 30 in the wider operational team.

“We have a really diverse crew, which features a number of Indigenous guys and it’s just a really high-quality group of motivated individuals ready to deliver for the customer. We don’t tolerate anyone with a poor attitude,” he said.

ACH recently pushed activities further north and into Port Hedland. With this move, the company recognised the need for an increase in the number of cranes and also greater capacities.

Four cranes of varying sizes will be delivered to ACH over the next six months, adding to the 18 cranes in the ACH fleet. The one crane which excites Black the most is the recently-received Tadano AC 300-6 300-tonne capacity all terrain.

“Since we took delivery of the Tadano www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The team has been very impressed by the machine since it arrived.

AC 300-6 it has been working flat out in the Pilbara. Already it has helped with mining machinery builds and mine shutdowns. It has not stopped working since we received it,” Black said.

“The operators love it, it is a very comfortable and impressive machine.”

The Tadano AC 300-1 has impressive capabilities that enable it to offer unique applications, allowing it to adapt to a variety of uses.

The smallest Tadano Demag model available with a luffing jib, its compact design and impressive manoeuvrability allows safe, flexible, and productive lifts in the tightest of jobsites.

The 80m main boom combined with the strong chart makes the AC 6.300-1 the ideal fit for efficient work at height or on reach. Efficient rigging processes mean fast and safe setup.

Furthermore, the HAV and many components of the AC 6-.300-1 are shared with Tadano Demag five-axle cranes, reducing the number of spare parts you need to have on hand. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

With a boom length ranging from 14.5m through to 80m, it has an impressive reach, said Black.

“The mines are demanding cranes with more capabilities and this demand has pushed our business to find the right crane with the right capacity,” said Black.

“On site safety and compliance are the top priorities for mine sites, and we are aware a lot of them are looking

varying situations, with an outrigger base of 8.69m x 8.48m.

“When I was looking to purchase a high-capacity all terrain crane, the load chart capacity compared to other brands in this class really stood out,” Black said.

“The quality of the machine is also very impressive, like the other Tadanos in our fleet, it has been designed engineered and manufactured to last. We know what

“When I was looking to purchase a high-capacity all terrain crane, the load chart capacity compared to other brands in this class really stood out.” to only lift to 50 per cent of the cranes’ maximum capacity.

Impressive dexterity is the hallmark of the Tadano AC 6.300-1. It has a maximum tip length of 123m and a maximum radius of 86m. While having an impressive capacity, it has a small footprint on site, allowing it to be used in

we are getting into with the Tadano AC 6.300-1.

“Both the quality of the crane and the lifting capacities are outstanding and, with its 93t of counterweight, we are more than confident in its capabilities,” he said.

Operators have the benefit of a August 2022 CAL / 79

IN FOCUS / ASHBURTON CRANE HIRE

The work Ashburton Crane Hire has completed with the Tadano AC 300-6 has been diverse and impressive.

machine with plenty of power and manoeuvrability when moving between job sites. The Mercedes Benz diesel engine has an output of 460 kilowatts producing 3,000Nm of torque, which complies with stage five emissions standards.

The Mercedes Benz technology does not end at the engine, with a 16-speed Mercedes transmission in action coupled with four reverse speeds.

The six-axle Tadano has drive to axles three, five and six, with axle five coming with a selectable longitudinal lock. Axles one to three are steerable along with five and six, while axle four is liftable to lower wear and tear.

For the team at ACH, the Tadano cranes have been a game changer, not just because of the impressive technology in the cranes but the service and support they receive from the Tadano team.

With branches in Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, and across ‘the 80 / CAL August 2022

finding the fault and ensuring the crane is up and running as soon as possible,” he said.

“The Tadano team understands the importance of getting a crane back up and running as quickly as possible.

Crane downtime in any application can be crippling and this is especially true in mining.

“The crane has a critical role to play, and many other aspects of the mine’s activities will be relying on the crane. If it’s not back online quickly, the productivity of the mine can be severely impacted and if it takes days, or weeks, even months for a part to arrive then we don’t have a business, we may as well pack up shop.

“The inbuilt qualities of the new Tadano AC 6.300-1 and the other Tadanos in our fleet enables us to demonstrate to our clients that ACH is investing in state-of-the -art technology and the most reliable and compliant product will be arriving on their sites ready for work.

“The reliability of the cranes is integral to the work we perform. We can have trucks waiting, heavy mining machinery waiting for lifts, or you

“If we need parts from Germany for example and we put an order in by Thursday we will have the part by Tuesday.” pond’ in New Zealand, the Tadano team is able to react quickly to issues.

“More often than not Tadano will have the parts we require in stock in either the Brisbane or Perth warehouses, and we can have them within a day and on site and installed.

“If we need parts from Germany for example and we put an order in

by Thursday we will have the part by Tuesday. This provides us with peace of mind knowing that no matter what we need Tadano will react and can get the parts to us quickly,” Black said.

“If we have an issue, which can’t be fixed remotely or over the phone, Tadano will have guys on a plane within hours and they will be examining the crane,

might be unloading boats and, if the crane goes down for whatever reason, everything will grind to a halt, which can be extremely costly.

“And, if your cranes have a reputation for being unreliable, this reflects on your service capabilities and that’s when your clients start talking to your competition.

“In my time in the industry, I have owned and operated a range of cranes and, now, I will not go with anyone other than Tadano, they are excellent,” he said.

Black and the ACH team have seen the progression of the lifting industry in Perth and they understand the demands the various industry sectors face. With this experience they are able to tailor a package of services for each client. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“We have been around long enough, we can see where the industry is going and we are investing in cranes we know our clients will want from us.

“Perth, and Western Australia more broadly provides us with a diverse range of clients. We can be lifting anything from massive mining equipment in the Pilbara or operating in a mining shut down, to lifting air conditioning units, through to mums, dads and grandmas putting in pools – we need to be able to take on any task,” said Black.

The company continues to develop the team members to help them deliver high quality and safe lifts.

“For ACH it is all about providing a service which sets us apart from the rest.

A lot of the crane companies have similar products. The important part is what you do with the products, how you plan the lifts and how your teams implement

these plans safely and efficiently.

“A great attitude from our crane operators, truck drivers and riggers is paramount. We have always focused on our people, which ensures they are focused on the service we expect them to provide to our clients. “l am proud to say we continue to work with clients we first worked with when the business started in 2005. I believe the longevity of these relationship is due to quality of service we have continued to provide over an extended period of time,” Black said.

And Black continues to drive a progressive culture throughout ACH. “We have been working on the ISOs to ensure we are meeting our environmental standards and hit our quality assurance standards at all times. I want to ensure the team continues to grow their skills, continual learning will provide greater

capacities and capabilities within the team,” Black said.

The recent move to Port Headland is not the only element of Ashburton Crane Hire’s growth. Black confirms the business recently acquired the yard next to its current one in Perth.

“We are currently experiencing rapid growth in all areas of the business, and we recognised we had to expand our capabilities in Perth. It is a really exciting time to be a part of the team.

“We bought the yard in Port Headland as opposed to leasing.

We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the region and say to clients ‘we are here for the long haul in Western Australia’. We are employing local people, we are a progressive thinking business and we want to be a part ofthe community in the region,” Black said.

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IN FOCUS / POTAIN TOWER CRANES

INTERNAL CLIMBING SETUP ENABLES POTAIN CRANES TO FAST-TRACK BOSTON TOWER Potains’ intelligent approach to tower crane installation, including a Potain MR 415 and MR 418 being erected in the core of the building, eliminates the need for larger, more expensive tower cranes.

82 / CAL August 2022

OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE RAPIDLY RISING, 43-story One Congress office tower has become a distinct new landmark in Boston’s North End. But going largely unnoticed are the Potain MR 415 and MR 418 A tower cranes that are quietly growing along with the building — and also inside it.

Forming part of the western parcel of the 4.8-acre Bulfinch Crossing mixed-use development, a stone’s throw from Boston City Hall, the imposing new building tops out at around 565 feet (172m) and offers spectacular views over the city and harbour. The innovative approach to its construction was a result of the desire to begin leasing space within the tower as quickly as possible, explained Cori Amadon, vice president at James F. Stearns, the leading crane provider for the project.

“We were approached by John Moriarty www.cranesandlifting.com.au

An internal climbing setup enabled Potain cranes to fast track this Boston tower.

because they worried it might subtract a lot of their workspace,” Amadon said.

“Typically, when developing internal form systems, the concrete contractors design a platform system that covers the entire core that is used for assembling rebar, shaking rebar out, etc., so they can hoist material from the ground and land it on their workspace. They asked us to find a way to put the tower cranes on the outside of the core instead.”

The mutually agreed upon solution centered around the two Potain luffing-jib tower cranes, which James F. Stearns rented from Maxim Crane Works. James F. Stearns has a long-standing relationship with Maxim on crane rentals for major projects across the northeastern United States.

CORE SKILLS Using Potain MR cranes on the project was an inspired choice. The interchangeability of their bases with those of its sister ranges, the MD and MDT models, increased the

freestanding, with just under 197 ft (60m) of mast, and a similar jib length. In Phase 1A, marking the end of the freestanding operation, a climbing frame was installed in the core before level 14 was poured, and the building was then erected up to the 15th floor.

The contractor’s desire for a spacious working platform had left a gap of mere inches around the mast perimeter and the core walls, leaving the riggers with no opportunity to assemble or drop in the mast from above. Instead, the beams were pulled into the bottom of the core through a doorway, assembled at ground level, and then maneuvered into position by crane and/or air tuggers.

As the project progressed to Phase 2, the crane configuration underwent a major and permanent change. The jib on the MR 415 was shortened to 131 ft (39.9m) while a second tower section was added, taking the length of the mast to 246 ft (75m), as the building was erected to the 22nd floor.

“Using Potain MR cranes on the project was an inspired choice. The interchangeability of their bases with those of its sister ranges, the MD and MDT models, increased the number of installation options for internal and external climbing configurations.”

Associates, the main contractor, to devise a plan that would allow them to start leasing floors six through 25 before the rest of the structure was complete,” he said.

“That meant we had to rethink the original plan of tying in tower cranes to the building’s outside perimeter and come up with an interior climbing program instead.”

The solution was to make full use of the building’s concrete slipform core, which grows faster throughout construction than the floors that surround it. Once structural work is complete, the building core will be home to the elevator shafts that provide vertical transportation throughout the building.

“When we started looking at this project, we thought: ‘Ok, we’ll climb the cranes up through the concrete core,’ but the concrete company was initially opposed www.cranesandlifting.com.au

number of installation options for internal and external climbing configurations.

Also, their uniquely mounted luffing mechanisms and hoists saved space on the jobsite, enabling operation in this confined space.

Demolition of an adjoining car park exposed a row of four connected concrete core cells that provided fully enclosed support for the climbing mechanism for the Potain MR 415. The MR 418 A was then added to the outside of the westernmost cell, where it too would soon be largely obscured from view by the steel frame of the tower being built around it.

In collaboration with engineering firm Howard I. Shapiro & Associates, plans were drawn up for each stage of the MR 415’s upward journey. For Phase 1, the initial installation, the crane would be

During the next stage, the MR 415 was disconnected at the second tower section and raised 90 ft (27.4m), from ground level up to level 11, where the first tie had been placed, and the climbing mechanism attached. Once the building reached the 29th floor, the first diving board (support frame) was added at the 25th floor, leaving the crane ready to jump once more.

The crane climbed another 90 ft during each of the next two stages, with a second diving board added at level 32 during Phase 4 and a third board seven floors later during Phase 5, by which time the structure had reached level 42. For the final push, Phase 6, one last climb of 88 ft (26.8m) would be sufficient to enable topping off in July 2021, with the crane supported by the diving boards on levels 32 and 39.

“One of the unique things about this August 2022 CAL / 83

IN FOCUS / POTAIN TOWER CRANES

The set up eliminated the need for larger, more expensive tower cranes.

project is that it has a four-cell system from ground level up to level 25, and then one of the cells ‘disappears’ and it turns into a three-cell core,” Amadon explained.

“So, initially, we were working internally surrounded by a concrete cell up to level 25, but then we had to come out of that and switch from a four-sided support system to utilising a diving board system on the outside of the core.”

MORE OPTIONS WITH POTAIN These smaller, lighter cranes provided further benefits to a project that might once have relied on the use of larger, more costly models.

“By reducing the loads that are imposed, they give you the flexibility to come up with a different type of support system that’s not as cumbersome as would be needed to support a larger tower crane,” Amadon explained.

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“You can get great results working with an MR 608 [32t maximum capacity] from the perimeter, but if you put a 24-ton [21.8t] capacity MR 418 into the core of a building with a shorter boom, you can pretty much get the same benefit.”

Disassembly of the cranes was also straightforward. A derrick crane was placed on the rooftop to remove one of the tower cranes in November 2021, while the 418 A continued placing glass for the tower’s construction. The crane was then removed in an almost exact reversal of its installation, according to Amadon.

With both tower cranes now removed, 16 floors comprising a total of one million square feet of trophy office space are now available for lease and will be ready for occupancy in 2023. The One Congress project is a partnership between Carr Properties, National Real Estate Advisors, and the HYM Investment Group.

IN FOCUS / BILLING CRANES

The HSC SCX2800A-3 is the first crawler crane to enter the Billing Cranes fleet.

THE APPLE ISLE’S NEWEST CRAWLER CRANE ARRIVES Billing Cranes recently took delivery of HSC SCX2800A-3 crawler crane with a 275-tonne capacity from Tutt Bryant Equipment’s Phil Chadwick.

BASED IN BURNIE TASMANIA, IT WAS A simple decision for Billing Cranes to add the 275t crawler crane to its fleet.

Although the company has undergone a number of evolutions since becoming Billing Cranes, it is the experience within the organisation and the various teams which been a constant throughout these changes.

Billing Cranes was started in 1992

by Greg Billing and Geoff Gibson. Both recognised there was local demand for a reliable and efficient crane company in the area.

Billing and Gibson purchased one crane, but demand from clients was quick www.cranesandlifting.com.au

to expand and the fleet soon grew to 16.

In 2007, the company was sold to Hazel Brothers, and was later re-purchased under the Billing Cranes banner by Greg and his wife, Leanne, in 2015. It has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Darren Ling is the general manager for Billing Cranes and joined the team in 2019, bringing with him 30 years’ experience in the construction industry.

“Greg has over 40 years’ experience and is regarded as a leader in the crane industry in Tasmania,” Ling said.

Billing Cranes recognises it plays an important role within the community, employing local staff and training them

to help provide solutions on highly specialised projects.

“Our company is grounded in the community and has a culture based on mutual respect, honesty, and personal accountability across all of our dealings with each other and our customers. We also actively support many community organisations in north-west Tasmania,” Ling said.

“We pride ourselves on having a proactive, innovative approach to getting the job done. Our approach and can-do capability is evident, and we have developed a reputation as the go-to people for safe, reliable lifting — in any situation.”

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IN FOCUS / BILLING CRANES Darren Ling, Greg Billing, and crane operator Gary Anderson with the new crane.

The Billing Cranes fleet consists of numerous all terrain cranes, including Liebherrs, Tadanos, Groves, and Frannas.

“Our Liebherr 250t all terrain was recently on a new five-storey hotel development in Devonport for 18 months and completed all of the concrete panel installations and general lifting,” Ling said.

“We service general mobile crane hire and lifting works, house building, heavy construction, bridge beam installation, piling, concrete panel installation, and steel erection.

“We service the majority of the mines in Tasmania, also servicing the food 86 / CAL August 2022

processing plants Saputo, Fonterra, Simplot Australia, and McCains. We also provide maintenance services at Woolnorth Wind Farm, infrastructure, including blade bearing, and gearbox replacements.”

The diverse range of work completed by the Billings Cranes fleet dictates the need for a diverse range of cranes to meet demands from clients.

The arrival of the HSC SCX2800A-3 to the Billings Cranes fleet demonstrates the company’s commitment to diversifying its fleet, explained Ling.

“With the pipeline of work that is

scheduled to commence in the next 12 months, we could see that this size and type of crane was best suited to the work,” he said.

“Given there was nothing in this class in Tasmania, we took the risk to invest in this model, and we are confident the crawler will open up other opportunities that we don’t know about at the moment, and this is something that really excited us. The Tasmanian market is only small and when a new crane arrives, word travels fast.

“We definitely saw a gap, and, with the shortage of this type of crane in Tasmania, we saw the chance to hopefully create a new client base.

“A local bridge building company that we work closely with also purchased the same model, only with a different boom configuration, for their fleet. So now there are two in Tasmania and we can definitely see enough work for them both for the next few years,” Ling said.

Industry stalwart and crawler crane expert Phil Chadwick is the business development manager for Tutt Bryant Equipment for the Southern Region, covering Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. His 30-year career has seen him work with most brands of crawler cranes.

He provides insights into why he believes the HSC SCX2800A-3 will be a must-have for many crane fleets.

“I can see the HSC SCX2800A-3 becoming even more popular as a result of the extra lifting capacity. The 250t class has almost been superseded, with tenders now asking for 275t, 280t, or 300t capacity cranes. I think the SCX2800A-3 has a significant advantage because of this. The resources and infrastructure booms are going to see bigger cranes and the capacities will be from 275t and up.

Everything is getting bigger,” he said.

Darren Ling agrees that the HSC SCX2800A-3 is an impressive piece of machinery for Billing Cranes.

“The HSC SCX2800A-3 has a great lift chart coupled with a versatile transport configuration, ensuring it is capable of being transported to site and erected within a day, depending on configuration of course,” Ling said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“The SCX2800A-3 is similar in design to the rest of the SCX series, enabling efficient transportation, assembly and disassembly, and much improved safety of the crane operator and all other personnel within the working environment.”

“We purchased the 60.95m main boom plus the 60.95m luffing fly arrangement.

We saw that, with the greater lifting charts, the large luffing fly gave over just main boom and fixed fly, this was far more versatile to perform larger radius work,” he said.

Chadwick has recognised the important aspects of the SCX2800A-3 that will make it an asset for Billing Cranes.

“The SCX2800A-3 is similar in design to the rest of the SCX series, enabling efficient transportation, assembly, and disassembly, and much-improved safety of the crane operator and all other personnel within the working environment,” he said.

“Along with extra-wide windows, ergonomic designs such as a new large sliding door, a wide platform, and a comfortable and highly functional operators seat, all aimed at reducing operator fatigue and increasing functionality. For better visibility when moving loads at height, a tilt mechanism allows the cab to be angled by up to 18°.

“Optional handrails and walkways from the factory also ensure safety while working at heights.

“The operator will benefit from brand-new features such as a simple and easy-to-view interface designed to ensure information is provided in the most succinct, intuitive and reliable way possible.

“Productivity is further enhanced by the fine speed control dials for hoisting, lowering, swinging, and boom hoisting operations, which are positioned beside the operator for ease of access, while a swing mode selector switch allows the choice between swing-free or swingbrake operation, depending on work requirements and personal preferences,” he said.

The all-new load moment indicator with data-logging capabilities records www.cranesandlifting.com.au

duty cycle and winch hours, as well as load moment and line pull. These are important features that will allow the crane owner to have enhanced accuracy when calculating the available design life remaining on the machine. This should, in theory, increase the safe operational age of the machine from current methods employed in complying with the new Australian regulations.

As a standard feature, remote sensing is installed in all machines to minimise downtime, ensure accurate maintenance, and improve machine marketability.

In addition to a powerful 13.5t-rated line pull winch for steady operations, the SCX2800A-3 has an Eco-Winch mode that allows high line speeds under light loads without having to increase the engine speed (low rpm). Bringing lower fuel consumption and reduced noise, this is an eco-friendly feature that will save fuel costs and minimise environmental impacts.

With the HSC SCX2800A-3 impressing Billing Cranes so far, it has been equally impressed by the support provided by the team at Tutt Bryant.

“Phil Chadwick at Tutt Bryant has been great to deal with. We called him to check on pricing, and he was on a plane and in Tasmania to go through all aspects of the crane. Phil went through what we were looking at doing and gave his opinion on what would suit us best,” he said.

“We have only recently accepted delivery of the crane, but we are extremely excited to put it to work across the region.”

The Billing’s team has fantastic experience and is excited by the arrival of the crane thanks to Tutt Bryant.

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IN FOCUS / WHEELER CRANES

INVESTING IN NEW CRANES AND BETTER SYSTEMS Ensuring the crane fleet is up to date and streamlining business processes are key strategies for the continued growth of Crane Industry Council for Australia (CICA) member Wheeler Cranes.

Glenn Wilbow, general manager at Wheeler Cranes.

WITH THE WHEELER CRANES YARD IN Tomago, close to Newcastle, a large percentage of the lifts conducted by the business are focused on the prevalent industry sectors in the Hunter Region, which include coal, steel, and construction.

Glenn Wilbow is the general manager at Wheeler Cranes. He has been in the crane industry since 1997, working for a couple of Sydney crane hire businesses before taking advantage of the mining boom in the Northern Territory.

This didn’t last long as the work wasn’t challenging enough, so he looked to find work back in Sydney, where Shawn and Nathan from Borger Cranes and Rigging Services were happy to take him on board.

Wilbow takes up the story.

“I am from Sydney originally, and it was great to work with Borger Cranes and Rigging Services. I was there five years 88 / CAL August 2022

before moving to Wheeler Cranes in 2011.

This organisation interested me because the owner, Albie Wheeler, was looking to take a step back from the business sometime in the future.

“The idea was for me to learn all about the business, understand the requirements of the clients from a supervisory level, and then grow into the general manager role that I have today,” said Wilbow.

Wheeler Cranes started in 1999 with one crane. When Wilbow joined the organisation there were 10 cranes and, currently, the business is running 22 cranes, with the fleet continuing to grow.

“I took on the role of general manager six years ago. Being based in Newcastle, our typical client base is in coal, the steel sector, and also Tier One and Tier Two builders operating in the region,” said Wilbow.

“We operate throughout the Hunter

Region, but we don’t do much in the pits themselves. We recognise that, to work the pits properly, you have to be there permanently and we are simply not structured for that type of work. We have enough work in Newcastle and the surrounds to keep us busy,” he said.

“The capacity of the Wheeler Cranes fleet starts with a 3t Maeda mini crawler through to a 250t Liebherr. The fleet includes nine Frannas with capacities from 20t through to the 40t-capacity Franna AT40. The all terrains are a mix of Liebherr and Grove.

“We are continually upgrading the fleet with new cranes and we took delivery of a new Franna Mac 25 in June and a second Franna AT40 in August. We like to run a fairly new fleet and some of the older models are currently being replaced. One of the older cranes is a 1999 model 30-tonner which was actually Danny Adair’s first new crane and remember it rolling into the yard when I was working at Petersen/Glenrelle Cranes. That crane is being replaced with a new Tadano,” said Wilbow.

Wheeler Cranes has its own mechanics working in the workshop – two full time and an apprentice. They maintain the fleet as per the OEM requirements or every three months, whichever comes first.

“Yes, we manage our servicing in house, and we also have repair capabilities as our mechanics are very technical. The OEMs know our team and compliment them on their abilities, so we see this as a real advantage for the business,” said Wilbow.

“Being based in Tomago, we are some distance from Sydney, so we can’t expect an immediate service from the OEMs if an issue arises, so it is important we have technical capabilities in our workshop.”

Wheeler Cranes prepares lift studies for clients using AutoCAD and KranXpert. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The capacity of the Wheeler Cranes fleet starts with a 3t Maeda mini crawler through to a 250t Liebherr.

The KranXpert is for the smaller lifts where there is not much need for detailed lift studies.

Wilbow goes on to discuss the crane crews and the experience in the teams.

“Being a family business, we have a low turnover of staff. Many of our team have been here for multiple years and progressed from dogmen to operators and are now senior operators and supervisors. The longest serving employee has been with organisation for 13 years and, due to the

going through the CrewSafe program at the moment. Because we are so time-poor during the week, we have two or three of the new team members in the yard every Saturday going through the CrewSafe program with the supervisors. Like most crane yards, there’s always plenty happening on Saturdays, including the maintenance of the cranes,” said Wilbow.

“A point I would like to address with the CrewSafe program is that it doesn’t actually address the crew. It fundamentally

“The fleet includes nine Frannas with capacities from 20t through to the 40t-capacity Franna AT40. The all terrains are a mix of Liebherr and Grove.” growth we have experienced, a new batch of people joined recently,” he said.

“Our crane drivers are long-term employees, and we have plenty of experienced dogmen as well, with the newer dogmen learning from them. We work on having a positive culture throughout the business and this translates to a can-do attitude when the teams get to site and work with our clients.”

Wilbow and Wheeler Cranes are strong supporters of the programs delivered by The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) including CrewSafe and CraneSafe.

“We have a number of new employees www.cranesandlifting.com.au

addresses the crane operator and the crane he is going to be operating. I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss this with Pat Cran, CICA’s CraneSafe’s plant & operator assessment officer, but I’m sure the opportunity will arise,” said Wilbow.

“CICA is slowly moving through the development of programs which are designed to assist crane businesses like ours and these developments now include StartSafe. It will be terrific if we can pull the data captured from StartSafe and adapt this into our system.

“In my opinion, if a crane hire business isn’t looking at automating the systems in

the business they are going to quickly fall behind,” he said.

Wilbow and his team are working on a system that manages the mechanical requirements of the cranes, the time keeping, and scheduling.

“Being able to run one system across the business is our goal. Currently we have an allocation system, which works out of Visual Despatch, which we think is a great program, but it does stand alone,” he said.

“We are in the process of developing a system which will streamline all of our processes and it will include time keeping, scheduling, invoicing, and a maintenance schedule.

“We are taking small but solid steps on this journey as we don’t want to lose any data. We are using Visual Despatch for despatching, and we are mirroring yesterday’s book into Allocate 365.

“We are then able to examine any holes and, when we are comfortable it is all going to work, we will reverse the system and we will be using Allocate 365 for our allocation process and mirroring this back into Visual Despatch, again, so we don’t lose data,” he said.

“Automating our processes is going to help streamline the business, eliminate paperwork, and be more responsive to our customers. There’s no point investing in new cranes if the back end systems aren’t helping to ensure these assets are fully utilised,” said Wilbow.

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LIFT OF THE MONTH

PLEASE SEND YOUR LIFT OF THE MONTH ENTRIES TO SIMON.GOULD@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU

WHO: Melrose Cranes and Rigging WHERE: Sydney Gateway Project CRANE: Grove GMK7450 Crane configuration: 30.5m of main boom. 120t of counterweight.

LIFT: 116.2t head stock.

COMPLEXITIES: Melrose Cranes had seven hours to set up the crane, complete the lifts, install the headstocks, pack up and be out before 4am when the morning traffic started arriving at the airport.

90 / CAL August 2022

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

New models arriving include: • All terrains of various capacities • Lattice boom crawlers 150t to 220t capacities • Truck mounted cranes 25t and 30t capacities

Call: XCMG Cranes Australia NSW Sales – Kerry Fullbrook E: kerry@xcmgcranesaus.com.au M: 0448 373 370 xcmgcranesaustralia.com.au

VIC Sales – David Kapahnke E: david@dnddiesel.com.au M: 0418 373 128 dnddiesel.com.au

August 2022

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