Cranes And Lifting September/October 2021

THE DEDICATED RESOURCE FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

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FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM Published by:

11-15 Buckhurst St South Melbourne VIC 3205 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au CEO John Murphy E: john.murphy@primecreative.com.au Chief Operating Officer Zelda Tupicoff E: zelda.tupicoff@primecreative.com.au Publisher Christine Clancy E: christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor (Northern) Syed Shah E: syed.shah@primecreative.com.au Editor Simon Gould E: simon.gould@primecreative.com.au Business Development Manager Brad Marshall E: brad.marshall@primecreative.com.au T: 0403 993 443 Client Success Manager Justine Nardone E: justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au Design Production Manager Michelle Weston E: michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2021 ISSUE OF CRANES AND LIFTING THE TEAM AT CRANES AND LIFTING SADLY acknowledges the passing of industry legend and gentleman, John Gillespie.

John has been part of the Australian crane landscape for over 50 years and his contribution to the industry is immeasurable. In our experience, he was readily available to share his depth of understanding, providing advice and insights into sometimes difficult industry issues. Far more qualified individuals will have more to say about John, but we will miss his considered approach as will the industry at large.

We wish The Crane Industry Council of Australia every success with the forthcoming Industry Days. If you are reading the magazine surrounded by industry colleagues and friends, the COVID gods will have been kind and the Industry Days have proceeded.

As always, this issue has something for everyone. We are particularly pleased to congratulate the teams at Tadano and LCR Group on the arrival of the AC 1000-9 all terrain. For years to come, this machine will be seen as setting a new benchmark for the heavy lift and shift sector.

We continue to feel privileged as the

industry provides the access required to report on industry developments. The issue covers the full spectrum of crane hire businesses, from the largest to relative newcomers. It is always interesting to gain an understanding of the reasoning behind the purchase of the different types of cranes and brands.

It is also pleasing to report on Australian ingenuity, engineering, and manufacturing, solving a significant headache for the iconic Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. SpanSet is a champion for Australian Made product and we are delighted to see them play an integral role in this complex restraint project. As always, we include a focus on what our industry does best, and a number of lifts feature throughout the issue.

On behalf of the Cranes and Lifting team, we hope you enjoy the read.

Simon Gould Editor, Cranes and Lifting

Art Director Blake Storey Design Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty 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

September 2021 CAL / 3

IN THIS ISSUE

26

10 CICA Vale We sadly farewell industry legend, John Gillespie.

12 Up Front Tadano hosts open day and delivers AC1000-9 to LCR Group.

16 CICA Presidents report Strategic planning is critical for the industry’s future.

18 CICA Hall of Fame inductee

Industry leader is rightly recognised.

20 CICA Member profile Gravity Rigging takes delivery of new Grove.

24 CICA Tech Corner CICA Technical Committee explains new ground pressure guidance.

26 Borger Cranes and Rigging.

Borger’s expansion continues as they take delivery of the first Liebherr LTM 1650 in the country.

32 O’Phee Trailers for Freo Group O’Phee Trailers design and manufacture Freo trailer solution.

4 / CAL September 2021

66

36 Frannas take flight with Brolga Cranes Brolga Cranes’ continued growth with Frannas.

58 Having the right insurance broker on your team Trans-West identify mistakes crane hire businesses make with insurance.

40 Preston Hire’s SuperDeck sets industry standard New GM explores the importance of crane loading deck safety.

63 The Baden Davis Crane Connection continue endeavour to deliver quality used cranes.

Endeavour Cranes take delivery of used Liebherr.

44 TRT and Kobelco progressing nicely Australian and New Zealand customers happy with Kobelco.

48 New tricks for Blue Dog with Liebherr Blue Dog Cranes takes delivery of Liebherr all terrain.

52 SpanSet helps solve Snowy Hydro restraint issue Australian ingenuity helps solve Snowy Hydro 2.0 headache.

54 XCMG is back and backed by service and support XCMG Cranes Australia bring a fresh approach to the brand and new models.

66 Tutt Bryant Equipment introduce new HSC crawler Tutt Bryant announce new 280t capacity HSC crawler arriving soon.

70 Altra Motion support in action Altra Motion confirm the importance of product support throughout industry.

74 Frannas in grader rescue Matherson Cranes deploys two Frannas for urgent grader rescue.

78 New Grove Rough Terrains arrive Grove reveal new rough terrains are on their way to customers.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

80

92

80 TRT and Max Cranes discuss strategic relationship Max Cranes and TRT work closely on purpose-built trailers and TIDD pick and carry cranes.

100 Bridon Bekaert focuses on customer service A state of the art Service Centre helps Bridon Bekaert better service the industry.

84 SANYs continue to impress customers SANY customers happy to talk about crane performance.

103 New SPT mini crane models are on the way.

Jones Equipment Sales pleased with progress so far.

88 Radioing The Men From Marrs Red Radio Solutions provide communications for iconic Sydney project.

106 Gleason Cranes back in the hiring line With new Zoomlion crawlers on the way, Gleason are back and hiring.

90 Importance of sound financial advice Finlease examines the importance of being financially prepared for a construction sector, post COVID.

109 Comansa tower crane bridge gap in North America

Dual Comansa tower cranes play integral role in new bridge construction.

92 Humma develops with customer help Freo plays an important role in Hummas’ research and development program.

112 Continued quest for environmentally sound lubricants and oils Panolin products safe for sensitive environments.

96 Digging Deep for mental wellbeing in construction UAA backs mental wellbeing industry initiative.

114 Liebherr examine eco fuel alternatives Liebherr Germany examines the role of sustainable fuel alternatives.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

116 Gods smile on new Tadano Zeus Cranes take delivery of a new truck mounted crane.

120 Boom Logistics manage huge shed lift Grove all terrains play integral role in shed lift.

122 Lifting blind at 340m underground Wheeler Cranes solve complex mine-dig.

124 Elevating rigging to new heights.

Elevate Rigging kit out new Grove.

126 Mammoet minimises downtime on maintenance project Using a Liebherr LG1750, an exhaust silencer replacement is lifted in a single piece for the first time.

128 Tadano ATFs upgraded Tadano four and five axle ATF receive a major upgrade.

130 Lift of the Month.

A look at what our industry does best.

September 2021 CAL / 5

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INDUSTRY NEWS LEEA LAUNCHES REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has formed a dedicated Regional Council for Australia and New Zealand to take greater local control and ownership over local decisions. With its own people, budget and work plan the Regional Council will devise local solutions for local problems.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the region and a significant benefit to the Lifting Equipment industry in Australian and New Zealand,” said Justin Boehm, Regional General Manager for Australia at LEEA. “The Regional Council is to be lead by local industry leaders, to push forward the benefits of LEEA membership and look to the future of an incredibly important industry. With their support and guidance, we will achieve the recognition our members deserve.”

The Regional Council for Australia and New Zealand comprises Steve Flint of The Rigging Shed and Regional Director for Australia on the LEEA Board; Adam Thompson of Stenhouse Lifting; Guy Roberts of Nobles; Ashley Thacker of Ranger Lifting Rigging Safety; Andy Campbell of Bunzl; Mark Eberhard of RMB Lifting; Navin Kumar of Lifting Victoria; David Wilson of Active Lifting Equipment; and Rob Smit of Cookes New Zealand.

This group of industry leaders is committed to increasing the awareness of LEEA in the region, showcasing its benefits, growing its demand and profile across major industries and focussing on local initiatives that support the area’s specific needs. They will work together collectively for the greater good of the lifting industry in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to support LEEA’s goals in the region.

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Justin Boehm added: “There are some fantastic events and training development plans in the pipeline. The best part is that as a lifting community the region is coming together, putting individual business and commercial priorities aside, to collectively improve lifting standards and work with government, local industry and safety regulators to ensure that LEEA membership and LEEA trained technicians are not only recognised but mandatory.”

The Regional Council for the Australia and New Zealand is the first step towards a ‘hub and spoke’ model for LEEA, which is designed to maximise the Association’s global footprint through regional delivery.

Australia and New Zealand provides the template to move forward with similar Regional Councils for the Middle East and South East Asia later in the year.

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INDUSTRY NEWS CRANECORP AUSTRALIA TAKE DELIVERY OF NEW FRANNA AT 40 Cranecorp Australia recently welcomed a new addition to its robust and modern fleet, the Franna AT 40.

With a maximum lift capacity of 40t, the AT 40 is the largest pick & carry crane that is currently manufactured

by Terex and boasts 44 per cent more load moment than the popular MAC 25 model.

Joe Pito, Asset Manager at Cranecorp Australia explains.

“Through customer engagement, learning from our industry partners and responding to the needs of our diverse customer base it was critical to incorporate a complimentary lifting solution in the pick and carry space.”

Robin Ghosh, Franna Sales Manager said.

“We have an excellent relationship with Cranecorp Australia, who have been supporting the Franna product

Cranecorp Australia recently added a new Franna AT 40 to its fleet..

for many years. It has been a pleasure working with Joe and the Cranecorp team and I am delighted that they have chosen to strengthen their fleet with a brand new AT 40.”

The first AT 40 for Cranecorp Australia will be based in the Perth Metro and Southwest region to support its customer base.

Pito continues, “We are extremely

excited about this new addition to the fleet and looking at how we can provide a greater range of pick and carry services to our client base.

The team at Cranecorp have been incredibly complimentary of the crane which is always a promising sign.”

For more information on Cranecorp Australia, please visit www. cranecorpaustralia.com.au/

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CICA VALE

JOHN WILLIAM GILLESPIE 1952-2021 The Australian Crane Industry mourns the loss of a Legend – John Gillespie.

JOHN WAS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF Gillespies Crane Services and a Director of Gillespies Cranes Nominees P/L and other companies in the group until 2019.

When John left school and joined the family business in 1969 he “did whatever was needed in the business – cleaning up around the place, dogging, crane driving and whatever else was necessary for the

family business to survive.”

Gillespies Cranes was the oldest crane company in Australia at the time of John’s retirement.

He left the industry after over 50 years and served 35 successive years on the CICA Board, joining in 1985. During this time he served as CICA President for 16 years until 2014. John was awarded the John Gillespie.

10 / CAL September 2021

Con Popov Memorial Award in 2002 for outstanding industry service. In 2010, John was awarded CICA Life Membership.

John’s exceptional, loyal and outstanding service and contribution have provided immeasurable benefit to CICA. CICA’s progress and growth under John’s leadership was phenomenal; industry representation activities, member benefits, membership numbers, revenue and assets are at record levels. On behalf of CICA, John was a strong advocate for and participant at International World Crane & Transport Alliance Meetings, this helped to create the International Crane Stakeholders Assembly (ICSA). John’s service, industry leadership and passion to improve the crane industry is legendary, earning him much respect within Australia and internationally.

John continued to be an advocate for involvement in the industry association.

When asked what advice he would give to a newcomer to the industry he said firstly, “Are you mad? Don’t do it!” then “Seriously though, get involved with the association as it gives you the opportunity to help drive change and improvements.

More contributors are always needed and welcomed. The industry can’t continue to rely on a small number of volunteers, or the same few people that always seem to make the time to contribute.”

John’s positive outlook on life was undiminishing. In 2021 he received a replacement pacemaker and wanted to know how long the battery life was. The doctor told him 15 years, for which he said amidst going through chemotherapy, “I have a new goal!!”

Sadly, his fighting spirit could not overcome physical illness and John passed away peacefully on 17 August 2021. Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife, Helen, sons Tom and Stephen, and daughter Carla, their partners and children. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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UP FRONT / TADANO

BIG IS BEAUTIFUL LCR Group, one of Australia’s leading integrated logistics, transport and crane service providers, recently took delivery of a Tadano Demag AC1000-9, and with a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes, it is the world’s most powerful all terrain. Peter Koschel, LCR’s Executive GM Cranes & Transport, provides background to the purchase and the reasons why LCR has gone so big.

PETER KOSCHEL HAS BEEN WITH LCR for 17 years and has worked in senior management roles in all facets of the business and has been directly responsible for the Australian and Papua New Guinea crane and transport operations for the past five years.

“In 2019 LCR was purchased by Qube Holdings, Australia’s largest logistics provider. The acquisition by Qube has provided the opportunity for us to increase our capability - providing integrated crane and transport services to the civil, mining, and renewable energy sectors.

“LCR Group has been heavily involved in the construction of some the largest infrastructure projects in Queensland. We have built a reputation for providing our customers with reliable solutions for the transportation and erection of precast bridge girders for the construction of many of the States road, rail and tunnel projects, and are grateful for the trust our customers put in us to get a project completed safely and efficiently.”

The integrated logistics model QUBE and LCR offer has been successfully tested and replicated on the Coopers Gap and Stockyard Hill, the two largest wind farm projects in the Southern Hemisphere. LCR Group has put together a team of specialists with experience in the renewable sector from Victoria to Queensland, and are one of very few companies able to offer a complete Port-to-pad package for wind and solar projects. “Our clients benefit from the simplicity and one point 12 / CAL September 2021

of contact approach we bring to the projects. They are not having to write five contracts, and make five phone calls every time a schedule changes. We take care of it all in-house.” Koschel pointed out.

The company’s strong reputation has spread into the Asia-Pacific where it has built a strong presence in Papua New Guinea. “The PNG business was established in 2009 where LCR provided a range of cranes to support the construction of the Exxon gas pipeline and the offshore jetty development,” Koschel said.

“We have continued to progress our business with a key emphasis on the training and development of our PNG staff to manage our business and operate our equipment.” The PNG operation has provided lifting support throughout the region and worked with a range of major resource and construction companies including – Newcrest, Oil Search, Clough, Exxon and CPB. “Wherever we operate, we take a solution-based approach with our clients with a focus on delivering what we promise, while ensuring safety is always our highest priority,” Koschel said.

Koschel explains how a major crane business works with the synergies of a logistics business.

“QUBE is Australia’s largest logistics company. It has a number of divisions across Port, Bulk and Logistics and we operate across Australia, New Zealand and South-east Asia. LCR are a part of the Qube Bulk business, which primarily focuses on the movement of materials

to and from all major ports throughout Australia. Our cranes work within the integrated solutions provided by this business,” he said.

LCR was an easy fit into the logistics offering of QUBE and the crane and transport fleet has evolved since becoming part of the QUBE organisation says Koschel.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve added a significant amount of specialised heavy haulage equipment to our transport business, to provide the capability to complete unique movements of oversized components and equipment. This equipment includes Australian made heavy duty prime movers, multiple axle modular trailers, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

With a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes, the Tadano Demag AC1000-9 is the world’s most powerful all terrain.

platform trailers, steerable jinker trailers, selected European blade trailers, and clamp sets. The addition of the Tadano Demag AC1000-9 is a carefully calculated part of our future, and the capital expenditure to date is only the start of our growth program.” he said.

Koschel discusses the background to the purchase of the Demag AC1000-9 confirming LCR had a couple of options in terms of crane model and brand.

“LCR has always been an advocate of improving safety and productivity in the Australian crane market, and introduced the first 350t and 500t class cranes to the Queensland over ten years ago, so this new acquisition is no exception. The AC1000-9 is going to be the biggest of its www.cranesandlifting.com.au

kind on the East Coast which provides us with a major point of difference in the market.

“We had been waiting a number of years for the timing to be right to increase our large crane fleet, and we feel there is an abundance of future opportunity for us to showcase the strength and efficiency of this crane too.

We see project engineers and designers asking for “Bigger, higher, heavier and faster”, so we wanted to make sure we have the right combination of equipment and people to support our clients’ plans.

“We undertook a detailed analysis of what was available in the market.

We have been aligned with the Demag product for a number of years and there

were a lot of maintenance and operator acceptance synergies that lead us to select the Tadano Demag product. The supplier relationship we have with Tadano Demag is second to none, and this has been exceptional over a long period of time.”

Koschel continued.

“Our suppliers are vital to our success and a strong alignment with them plays a major role in our business success. The selection of the crane was not made from a technical capability alone. We could see it was fleet fit, we knew the support we would get from Tadano Demag, and with the technology built into the crane, we knew it would fit well into our long term plans. The integration into our fleet and the training of our operators and September 2021 CAL / 13

UP FRONT / TADANO

personnel provided by Tadano Demag cemented the decision,” he said.

Howard Dean, National Heavy Lift Sales Manager and James Greenwood, Tadano National Sales Manager, with support of the Sales Administration and various other departments within the Tadano Oceania organisation, worked closely with the team from LCR Group on the AC1000-9 project.

“We are very thankful for our strong relationship with LCR Group and grateful to have worked with such a great group of industry professionals,” said Dean.

“We were up against the Liebherr LTM11200-9.1, but the AC1000-9 capabilities are second to none and we were able to demonstrate its abilities, strengths and benefits to LCR Group.

In 2010, LCR took delivery of their first AC500-2 which has been a fantastic crane for them, laying the foundations for the lead into a larger mobile all terrain crane such as the AC1000-9.

“Over the years, the aftermarket support of Tadano/Demag Group has been crucial to the LCR business and our Product Support team has worked extremely hard to support their business over many years. We’re excited about the future and look forward to new challenges and strengthening our relationships. We have the ability to

With a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes, the Demag AC1000-9 is the world’s most powerful all terrain crane. Designed for “super-size” construction, wind turbine and high-rise building applications, the AC1000-9 remains remarkably compact and versatile for a crane in the 1200t class. support our products in all facets of the business and this was a critical factor in LCR’s decision making processes,” he said.

“Another interesting aspect regarding the delivery of the AC1000-9 has been the presence of technician Rianer Staab. He recently arrived from Tadano Demag Germany to assist with the commissioning, hand over and training for the crane. Rainer was also part of the

training and hand over for LCR’s AC5002 when it was delivered over 10 years ago.

He contributed to the LCR success story then and he makes an equally valuable contribution to delivery of the AC1000-9 today,” said Dean.

With a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes, the Demag AC1000-9 is the world’s most powerful all terrain crane.

Designed for “super-size” construction, wind turbine and high-rise building

Over 100 people attended the launch of the AC1000-9.

14 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

applications, the AC1000-9 remains remarkably compact and versatile for a crane in the 1200t class.

The crane’s customer-oriented design means it can be driven on the road with its 50-meter main boom to almost any job site in the world, and, once there, has the fastest set-up time in its class. A wide choice of extensions and attachments are available, all designed to fit on standard truck trailer combinations, eliminating the cost and time of tedious permits and special vehicles.

Built for cost-effective operation, the AC1000-9 offers a choice of a 50 or 100-meter main boom, equipped with patented open head and sheaves, to simplify the installation of the additional boom section.

Optional SSL (“Sideways SuperLift”) technology increases chart capacity for a wide range of applications with a telescopic boom. A variable steering system with active, speeddependent, electronically-controlled rear-axle steering provides excellent manoeuvrability and directional stability for optimum performance over all terrain and road types.

TIME-SAVING AND COST-EFFECTIVE CONCEPT No crane in its class can be rigged faster than the AC1000-9, thanks to its patented luffing jib rigging system, which minimizes the requirements for working at height. In addition, the counterweight frame offers an excellent access system for safely working at height.

With the power to perform a wide variety of jobs with thousands of possible configurations and in the most extreme conditions, the AC1000-9 provides contractors with the versatility needed to meet challenging market requirements today and tomorrow.

The crane cab is equipped with an integrated IC-1 touch-screen control system to provide easy access to valuable information on wind speed/direction, hook load, nominal load capacity, reach, boom length, as well as calculated and actual outrigger loads, at the touch of a finger.

The integrated working range limiter www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Takehiro Kusumoto, Tadano’s acting managing director and commercial director, presents the AC1000-9 key to Peter Koschel, LCR Group’s Executive GM Cranes and Transport Operations.

With the power to perform a wide variety of jobs with thousands of possible configurations and in the most extreme conditions, the AC1000-9 provides contractors with the versatility needed to meet challenging market requirements today and tomorrow. means that slewing angle, height/radius limits and “virtual walls” can be adjusted effortlessly to help prevent collisions during critical operations. Capable of trouble-shooting and analysing information, the IC-1 control system also reduces downtime by assisting maintenance staff in diagnosing and addressing malfunctions rapidly.

Comfort and use are further enhanced by a rear-view camera and rear-drive radar control, floodlights at strategic positions on the crane offer excellent visibility, as well as an optional monitoring of winch units.

Koschel discusses LCR ‘s expectations for the new Demag and what it will deliver for customers and the major projects it will be working on.

“Components in infrastructure projects are getting bigger and requiring fewer, but much larger lifts. The team at LCR has always looked at how we can improve the offering to our customers

in terms of how we can improve the constructability of a job. Can we complete the job quicker? How do we put ourselves in a better and more competitive position? Everyone can have a crane but what do we have to continually lead the market and be the preferred supplier for major projects and our clients?

“The AC1000-9 will head straight to the front line on several high-profile projects in Queensland. We are also aware that we have to develop the market and an understanding of what this crane is capable of. We are now able to re-examine a whole range of projects with new and existing customers, and reassess how lifts have traditionally been approached. The AC1000-9 certainly offers a competitive edge with its outstanding capacity and useability, but the real benefit comes when we integrate the crane into a package of logistics related services,” said Koschel.

September 2021 CAL / 15

CICA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

FAREWELL TO AN INDUSTRY LEGEND With the passing of John Gillespie, the Australian Crane Industry lost a true leader and legend. The Crane Industry Council of Australia recognises the amount of time and energy John invested in our industry to make it a better and safer work place for everyone.

I AM SURE BY NOW WE ARE ALL AWARE that we have lost a true legend and CICA Life Member in John Gillespie. John, was a friend and mentor to many of us with the farthest reaching and diverse global network in the Australian crane industry.

His contribution to CICA is unparalleled with 35 years on the board, 16 of those years as President, all as he grew and nurtured his family crane business, Gillespie Cranes, for over 50 years. From all of us, we wish the Gillespie family the absolute very best and extend our deepest sympathies. Rest in peace John, and again, thank you for paving a bright and ongoing future for CICA. The impacts of COVID-19 have been extensive and profound. As I write, there are varying degrees to which our members have felt the impact of the COVID virus and lockdowns. At times this winter, we have witnessed up to 15 million Australians under lockdown restrictions simultaneously. These disruptions have had a profound impact to crane businesses and the broader construction sector, some of which will take time to resonate through the industry.

To protect and progress your industry organisation, The CICA Board are in the early stages of developing the next three-year Strategic Plan for CICA. The uncertainty of COVID has made this process a little more challenging than in the past, however the process will produce a clear and focused path for our association. Nevertheless, it is pleasing 16 / CAL September 2021

that we have been able to plan for the CICA Industry Days for October and November 2021. The theme Elevating Expectations reflects how the crane industry has been shaped by CICA’s last three-year strategy.

ELEVATING COMPETENCE AND SAFETY We are elevating our expectations from within, pushing for better traineeships and apprenticeships at the beginning of the crane career journey. The learning journey doesn’t stop there, the uptake of tools like CrewSafe shows that our industry is serious about safety and that competence extends beyond a piece of paper. CrewSafe is the crane industry’s VOC and the audited video evidence is a safeguard for employers and site supervisors. CrewSafe is also a way for employees to broaden their skill set, and to be recognised for their abilities.

Last month, the CICA Board inducted Anthony Grosser into the CICA Hall of Fame by presenting him with an Award at the CICA WA Annual Dinner.

Anthony has made an enormous contribution to our industry and his leadership has paved the way for the introduction of a Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations in Western Australia.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Anthony, a well-deserving recipient of the Hall of Fame Award. On behalf of the entire CICA Board, I would like to thank Anthony for his tireless efforts and commitment to our industry.

CICA president Tom Smith.

ELEVATING CRANE LIFE Our equipment is expensive and every crane owner I know takes the task of crane maintenance seriously. CraneSafe is the audited crane inspection program and StartSafe, a valuable tool for conducting pre-starts. There is no “one-size-fits all” position in relation to safe crane maintenance, so for the last three years CICA has been lobbying for changes to timeframes for a major inspection. A crane that is used once a month should not be subject to the same ten-year time frame as a crane being used 10 hours a day, 52 weeks a year. The ‘tenyear’ figure is not evidence based, adds an unnecessary burden to small business operators and lulls operators of cranes subject to heavy use, into a false sense of security and potential complacency.

It is for this reason, CICA is advocating for a combination of condition monitoring and manufacturer’s recommendations as the best approach to maintaining a crane. This common-sense approach not only lifts a burden from small business owners, but also encourages a greater level of cognizance and awareness of maintenance safety by all crane owners and operators.

ISO 9927-1:2013, AS2550.5-2016 and AS2550.11-2016, all recommend an alternative condition monitoring approach to the existing default practice of conducting a major inspection at 10 years. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

ELEVATING DATA ACCESS AND STORAGE CICA’s programs like CrewSafe, CraneSafe and StartSafe have the added advantage of all being linked to the CICA Member portal. As this platform is rolled out and continues to grow, there will be extra modules such as lifting equipment register and lift plan templates. The vision for the CICA Member portal is a one-stop shop for our members to view their employee competency, crane maintenance schedule and pre-start assessments together in one place. Compliance requirements and the administrative burden on business seems to be increasing every year, so the CICA portal is fast becoming an imperative data and evidence collection tool to support our day-to-day operations.

CICA BOARD Tom Smith – President Ben Pieyre – Vice President Danny Adair – Director Danny Black – Director Andrew Esquilant – Director Marcus Ferrari – Director David Solomon – Director Bart Sutherland – Director CICA OFFICE Brandon Hitch Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 0428 228 048 ceo@cica.com.au Alice Edwards Project Engineer 03 8320 0440 alice@cica.com.au

ELEVATING STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS CICA is continually looking to coordinate and broaden engagement with regulators, legislators and contractors.

Establishing strong working relationships is key to prioritising and implementing changes and frameworks.

The Commonwealth allocates billions for State infrastructure projects and CICA is at the forefront of lobbying for road access that supports efficient infrastructure growth and construction.

The Industry Days are another way of opening the lines of communication, sharing understandings, and finding mutually beneficial solutions to challenges we all face, on and off site.

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

ELEVATING EXPECTATIONS This issue of Cranes and Lifting magazine is the biggest and best yet. As vaccination rates increase and lockdowns (hopefully) become a memory rather then a reality, I hope you will join me in elevating expectations for a time of growth and opportunity.

Jed Kenwright Road Technical Officer 0439 556 867 jed@cica.com.au

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

Damien Hense Road Safety Liaison Officer 03 8320 0460 0488 007 575 damien@cica.com.au

Julie Turner CICA Executive Assistant / Office Manager 03 8320 0411 julie@cica.com.au Ashleigh Gould CICA Administration Officer – CraneSafe And CrewSafe 03 8320 0466 ashleigh@cranesafe.com.au Michelle Verkerk Marketing and Media Communications Officer 0410 003 759 michelle@cica.com.au Paul Arztenhofer Membership Engagement / Business Development Specialist 0490 939 274 paul@cica.com.au

CICA Head Office Unit 10, 18-22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave Vic 3170 (PO Box 136 Mount Waverley Vic 3149) 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.

September 2021 CAL / 17

CICA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME Industry leader recognised for his contributions during CICA WA Annual Dinner.

OVERLOOKING THE PERTH CITY LIGHTS, 220 people attended the CICA WA Annual Dinner at Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park. CICA WA Members enjoyed delicious food, dazzling entertainment and celebrated a special long-coming award presentation. The CICA Board, represented by Board Member and CICA WA Vice President Ben Pieyre, took the opportunity to recognise Anthony Grosser with the CICA Hall of Fame Award.

The Hall of Fame Award is presented to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the crane industry.

Anthony has been involved in cranes since completing his heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship in the West Australian Goldfields in 1995.

In 2000 he started his own mechanical repair and maintenance business in the Goldfields region, providing this service to crane owners and major miners until 2009, when he decided to move his growing operations to Maddington (Perth) and earnt a reputation for excellent service and product support.

While not an active member of the WA crane association in his early career, Anthony has always supported initiatives in road regulations, CraneSafe and safety matters. He was nominated as a committee member in 2011.

Anthony played a dynamic committee role and became the CAWA (now CICA WA) Chairman in 2014. As Chairman, Anthony was instrumental in supporting WA during its transition to the one CICA association; continuously furthering the best interests of the industry through training, road regulations and many other projects.

Anthony remained an active Chairman of CICA WA while juggling his own business before eventually joining the Tadano group through acquisition where 18 / CAL September 2021

CICA WA vice president Ben Pieyre, presents Anthony Grosser with the CICA Hall of Fame Award.

he held the senior position of managing director, Australia. He has now returned to managing his own business, MCT, and continues to lead the charge on important initiatives for CICA WA. Anthony’s career demonstrates that one does not need to be born into the crane industry to be successful in it.

When he gets time to relax, he loves spending time with family or enjoying another of his favourite past-times fishing in the North of Western Australia.

Anthony’s leadership has facilitated CICA’s engagement with industry leaders such as BHP, Rio Tinto and Tier One builders, and he has helped to garner support for CrewSafe and a Cert IV Traineeship scheme for the Mobile Crane Industry in WA. Once implemented, this initiative will leave a legacy in WA

of qualified crane operators entering the industry.

The crane industry continues to face challenges; however, Anthony has the dedication to drive CICA’s success for many years to come. Anthony has always been an active member on national matters and passionate participant of National Reference Group meetings.

The CICA Board had intended to present Anthony this award in 2019, but his commitments to Tadano meant that he was unable to stay for the Conference Gala dinner. Since 2019, Anthony’s list of leadership achievements has kept growing and the industry both locally and nationally continues to benefit from Anthony’s decision to make that trip down from the Goldfields region all those years ago. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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CICA MEMBER PROFILE

DEFYING GRAVITY WITH NEW GROVE Gravity Rigging recently took delivery of the first Grove GMK 3060L-1 all terrain to be delivered in Victoria. Gravity Rigging director, Dean Crook, explains the background to the purchase.

DEAN CROOK HAS BEEN IN THE CRANE industry for 21 years. He worked for Total Machinery Relocations for close to 15 years and when that business closed in 2014, he decided the time was right for him to go out on his own. Gravity Rigging has its yard in Cranbourne, Victoria and the customer profile for the business ranges from the likes of Downer, AE Smith and AG Coombes through Tier One, Tier Two and Tier Three builders, spa and pool companies, plumbing and roofing businesses.

The business had humble beginnings said Crook.

20 / CAL September 2021

“For the First 18 months, a mate and I ran the business out of my shed with a Ford ute. We then bought our first crane, a TOA mini crawler and our first major crane was a 20t Franna. Six months later we bought a 25t Franna and a year later we bought a 55t Liebherr all terrain. We now run two Franna MAC 25s, a 13t Kato bubble, the Grove GMK4100L-1 and now the new Grove 3060L-1,” he said.

Crook discusses the reasons behind the purchase of the Grove GMK 3060L-1.

“A few years ago, we bought the Liebherr 55t second hand and we felt

it was time to upgrade. We bought the Grove GMK 4100L-1 last June and we’ve been really happy and impressed with the performance of the crane. We spoke to both Grove and Liebherr about buying a 60t machine and we decided to jump on board with Grove based on our previous experience with the 100t. We also liked the idea that we were buying a brand-new model with a new design and 48m of boom. The 100t Grove had been performing perfectly so we didn’t see any reason to change brands,” he said.

Crook agrees with the market’s www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“The Grove three axle family has always been known for its compactness and by adding the longer boom to this, it completes the process and has produced a game changer as far as we are concerned.”

The GMK3060L-1 is the most compact crane in the 60t class. In addition to the shortest overall length and the lowest height, it also scores top marks for the smallest tail swing.

response to Grove three axle series confirming the 3060L-1 will impress with its performance, agility and ability to get into sites with limited access. With 48m of boom and a hydraulic luffing Fly he sees the GMK 3060L-1 being really popular.

“The major feature which stood out for us was the 48m of boom and it also features a hydraulic luffing fly. A lot of the 60s on the market don’t have a luffing fly, they are all fixed fly. The luffing fly capability was a feature that gelled with us and with the 3060L-1 being a small compact crane capable of getting into the tight spots and having the flexibility of the luffing fly makes it even more versatile,” he says.

The main feature with the machine www.cranesandlifting.com.au

is the extreme compactness, it is only slightly longer than a two-axle crane in the carrier. If you take a two axle 40 tonner, the Grove three axle cranes are only 40cms longer in the carrier. This makes it extremely compact, and it can get in anywhere. The GMK 3060L-1 also has an extremely small tail swing for tight work sites.

The GMK 3060L-1 is also an excellent taxi crane. You can carry 6.5t of counterweight plus the swing away fly. This means the crane canbe sent out without an additional counterweight truck and you can also send it out for 40t to 50t work without the extra counterweight.

Andrew Gray sales manager - Mobile Cranes for Manitowoc had this to say about the Grove GMK 3060L-1.

“The Grove three axle family has always been known for its compactness and by adding the longer boom to this it completes the process and has produced a game changer as far as we are concerned.

It was already the most compact crane available in this class but having the longer boom makes a massive difference.

And because the boom contains an extra section it isn’t any longer in terms of road configuration, it’s actually shorter because the base boom length is less even though the total boom length is longer.

The longer boom has only enhanced and improved the compactness of the crane,” he said.

“You can complete a lot of work with the longer boom without having to use the fly. Basically, if you are not buying a pick and carry this is the first class of crane you are buying, it is one of the most popular classes for all terrains.

Every fleet features a 50t or 60t capacity three axle crane. Grove has always done well in this class but having the longer boom has really catapulted us into the

market and we believe our product is really competitive to anything in the same class,” he said.

The GMK3060L-1 is the most compact crane in the 60t class: In addition to the shortest overall length and the lowest height it also scores top marks for the smallest tail swing.

The chassis is almost as compact as a two-axle model and up to 1 m shorter than competitive three-axle cranes, with a carrier length of only 8.68m and a minimum overall height of 3.48m with the suspension fully lowered.

The new model features a longer, 48m seven-section TWIN-LOCK hydraulic pinned main boom and boasts significantly stronger load charts.

It features Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), as well as a boom configurator feature. This enables operators to input basic lift parameters, such as load, radius and load height, and the system automatically provides optimal boom options for performing the lift. This saves time at the job site and makes the setup process much easier. Like all GMK cranes with CCS, the GMK3060L also features the MAXbase option for variable outrigger settings and increase load charts in certain working ranges.

The GMK3060L-1 is powered by a Cummins QSL9, a 254 kW (340 hp) sixcylinder in-line diesel engine for reduced fuel consumption. The QSL9 combines high strength with a compact footprint for one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class. The crane includes a ZF TraXon automatic transmission, giving it 12 forward-speed options and two reverse.

Crook goes on to explain how Gravity Rigging operates and the type of customer put their way.

“We do everything from full plant room change overs, to design and install gantries to removing chillers September 2021 CAL / 21

CICA MEMBER PROFILE

and boilers and getting things done in tight and awkward spots. For example, we’ve just won a contract with Nielsen’s installing transformers for all the sub stations on the tunnel project. These are 17t transformers, the site cranes are lifting them, but we are skating them anywhere from 50m to 100m to their rooms, jacking them and putting them

into position.

Crook discusses the difference the Grove GMK 4100L-1 and now the GMK 3060L-1 are making to his business.

“With the Grove GMK 3060L-1, the 60t capacity, the long boom and luffing fly we will be completing jobs quicker.

Because of the compact nature of the crane, it will get onto site easier and with

“The 100t was a big step up for the business and seems to have put us in a different class with our customers. With the rigging side of the business, we are now quoting jobs using our own cranes instead of hiring in 80 or 100 tonners.”

The GMK 3060L-1 is an excellent taxi crane because it can carry 6.5t of counterweight plus the swing away flay – so the crane can be sent out without an additional counterweight truck.

22 / CAL September 2021

the longer boom it will reach lifts we couldn’t have managed in the past. We’ve now got two new cranes in the fleet, one brand new and the 100t which is just 12 months old. This gives our customers confidence we have reliable cranes for their work. We don’t have the problems that come with an ageing fleet where things inevitably break and go wrong.

“The 100t was a big step up for the business and seems to have put us in a different class with our customers. With the rigging side of the business, we are now quoting jobs using our own cranes instead of hiring in 80 tonners or 100 tonners. Now we can use our own cranes and clients are happy that between our cranes and our specialised riggers we can now provide a one stop shop without having to hire a crane in,” he said.

“They know they are getting the full service from Gravity Rigging with all the advantages that goes with this. A number of clients have made it clear they are happier we are not hiring in cranes and a lot more work has opened up for us because of the new canes. Clients know it’s our crane, they know our dogman know how to lift air conditioners for example and they are excellent with their rigging work. Clients know they won’t see damage caused during the lift because of the professionalism of our crews,” said Crook.

Gravity Rigging has been a member of The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) for some time and Dean Crook discusses the role CICA plays in the industry and how the association helps his business.

“I didn’t have much to do with CICA until we purchased the 100 tonner.

This crane has taken us to the next step as a business and since its purchase, we’ve got to know CICA better and developed relationships with a couple of the team members here in Melbourne.

They’ve been really helpful by providing information relating to crane permits which we haven’t had to deal with before.

Having CICA on our team has made the transition to the bigger cranes a seamless and positive experience for us,” said Crook. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

CICA TECH CORNER

UPDATE TO CICA GUIDANCE NOTE ON GROUND PRESSURE The CICA technical committee has reviewed the CICA guidance note on crane stability and ground pressure, recommendations of safety factors for allowable ground pressure and allowable axle load calculation have been incorporated in the latest edition of the guidance note.

THIS ARTICLE GIVES A PREVIEW OF THIS guidance note, it briefly discusses some key points on crane stability and ground pressure. For more details, refer to the full guidance note which provides guidance to assist on: • Clarifying responsibilities for ground capacity assessment.

• Ultimate ground pressure vs allowable ground pressure.

• Determining the loads and forces. exerted by mobile cranes to the ground.

• Reading and interpreting manufacturer information.

• Determining the suitability of the crane mats.

• Interpretation of industry adopted rule of thumbs.

Effective assessment of ground conditions is essential prior to the safe set up and operation of cranes. To reduce the risk of crane accidents, planning activities shall be carried out by a competent person(s) to assess the capability of the ground to withstand the loads and pressures imposed by the lifting equipment.

GROUND CONDITION Typically, a mobile crane will be supported via one of, or a combination of the following ways: • Natural ground, for example, existing natural ground or pavement.

• Constructed crane pad, for example, hardstand.

• Existing or purpose-built structure, for example, concrete slab or steel grillage.

• Combination of above, for example, piles driven into natural ground that require the crane or a grillage platform to be positioned on it.

Each of them will require a method of calculation in their capacity to provide

RESPONSIBILITIES All parties involved in the planning, set up and use of cranes on site must be aware of the fundamental criteria, planning issues and risk assessments that are needed to ensure lifting operations proceed in a safe and stable manner. All parties have shared responsibilities to ensure safe operation on site.

Figure 1 – Outrigger Load Change due to Different Load Cases 24 / CAL September 2021

a suitable setup arrangement. Some will simply use industry adopted rules of thumb. Some will require key input from the site and the work of a design engineer with knowledge in the civil, structural and geotechnical area.

CRANE LOADING How a crane transfers its load to the supporting surface will depend on the type of crane. There are usually three types of loads: • Axle loads, commonly from pick and carry cranes. To understand a correlation between axle load and ground pressure, further assessment

Figure 2 - Crawler Track Pressure Change due to Different Load Cases www.cranesandlifting.com.au

calculation. Manufacturer software is provided with static analysis of specific load conditions (see Figure 3).

Conditions under which the results are calculated must be interpreted correctly and limitations of the calculation must be considered when using the results in lift planning. The guidance note provides links to software developed by crane manufacturers (CICA National Marketers) and provides guidance on how to read the results.

Figure 3 - Manufacturer software is provided with static analysis of specific load conditions.

by a suitably qualified and competent engineer is required. The engineer will consider factors such as type of ground and resistance, angle of repose and zone of influence.

• Outrigger or pedestal loads, these are typically through the use of mats and effective bearing area.

• Crawler Track Loads, these are typically based on the track width and effective contact length.

Calculation of the load exerted by the crane outrigger or track should consider both the vertical load (from the crane, rigging gear and object loads, etc.) and the load caused by the moment acting on each outrigger or track under different load cases (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).

During lift operations, crane boom length, slew angle and slew arc may vary, these will change the forces on the outriggers. It is often assumed that the maximum loads and forces will occur during operation at maximum capacity, this is not always the case, for example, outrigger loads could be at their highest without any load on the hook at minimum radius due to the backward moment from the counterweight. In some load cases, total load of the crane www.cranesandlifting.com.au

may be imposed largely on one outrigger or one crawler track when the boom or counterweight is slewed over that outrigger or over the side of that track.

Beyond the load analysis above, crane operations may often require additional considerations. Other loads to consider include: • dynamic loading due to wind pressure • lateral loading due to incorrect set-up or different settlement of supports • dynamic loads caused by slewing or a swinging lifted load • dynamic loads caused by crane traveling with load • e mergency loads The person or company in control of a lifting operation should ensure the engineer/designer for the design and assessment of the ground capacity is aware of these loads. Suitable design and safety factors should be applied (refer to the guidance note for recommended safety factors) to determine allowable ground pressure or allowable axle load from ultimate ground pressure or ultimate axle load.

MANUFACTURER SOFTWARE When properly used, manufacturers’ resources are the preferred method of

CRANE MAT SIZE Crane mats (timber, steel, HDPE, etc.) are used to distribute the load of the crane to the ground. The suitability of the crane mat used is determined by: • the area of the mat is suitable to distribute the load to the ground at a stress level less than the ground bearing capacity and • the strength and integrity of the mat and its ability to handle the load exerted by the crane.

If crane load and crane mat size are known, the pressure imposed by the crane on the ground can be calculated by using pressure and area. This pressure is then compared with the maximum permissible ground pressure to check whether the mat size is suitable for the lift.

If crane mat size is unknown, it can be calculated by dividing the crane load by the maximum permissible ground pressure.

Required crane mat bearing area (m2) =

Crane Load (tonne) ×9.8m/s2 Maximum permissible ground pressure(kPa)

In the guidance note, sample calculations on crane mat size calculations are given.

CICA has developed a ground pressure App called “CICA Calc” to calculate ground pressure or crane mat size, based on the formulas and ground pressure capacity estimates provided in the Queensland Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006. This App is available from your phone’s App store.

The full “Guidance Note for Ground Pressure Calculation” is available to CICA Members.

Contact Alice Edwards alice@cica.com.au September 2021 CAL / 25

IN FOCUS / BORGER CRANE HIRE AND RIGGING SERVICES

BORGER’S CONTINUED STRATEGY OF GROWTH The past 18 months have seen Borger Crane Hire and Rigging Services continue a trajectory of strong growth with the Queensland expansion is gathering momentum and new cranes being added to the fleet.

Embracing Innovation is a key factor to succeeding in the crane hire business.

The Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 exemplifies this approach from Borger Cranes.

26 / CAL September 2021

IT IS WELL OVER A YEAR SINCE THE business expanded into Queensland with the purchase of Kelly Green Crane Hire and there have been numerous additions to the crane fleet including the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 all terrain, the first of its kind in the country. Borger’s general manager, Shawn Borger provides insights into the growth strategy and elaborates on the latest additions.

“The major strategy has been the expansion into Queensland market. On the whole this development has been excellent, probably better than expected, but there is still a lot of work to do. We have certainly established significant footprints in the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast markets and both operations have been extremely busy. Mind you, this was probably always going to be the way when you are trying to bring in new business whilst servicing your existing customer base.

“The business is certainly growing in Queensland. We started out with approximately 20 cranes across the depots, and we now have 30. I can see the fleet continuing to grow with the recent announcement that Brisbane will be hosting 2032 Olympics. No doubt there will be even more infrastructure and construction required in preparation for the Olympic Games,” said Borger.

Recruiting the right calibre www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of personnel has also been a key contributor to the progress being made says Borger.

“We’ve been careful to retain and recruit the right personnel to suit the culture and nature of our business. Most have been hand-picked to help create a great team atmosphere and a positive working environment. The keys to our success so far, is the result of teamwork and having the correct capacity cranes available.

“From what I have seen, I would say the Queensland market appears to be getting stronger day by the day.

Fortunately, we are not in any one industry sector. We are working across various sectors including infrastructure, construction, mining and renewables including wind farm installations and servicing. We are across numerous sectors because when a particular industry shows signs of slowing down, we move our cranes and crews around to help in other growth industries.

“Right now, the infrastructure sector is particularly buoyant as is the resources, and we are securing our fair share of work in these areas. The renewable energy sector is set to boom in Queensland, and we have some interesting equipment coming to service the expected increases in demand. We will always stay ahead of the game by investing in the right technology,” said Borger.

Borger switches his attention to the New South Wales operations confirming they are consistently busy.

“Our Sydney and Newcastle operations have also been performing well. In 2020, we purchased a number of new cranes for these operations to keep up with the number of projects we could see in the pipeline and the fleets are being well utilised. Like most crane businesses, the infrastructure sector has kept our fleet busy, especially the larger cranes and we can certainly see this being the case over the next 12 to 24 months.

“The renewables sector in New South Wales is also busy and we’ve seen our Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 well utilised in the construction and maintenance of wind farms, throughout the state. We www.cranesandlifting.com.au

have the ability to move cranes between operations and we have what we call ‘The Big Crane Schedule.’ This enables our supervisors to examine the availability of cranes up and down the East Coast. A crane can’t be in two places, so we watch the timing of projects very closely to ensure we have the right cranes available for the right projects,” he said.

Recently, there have been several additions to the Borger Crane fleet including the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1.

Borger explains the reasoning behind some of the additions.

“We purchased of the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mainly to update our 500t capacity cranes with the new technology and increased capacity. The LTM 1650 will be based Sydney and we have moved one of our 500t capacity cranes into Brisbane full time. We thought carefully about the addition of a 650t capacity crane. It doesn’t really compliment the LTM 1750 because they are two very different cranes.

“That said, the 750 can work as a 650 to cover the work when the 650 is busy on another project. Obviously, the LTM 1650 cannot lift to the capacities of the 750 but we recently had a job in Brisbane where the 500t capacity crane was not strong enough and the 750 was too big to fit on site. The 650 was the answer and it went very well on a difficult site, it’s a great crane,” he said.

The Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 is designed to deliver maximum performance. The eight 8-axle all terrain is designed to deliver maximum flexibility and fast set-up times. The LTM 1650-8.1 travels with an axle load of 12 tonnes complete with its 54 metre telescopic boom and the front supports. To minimise the set-up time, however, the rear supports are installed as complete support box in a single hoist and connected using quick-release couplings. As with all new developments over the last few years, Liebherr can offer the LTM 1650-8.1 with a very wide range of transport weights and axle load versions to ensure cost-effective global mobility for axle loads both above and below 12 tonnes.

As with its predecessor, the LTM 1500-8.1, which dominated the large telescopic crane class for 20 years, Liebherr can supply the new crane with two telescopic boom lengths – 54 metres or 80 metres. Customers can also buy both lengths and change them easily by replacing telescope section 3 and roller head with telescope sections 3 to 5.

In keeping with the concept to deliver the ultimate crane on eight axles, the load capacity increases compared to its predecessor, are between 15 and 50 percent depending on whether the telescopic boom includes guying or not. The standard VarioBase® variable support base delivers additional increases in performance in the zone above the supports.

The designers used the time-tested technology from the LTM 1500-8.1 for the Y-guying of the new LTM 1650-8.1 – although they upgraded the single-rope system to achieve better performance, the benefit of easy handling was retained.

The experts from Ehingen focused on achieving an easy, fast and safe set-up process during the design process.

A range of lattice booms enables it to work efficiently in a wide range of applications. With a fixed lattice boom from 6 to 62 metres in length, the telescopic boom can be extended particularly easily and quickly. It is attached at an angle of 0°, 10°, 20° or 40°. As an option, the fixed boom can be adjusted between 0° and 38°. The luffing lattice boom with a length of 21 to 91 metres delivers maximum height, radius and performance. Both lattice booms can be attached to the 54 metre and the 80 metre telescopic boom.

High performance normally requires a large ballast radius. But often there is simply not enough space on sites.

This means the ballast radius must be as small as possible. Liebherr meets this challenge with its VarioBallast® innovation. The LTM 1650-8.1 has the time-tested system from the LTM 14508.1 – the ballast radius can be infinitely adjusted using a simple hydraulic slewing mechanism – on the LTM 16508.1 between 6.3 and 8.4 metres.

September 2021 CAL / 27

IN FOCUS / BORGER CRANES

The Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 is designed to deliver maximum performance.

The new Liebherr 8-axle crane operates with a maximum ballast of 155 tonnes. To enhance economy, the ballast plates are compatible with the slabs from the LTM 1350-6.1, LTM 1400-7.1, LTM 1450-8.1, Liebherr’s 9-axle mobile cranes and the LR 1350/1 crawler crane. This means that all large LTM cranes have standard ballast slabs, a massive step forwards in logistics for crane operators.

An eight-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine in the undercarriage which develops 505 kW / 687 bhp and torque of 3,160 Nm provides the LTM 1650-8.1 with all the power it needs. The engine satisfies the new stage V emissions directive and can also be built to comply with the regulations which apply in countries outside of Europe, for example Tier 4f for the USA or stage III for low regulated countries.

The power is transferred to the crane axles using the innovative 12-speed ZF TraXon Torque gearbox. A torque converter enhances manoeuvring and starting. ECOdrive is a new feature. The 28 / CAL September 2021

additional eco mode delivers enhanced drive properties which both save fuel and reduce noise. Meanwhile, Hillstart Aid makes starting on gradients easier.

The intarder, a zero wear hydrodynamic brake integrated in the gearbox, acts as a retarder. In addition a Telma eddy current brake is standard.

The Liebherr single-engine concept has now proven itself in over 800 cranes and also features on the new LTM 1650-8.1. The superstructure is powered by a mechanical shaft. Gear shafts are routed from the distributor gear in the substructure via two mitre gears through the centre of the slewing ring to the pump distributor gear in the superstructure.

A mechanical shaft ensures a particularly high efficiency level and low engine speeds in the chassis engine provide sufficient power for crane work.

This ensures the economy of the new concept in terms of fuel consumption.

The benefits of not having a separate superstructure engine include reduced

maintenance work and lower weight.

The lower weight can be used for loadbearing components, thus increasing the crane’s load capacity. In ECOmode the complete pump drive can be disconnected automatically when the engine is idling and then reconnected by the intelligent controller in a matter of seconds when it is required.

“The LTM 1650-8.1 will take over all the work of the 500t crane as it has more capacity which customers prefer, and it can fit into better positions with the vario counterweight. It will be a great crane for infrastructure projects.

“Liebherr delivered the crane in early July, and we didn’t have time to get it registered. We had to get it straight on to site where it was booked out for the first six weeks and then we had a job for it in Brisbane straight after that. It hasn’t got home yet. That is a good start to a new crane,” said Borger.

Embracing innovation and new technology is a key reason why Borger Cranes and Rigging continues to www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The maximum on eight axles.

The LTM 1650-8.1 A lifting capacity of 700 tonnes with either a 54 or 80 metre telescopic boom. Global mobility and convenience thanks to Hillstart Aid, ECOmode, ECOdrive, VarioBase and hydraulic VarioBallast.

Nothing more is possible on eight axles. www.liebherr.com

Mobile and crawler cranes

IN FOCUS / BORGER CRANES

experience success says Borger.

“In my opinion, innovation is a key factor to succeeding in the crane hire business. I had put our name on the LTM 1650-8.1 when it was first released in bauma in 2019 and it is the first of its kind in the country. If we feel a crane will change the market, we want it in our fleet. Take the Franna AT40, 40t capacity pick and carry. We bought five straight away because we could see the potential impact this would have on the market.

“We have also ordered a 150t capacity Liebherr, the LTM 1150-5.3 for the same reason and we will be one of the first to have this model as well. New technology and innovation definitely provides our business with a competitive edge for the business and as we say, there is no use watching the rest of the market,” said Borger.

New purchases of all terrains have not been limited to Liebherrs. Borger Cranes has excellent relationships with

Borger Cranes like to shape the market. The Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 all terrain is the first of its kind in the country.

30 / CAL September 2021

all the major OEM’s says Borger.

“We work closely with various OEM’s because we understand each manufacturer has their points of difference. We have a good relationship with Grove and over the last three years we’ve purchased two 250t all terrains and eight 150t Grove all terrains.

“The 150t Groves have been easier to register but Liebherr recently addressed this issue with rego. We already had a couple of 250t Groves in the fleet, we’ve been happy with the performance and we felt it would be easier to run the same gear. When you are working with the various OEMs, someone is going to be disappointed at some stage. How do we manage these relationships? Keep them keen I say,” said Borger.

Support vehicles for the new cranes are always front of mind says Borger.

“The LTM 1650 requires dedicated support vehicles. We have an escort vehicle which carries some light gear and we have some approximately nine new trailers coming from TRT for the crane. There are also more trailers coming from TRT for the new cranes,” he said.

“It is a busy time. We are delighted with the way the teams are performing and this is reflected in high levels of customer satisfaction. There is a lot of work in the pipeline across both New South Wales and Queensland and the acquisition of the new cranes and equipment means we are in a position to tender for multiple, large projects with the confidence we have the capacity to deliver.

“Borger Cranes and Rigging does not follow the market. We like to shape the market and we are not afraid to embrace the latest innovations and technology and to let our customers know what we are doing. Many of our major projects are critical pieces of infrastructure and the lifts are getting bigger and more complex requiring the very latest technology the crane OEMs can offer.

The LTM 1650 is a great example of this strategy. We ordered it two years ago, it’s the first in the country, and it has immediately proved to be a significant asset for our business,” said Borger. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / O’PHEE TRAILERS

MODULARISING SUPPORT TRAILERS O’Phee Trailers, part of The Drake Group of Companies, in conjunction with The Freo Group and WGC Cranes, has created a single trailer design to support a range of brands and sizes of crane.

MANUFACTURED IN HIGH TENSILE STEEL and therefore light weight, the trailer can be configured as a single trailer, B-double or road train and features a removable cassette cradle system. Mick O’Phee explains the background to the development and how the new design can benefit crane hire businesses.

“Today, a crane hire business will have a purpose-built trailer which is specific to the one crane, or the one counterweight system, and they are using heavy flatbed trailers. With this system, you need a supply of trailers which are often left sitting idle for lengths of time. Having assets like trailers under-utilised is major issue for

many crane hire businesses.

“In the initial concept stage for these support trailers, we had a couple of large crane businesses, including Freo Group and WGC Cranes, approach us saying they wanted new trailers, but they didn’t want to go down the usual path of purchasing purpose-built trailers that can’t be used for anything else,” said O’Phee.

“Up until this development, we have been building a range of counterweight trailers, but they are only specific to each counterweight. It might be for a 10t or 20t counterweight to suit a

200t or 400t crane, but you can only use that trailer for that counterweight.

“We worked very closely with Freo and WGC to develop these trailers and we were able to fine tune the concept by being hands on with their operational teams. We proposed to develop a different system to anything currently available on the market. We suggested they have one trailer combination whether that be a B-double, a road train or a single trailer and then design a cassette style cradle system which can house all the different accessories to suit each crane.

The trailer has slots in the flanges on both sides for attaching cradles that

The new design had to address issues relating to working at heights and also load restraint.

32 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

O’Phee designed a cassette style cradle system which can house all the different accessories to suit each crane.

hold counterweight, hook sheaves, outrigger pads, rigging boxes and other equipment says O’Phee.

“We then thought we’d be a bit smarter by taking the design a step further and examined the feasibility of making the cradle system removeable.

This provides additional flexibility for the crane business and the trailer can return to depot and redeployed supporting another crane rather than remaining on site for the duration of the lift program. This reduces the number of trailers required and, as a consequence, yard storage space.

“In effect we are tailoring the cradles to suit the individual model of crane.

The cradles can be removed from the trailer meaning the trailer is free to have another set of cradles fitted for another model of crane which means the trailers are far more utilised and the crane company is receiving a much greater return on investment,” he said.

O’Phee explains how the design process works once his design and www.cranesandlifting.com.au

engineering team understands the customer’s requirements.

“New products like these are a result of a transparent and consultative process. The first step is to sit down with the customer and discuss their requirements and what they hope to achieve with the product. From this briefing, our design team led by our chief engineers, work on a concept which takes into consideration the customer’s requirements. Our concept is presented during further meetings where more requirements are discussed. In this instance Tim Brouff and his team from FREO and WGC Cranes explained how they wanted to cart flys on the trailer and asked how we could accommodate this.

Because there isn’t much weight in the fly, we decided we could put a trestle over the top of the counterweight and the whole concept evolved from there.

Compliance can be a major issue when a crane gets to site explains O’Phee. The new design had to address issues relating to working at heights and

also load restraint.

“When they get the crane to site Tim and his team wanted to streamline compliance issues so the trailer design had to incorporate a system which was easier to work. With the new design the cradles can be locked onto the trailer, and the load can be locked onto the cradle, from ground level. There is no need for anyone to work above heights from the trailer,” he said.

The hook sheave cradle has an innovative design where, once the sheave starts to be lifted, the cradle rotates from the horizontal storage position (to lower the centre of gravity for transport) to the vertical position, from which the sheave hook is lifted out of the cradle.

This cradle remains in the vertical position until the sheave hook is lowered again, with the cradle rotating to the horizontal position as it takes the load of the sheave hook.

O’Phee Trailers supplies a Load Plan for its trailers to position each component for optimising weight September 2021 CAL / 33

IN FOCUS / O’PHEE TRAILERS

distribution for each configuration of the trailer (single, B-double, road train).

The Load Plan will take into account the assembly order of components for the crane, so that they can arrive in sequence.

The slots on each trailer are numbered from the front, making it easy to identify the attachment points per the Load Plan.

“We designed a load restraint system where there are no dogs and chains.

Once the counterweight, the hook, or the outrigger pads are loaded, we have a ground operated load restraint system incorporated into the cradle system.

“Typically, the sheave hook blocks have been transported vertically which is fine because they are easier to lower in.

But by transporting them this way, you have a higher centre of gravity, and it still has to be restrained. We addressed this with a pivoting cradle so as you lower the hook sheave block it is in a vertical position but when it reaches the trailer, it hinges and lays horizontally. This does

two things, it lowers the centre of gravity for transporting and it allows you to hook up and unhook from the ground.

Everything is done from the ground. Not only do we have the removable cassette system tailored to each model of crane, we still have the standard trailers, and we also have a restraint system which eliminates the issues relating to working at heights,” said O’Phee.

O’Phee goes on to discuss how the crane sector is evolving with much larger capacity cranes coming onto the market meeting the demands from the infrastructure sector for much larger lifts but fewer of them, and the challenges this presents to a trailer manufacturer.

“It is like anything, you have to see and understand how a market is changing and evolving and you have to either roll with it and become more innovative with your approach and run with the customer, or you get left behind.

“Everything in our factory is built to order and custom made, there are no stock trailers. When a customer comes to us with a specific frame task and that doesn’t matter if it’s a crane or a large excavator or general freight. We sit down with the customer, they tell us what they want to do, we understand the requirements and we ‘feather’ it out with the customer and come up with the best solution.

“This might mean a completely different design as we have created with this project or it might mean specific numbers for a package or a mixture of crane trailers, low loader and a semi, we have the complete ‘handbag’ of solutions and that’s the beauty of our group. When required, we can cater for any trailer from 5t to 500t within the one group, the customer doesn’t have to shop around for the various options, we have them all under the one roof,” said O’Phee.

The trailer has slots in the flanges on both sides for attaching cradles that hold counterweight, hook sheaves, outrigger pads, rigging boxes, and other equipment.

34 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Borger Cranes is a family owned and operated crane hire and rigging business servicing New South Wales and Queensland.

Borger Cranes maintain a modern fleet of cranes and equipment and our fleet boasts two of the largest all terrain cranes on the east cost, the Liebherr 750 tonne and Liebherr 650 tonne all terrain.

With every job, our experienced and industry trained team delivers high quality performance and nothing but excellence.

Borger Cranes getting the job done for you.

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40 Kilto Crescent, Glendenning NSW 2761 P: 02 9832 1044

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10 Rosedale Close McDougalls Hill NSW 2330 P: 02 5504 5525

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65 Enterprise Drive Kunda Parl QLD 4556 P: 07 5445 4900

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IN FOCUS / FRANNA PICK AND CARRY

With a positive approach, Brolga Cranes has continued to grow with the purchase of two 25t Frannas.

TAKING FLIGHT WITH FRANNAS Paul Olsen, owner and director of Brolga Cranes had a vision of starting his own crane business, but getting support from the banks proved difficult. With support from the local business community, he managed to finance his first Franna and he recently took delivery of two more.

PAUL OLSEN STARTED IN THE CRANES and rigging sector in the early 2000s.

He worked at the Comalco aluminium refinery in Gladstone and when this project was completed, he moved across the Lamsons Australia. He was operating the 4100 and 4600 Manitowocs and this is where his career in crane operations really began.

“I realised I wanted to operate cranes and I was keen to learn and gather as much experience as quickly as I could and see where it took me. The journey took me around Australia three or four times and included working 2.4 kms underground, offshore and in the Pilbara in outback of Western Australia.

“Over the years I have been in positions where I have been operating massive capacity cranes like the Sarens Australia 1350t on the Liebherr LR 11350 and beside Sarens key operator Duncan Donohue. I worked with Universal Cranes Heavy Lift working 36 / CAL September 2021

on the Clarence River bridge operating their 750 lifting 200t bridge girders from barges. I moved to Boom Logistics as their heavy lift operator on the new LG 1750 on the Coopers Gap windfarm.

This field of heavy lift operations took me to many places in Australia, but it also took me away from my family, I have two young children, they needed their dad and I needed them,” he said.

Olsen began researching the market to see where there might be an opportunity to get something started locally.

“I knew it would work if I had more control of the outcomes and where I could be close to my family. My research revealed I could register an Indigenous business and as I looked into this further, I found there were a number of high-profile indigenous crane businesses. When I looked into Queensland, I saw there wasn’t one and I registered Brolga Cranes.

Olsen explains the background to the name of Brolga Cranes.

“With the company name I wanted something that was traditional, native and Indigenous to Australia and the Brolga Crane fitted these requirements.

The company was registered in August 2019, and it was also registered on Supply Nation which is the Indigenous Business Portal,” he said.

The designs on the Franna are very distinctive and eye catching.

Olsen confirms he commissioned a high-profile indigenous artist for the artwork.

“We wanted a distinctively indigenous look to the cranes and so we reached out to a young indigenous artist in Bundaberg called Chern’ee Sutton. She is responsible for the design on the new $2 coin which is just in circulation. The coin design commemorates the indigenous men and women who have served in the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

military. We purchased the artwork which Chern’ee prepared and then we had this printed on transfers which we have been placed on the machines.

We get comments all the time which is good for our business and also good for Chern’ee,” said Olsen.

“I started the business with the best intentions and not much more than this. I found myself in a position of what comes first, the chook or the egg.

I couldn’t get a contract unless I had a crane, and I couldn’t get a crane without work for it. During the first 12 months I built the business around policies, working on compliance processes and safety procedures.

“I went door knocking in Gladstone, approaching businesses and letting them know about my plans and trying to generate work. I was told there was no point getting cranes through me because I was only going to get them from another company. None of the banks wanted to lend me money and the Indigenous Business Australia

“We wanted a distinctively indigenous look to the cranes and so we reached out to a young indigenous artist in Bundaberg called Chern’ee Sutton.”

couldn’t help either. So, I approached a couple of local Tier One companies and asked them to write me a letter confirming that if Brolga Cranes had a 20t Franna they would give me the opportunity to pitch for work. I ended up with six letters from companies around town and went to the bank.

These helped secured my first loan for a 20t Franna and I took delivery of this in May 2020. I was delighted at the prospect of getting stuck into the business but just as the Franna turned up, so did COVID,” said Olsen.

As businesses were shutting their gates, all Olsen wanted to do was get stuck in.

“We were faced with the first six

months of repayments on the Franna and because of the terms of the loan, we could have been paying off a 100t all terrain, it was a difficult time. But we kept door knocking and we kept over delivering on the work we generated, we focused on servicing our clients and the client base began to grow. In the first two months and despite COVID we did really well. We secured work with Monadelphous here in Gladstone and they put me on a week’s shutdown. We supplied the crane which I operated and this really kick started the business,” he said.

Olsen explains how the business has escalated over the last 12 months.

“We’ve had the 20t Franna running

Olsen wanted a company name which was traditional, native and indigenous to Australia, Brolga Cranes fitted these requirements. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

September 2021 CAL / 37

IN FOCUS / FRANNA PICK AND CARRY

around providing a good service and we’ve been working with a couple of the other crane hire companies in town. Because we are an indigenous business, I’ve painted our cranes with distinctive indigenous artwork and our cranes really stand out on a job site.

People are watching us, they recognise the professional approach we take to everything we do and the additional support we offer customers. Therefore, a lot of the work we have picked up over the last 12 months has been from wordof-mouth referrals.

We’ve also continued to door knock and get onto lists as a crane supplier and letting potential customers know we are a small business, looking for an opportunity. We don’t want to take on the world, we want to grow slowly and sustainably, and we want to be a partner to the Gladstone and surrounds business community,” he said.

“We are now working with Tier One companies on two-week shutdowns, providing a 120t slew crane and two Frannas and up to 10 guys on a project.

These have been on major sites and the feedback has been very positive.

Customers have noticed our safety processes and procedures saying they are some of the best they have seen. We haven’t changed our approach, once we have opened a door, we pride ourselves on providing a service that is second to none. Businesses have been noticing our approach and have been reaching out to us. This includes smaller guys who might be putting in a swimming pool or it might be a 2am call to attend to an accident on this highway to help with the recovery.

With this approach, the business has continued to grow with the purchase of two 25t Frannas says Olsen.

“We’ve had a 150t crawler on a barge on project in Gladstone putting in piles and we have three other Frannas and we lease all of these. In the last 12 months we’ve been cross hiring 50t slew cranes up to 130t slew cranes for various projects and we’ve been working local companies like Scott Harrington’s Xtreme Engineering.

38 / CAL September 2021

The distinctively indigenous look to the cranes is created by young indigenous artist Chern’ee Sutton. Chern’ee is also responsible for the design on the new $2 coin which is just in circulation.

“The performance of the Franna is terrific. They are a well-known equipment brand in Australia, have a very versatile machine, and our customers are very comfortable when we get them to site.”

Olsen discusses the Franna pick and carry and how pleased he has been with the all-round performance of the crane and how it fits his type of work.

“The performance of the Franna is terrific. They are a well-known equipment brand in Australia, they are a very versatile machine, and our customers are very comfortable when we get them to site. We maintain our equipment to the highest standard, we don’t take shorts cuts and we run all genuine parts, so the machines are always operating at optimum levels.

“The Frannas fit our business model perfectly, we have two of them on projects up in North Queensland and another out west in the gas fields. Being versatile they are proving to be a well utilised asset which is really important from a business perspective. They are terrific around the smaller sites where access can be tight, the setup is almost immediate, and they are ready to lift.

All this saves the customer time and money,” he said Olsen recently took delivery of two Franna MAC 25s and they both went straight work.

“We’ve taken delivery of two new MAC 25s and both went straight to work. One is up north on a project and the second is working here in Gladstone. We didn’t have time to paint the cranes so I’m looking to send the new crane, which is in town, to Brisbane for painting and also upgrading it with the SuperLift and the new Robway safety system.

“The business is going OK. The local market has been a little patchy but there are a lot of new projects just about to start up which is good. We’ve been operating for about 16 months, so we are still new are there a lot of people that haven’t heard of us but having the support of locals like Scott Harrington is invaluable,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

IN FOCUS / PRESTON HIRE’S SUPERDECK

MAINTAINING THE STRENGTH AND POSITION OF A LEADING BRAND

The SuperDeck service and ongoing maintenance program is a key reason customers can rely on the product.

Loading platforms are a standard fixture on most multi-storey or high-rise projects requiring crane access and Preston Hire has been manufacturing retractable loading platforms for over 20 years under the well-known product name, SuperDeck. Anthony Walsh, Preston Hire’s head of SuperDecks explains more.

LOADING PLATFORMS ARE DESIGNED TO increase site safety and productivity by providing a platform for the loading and unloading of construction material for the site. Preston Hire has been manufacturing retractable loading platforms for over 20 years under the well-known product name, SuperDeck. Anthony Walsh was recently appointed as Preston Hire’s Head of SuperDecks and explains how the 40 / CAL September 2021

business intends to maintain its position as the sector’s leading innovator and manufacturer.

Walsh began his career as a lift mechanic with a focus on maintenance and repairs. He then moved to various roles where his interest in providing solution-based sales for customers grew.

“I’ve been fortunate to work for a number of leading companies in various

industry sectors. Success was largely as a result of finding solutions to difficult projects, offering in-depth knowledge of both local and international standards as well as building great relationships with new and existing suppliers. I joined the Preston Hire team in 2020 as a business development manager for the New South Wales Branch.

“I was focused on customers outside www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of Greater Sydney with a specific focus on Canberra and Newcastle. This was my first appointment working directly for a hire company, however my previous roles had provided an overlap in skills and a thorough understanding of the responsibilities needed to deliver in this sector. I was thrilled to accept the newly created position of Head of SuperDecks in July of this year,” he said.

Walsh explains what attracted him to Preston Hire.

“Preston Hire is a solutions-based business with great products and even better people. I was immediately impressed with the SuperDeck; its design and the benefits it delivers. I have always been attracted to SME privately owned businesses because I have felt it is important to have a voice. Within SME businesses, there is generally more opportunity to have exposure to the overall business rather than be pigeonholed to the one task. Preston Hire has maintained the ability for staff to be both accountable and noticed, to have access to the owner and the senior management team, whilst continuing to grow the business within our industry sectors.”

According to Walsh there are many advantages to the SuperDeck product.

“While the list of advantages is extensive, I can clearly identify five reasons why the SuperDeck has been so successful over many years.

“Experience: Preston Hire has been able to develop the SuperDeck system over many years. This has allowed us to create an adaptable product capable of fitting almost any site without compromising safety, quality, strength or durability.

“Simplicity of use: We don’t need a power supply, there are no switches or wiring to malfunction or oil leaks to manage, you simply unlock and push it out. It is that simple.

“Consistency: As a truly national, and international business, we have customers who work across multiple regions. These customers can use the same plans and methods from state to state and country to country. Teams and individuals don’t need to start from scratch when it comes to loading platforms, the same system www.cranesandlifting.com.au

operating in NSW can operate anywhere in the world,” he said.

“Strength: Our SuperDecks are arguably some of the toughest loading platforms on the market. When you think about where they are located and the role they play in the construction process, customers have peace of mind knowing the SuperDeck is up to the task. It is built to withstand rough treatment and as a result, there is less down time on the construction site.

“Design: The design of our SuperDeck allows us to implement our two-prop methodology. This methodology applies almost half the downward force to a slab edge when compared to a traditional four prop installation method. This can also be achieved via our bolt down option should props not be possible,” said Walsh.

Walsh provides more detail regarding the evolution of the SuperDeck and how Preston Hire’s design and construction processes have helped make it an industry leading product.

“The first step in the evolution towards an improved loading platform was in 1994. We recognised the significant risks that fixed, non-retractable platforms which were largely made of scrap steel, were extremely unsafe putting staff and workers at risk. The Transformer Platform was designed and introduced as the first commercially successful, easy to use, vertically stacked retractable platform available on the market. The Transformer Platform offered many improvements compared with previously used platforms, however we held a belief that a safer and more effective loading platform was still achievable.

“Significant reviews and analysis of the Transformer Platform ensued over the following years. After a great deal of investment in design, engineering, manufacturing and testing, the Preston SuperDeck was successfully launched in Australia in 1998. It was subsequently launched in the United States, New Zealand, Europe and Canada. In line with our mantra to always be improving and setting the industry benchmark, we continue to review and make subtle changes to the SuperDeck design to

improve the customer on-site experience and overall capabilities,” he said.

“All SuperDecks have certified engineering and are quality and safety checked before dispatch. This aligns with our ISO-9001:2015 certification that Preston Hire works incredibly hard to maintain. We have held ISO accreditation for six consecutive years following successful annual audits of our processes and standards. ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard dedicated to Quality Management Systems (QMS).

“It outlines a framework for improving quality and a vocabulary of understanding for any organisation looking to provide products and services that consistently meet the requirements and expectations of customers and other relevant interested parties in the most efficient manner possible. We take this very seriously as it Preston Hire is a solutions-based business that prides itself with great products and reliable staff.

September 2021 CAL / 41

IN FOCUS / PRESTON HIRE’S SUPERDECK

SuperDecks are now being used in a number of unique scenarios including major tunnelling projects in Sydney and Melbourne.

reflects our commitment to delivering the best,” said Walsh.

Walsh goes on to explain what he sees as the major challenges for the SuperDeck.

“I see the non-regulation of our industry as the biggest challenge. This has led to a vastly increased number of suppliers on the market. Many of these suppliers are sourcing and offering what seems to be the cheapest product, and in many instances, they are using these as a ‘loss leader’ to drive their core product range onto jobs. The SuperDeck is our core product range and as such our standards are high. Our concern is that without industry regulation and management of quality control in the wider industry, it is inevitable that standards will fall and with this comes grave concerns around the safety of loading platforms and their ability to withstand the rigours of the construction process,” he said.

“Although loading platforms have become something of a commodity with numerous options now available to builders, we will continue to position our SuperDeck as a premium product 42 / CAL September 2021

for safety and reliability. When other providers lower their standards, cut quality and tender for projects based on price alone, we will continue to raise our standards of design, engineering and manufacturing. We are never satisfied and believe there is always room for improvement.

Walsh explains what he sees as the major implications and risks for a builder who is prepared to hire loading platform on price alone?

“Besides the obvious risk of catastrophic failure resulting in injury or worse, a builder needs to factor in other considerations than the price.

For example, there can be considerable cost implications if additional propping is required. How much does lost productivity cost a construction site if a loading platform is not fit for purpose and needs replacing? How much does it cost a builder if the loading platform doesn’t meet the design of the building and changes are required?

“Hiring the cheapest product often leads to false economy. Basing a decision solely on the quote price and not considering the usability or the additional ongoing costs related to that “cheap” initial price nor do we consider it ‘best business practice’. For example, the ability to stack our SuperDecks as opposed to staggering them, has huge cost benefits in building design and crane operator’s time, and it can lead to a building being delivered much quicker. Many loading platforms suppliers avoid these conversations.

“SuperDecks are a quality product at a fair price and builders receive many advantages from our product when compared to others on the market. Peace of mind would be top of this list. Builders have enough to worry about, the last thing they need be concerned about is loading platforms slowing down deliveries or worse, becoming a hazard to their site,” said Walsh.

The SuperDeck service and ongoing maintenance program is a key reason customers can rely on the product says Walsh.

“Maintenance of our fleet is extremely

important, and this is managed by our factory trained staff, onsite boiler makers and fabrication teams. All equipment is quality controlled with an extensive pre-hire and de-hire process which ensure all damages are repaired before the next hire. We respect the appearance and quality of both our own products and our customer’s sites. Before delivery to a new site, we ensure every SuperDeck is fully functioning, freshly painted and looking brand new,” he said.

SuperDecks are now being used in a number of unique scenarios including major tunnelling project in Sydney and Melbourne says Walsh.

“Preston Hire works with a number of customers to provide custom made solutions for their projects. Each job is assessed individually, and appropriate recommendations are made. Recently, we provided a Lend Lease project at Pitt Street North Sydney, with a custom-made solution to provide a platform with a 10t loading weight. This was achieved through a detailed engineering review by Preston Hire, the design and manufacture of a custom bracket and appropriate propping to ensure safety was maintained at all times,” he said.

“We also provided a modified 2.2 SuperDeck for the Metro Tunnel at La Trobe Street in Melbourne and West Connex 3A Project in Sydney. SuperDecks provide the same benefits for tunnelling projects as they do in vertical high-rise construction. They are a safe means to get materials in and out of the project. In these instances, the platform required a vertical install from ground level down into the plant room. With very limited options for getting machinery and gear into the tunnel, our SuperDeck was the ideal solution,” explained Walsh.

“We are 100 per cent committed to continuing to provide the industry with a service that is so much more than just product supply. I have been charged with the responsibility of ensuring every Preston Hire SuperDeck®️ experience is the best in the business. I look forward to further demonstrating why the industry can count on us for their loading platform needs,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Next generation technology

XCMG cranes feature next generation technology and are now backed by world class service and support.

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

IN FOCUS / KOBELCO CRAWLERS

KOBELCO CRAWLERS - TAKING ANOTHER LEAP FORWARD Over the past 18 months, both TRT and Kobelco have made significant investments in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, it appears this investment is beginning to pay dividends.

FOLLOWING AN UPDATE EARLIER IN THE year with TRT Crane specialists Dean McIlroy, Cranes Sales for TRT in New Zealand, and Troy Hand (Cranes Sales Australia and the Pacific Islands, TRT confirms the progress it has been making with the Kobelco range of crawler cranes.

McIlroy discusses the New Zealand market and how customers have been responding to the Kobelco brand.

“As I’ve said previously, the Kobelco product has a really good name in New Zealand and over the last year or so, we’ve been receiving positive feedback from the market. That’s from both a sales and service perspective.

“Kobelco is a great product and customers like the brand and a key reason for this is the reliability of the machines.

Earlier in the year, we supplied Dave Carr Plant Hire Ltd and Fulton Hogan in New Zealand with telescopic crawlers, and both have been performing exceptionally well.

Our customers have been impressed with the extra features and additions to the new models in the G Series which includes the foundation model - the TK750GFS. These extra safety features include the slew brake, hand-rails, extra galvanising and they’ve been impressed with the all-round performance of the crane,” he said.

“We sold another model, a Kobelco CKE1100G lattice boom crawler, to Calder Stewart. They were so impressed 44 / CAL September 2021

with machine they’ve already ordered an identical model. Notably, the CKE models have a European emissions standard, that not only reduces CO2 emissions, but it also reduces fuel consumption by up to 10%. This new crane is leaving the factory in November and arrives in the first quarter, 2022.

“There is a high level of interest in the Kobelco Crawlers as well. At the moment there are a number of significant projects under review in New Zealand. This year the focus of new projects has focused on fixing up the water industry, including reticulation, sewerage. There are a number of larger construction projects on hold, with this change of focus. So, I am sure we will see a lot more Kobelco crawlers out working as these projects come back online.

“I can see the construction sector

ramping back up next year. This will be as a result of Government spending on various infrastructure projects, and this is a great opportunity for our customers and for Kobelco product,” said McIlroy.

Despite the challenges of managing a global supply chain in a pandemic, Kobelco has remained responsive to the market’s needs in Australia and New Zealand with very open communication channels says McIlroy.

“Kobelco is a great partner, and their team is a pleasure to deal with. The factory provides excellent technical support and deliveries are only four months ex-factory - and that’s fully painted. This means we can be responsive to demand. When you look at the equipment market generally, and the impact of the pandemic is having, people are having difficulty getting their hands on product. The manufacturing www.cranesandlifting.com.au

innovations and efficiencies within the Kobelco factory are certainly helping with deliveries - so we’ve been fortunate,” he said.

McIlroy discusses existing Kobelco customers and how they have been responded to the support and service from TRT. “The market has responded well to our service and support. Initially, there was a fair amount of work to be done to understand what product was out in the market. But this year, the service business has been very busy. We’ve added a new technician to the team which makes four technicians covering the country. The only issue we have is that because the Kobelco crawlers are so reliable, the support work mainly involves servicing.

The larger construction companies have secured major works including road upgrades says McIlroy.

“There is a large by-pass under construction in the lower North Island and there’s plenty of preparation for that project at this time, and the contractor has identified that this is ideal work for the Kobelco crawlers. The foundation crane is popular including the BMS1000 and the TK750GFS. We are also getting a lot of interest in the CKE1100. That’s because it can be transported with its tracks on, which saves a lot of set up The Kobelco cab is designed to be operator friendly.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Calder Stewart were so impressed with a Kobelco CKE1100G lattice boom crawler they’ve ordered an identical model.

time when it gets to site,” he said.

With a maximum rated capacity of 110t at 3.6m, and a 15.2–70.1m main lattice boom, the new CKE1100 fits between the existing CKE900 and CKE1350 models.

“All things considered we think next year will be a good year for Kobelco in New Zealand,” said McIlroy.

“The support from Kobelco has been outstanding really, they are a

great supplier to deal with. They are very professional, responsive and understanding to our needs. They’ve been working with our technicians via Zoom and the in-depth training sessions have been excellent.

“The training has covered a number of the models and they’ve been working with our technicians in both Australia and New Zealand. Kobelco work in with our schedules this has helped make the training efficient. There is nothing better than having a pro-active OEM, like Kobelco, who understands that ultimately our success is going to be their success,” he said.

Troy Hand, TRT’s Cranes Sales and Pacific Island Manager has been receiving similar feedback from the Australian market.

“Enquiries have really started to increase over the last few months, probably ten-fold. That’s due to a major pipeline of projects and customers that are starting to get their costings together September 2021 CAL / 45

Dave Carr Plant Hire enjoyed the extra features and additions to the new models in the G Series which includes the foundation model - the TK750GFS.

IN FOCUS / KOBELCO CRAWLERS

for tenders. This has been positive for us.

Over the last few months, I’ve sold a CKS 1100 which has a lifting capacity of 110 t × 3.6 m and a maximum boom length of 70.1 m. This is going to a local business in Brisbane.

“I’ve also sold a CKE1350G which is a slightly larger machine with 150t × 4.4m and a maximum boom length of 76.2m which is on its way to Perth. Generally speaking, the enquiry levels have been excellent. They’ve been coming mainly from crane companies and foundation piling specialists. The interest has mainly been in the TK750 range which is a 75t capacity crane at 3m and a maximum boom length of just over 30m,” he said.

“I’m dealing with crane companies tendering on large projects for Tier One contractors. With their robust nature, Kobelco Cranes are well suited to civil construction, where the smaller machines do a superb job. As such, they have an excellent reputation from the 80t capacity right up to the 300t. Because of this quality reputation we are also seeing renewed interest in larger capacity models, specifically the SL4500 and the SL6000,” said Hand.

Typically, the enquiries are coming from Kobelco users who have already experienced the quality and reliability of the Kobelco product says Hand.

“The reputation of Kobelco is built on these values. Ease of use and the simple controls has proved important for our customers. Joystick control has been an important feature for a couple of customers as they see the benefit of moving away from short levers and into the joystick controls,” he said.

There are two TK750 being delivered to Wagstaff Piling at the end of August.

The new model in the TK Series features a durable structure and high lifting capability that are ideal for handling the tough jobs of any general construction site. The model features the conventional performance of the series and adds merits of “improved transportability” and “conforming with 2014 emission gas regulations”.

Hand talks about his approach to existing Kobelco customers and how 46 / CAL September 2021

they are responding.

“Existing customers have been providing us with excellent feedback about TRT’s support for the Kobelcos out in the market. I’m speaking to a lot of customers, and they are delighted to have a number to ring and to find someone on the other end of the phone ready to help with product support or parts support. This has been a major focus for us, as we strive to improve, and be the best distributor we can be,” he said.

“It’s taken a bit of time to get the message out to the market that TRT is the Kobelco dealer. We’ve been working hard to update our database and we now have a clear understanding of the models’ customers are operating.

“Kobelco has been on the market for many years, so we have been working from the serial numbers from the cranes to support existing Kobelco customers.

When we receive parts enquiries, we track the serial number to find the machines and who owns them.

“We are also marketing our back up, support and spare parts services to these customers. I have worked with Kobelco product for many years, so a number of the customers know who I am which has been an advantage. It wasn’t hard to reconnect with a number of existing customers,” he said.

According to Hand, one issue customers have been impressed with is the pricing Kobelco offers and how well the brand is priced comparatively in the market.

“The pricing has remained constant over the past 18 months. This is as a result of the investment Kobelco has been making in innovative manufacturing processes over many years. Given the volatility of materials markets, I think it is important customers’ can be confident the price I quote today will be the price of the crane when it lands. This combined with the excellent lead times for products, at around four months to five months, (inclusive of shipping) has helped Kobelco become a real standout” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

SOLUTIONS

Product

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INTELLIGENCE FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE

Sydney New South Wales Unit 1, 11 Penny Place Arndell Park, NSW 2148

Melbourne Victoria Suite 36, Level 2/222 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000

Perth Western Australia 271 Great Eastern Highway Belmont, WA 6104

Mackay Queensland 14/20-34 Caterpillar Drive Paget, QLD 4740

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR ALL TERRAINS

TAKING A LEAD WITH TRADITIONAL BUSINESS VALUES Blue Dog Cranes may be the new hound in the Melbourne construction game, but owners Ben Ind and wife Samantha, along with their tight knit team, are not afraid to bring new tricks to the industry.

STARTING THE BUSINESS JUST AS THE global pandemic struck was not good timing, but with a focus on traditional business values they have weathered the storm and recently have taken delivery of a low hour, late model Liebherr LTM 1060 -3.1.

Ben Ind and Samantha both come from business backgrounds,. Samantha’s career until late was in event management, working globally. While always working in construction, Ben studied Business Management. They have owned a successful café together whilst at the same time Ind was working at Metcalf. This is where he learnt how to get the most out of staff through leadership skills.

Ind started his career as a truck driver and dogman with Associated Cranes in 2010. Within a year he was given a 13t Kato to operate in which he spent 4000 hours. At the time, the new generation Katos were fairly rare. He then went on to operate a 30t Kato before moving into a 35t Liebherr and a 55t Liebherr. It was in these cranes that he realised there would be opportunities for a ‘milk run’ crane hire business.

“I worked with Associated Cranes for two or three years. It was a great company; the work environment was fantastic with some of the best operators I have seen and worked with. It was at a time when they were not

afraid to share their knowledge and teach you. There I gained a lot of knowledge and experience in a short period of time because these fellas were happy to show me the right way to do things and they weren’t afraid of losing their cranes.

“I then became curious about the industry as a business and moved on to Metcalf Cranes. I spent a couple of years working on large scale civil projects and wind farms, completing lifts which were influenced by engineers, lift plans and studies. This helped to broaden my knowledge base. I then moved back into the ‘milk run’ side of the industry working with Statewide Cranes where Les, the owner, had me operating the 55t

Blue Dog Cranes took delivery of the Liebherr LTM 1060 – 3.1 in late June.

48 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Liebherr and their 90t machine when the operator was away. I had a great time with Statewide Cranes, but we were starting our family and I thought it was the right time to back myself and start my own business,” said Ind. “I started looking for a 35t Liebherr which would enable me to work from home. Les and I have a strong relationship and he was very supportive which made me feel more confident I was making the right move. At the time a small business called Atite Site was put up for sale. I could see the opportunity to rebrand this, change it into what we wanted, and it would make for a good launch pad for our business. We spent the next four months trying to borrow money, but no one wanted to touch us,” he said.

Ind ran out of Annual and Long Service Leave and went back to Statewide as a casual employee until he was finally able to make a deal with Atite Site.

“Although we couldn’t afford to purchase all seven of their cranes, we did buy three of them. These included a Kato 13t ‘bubble’, a 2017 model and a beautiful crane. We bought a Franna AT20 which you really need in the ‘milk run’ hire business and we bought a 35t Liebherr, a crane I have also spent a lot of time operating. We also bought the phone number and Blue Dog Cranes was born.

That was in November 2019. Just as we kicked off with the business, so did the global pandemic.

“For the next 12 months we worked around the clock and the business did well despite being new and the situation the world was facing. The 35t Liebherr really delivered for the business and it is the reason we are where we are today. If you are willing to put the fly on four or five times a week, and my guys are willing to do anything I ask of them, you can chase the work that 50t and 60t capacity cranes would typically do. We worked the 35t hard, it developed the market for the Liebherr LTM 1060 -3.1,” said Ind. After the first 6 months of trading, Ind decided to buy a 7t truck mount crane. Then he and Samantha put all their energies in to buying a bigger crane.

At Christmas time finance fell through www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Blue Dog Cranes owners Ben Ind and wife Samantha.

on an older Liebherr LTM 1055-3.1 they had found. In January they put a deposit on a Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 through a broker in Brisbane, again finance was not possible. Being told ‘no’ was all the motivation they needed to make something happen. Finally, they met the right broker and made the decision to buy from Liebherr.

“Tom Grady, Liebherr’s National Used Crane Manager, secured me a crane in Germany and brought it out to Australia, a process which worked for the broker and the banks. This crane went into service late June. For Tom, it would probably have been one of the easiest deals of all-time. I called him out of the blue and asked him to find me a crane for under $1million.

He found one, I said ‘sold’, watched the exchange rate for 2-weeks and put a deposit on it. We then waited for the three months for it to be delivered,” said Ind. Blue Dog Cranes took delivery of the LTM 1060 – 3.1 in late June.

“Over the last 18months, Samantha and I haven’t been able to spend much time together and it was great to share the experience of driving the crane home. On Saturday we organised a training day for staff and Ben from Liebherr came out. I’ve always been in 55s and these were 2012 models, this is the first 60 I’ve operated. I had been told how amazing they are, but I have been genuinely blown away by its

performance,” said Ind. Predominantly Blue Dog Cranes is focused on the “milk run” crane hire. This includes domestic and small civil projects.

“There are no lift studies, engineers and geotechs in most of what we do. This is a high stakes game where we rely on our experience, training and the equipment to get the job done safely. Having the latest technology available is of upmost importance to us as it helps increase the odds in our favour, said Ind. Ind goes on to discuss the culture at Blue Dog Cranes and what sets the business apart in an extremely competitive market.

“I have always seen a niche for first class customer service in this industry. I don’t think it has been done well in the crane sector. In my opinion, the crane industry has remained one of the more archaic industries. Construction, in a lot of instances, is bad enough but cranes is a further step behind. We are fussy about who works for us, and our success so far affords us the ability to be fussy about who we work for. Put simply, we work for like-minded businesses who share our values. Success isn’t rocket science; we treat our customers the best we can.

Our intention is for them to make money and if they do, then we make money. The better they do the better we do,” he said.

“Basically, we treat our staff correctly September 2021 CAL / 49

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR ALL TERRAINS

and we focus on servicing the customer with traditional business values based around service and customer satisfaction and this has been pivotal to our success. A number of customers have come forward and said how refreshing it is to have a crane business this focused on the right outcomes. We give customers the worstcase cost scenario, agree on what we think we can deliver for them, and then we aim to over deliver every time. We make sure our customer is happy before we leave site.

There are never additional costs for the customer and this helps.

“It is hard work and there is no room for short cuts. In all the years of driving cranes for other companies it is not unheard of for cranes not to complete jobs on lift day, sometimes it happens far too often. In our first 12 months we’ve completed all jobs within the time frame and in the manner agreed to with the customer. This was achieved with me visiting 90 per cent of jobs prior to the work, often late at night, on weekends, whatever it takes. You pay a personal price providing this extra value,” said Ind. There are core members in the team, all are fulltime which is something Ind is proud of.

“Maintaining a full-time work force is difficult when you only have five cranes, but it is essential to have them on my team. I’m sure it is equally essential to them to have a full time opportunity. Josh drives the 35 tonner day to day, Dane runs around in the seven and 20 tonner and he also manages the maintenance and compliance on the cranes. For the jobs he can’t manage, we call in Liebherr or the other OEMs for help. Ken is a veteran in the industry, and he drives our ‘bubble’ full time and I run around picking up the pieces. I’ve been in the new Liebherr training Nathan in the way I want it to be operated, and in turn he will help train the other operators,” he said.

The opportunities Ind was shown at Associated are the catalyst for the high priority he places on training and opportunity at Blue Dog Cranes.

“We always have 1-2 trainees working with our experienced team, some of them make it, some of them don’t. Over time, 50 / CAL September 2021

“Our Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) mirror a standard that you would expect to see on a Tier One project.”

this gives me the chance to build a team of people that do things to the same capability and standards I set. Nathan came to us with very little experience, but a brilliant attitude. We put him on a trainee rate and threw him straight in with our team. For six months he mastered task after task. We sent him off and paid for his C6 and we are now proud to have him as full time crane crew, he operates the 7 tonner and is the 60T primary doggie,” said Ind. Ind explains how he has taken a progressive approach to the company’s culture, safety procedures and site compliance and other business processes.

“We look at this side of the business realistically and at the moment, we are automating all of the processes to bring them into the digital world. With the jobs, I go to site speak to the teams there and examine the best ways for us to manage the job taking into the account the risks involved etc.

“When I’ve done this, I will typically toolbox with the dogman and operator about the job so when they get to site, they know exactly what to expect and how I want them to set up. They’ve already got a ute full of extra gear, if it is required, so there’s no equipment being run to site on the day.

“Our Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS )mirror a standard that you would expect to see on a Tier One project. But we were finding, and I have found it my whole career, it is not easy to prepare a sitespecific SWMS when the Franna might have six jobs that day. It would mean 100 pages of paper a day and it wasn’t working for us,’ said Ind. “So, we have implemented a system where the docket book carries a sitespecific toolbox and our SWMS are now in

a digital version. This means the guys will get to site, fill out their prestart for the crane, they’ll assess the job in conjunction with the toolbox we conducted the night before. They will then open the SWMS on their phone, log on with the project, complete a short ‘tick and flick’ procedure and digitally sign this.

“In conjunction with the site-specific notes, which are recorded in the docket book, they will fill this out ahead of the job and then both of these get uploaded to a master file in our office or they are sent to the builder of they require it. I haven’t seen this type of system implemented by anyone else and it works well for us. It covers all the legal boxes ensuring the duty of care requirements are met,” he said.

“It also manages the compliance paperwork. Typically, in the past, you would arrive on site with the crane and hand over the ‘blue folder’ and half of the paperwork would be missing because the last guy had lost it on the previous job. For 10 years, I’ve seen this being the standard process and it just hasn’t worked.

“Now, all our insurances, the crane paperwork and maintenance records such as sling testing dates and personnel compliance can be found on our website for the builder. We do still have the folder in the crane, but we give the site the link ahead of lift day, they can click on this and it doesn’t which crane it is or what personnel are with it, everything is relevant and current. This streamlines the whole process for us, the builder and the customer who is contracting us,” said Ind. The Blue Dog Team have just moved into a bigger factory with room to grow.

Ind is now on the ground operating the 60T and Samantha runs Operations.

“It has been a steep learning curve as she doesn’t have a crane background, but it is a testament to our team that she has their full support and assistance. We plan to grow steadily and the future looks bright.

“When the secret to success is good customer service and doing the right thing, I’m worried the rest of the sector might catch on,” jokes Ind. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / SPANSET LOAD RESTRAINT

SPANSET RESTRAINTS IN SNOWY SOLUTION Australian ingenuity helps solve Snowy Hydro 2.0 restraint issue. The Snowy Hydro project required a restraint system capable of withstanding freezing conditions and tension demands. A specialised company with expertise in bespoke products was needed, so Smith Global and Midland Trailers turned to SpanSet. SNOWY 2.0 IS THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE Snowy Scheme’s history. It is a nationbuilding renewable energy project that will provide on-demand energy and large-scale storage for many generations to come.

The project involves linking two existing dams, Tantangara and Talbingo, through 27km of tunnels and building a new underground power station.

Concrete segments for the tunnels are manufactured at a $55 million purposebuilt factory in Cooma, producing 130,000 segments that make up the concrete rings that line the tunnel. The first concrete segments for Snowy 2.0’s tunnels will be manually produced at the Polo Flat factory, with an automated carousel system to be established later.

The segments will create around 14,500 concrete rings that line the tunnels linking Tantangara and Talbingo dams to the new underground power station.

Safe transportation of the concrete segments was a significant consideration for Snowy 2.0’s Project Team. For the right solution, it turned to the engineering and ingenuity of three leading Australian entities, SpanSet Australia, Midland Trailers and Smith Global Consulting.

While the Snowy Hydro team wanted a restraint system that was available off the shelf, cheap imported products would not cut it for this project, they would not have been capable of withstanding the freezing conditions and tension demands.

52 / CAL September 2021

Therefore, they needed a specialised company with expertise in bespoke products. Smith Global and Midland Trailers turned to SpanSet. SpanSet Australia was approached to help solve the load restraint application to be used in conjunction with the unique tensioning system designed by Smith Global Consulting and specialised, 14 PBS-approved B-triple innovative combinations designed and manufactured

by Midland Trailers.

SpanSet’s Paul Butler, manager for Queensland and Papua New Guinea describes how the project came about.

“I was first contacted by Midland Trailers and Smith Global Consulting in August 2020. The initial request related to SpanSet’s high pretension Ergo ratchets; however, I quickly saw that a hand ratchet assembly would not suit the extreme conditions and very high pretension required.

“Also, the Snowy Hydro Project team were looking at transporting the segments in -20C temperatures, frost and snow, conditions which will create the ability for ‘ice on ice’ to develop between surfaces.

This lowers the level of friction on the dunnage and on the surface of the first segment mounted on the trailer. Given the circumstances that the worst conditions would prevail, there needed to be increased friction on the material/webbing,” he said.

The load restraint system was designed

MaXafe heavy duty lashing manufactured by SpanSet is a high-performance webbing with an extremely low elongation of less than two per cent.

to hold the Snowy Hydro 2.0 concrete segments on the C triple trailer’s carrying nine segments per load, on three trailers with an all-wheel drive.

“Following the initial contact, we engaged our colleagues at SpanSetsecutex in Germany to provide specialist technical and product support on the SpanSet-secutex secuGrip 90 friction product to ensure this would suit the project’s requirements,” said Butler.

The adhesive coating secuGrip combines the proven secutex polyurethane hardnesses with a newly developed acrylate adhesive film. secuGrip reliably protects high-quality surfaces against wear and damage and independent testing institutes comprehensively confirm the remarkable anti-slip properties. secuGrip is a proven product for securing loads.

SpanSet-secutex conducted extensive testing, ensuring the secuGrip product could guarantee a minimum .25 friction in ice on ice at - 20C. “We conducted extensive testing of our secuGrip 90 friction product, and where possible, simulated the extreme conditions the system would face as per the project’s requirements. Special fixed bolster pads were designed for each trailer www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and these were used as protection and provided enough friction to ensure the concrete segments would be stable during transportation. Each fixed bolster pad was constructed of secutex buffer pad with a layer of secuGrip 90.

“SpanSet-secutex also designed the special secutex corner protection used on top of concrete segment load for protection and these also ensured pretension clamping force. SpanSet Germany’s Global Load Control Competence Centre was also engaged to provide support on the use of the MaXafe high-performance webbing and specialist connections such as the SpanSet Joker Hook,” said Butler.

MaXafe heavy duty lashing

manufactured by SpanSet is a highperformance webbing with an extremely low elongation of less than two per cent. The webbing is manufactured from abrasion and cut resistance fibers, which means a longer service life and lower operating costs. The webbing is approximately 50mm wide and has the same strength as 75mm heavy-duty polyester webbing. This equates to a 24 per cent reduction in weight, allowing the operator to secure a heavy load easily and quickly.

SpanSet’s engineers visited Midland in Parkes multiple times to witness the job and the issues they were facing to engineer the right product for the job.

SpanSet also purchased a specialised

The adhesive coating secuGrip combines the proven secutex polyurethane hardnesses with a newly developed acrylate adhesive film. secuGrip reliably protects high-quality surfaces against wear and damage and independent testing institutes comprehensively confirm the remarkable anti-slip properties. secuGrip is a proven product for securing loads.

German Engineered CNC sewing machine solely for this project, specialised thread, and airfreighted nearly 2km’s of their MaXafe webbing. While they bought the webbing in from overseas, the design, engineering, sewing, and testing were all done here in NSW Australia with SpanSet’s team of experts.

The specialised CNC sewing machine has been fitted with custom manufactured jigs, ensuring that all sewing patterns are performed and placed correctly on the webbing.

This precision sewing guarantees that the webbing has the maximum restraint capacity, ensuring that loads are held securely. A large amount of research, development and testing has gone into the MaXafe product prior to it being released in Australia.

After months of work, including globally developing and testing all components with the SpanSet Group, the order for the project was received in April 2021.

SpanSet continues to work with Midland, Smith Global and Snowy 2.0/ Future Generation Joint Venture to ensure the project’s success.

The load restraint system is designed to hold Snowy Hydro 2.0 concrete segments.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

September 2021 CAL / 53

IN FOCUS / XCMG CRANES AUSTRALIA

XCMG EMBRACES NEW TECHNOLOGY XCMG is a leading manufacturer of construction equipment and mobile cranes. With new models and a renewed approach to customer support, XCMG Cranes Australia is looking to make greater inroads into the market.

XCMG CRANES AUSTRALIA IS THE EAST coast distributor for XCMG cranes.

Company owner and director David Kapahnke explains his commitment to product support and maintenance and his expectations for the XCMG range and why he is impressed with the approach

from the Chinese factory.

26 years ago, Kapahnke started D&D Diesel Services from the back of his ute.

This business has since gone on to form XCMG Cranes Australia.

“I was working for a business servicing and maintaining various types of

construction machinery when I realised, I was making more money with my weekend jobs; I decided to go out on my own full time. I was working from the back of my ute, and living in a semirural area, I was servicing tractors, small trucks and smaller pieces of construction

The XCMG range is relevant to all sectors of the crane market with models competitively priced compared to other brands.

54 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“We are a business driven by support and service; it is in our DNA. Currently, XCMG is setting up a warehouse in Melbourne to support the XCMG product nationally, this includes cranes, construction equipment and anything branded XCMG. We plan to back the customers who have cranes out in the field and help to improve the market’s perception of the XCMG brand.”

equipment which were being operated by the local farmers. We also expanded our services into crane repairs and servicing,” he said.

“We slowly built up the customer base and moved into a workshop in Rowville and it was then that we started to examine the equipment market for products to sell rather than just focusing on maintenance and repairs. We started off by selling the used equipment we were refurbishing in the workshop. We were buying various types of equipment, overhauling and selling them and this included loaders, excavators and skid steers.

The business went well and after 10 years, Kapahnke and his team decided their services were well suited for new products and so he began investigating the market for brands to represent.

“We started with smaller types of equipment and moved up in size to large sized construction equipment and we also took on the Dieci telehandler product which we still handle. More recently, we’ve moved to the XCMG product where we handle construction equipment including wheel loaders, excavators, rollers, graders and more importantly the crane side of the range. We’ve set up a division for the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The functionality of the onboard computer, the sensor technology, the screens and the way the operator uses the machine have greatly improved.

crane business and we have people in Melbourne, Newcastle, just north of Sydney, and in Queensland. We are focused on the east coast with the product, and we are looking to expand our coverage with more people. We also have a network of sub-contractors who are also focused on supporting the equipment in various industry sectors,” said Kapahnke.

“We have a sales and repair operation in Melbourne, and we have a sales and product manager based in Newcastle who is busy visiting and providing back up support to customers with

equipment in New South Wales. We aim to turn the market’s perception around regarding Chinese equipment.

“It used to be that equipment was sold and the customer left to worry about how he kept it going. We are a business driven by support and service; it is in our DNA. Currently, XCMG is setting up a warehouse in Melbourne to support the XCMG product nationally, this includes cranes, construction equipment and anything branded XCMG. We plan to back the customers who have cranes out in the field and help to improve the market’s perception of September 2021 CAL / 55

IN FOCUS / XCMG CRANES AUSTRALIA

the XCMG brand,” he said.

Over the last two decades, Chinese manufactured cranes and construction equipment has come a long way says Kapahnke, but the lack of local support has let the product down.

“In Australia, Chinese manufactured product still has a bit of a stigma attached to it, but over the last 20 years, the quality and performance of equipment has improved out of sight.

This is especially the case with XCMG. “XCMG has been the number one manufacturer for construction equipment and cranes in China, for the last 30 years. Last year they reached number one in the world in terms of crane sales, and they are number three in the world for construction equipment sales,” he said.

“They have proved themselves to be a manufacturer of quality product, they offer great warranties with everything they do and every time we give them feedback from customers, they listen and are continually examining ways to improve their products. XCMG also wants to improve awareness of the brand in the major global markets,” said Kapahnke.

Kapahnke explains which crane models XCMG Cranes Australia has been bringing in and what the local market can expect to see from the XCMG brand.

“XCMG is well known locally for its truck cranes, so we started off bringing in the 25t and 30t capacity models and we recently sold two crawler cranes, a 150t capacity and a 220t. These are on order and should be arriving shortly.

We’ve also got some stock orders coming in which includes more 25t and 30t truck cranes and a 60t all terrain.

“The all terrain will be a stock item to show interested customers. We’ve got a lot of interest in the 100t to 220t capacity all terrains and we are bringing in machines in this range. As well as the all terrains, we are bringing in crawlers, rough terrains and more models of the truck mounted cranes.

56 / CAL September 2021

“XCMG has been the number one manufacturer for construction equipment and cranes in China, for the last 30 years. Last year they reached number one in the world in terms of crane sales, and they are number three in the world for construction equipment sales.”

XCMG has been the number one manufacturer for construction equipment and cranes in China, for the past 30 years. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Celebrating

CRANES AND WE’RE JUST GETTING

STARTED!

For more information about our products or services contact: T: +61 7 3868 9600 E: franna@terex.com

www.terex.com/franna

IN FOCUS / TRANS-WEST INSURANCE BROKERS

TAKING A CONSULTATIVE APPROACH TO INSURANCE Having the right insurance broker on your team can make all the difference. Sam Sofi, managing director, and Pieter Versluis general manager, Trans-West Insurance Brokers, share with Cranes and Lifting how to run such a brokerage.

FOR TRANS-WEST INSURANCE BROKERS, the most important aspect of the business is the experience they have in their team.

“When you’ve been in the insurance business for over 44 years, we would like to think we have a reasonable amount of experience to comment about the crane and lifting industry. Most of our employees have been with the business long term and this experience leads to a stable organisation.

“Of our team of 30 plus we have employees who have been with the organisation for 10 years, 15 years and a number who have been with us for over 20 years. Experience counts in this industry,” Sofi said.

Pieter Versluis goes on to discuss his view about what a crane hire business should be looking for in an insurance broker.

“The importance of having the right insurance broker on your team cannot be underestimated. An insurance broker has to have a clear understanding of the clients’ business and how they think. I believe too many brokers want to insure the crane and insure the work done, but they don’t address the greater business issues.

“We take a consultative approach with our clients. We don’t take a fixed set of questions and operate with a tick and flick approach. ‘Fill out this form and we’ll be able to give you a quote or provide us with this information and we can assist you” he said.

58 / CAL September 2021

“When we have gathered information about the business, our team can then examine the risks which may occur and seek to insure them and to establish a risk management plan.”

“We visit the yards of our clients, we talk to their management team, and we talk to their operators, riggers, dogmen and other staff about what they do in the business. The only way we can be of assistance to any client is to have a clear understanding of how they run their business. It is not our job to tell them how to run their business, but it is our job to respond to how they run their business.

“When we have gathered information about the business, our team can then examine the risks which may occur and seek to insure them and to establish a risk management plan. There is plenty of regulation around mobile plant and construction equipment including cranes and it is really a case of identifying the risk and then putting a suitable framework in place,” said Versluis.

“In our experience, crane hire businesses often under value the risk they face and undervalue the cost of a replacement crane, if something goes

wrong. Cranes are complex pieces of equipment, and take a long time to repair or replace, depending on the severity of the incident.

More often than not cranes will have lease costs attached to them and many crane hire companies fail to see how or why they should insure against this.

If a crane is damaged in a significant incident, it can be off the road for six www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Clients don’t always fully explain the nature of the work they conduct. To help provide the right insurance cover, Trans-West works hard to ascertain a clear understanding of their client’s operations.

months or more. If you have lease repayments over this period and you are not generating income from the crane, this can turn out to be a very costly oversight, says Versluis.

“Clients don’t always fully explain the nature of the work they conduct. To help provide the right insurance cover, we need to have a clear understanding of their operation. We talk to the office and www.cranesandlifting.com.au

operational staff about the types of calls they receive, we need to understand the potential sites the client is going to and where possible we visit these sites to see how the operators work,” he said.

The team at Trans-West views itself as an integral partner with crane organisations added the Managing Director Sam Sofi.

“Partnering is very much what we

discuss with clients. We want to partner their business and be a regular part of their internal meetings and play a role in their future planning. With this understanding, we are clear on what the customer is planning and invoke conversations around a particular risk.

“We talk about the risk in terms of the policy wording and the schedules.

Instead of our client conducting an September 2021 CAL / 59

IN FOCUS / TRANS-WEST INSURANCE BROKERS

internal meeting and coming to us with a series of questions we like to take part in their planning meetings. It makes us a much better advocate.

“This works particularly well with clients involved in contracting. Often projects have been in the planning for months and we want to play a role in this planning. We then become a partner in terms of reviewing documentation, planning and contracts. We are not a legal office, but we do offer a service where we will review the contracts a customer is looking at signing, particularly in the context of insurance and either send this to the legal contacts we have, or liaise with the clients’ legal people,” said Sofi.

“In one instance the contract put to our client would have had major ramifications where by the insurer may have been able to deny liability. We negotiated a favourable outcome for both the crane company and the insurer so that our client was able to fulfil their contract.

“This is a major issue with many crane businesses. They are keen to secure the work and often don’t read the fine print and don’t understand the liabilities added Sofi. This can be particularly relevant in on hook cover.

“As we know, there is an increasing tendency for principal contractors to offset as much of the risk to other contractors. In conjunction with our clients, we have to be aware of this and examine how we can cover these risks, pass on the risk or refuse to take the risk on.

“The customer’s predominant concern is to get the crane out of the yard, get it to a site and have it working.

Our job is to ensure they do this with the safest methodologies for their staff, for the people who will be exposed to the workings of the crane, the crane and the crane hire business,” he said.

Versluis then added that TransWest is a Sydney based brokerage with clients right across the country. We have recently expanded to our office in Toronto and this extends our reach to country NSW. 60 / CAL September 2021

“We are an experienced group of people, and we want the best for our clients.”

“We can offer a service nationally but our client base is predominantly on the east coast. We are happy to work with any potential customer within the scope of works I have been discussing.

We utilise today’s technology including Zoom, FaceTime and Skype as we are unable to travel due to the ongoing lock downs. We are a people business, and whilst it would be our absolute preference to meet clients face to face, given there are continued disruptions, like most businesses, we will have to conduct more of our work on a virtual basis,” he said.

Sofi explains how Trans-West responds to a customer who is involved in an incident.

“We always say to our clients if they are involved in an incident, following the calls they make to the regulatory authorities, the next call is to us. We will do whatever is necessary to get to the site. We do this because we are the clients advocate, we know the wordings, we know the schedules and quite often we have more up to date information than the insurer.

“That’s because the client will be in touch with us about their schedule and what their requirements are and we will then be in touch with the insurer. I am fond of saying our records will be more up to date than the insurer’s records. It is important that we are there for our client, protecting our client and ensuring their position is protected,” he said.

“If it is a significant incident the insurer will be sending an assessor as soon as they can, but I know we respond much faster and earlier in the process.

We are also in the fortunate position as I am a qualified pilot and have been able to attend some major incidents by helicopter,” said Sofi.

“We have a good relationship with the major crane and mobile equipment insurers. We work well with them on the basis that one insurer is not going to suit every crane hire business and not every crane hire business will like one insurer. It is important to have relationships with insurers in both the material damage space and the liability space. This enables us to design bespoke policy cover for our clients based on our understanding of their business,” he said.

The regulatory requirements for crane hire businesses are becoming increasingly onerous. Crane hire businesses need to be aware of the changes to regulations, they need to be aware of the dangers of taking on work when they don’t have a clear understanding of the work says Sofi.

“For example, a business sends a crane to a hospital and the business owner is not conscience of what they are actually lifting and doesn’t know the value of the piece of equipment they are lifting. Crane businesses need to get more information for the work they are doing. This enables brokers and the insurance industry to work with them to identify the risk and to negotiate the appropriate premiums, otherwise, we will see premiums continue to climb. The more information we can gather the better so we can advise the insurer about the risks. The more information we can tell insurers the better,” he said.

“With all the uncertainty around COVID and lock downs many of the cranes in Sydney and New South Wales are either standing still or working to a limited extent. Clients are asking about lay-up cover. I’m fielding calls every day and they are asking us to negotiate this with the insurer. This is further evidence of how we work with the client and the insurer to ensure the best cover is in place.

“We will be happy to talk to a crane hire business about their current policy to make sure they have the right levels of cover for the right areas of their business. We are an experienced group of people, and we want the best for our clients. We are always happy to have the conversation,” said Sofi. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / THE CRANE CONNECTION

CONTINUED ENDEAVOUR WITH QUALITY USED CRANES The Baden Davis Crane Connection recently delivered a Liebherr LTM 1040-2.1 to Endeavour Cranes. Owner Nick Slaviero explains more about his business and the reasons behind the purchase.

Nick from Endeavour Cranes and Anthony from The Crane Connection practice safe distancing.

62 / CAL September 2021

SLAVIERO IS A CARPENTER BY TRADE and has been running his own carpentry business since 2010. In 2016 he decided it would be a good idea to incorporate a crane into his business to help become self-reliant and offer carpentry and crane hire services to the building companies he contracted to. He takes up the story.’

“Back in 2014, I was looking to buy a slew crane. I could see the project home industry was moving away from traditional timber frame construction which was my passion, and into hybrid and steel frames. With this move went my passion for building. In the meantime, I had always seen the potential for a crane business, and it was really a matter of timing. By 2016 the timing was right and I gradually stepped away from carpentry and into cranes.

“I had always wanted a slew crane because we had been hiring them for the construction work. I looked at several cranes and then the option of a Franna came up. I could see the benefits of its versatility and lifting capacities and decided this would be a good crane to start out with. It was the right crane at the right price, and it suited my requirements to a tee, so I took it,” he said.

Slaviero purchased a AT15-3 the most compact pick and carry in the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Nick and his number one Dogman, Reece Meredith.

Franna range with a maximum lifting capacity of 15 tonne.

“The Franna was in Western Australia and I bought it from an online auction. It was a 2009 model with very low hours and low kilometers, it seems the previous business had just left it in the yard it seems, it was hardly used,” he said.

After purchasing the Franna, Slaviero headed straight to Ben Baden and The Crane Connection for an examination of the crane and a major service.

“They conducted a major service on the Franna and completely repainted it for me in colours we have since adopted for the business. By the time they had finished with the crane it looked brand new and it was in A1 condition. They are excellent at what they do,” he said.

Slaviero had made plenty of contacts during his career in carpentry and once he had launched Endeavour Cranes much of his business network looked www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“I had always wanted a slew crane because we had been hiring them for the construction work. I looked at several cranes and then the option of a Franna came up. I could see the benefits of its versatility and lifting capacities and decided this would be a good crane to start out with. It was the right crane at the right price, and it suited my requirements to a tee, so I took it.”

for his services.

“After purchasing the Franna, I was using it for my business as well as my father’s carpentry business. As I developed my operating skills, I gained more confidence and experience as an operator. I then began helping mates on weekends with their jobs, developing my skills even further on different types of sites.

“Over the years, I had trained numerous apprentices in carpentry

and I had done all the right things by them. By the time I launched Endeavour Cranes, many of them had their own business and repaid my faith in them by contracting me for their construction work. This made a big difference to my fledgling business,” he said.

Although Slaviero was busy with the Franna, he never lost sight of the prospect of owning a slew crane.

“The business grew in terms of demand and the decision expand September 2021 CAL / 63

IN FOCUS / THE CRANE CONNECTION

was a no brainer. The slew crane only increases the scope of works for the business and enables me to support my customers even more.

“I could see there were a number of options when it came to all terrains, but I decided a 40t capacity all terrain would be an ideal size for my business.

I concluded a 60t would be a bit too big and the city cranes were too small and slow on the road. When I looked at the truck cranes, they felt a little dated. I’d seen 40t capacity slew cranes in action, and I had set my heart and sights on one,” he said.

Slaviero explains how he then worked closely with Davis and The Crane Connection team to find the LTM 1040-2.1.

“Anthony and I had been talking about purchasing a crane for some time. He knew it would have to be a late model, low hour crane because I was financing the crane, and I obviously needed it to be reliable. I ended up hiring a crane from him to see what would suit my requirements best.

It was a Liebherr LTM1055-3.2 all terrain. Anthony was quite happy for me to drive this around for a week, which I did, and I got a good feel for its controls, driveability and lifting capacities.

“After the week I took it back and told Anthony I thought it was a great machine but that we needed to scale back on the size. We originally discussed the options around a 50t capacity crane but there weren’t many available through his network and following further conversations, I decided a 40t machine would fit the bill. I left it for a month or two and then called Anthony to order the 40. Coincidentally, he confirmed he already had a machine on a boat which he was bringing over for stock. I ordered there and then.

“Through the process, the service from Anthony Davis, Ben Baden and The Crane Connection team has been outstanding. They are a professional with everything they do, and I can’t thank them enough. They also employ serious professionals in their workshop.

64 / CAL September 2021

“For a larger company the addition of a new crane is not such a big deal, but for me it is a 100 per cent increase in size and then some, when you factor in the extra capacity of the crane and everything that goes with it. It’s a big step, but I can see there is work for it straight away and when my customers hear I’ve got larger capacity, the news travels fast. I’ve already got a dogman/operator with me, and we work well together, we are more than best mates – more like brothers.”

I’ve been impressed with their spraypainting team and the way they have been able to interpret my ideas for colours on the cranes. There probably aren’t too many cranes out there painted with a metallic finish,” he said.

The 40t Liebherr is a big step for a small business explains Slaviero.

“For a larger company the addition of a new crane is not such a big deal, but for me it is a 100 percent increase in size and then some, when you factor in the extra capacity of the crane and everything that goes with it. It’s a big step, but I can see there is work for it straight away and when my customers hear I’ve got larger capacity, the news will travel fast. I’ve already got a dogman/operator with me, and we work well together, we are more than best mates, more like brothers,” he said.

“For the first six months, we’ll determine which crane we’ll need for each day. It is a big step up from a 15t Franna to a 40t slew crane, but we will gradually get used to operating the new crane and by the new year we will be ready to run both on a day-to-day basis bringing in the required extra crew then.

It will be small and deliberate steps for me, ‘slow and steady wins the race’ as the saying goes.

The LTM 1040-2.1. delivers outstanding lifting capacities over its entire operating range. Its 35m, 4-section telescopic boom can be extended with infinite adjustment and quickly to any length using a timetested hydro-mechanical telescoping system. The telescoping process can also

be completed whilst there is a load on the boom. A folding jib can be used to achieve a radius of up to 39 metres. In comparison to the slightly smaller LTM 1030-2.1, this mobile crane can handle five tonnes more on its hook.

Slaviero is confident there will be plenty of business for the LTM 1040-2.1 and Endeavour Cranes. “There is a lot of work in Sydney with project homes being built in the new estates,” he said.

“As I’ve said, a number of my customers were my apprentices and trades that I used in my carpentry business, and we know each other on a personal level. When I arrive on site, they know what I’m thinking, and I know what they are thinking and the understanding on the job site is immediate, and the communication is amazing.

“I think this is the major point of difference between Endeavour Cranes and other businesses; I have been in the same shoes as my customers, and I understand the challenges they face. I am so grateful for faith my customers showed from day and I thank them for the ongoing support they have given me.

“Obviously, we are a young business and at 30, I am a young crane owner.

With this I bring a fresh ‘can do’ approach with new and reliable cranes. Safety is a major priority in construction today and this Liebherr LTM 1040-2.1 comes with a high level of safety features. That’s my style and the new Liebherr will suit our business perfectly,” said Slaviero. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

ALL MODELS COME WITH A FREE 2 YEAR WARRANTY

When you are considering your next mini crane you now have a viable option.

SPT MINI CRANES HAVE LANDED! The SPT 199 is only 600mm wide and will fit through a standard doorway. It has a lifting capacity of 2t almost at 2.0m and a maximum working radius of 5.9m. The SPT 1009 has a lifting capacity of 10t at 2.5m and a maximum working radius of 19m. There are 3 models in between.

Reach can be increased with a jib and fly.

Remote control is standard and models feature the Yanmar diesel engines and an electric motor.

SPT Mini Cranes are focused on product safety, versatility and functionality.

SPT Mini Cranes comply with Cranesafe, Australian and EN 13000 Standards.

Capacities start at 2 tonne with and range up to 10 tonne capacity.

JONES EQUIPMENT | 02 4358 8924 | sales@jonesequipment.com.au | jonesequipmentsales.com.au

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT AND HSC

HIGHER CAPACITY AND VERY TRANSPORTABLE Tutt Bryant Equipment (TBE) recently announced the most important model in the HSC Sumitomo SCX-3 crawler crane range will soon be landing in Australia. The SCX2800A-3 replaces the SCX2800-2 in the highly popular 275t capacity class, and the unit will be the first of several to arrive later in the year and into 2022.

The new SCX2800A-3 will come in a standard lift crane or luffing configurations.

66 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

INDUSTRY STALWART AND CRAWLER crane expert, Phil Chadwick, recently joined TBE as the Business Development Manager 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 am delighted to be working with the team at TBE. It is a very exciting time for the business and for the industry in general. In all my 30 years of selling and working with cranes, I can’t remember a more dynamic and challenging time. “ “My new role with TBE is territory aligned rather than brand aligned, so I will be working with Peter Lawgall on all mobile cranes including Kato, SANY and HSC Sumitomo,” he said.

Chadwick discusses the HSC product and how it compares to other brands he has worked with.

“Crawler cranes are well suited to the mining industries of Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia and they also work well in the civil construction and the major infrastructure programs happening in the larger states including Victoria and NSW. In my experience, the largest selling crawler was always the Kobelco CKE2500, the 250 tonner and one of the main reasons this was so popular was ease of transportability.

“I can see the HSC SCX2800A-3 becoming even more popular as a result of the extra lifting capacity. The 250tclass 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.

The introduction of the SCX2800A-3 will enable us to build on the successes and popularity of the SCX2800-2 crane, which can be found operating on many projects across Australia. The new SCX2800A-3 will come in a standard lift crane or luffing configurations and it features a number of advanced www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The HSC SCX range is designed for operating around large infrastructure projects.

features to further increase performance and efficiency. It also has compatibility that allows interchangeability with components from the older model such as boom insert sections. This enables owners to have greater flexibility and economic advantages when upgrading to the new SCX2800A-3.

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.

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.

The all-new Load Moment Indicator (LMI) with data-logging capabilities records 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 accurately 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 which allows high line speeds under light loads without having to increase the engine speed (low rpm). Bringing lower September 2021 CAL / 67

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT AND HSC

The counterweights are identical shapes (excluding the base weights) for the left and right sides, to help ease of assembly process.

fuel consumption and reduced noise, this is an eco-friendly feature that will save fuel costs and minimise environmental impacts.

Other clever features are the winch rope Lower Limit Indicators that ensure a minimum of three wraps of hoist rope remain on each drum so as to prevent failure of the rope termination on the drum, along with the wide winch drum design which minimises potential damage to winch ropes.

Productivity gains will also be achieved via a unique combined hydraulic circuit developed by HSC Sumitomo.

By increasing and optimising the pump pressure through the use of a mixed circuit to control the hydraulic oil from two hydraulic pumps, operability is enhanced when travelling, hoisting/lowering, swing and boom hoisting, all of which can be undertaken simultaneously.

The SCX2800A-3 is available with Stage IIIA / Tier 3 engines, customers have the option to order the crane with a Cummins QSL9 engine that meets Stage IV / Tier 4 Final emissions regulations.

Along with major reduction in exhaust gas emissions, customers will benefit from reduced fuel consumption, saving cost and decreasing CO2 emissions.

What is truly exciting about the SCX2800A-3 are the optional features that provide owners with greater flexibility and efficiency.

A Reduction Counterweight specification is expected to be widely 68 / CAL September 2021

taken up by customers. By removing counterweights on the upper structure, this feature will allow the SCX2800A-3 to be utilised in four different capacity classes (275t, 260t, 250t and 240t).

Coming into its own in situations where lower operating weight / reduced ground bearing pressure are required, the Reduction Counterweight specification will further give owners the flexibility to use the SCX2800A-3 as a lower capacity crane, whereupon the amount of counterweights needed to be transported to a job-site can be reduced.

The SCX2800A-3 also has optional 1260mm wide track shoes, some 140mm wider than the standard shoes. Reducing the ground bearing pressure by 12.5%, this will make the crane more flexible and reduce the requirements for ground improvement tools.

Another option that will greatly improve safety around the crane is the Swing Restriction system. Used to limit the range of slew to pre-set working zones, the system aims to allow smooth operations when working within tight constrained sites. There is an added slowdown function prior to reaching the no-go zone, thereby minimising load swing.

Chadwick talks about the features and benefits of the HSC range.

“The truth is anything Japanese is excellent. In my experience, HSC crawler cranes are designed and manufactured with traditional engineering values in mind and the SCX2800A-3 is a standout

machine. It is the biggest crane in its class, which is easily and economically transportable. The challenge to increase the lifting capacity but to keep the carrier small, has always revolved around the size of the slew ring and having the strength in the slew ring to keep the weight down and make it easily transportable. HSC has optimised this crane to be the biggest lifter whilst keeping it transportable,” he said.

David Taylor, Business Development Manager for Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift & Shift is also excited to see the HSC SCX2800A-3 join his fleet in Western Australia.

“The SCX range has been extremely well-accepted since its introduction into the Australian market. All models have been popular, but I can see the SCX2800A-3 will probably be the most popular. Due to its mid-range size and genuine versatility, I can see it generating a lot of interest in various industry sectors,” he said.

Taylor explains why the SCX series has been so successful with customers and projects.

“All models in the range have proved to be incredibly reliable and this has made them highly sought after by project managers. They are also very user friendly and intuitive to operate and this has proved to be a real winner with operators.

Their ease of operation and reliability really set them apart,” he said.

“In my opinion, the HSC SCX2800A-3 incorporates a few important features including its ability to operate with reduced counterweights, a slew limiter for work in confined spaces whilst still being compatible with the previous model, making components interchangeable. This will prove to be a really handy feature with existing owners of the SCX series.

“I believe this model will be embraced by operators and organisations who are looking for a dependable user-friendly piece of equipment. This crane will be an ideal general workhorse in any fleet and will suit a myriad of applications. We can be working on any number of projects at any one time and from what I have seen of this crane, it could be working on any one of them,” said Taylor. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / ALTRA MOTION

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE KEEPING INDUSTRY IN MOTION Altra Motion is a global leader in designing, engineering, and manufacturing quality couplings, clutches, and brakes. Service and support is a key focus for the local subsidiary.

An increasingly important element of Altra Motion’s offering is the professional service technicians extending support to customer needs.

70 / CAL September 2021

REX SINCLAIR, ALTRA MOTION AUSTRALIA’S national sales manager, explains how the local subsidiary is committed to providing expert, support and service for their broad range of products.

“We have 28 major brands who manufacture coupling, clutch and braking products. These include Svendborg Brakes, Formsprag Clutch, Industrial Clutch, Marland Clutch, Wichita Clutch, Guardian, Bibby Turboflex, Stromag Brakes and Lamiflex couplings. Altra brands are recognised and operate in various applications in a variety of major key markets. These include mining, energy, marine, defence, food processing, steel, material handling, packaging, shipping and ports, and the crane and hoist.

“Our vision is to provide the Australian market with world-class products and support these with service expertise for the life of the product.

We understand our products are very often integral components in the critical infrastructure operated by our customers.

So, an increasingly important element of our offering is the professional service technicians who extend support to our customer’s needs,” he said.

Altra Motion is heavily engaged with key markets set for exceptional growth over the next decade or so. Sinclair is aware that business confidence will be a significant issue with uncertainty surrounding the ongoing impact of the global pandemic.

“Although we are engaged with markets predicted to boom over the next decade, or so, we can see a certain degree of business uncertainty because of the pandemic. With this uncertainty comes www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“Realising the critical nature of our products, we take a proactive approach to service programs. Products are inspected at designated and regular intervals, which recommends an inspection every three months and a service every six months.”

Rex Sinclair, Altra Motion Australia’s national sales manager.

a reluctance to release funds for capital expenditure. When capital expenditure is curtailed, budgets focus on maintaining and extracting the maximum performance from existing equipment.

“Altra Motion is a manufacturer of couplings, clutches and brakes and an essential element of our offering is to be a Service Partner. For example, suppose customers are not able to invest large amounts of capital in new equipment.

In that case, we can help by maintaining existing equipment to the highest levels with our service and maintenance packages.

“We offer genuine OEM Spare parts and maintenance. Our team of Service Technicians go onsite to complete commissioning work, service products or troubleshoot with the latest test equipment.

“They are factory trained, driving purpose-designed service vehicles with the equipment required to conduct servicing and maintenance programs quickly and efficiently. In addition, we have several workshop facilities around the country, providing us with the ability to entirely overhaul equipment and bring the product back to a brand-new condition and factory specification.

Sinclair explains how Altra Motion provides predictive maintenance plans.

“Realising the critical nature of our products, we take a proactive approach to service programs. Products are inspected at designated and regular intervals, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

which recommends an inspection every three months and a service every six months. Because our couplings, brake and clutches are components within a piece of overall equipment or critical infrastructure, every application is different. We work with the customer to provide the correct support, maintenance, and servicing levels and meet their specific requirements.

“Take a mine site as an example. We will be engaged to service and maintain the componentry playing a critical role in their infrastructure. This might include the cranes they are operating or the massive conveying and bulk transporting systems. We will work with our customers to understand their shutdown schedule and ensure we service the equipment based on their requirements. Working to their schedules causes minimal interruptions because shuts to these types of operations can be extremely costly. We will also work directly with the OEM providing spare parts and overhauling and servicing components,” he said.

Sinclair explains the typical applications for Altra Motion products.

“Typically, you will find our products operating in ship to shore cranes loading and unloading containers. We also have our components in Coal and Iron Ore ports, operating on shiploaders, stackers, reclaimers and conveying systems operating in the major stock yards throughout the port’s infrastructure.

“Many of our customers are operating 24 hours, seven days a week, and our products play a critical role in terms of maintaining productivity and output.

A failure of a component can prove catastrophic in terms of lost production.

We are prepared for such events with our Altra Motion 24/7 technical support.

“From the moment a customer contacts us, we ascertain the situation and determine what their needs are. They might require technical support on the phone or involve sending a technician to conduct more in-depth troubleshooting to solve the problem. Depending on what the fault is, our technicians will be able to repair and replace onsite. But if this is not possible, we can bring the product back to one of our workshops where it is repaired and returned to the site ASAP,” said Sinclair.

Compliance has become a key issue for industry sectors, with major mining houses and Tier One builders seeking assurance that products meet exacting industry standards in terms of safety.

Sinclair explains how the Altra Motion brands reach and surpass these high levels of compliance.

“The quality of our product range and its ability to comply with the highest industry safety standards is because of our intensive research and development processes. In addition, our international design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities are fully accredited to ISO 9001. Compliance and accreditation are important to our organisation and why our products are of the highest quality. We are confident that our genuine parts will perform even in the toughest of applications because of the international manufacturing standards and accreditations. This ensures our customers will receive a premium product that will offer outstanding productivity and reliability,” he said.

There is a wear and tear factor with componentry because the equipment is being used every day, but some components on some equipment wear quicker than others. Resulting in the wrong oil or lubricant added to the September 2021 CAL / 71

IN FOCUS / ALTRA MOTION

Service vehicles are equipped to help conduct servicing and maintenance programs quickly and efficiently.

application or an operator not doing the right thing with the equipment. Sinclair explains how his service technicians identify these issues and how Altra Motion aims to educate the market on better work practices. Servicing is only one part of the solution; he says that education and awareness of preventive maintenance practices are just as important.

“We offer both remote and onsite diagnostics depending on the clients’ requirements and preference. We can identify these types of issues through our IIoT system and the monitoring this provides. Also, when our service technicians are on site, they can identify issues by utilising our test equipment for diagnostics. We can connect to the machine whilst its operating and can see exactly what is happening.

“With this technology, we can look at issues relating to brake pads, for example. By examining the results from the test equipment, we can see why they are wearing at a faster rate. We can examine the results from the data logging, make calculations to ensure we have the right brake for the application, or determine if we need to change to a different brake pad material, or the brake application rate requires tuning, or if the rapid brake wear is a result of mistreating the equipment. We have the expertise to analyse the data here in Australia along 72 / CAL September 2021

with support from our factories,” he said.

Sinclair explains what a crane business can expect from Altra Motion regarding service and maintenance outside of their relationship with the equipment OEM. “We encourage users of our products to contact us directly. They can call through on 1300 ALTRAMOTION; they will be able to speak to someone 24/7. This number will put the customer in touch with one of our technical representatives who will work out the issues and problems. We would then engage our engineers at our various factories to come up with the right solution.

“In most instances, our overseas factories, particularly in Europe, are working with the major crane OEMs, and our componentry is included in their equipment, so we have strong relationships in place. Regarding tower cranes, the Australian market is more end user-driven, with only one local manufacturer, whom we work with,” he said.

“We also work very closely with a large Australian crane manufacturer.

We supply several components for their products, including parts for specialised winches. The customer has a winch division, and we have been successful on several projects relating to ship loaders and mining. These winches are designed to maintain constant tension

on conveyor belts.

Altra Motion products are exposed to key markets which are currently experiencing exceptional growth. Sinclair explains how the business is keeping pace with this growth.

“We are a ‘solutions driven’ organisation. We understand that our products are already installed in customer cranes. Still, we can support the customer as being a Service provider, as well as a manufacturer. Whatever the reason, we are here to support and service our customers.

“Right now, we are in the process of expanding the business. We are recruiting and training more technicians; we’ve just moved into a new facility in Mackay in North Queensland, which is more than double the size of our previous facility. So, we are indeed growing our business to cater for the increased demands we see across the various markets.

“It is the same in construction and particularly infrastructure. With the Federal and State Governments investing well over $100 billion over the next decade, we see a once-in-a-generation construction boom. Increasingly, the productivity, efficiency and reliability of the equipment being utilised on projects will be critical to the success of this construction program,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / FRANNA PICK AND CARRY

DUAL FRANNAS PERFORM IN MOTOR GRADER RECOVERY When a 22t motor grader got into trouble in the Bundaberg Region of Queensland, Matherson Crane Hire sent two Franna MAC 25 SuperLifts to the rescue.

TO ACCESS THE SITE, THE FRANNAS HAD to navigate the Boolboonda Tunnel which is an abandoned heritagelisted railway tunnel at Tunnel Road, Boolboonda, in the Bundaberg Region.

The tunnel is 192 metres in length making it the longest unsupported manmade tunnel in Queensland.

On arrival, the Matherson Crew carefully planned the lift to ensure the motor grader couldn’t move in an uncontrolled manner and that no damage was done during the recovery.

To manage the 22t grader, the rear crane had a weight 13t and the rigging included a 30t Maxirig bar and 8t 6m slings which were doubled on the top of the grader and 10t x 3m slings on the bottom. The spreader was utilised to minimise/stop the far sling from damaging the engine covers.

The front crane had a weight of 9t with 2 x 10t 1m slings attached to the lifting lugs at the top of the chassis, above the front axle, to maintain a high centre of gravity on the lift to maximise control.

The team and the Frannas executed the recovery perfectly, says Wayne Matherson, Matherson Crane Hire.

“The team did a great job and executed the lift perfectly. The motor grader was in a fairly precarious position by the time they got there, so they had to carefully prepare the rigging and the position of the Frannas for the lift to go smoothly.

“Our business originally grew on Pick and Carry cranes and we have been running 25t Frannas for over 10 years.

The addition of extra lifting capacity by adding SUPER LIFT to our current Franna MAC 25’s has only extended the 74 / CAL September 2021

capability of an already great machine. As usual, the Frannas performed perfectly with this lift and the client was happy to have his grader back on stable ground

with no damage. The crew also enjoyed the journey through the Boolboonda Tunnel which doesn’t happen every day,” said Matherson.

To manage the 22t grader, the rear crane had a weight 13t and the rigging included a 30t Maxirig bar and 8t 6m slings which were doubled on the top of the grader and 10t x 3m slings on the bottom. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

IN FOCUS / GROVE ROUGH TERRAINS

GROVE ROUGH TERRAINS BIGGER, BETTER STRONGER In 2016, Manitowoc launched the new range of Grove Rough Terrains (GRTs) which have proven to be popular on jobsites around the world. Federico Lovera is the Product Manager for GRTs in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific. He discusses the features and benefits of the range and explains why the various models will suit the Australian market.

“THE GRT RANGE OF ROUGH TERRAINS was first introduced in 2016 with the GRT880 and the GRT8100 models.

These replaced the previous models the RT880E and the RT890E. The GRT880 and the GRT8100 models were the result of an extensive re-design and testing process conducted in both the Niella Tanaro factory, in Italy and the Shady Grove factory, in Pennsylvania in the US. More recently, we added the Grove GRT655 and GRT655L models to the range.

“We undertook a complete review process of the rough terrain range. We

Federico Lovera, product manager, Grove Rough Terrains Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

76 / CAL September 2021

listened to feedback from customers noting likes and dislikes about the products and we collected information and data on the performance of the machines. We then conducted an extensive internal analysis review process which included the engineering and after sales teams,” he said.

“The main purpose of the review process was to design and manufacture more reliable machines. With the new GRT range we have focused on the reliability of the cranes. We changed the design, but we also carefully chose the suppliers for the componentry contained within the crane. In fact, we validated every crane component at the Product Verification Centre in Shady Grove,” said Lovera.

The centre features hot and cold weather chambers and the components were subjected to all types of testing including pressure, water resistance and humidity testing says Lovera.

“We conducted all types of testing using hydraulic test benches and hot and cold weather chambers. In terms of scope, we conducted accelerated lift cycle testing on every new component including cylinders, pumps and sensors.

When a component was successful and free of defect, and this is after 10 years of the accelerated lift cycle testing, it was seen as being of the right quality to be included in the machine.

“For example, we had cylinders

operating continually, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on a hydraulic testing bench testing the sensor of the outrigger spread or the boom extension cylinder.

The cylinder for the GRT880 outrigger totalled 80kms travelling back and forth.

This testing was designed to validate every component and the results came together with the GRT880 and the GRT8100. We are now confident with the reliability of these models, so much so that we provide customers with a standard two-year warranty,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Manitowoc offers a 50t rough-terrain crane with two boom versions. The options include the GRT655 with a 34.8m boom for heavy duty applications and the GRT655L with a 43m boom.

A new boom extension stowage system for both cranes’ hydraulic and off-settable jib options decreases erection and stowage time by 60 per cent when compared with previous generation Grove cranes.

This enables operators to set up and disassemble the cranes in less time, saving money and increasing return on investment.

The 100t Grove GRT8100 has exceptional reach with its 47m boom that has a maximum tip height of 49m. With a full complement of boom extension and insert options, the crane also has an outstanding reach of 77 m.

The boom is lighter and longer than its predecessor, but has the ability to lift heavier loads throughout the load chart. Capability such as this will allow customers to get unparalleled usage out of a 100t rough-terrain crane.

The 80t GRT880 features a shorter www.cranesandlifting.com.au

41 m boom that is also lighter than the GRT8100 boom. Customers will find this boom especially useful for the mining sector, equipment maintenance and infrastructure projects.

With increased capacity at mid range and maximum radii, the GRT8100 and GRT880 are more versatile than competitors’ cranes – they boast up to 16 per cent greater capacity at full radius, 13 per cent greater capacity in mid-range applications and 27 per cent greater capacity at close radii. With off-settable boom and fly extensions, the cranes enable customers to lift heavier loads to greater heights, helping companies compete for - and win - bids for projects they may not have been able to previously.

The GRT8100 is the only crane in its class to offer a hydraulic luffing jib that can be configured at lengths between 10m and 17 m. Other optional boom extensions for the cranes include a 10-17 m manual off-settable bi-fold boom extension with fixed offsets at 0, 20 and 40° as well as a heavy-duty 3 m jib that is off-settable to 40°.

A new boom extension stowage system for both cranes’ hydraulic and off-settable jib options decreases erection and stowage time by 60 per cent when compared with previous generation Grove cranes. This enables operators to set up and disassemble the cranes in less time, saving money and increasing return on investment.

The GRT8100 and GRT880 also have best-in-class line pulls at 7,883 kg on both the main and the auxiliary hoists.

The stronger pull results in fewer parts of line being needed to lift loads, which will lead to increased productivity on the job site and faster customer payback.

Manitowoc also offers a 50t roughterrain crane with two boom versions for different applications. The options include the GRT655 with 34.8 m boom for heavy duty applications and the GRT655L with 43 m long boom for those applications where reach is a must.

At 43 m, the Grove GRT655L has the longest boom in its class. With this long boom, the rough-terrain crane has the advantage that no additional jib is needed for long reach jobs. And when working with a jib, operators can reach more than 56 m and nearly 60 m at maximum tip height. The shorter boom version, GRT655, has the strongest load charts in its class and is the preferred choice when extra capacity is needed.

Both models share a light and compact carrier, weighing only around 35 t and measuring less than 3 m in width.

Therefore, crane operators can drive into narrow spaces such as refineries, power plants and densely populated areas and access a greater variety of jobsites.

The narrow dimensions of either model – the most compact in their class – make the GRT655 and GRT655L easy to transport on a trailer and they can be shipped in one complete load. In addition, when manoeuvring around a jobsite, operators benefit from all-wheel steering with a choice of four steering modes – two-wheel front, two-wheel rear, four-wheel crab and four-wheel coordinated. In coordinated mode, the crane has a turning radius of just 6.4 m, allowing it to access even the most congested sites.

The Manitowoc Crane Control System (CCS) makes it intuitive to set up, control and command the crane. This system is in common with all-terrain cranes, as well as truck-mounted and September 2021 CAL / 77

IN FOCUS / GROVE ROUGH TERRAINS

crawler cranes. Data is put into the CCS using a jog dial on the right armrest and/ or the buttons on the two displays. This can easily be done even when wearing gloves. The speed and ramp of each movement can be customized according to individual operator preferences. Many options are available to cater to a wide variety of experience levels, from the less experienced to the most experienced operator, and advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics are provided on board.

The GRT655 and GRT655L also offer very high single line hoist speed and pull, making them very productive cranes that complete the job quickly.

The GRT655 and GRT655L have a full vision cab with minimal blind spots.

In addition, the cab can be tilted up to 20 degrees, helping the operator to stay comfortable and productive when working with the 43 m long boom or a jib on top of that.

The effective heating and air conditioning system, with multiple vents to increase air flow, also helps the operator to stay focused and feel comfortable even on hot summer days. When entering and exiting the cab, flat decking on the chassis, grab handles around the cab and steps to access the crane on all four sides offer support, ensuring the operator can maintain a three-point contact with the crane at all times.

The GRT655 and GRT655L include many features that reduce maintenance requirements and increase component service life. For example, by mounting the outriggers’ jack cylinders upside down, the chrome part of the cylinder and the seals are protected against sand, dust and general contaminants.

Furthermore, it has a hydraulic braking system, instead of the pneumatic variety often seen in the industry. For Grove rough-terrain cranes, this eliminates the need for a separate system and resulting maintenance. Finally, the ECO mode and hydraulic load sensing system reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% compared to older models. The hydraulic load sensing system sends oil only when it is needed, leading to less overheating, less wear and less fuel consumption. These savings 78 / CAL September 2021

The GRT655 and GRT655L feature a full vision cab with minimal blind spots, and the cab can be tilted up to 20°, helping the operator to stay comfortable and productive when working with the 43m long boom or a jib on top of that.

combine to deliver a low total cost of ownership.

Lovera explains what the Australian market and specifically the resources and mining sector can expect from the new Grove GRT range and his expectations as the manufacturer for the customers’ experience.

“Our main objective is to provide the customer with extremely reliable machines. We have introduced longer and stronger booms and I can see the GRT8100 being the perfect machine for the Australian market. With 47m of main boom, it is a crane which is easy to use and it is a strong crane and similarly the long boom GRT655L should hit the mark in the 50t class.

“We also understand there is a strong focus on safety and compliance in the mining sector. For compliance related issues, we offer a ‘mining package’ which

increases the visibility from the machine, and therefore increases the safety of crews working in close proximity to the crane. We have also designed a platform to assist the adjustment of the hoist, grab handles all around the cab and steps on the four sides of the machine to provide easy access to the super structure.

“We have an emergency stop button on each side of the carrier which is accessible from ground level and additional lights to increase visibility. All the GRT’s are fitted with a tiltable cab so when the boom is fully extended, the operator has excellent visibility. With the increased levels of reliability, the longest booms in their class and a range of safety features, we are confident the Grove Rough Terrain models will be as well received by the Australian market as they have been by other markets around the globe,” said Lovera. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / TRT AND MAX CRANES

WORKING TIDDS TO THE MAX Max Cranes operates right across the country providing heavy lifting, transport and equipment solutions to numerous industry sectors. Over the years, the business has developed a close relationship with TRT, purchasing specialist trailers and TIDD articulated pick and carry cranes. Max Cranes managing director Mark Kuhn explains more.

MAX CRANES WAS FOUNDED IN 2002 in Port Augusta and although it has been greatly.expanded, the business still operates from the same yard. Max Cranes celebrates its 20th year of trading and continues to go from strength to strength with 185 employees across seven depots in South Australia.

“We run pick and carry cranes which start at 15t up to the 28t capacity with the TIDD PC28. We operate 60t truck

cranes and we operate various capacities in our all terrain fleet, right up to our flag ship all terrain, the Liebherr LTM 112009.1,” said Kuhn.

“We are operating in a number of different industry sectors including oil and gas up in the Cooper Basin working for Santos and we have cranes and equipment operating across all of their sites. We are also working in the renewable energy sector particularly in

When MAX Cranes bought the Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1, they turned to TRT to solve issues relating to transporting the boom. The solution was one TRT’s electronic steering, eight row platforms.

80 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

the wind farm maintenance sector. This work includes new transmission lines, wind farm maintenance as well as solar farms and sub stations.

“Across the mining and industrial sectors, we have a number of solid contracts mainly in the copper, gold and iron ore. With the industrial work we are in the steel manufacturing sector in Whyalla with GFG and in Port Pirrie for Nyrstar. We are also working across the water industry, telecommunications, defence and marine sectors. Our Adelaide depot operates differently to most of the crane hire businesses in the city.

We mainly work with significant and quality customers in industries including cement, water, power and defence,” said Kuhn.

Pick and carry cranes are an important component of all crane fleets.

Kuhn discusses the reasons why Max Cranes has gradually migrated to TRT’s

TIDD pick and carry range.

“We have nine TIDD machines in the fleet including five PC28s which is the latest model TIDD Crane from TRT. Our relationship with TRT has been developing since 2013 when they first launched into the market with the TIDD product.

“Max Cranes works closely with TRT and this closeness stems from my relationship with the Carden brothers, Bruce and Robert. I respect their ingenuity and approach to the market.

However, I didn’t envy their timing around the launch of the TIDD product.

No sooner were the models available, the Global Financial Crisis hit and with it came the massive economic downturn.

None the less they have persevered, and the TIDD product is excellent.

“Our relationship has flourished over the ensuing years and there is an increasing amount of mutual respect

between our organisations. During the last 12 months we have purchased four new TIDDs which shows we are committed to the product and to TRT. “Simply put, we like the machine.

We like the sensibility about how the machine is built including the safety features TRT offers with the crane. We are really happy to be working with Bruce and Robert and their team at TRT,” said Kuhn.

Compliance is a growing issue for many Max Cranes customers particularly around the use of articulated pick and carry cranes. Kuhn has watched this development carefully and explains it is the inherent safety features engineered into the TIDD are the main reason they are being added to the fleet.

“There are a number of Tier One contractors across the country that don’t want to know anything about pick and carries. This is because of their history and the culture that goes with that. Certainly, our customers, especially in mining and Tier One construction companies who we have introduced to the TIDD, appreciate the inherent safety systems engineered into the TIDD. The TIDD PC28 features improved operational features to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on the road or at a work site. One new safety feature included is called Slew Safe, which is designed to prevent rollovers. It uses a number of audible alarms, engine

Max Cranes has nine TIDD machines in the fleet including five PC 28s. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

September 2021 CAL / 81

IN FOCUS / TRT AND MAX CRANES TRT’s 8 Line ESS Modular Platform Tralier with LTM 11200-9.1 T7 Boom.

control unit warnings and an engine derating to prevent further slewing.

The system aims to restrict the driver from operating off the chart by using audible and visual alarms and steering restriction. Slew Safe cannot be overridden but will allow operations to resume when the load is back in the green.

The TIDD PC28 crane aims to maximise safety and minimise risks on the road and on the job.

Slew Safe is a real game changer for the industry. It delivers peace of mind for operators, dogman, crane owners, site managers and site owners by improving safety, reducing risk and improving duty of care.

The TIDD PC28 also comes equipped with a Mercedes Benz DM906 sixcylinder, turbo charged intercooled 205kW diesel engine, a 28t maximum lift on the lug and a 27.6t on the hook block to deliver improved efficiencies and greater lift options. Its 18.64 metres high tensile full power boom features a 75 per cent stationary chart for heavy lifts and a 66 per cent pick and carry chart. The boom’s telescopic sections one and two are fully synchronised and provide hook compensation. Telescope section three is independently controlled with its own hydraulic cylinder.

Max Cranes values TRT as a supplier 82 / CAL September 2021

says Kuhn.

“We have been working closely with TRT on the specialist trailers we have in our fleet. Our relationship with TRT trailers also dates back to 2014. We have two trailers which feature four rows of eight with dollies.

“When we bought the Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1, we turned to TRT to solve some of our issues relating to transporting the boom. The solution was one TRT’s electronic steering, eight row platforms.

“It was a bit of journey to get this trailer to a point where it works for us.

But we couldn’t be happier with what the trailer brings to our operation along with the other TRT transport equipment we have in our fleet,” he said.

Robert and Bruce Carden are extremely approachable and keen to find the right solution for their customers says Kuhn.

“In my opinion TRT is a wonderful company, driven by the positive and ‘can do’ approach of the Carden family. For a start, they listen to their customers.

When we purchased the Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 we saw there would be a great advantage if we could move it quickly to solve heavy lift issue across the country.

To do that we needed a trailer that could carry the boom and come in under the statutory weight limit. This meant we

wouldn’t need to be applying for permits and get bogged down with a 28 day permit turn around.

“Alan Jarman, our Technical Manager, flew with me to New Zealand on a couple of occasions to meet with the TRT engineering team to discuss our requirements. It took a while to get to the point where we ordered the trailer, but throughout the process, the TRT team kept us informed of developments and refined the trailer concept until we were happy. TRT’s response times and what they bring to the table is rare in my experience, it is not often seen in our industry. They deliver on their promise.

“Everybody suppling machinery will have issues. It doesn’t matter if you are a small operator or a global corporation like Liebherr, there will be issues with machines. I always judge companies on how they respond to the issue and the levels of respect they display to a customer. TRT are right at the top of their game when it comes to customer support and service, and this is well known throughout the industry. If they have an issue with a trailer or a crane, they get onto it quickly and get it back out and working as soon as possible.

That’s why Max Cranes will continue to work with TRT well into the future,” said Kuhn. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

IN FOCUS / SANY TELECRAWLERS

SANY CUSTOMERS HAVE THEIR SAY The market has been quick to recognise Sany equipment as a reliable brand delivering outstanding performance and value for money. With the appointment of Tutt Bryant Equipment and Ronco Group, the distribution and support for the product is secure and customers are having their say.

PRESTON HIRE RECENTLY ADDED A second SANY SCC800TB crawler crane to its SuperCrane fleet. Andrew Lambert, general manager of Preston Hire Australia provides background information to the addition.

“Preston Hire took delivery of a second SANY SCC800TB crawler in May, 2021. This impressive machine is currently based at our Western Australia branch due to customer demand for large projects happening in the Western Australian region,” he said.

“The SuperCrane 800TB is proving to be a real asset within our fleet. It was the first SANY crane of its size in Australia and was as impressive in real life as it was on paper. We believed it was the right fit for our fleet and have continued to be delighted by its performance on site and the feedback received by customers who are benefiting from its long list of capabilities. We have a strong relationship directly with the OEM and can endorse the incredible value SANY machines provide. The performance and power these machines deliver is exceptional as is the value for money,” said Lambert.

Lambert goes on to describe how the SANY SCC800TB fits into the SuperCrane fleet and how impressed he has been at the performance of the cranes.

“This 80t hydraulic crawler crane is the second of this size within our fleet.

These machines are the largest of our SuperCranes taking our range offering from 1t – 80t. The fleet comprises numerous capacities of spider cranes, hydraulic crawlers and batteryoperated models suitable for an enormous list of applications across multiple disciplines and industries.

“As far as the performance is concerned - they haven’t skipped a beat. Our two SuperCrane 800TB are currently located in Victoria and Western Australia and both have been on hire since we took delivery.

Both machines have been hard at work in various conditions and demonstrated excellent adaptability

For a 40t capacity tele-crawler the Sany SCC400TB has excellent charts. It was easily lifting one tonne steel bundles with 37m of boom out at 24m radius.

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in both environment and application.

Operators have made comment about the user comfort and ease of use,” said Lambert.

“The spacious cab, wide visibility and multiple real time cameras have proven popular on site. The machine in Victoria is working with Geotech at Bon Beach as part of the major Level Crossing project for the Victorian Government, whilst our WA machine is with Keller Group Australia on the Tonkin Gap Highway project.

“Both machines have been fully utilised since we took delivery and we’re not surprised. They were specifically purchased due to ongoing customer demand for a machine of this size and scope. We listened to the market and our customer’s needs and purchased accordingly. This demand continues to grow so we don’t expect these machines to spend any time in our yards anytime soon,” he said.

Kyle Greenwood is a supervisor with Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift & Shift.

He operates out of Muswellbrook and Singleton branches in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Greenwood and his team are working with a new Sany SCC400TB. “We recently took delivery of the Sany SCC400TB which is the new model 40t capacity tele crawler. It is currently working as the assist crane to help build a Sany SCC4000E which is a 400t lattice boom crawler. Both cranes are working on a project involving the replacement of an old steel bridge with a new concrete bridge in Muswellbrook.

“We have been operating the Sany SCC400TB tele crawler on site for a month. Before it started the crane build, it was installing formwork and Reo steel work on the site. It’s been walking up and down a runway made for a crawler crane and helping to install the steel piling and form work for the new bridge which will eventually be hydraulically launched out and over the river,” he said.

Greenwood confirms he and his team have been impressed with the performance of the 40t tele crawler.

“We have our own operator and rigger www.cranesandlifting.com.au

on the crane, and it has been performing really well. For a 40t capacity tele-crawler it has excellent charts. We were lifting one tonne steel bundles with 37m of boom out at 24m radius and it was operating at 60 per cent of its chart’s capacity which is really impressive,” he said.

“The operator has commented on how smooth he thought the controls were. He found the crane very easy to control with the lever and the slew has been really smooth. He also liked that the crane provided him with the ability to pick and carry the load which makes all the difference on a site like this.

Greenwood comments on how impressed he has been with the Sany compared to other machines.

“I’ve been really impressed with the crane, especially when it comes to the responsiveness of the controls and the intelligence of the onboard computer.

We have an 80t Sennebogen operating on site and if you jump between one and the other you really can’t see a lot of difference. Sany has really worked hard on the cabin and the controls for the operator have improved out of sight.

“We’ve also been impressed with the power of the crane which comes from a 4 cylinder, 5.2 litre, turbo charged Isuzu engine. The engine is Tier 111 compliant.

Sany is building its cranes using world class componentry and it shows in the crane’s performance. The tele crawler worked for two weeks straight moving and installing the steel bundles and then

“We have been operating the Sany SCC400TB tele crawler on site for a month. Before it started the crane build, it was installing formwork and Reo steel work on the site. It’s been walking up and down a runway made for a crawler crane and helping to install the steel piling and form work for the new bridge which will eventually be hydraulically launched out and over the river.”

Thomas Murray and his grandfather, company director Steve Murray from Murray Constructions give the thumbs up to the SANY SCC400TB. September 2021 CAL / 85

IN FOCUS / SANY TELECRAWLERS

used it for four days to assemble the large crawler.

“It performed really well on the build of the crawler as well. We used particularly unload 10t counterweight blocks and installing 7t boom sections.

Because it can pick up the booms sections and walk them down the run way, it saved us a lot of time with the build. The boom on the 400 tonner is 66 meters and the tele crawler was able to pick up 12 meter boom sections walk the down the runway where we could install

them,” said Greenwood.

Murray Constructions is a longestablished and progressive familyowned and operated business based in Deniliquin, Southern New South Wales.

Murray Constructions specialises in the construction of concrete bridges and levee banks right across NSW and Victoria. The entire Murray family is highly experienced in all aspects of construction and construction equipment, and has been purchasing excavators from Tutt Bryant Equipment

Sany is building its cranes using world class componentry and it shows in the crane’s performance. The tele crawler worked for two weeks straight moving and installing the steel bundles and then used it for four days to assemble the large crawler.

since the last century.

Murray Constructions recently took delivery of a SANY SCC400TB telescopic boom crawler.

The purchase of the Sany SCC400TB compliments their current large fleet of truck and crawler cranes beautifully. The telescopic boom of the Sany SCC400TB will enable them to have a more compact working area as they continue to replace dilapidated and aged timber bridges with great expertise.

The telescopic boom Crane will be more nimble and offer additional versatility on site whilst still retaining adequate lifting power and reach. The Sany SCC400TB will be employed to lift and place the individual concrete segments on brand new and higher capacity bridges to the great benefit of all road users.

Preston Hire recently took delivery of a second SANY SCC800TB crawler and the new SuperCrane 800TB is proving to be a real asset to the fleet.

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IN FOCUS / RED RADIO SOLUTIONS

RADIOING MEN FROM MARR’S Marr Contracting recently engaged Red Radio Solutions to fit a radio system to one of its tower cranes. The difference with this job is that the crane was already 230m in the air.

ACCORDING TO RED RADIO SOLUTIONS director, Casey-Lee Powell, this type of work is the reason why she specialises in providing radio communication systems for the crane sector.

“I’ve been working with Marr Contracting since we started Red Radio Solutions back in 2014. I supply the hire radios for the cranes they put up around Sydney and when the opportunity arises, I provide radios for them on their interstate projects as well. I currently have a couple of projects with them in Queensland and we have a number of cranes in Sydney

at the moment.

“This project was very special though.

I have never been so excited to receive a call and humbled to be invited to supply equipment on a project like this. I am passionate about my two-way radio products and the service side of my business, and I am equally passionate about cranes and admire what the operators and dogmen all day every day. As a business owner, when you are invited to fit a system to a crane which is 230m high; that is what I love doing. It is the reason I am in this business, to provide service that

goes above and beyond every time,” said Powell.

The project involves Marr Contracting (The Men From Marr’s) partnering with Mirvac to dismantle Sydney’s largest transmission tower. The Men from Marr’s has partnered with Mirvac as part of an international team including Robert Bird Group and critical infrastructure specialists Kordia Solutions. Together, the team will dismantle one of Sydney’s highest and most recognisable structures, the former TCN-9 TX transmission tower at Willoughby.

Marr’s M310D lifting the first section of the TX Tower Willoughby for Mirvac. Red Radio Solution provided the radio communication system for the project.

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“At 233 metres, this tower is equal in height to a 77-storey building which posed a number of challenges. Over 12 months working with multiple stakeholders, we designed an approach involving some of our unique equipment and the introduction of guy wires to laterally support the tower crane and allow it to climb to the required height (247 metres) to dismantle the tower.”

The project started with preparatory works in May and is due for completion in early 2022.

Simon Marr, Marr’s Managing Director, had this to say about the project.

“At 233 metres, this tower is equal in height to a 77-storey building which posed a number of challenges. Over 12 months working with multiple stakeholders, we designed an approach involving some of our unique equipment and the introduction of guy wires to laterally support the tower crane and allow it to climb to the required height (247 metres) to dismantle the tower,” he said.

Powell provided radios for the crane operator and three dogmen.

“We installed the Motorola DM4400 E Base radio, they have the three DP4400E portables for the dogmen. They also have a specialised battery backup so if there is a problem with the crane’s power, they still have comms because it will ‘kick over’ and into back up battery mode.

“One of the biggest challenges is the height of the crane. You can see the whole of Sydney from the cabin and because of this, there is the possibility of ‘trumping over’ other cranes and radio frequencies.

The system can also receive signals at the same time, which could cause obvious problems.

“The first issue we had to organise was a specialised frequency to ensure nobody within a 20km radius of the crane was using the same frequency. The second issue related to the height of the crane.

Because it is so high, we had to ensure a specialised antenna for the radio system

was mounted at the front of the crane.

Normally, we mount it to the side but because the loads are coming from such a height, we needed to keep the frequency in line with wherever the dogmen are lifting and landing the load. This was challenging,” she said.

“Ensuring we had the frequency in place was the first and most important step and then ensuring we had the antenna lined correctly was the second issue to address. To secure the frequency we placed a lodgement with the Australian Media Communication Authority, and I let them know I need a specialised frequency which no one else was using within the 20km radius,” said Powell.

“The radios used by dogmen have omni directional antennas and every crane cabin has a six element Yagi antenna which is standard and required by law.

This system pushes the signal down rather than out across the whole of Sydney. Because the crane is so high, it can see and be seen by other tower cranes across the city skyscape and we had to ensure the system did not interfere with other operations,” said Powell.

Highlighting the importance of working with experts in their respective fields, Mirvac’s Senior Development Manager Clancy Sprouster said, “Mirvac has an industry-leading reputation for upholding the highest standards of safety and our design team is comprised of experts in their field. Partnering with Marr as our craneage experts means we know we are in safe hands.”

At 233 meters,the tower requires a specialised craneage solution to dismantle it. Now fully erected, the top of the tower crane stands over 200 metres above ground level. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

September 2021 CAL / 89

IN FOCUS / FINLEASE

PREPARING FOR THE POST DELTA UPLIFT After a nervous and slow start to 2021, essential industries such as construction and infrastructure drove the economic recovery with the crane sector being a major beneficiary. Then, the Delta strain emerged mid-year with shutdowns and further border closures bringing the industry to a grinding halt. Jeff Wilson, senior partner equipment finance with Finlease, examines the positives businesses can take from the lessons learned, and how many will be able to benefit the bottom line.

“AS IS USUALLY THE CASE WITH ARTICLES, these words are penned a month or so before they are read. This story is written in the second week of August and we are surrounded by the significant challenges of an escalating Delta pandemic. Nonetheless, this is written with cautious optimism. It is hoped we will see vaccination rates reach the 70 to 80 per cent coverage, within Australia,

by Christmas. Health experts tell us this percentage will provide the stability for life and the economy to return to an adjusted normal,” said Jeff Wilson, senior partner equipment finance with Finlease..

“In so many ways, this pandemic is like a particularly bitter winter. A winter which has claimed the lives of far too many as well as significantly damaging or destroying many businesses particularly in vulnerable industries. In our view, we should view this period in the knowledge that every winter is followed by spring and spring brings new hopes and aspirations.

“As we look at the landscape, we can see many large and small projects have 90 / CAL September 2021

been delayed and the work needed to conclude them is behind schedule. This means pent-up demand is there. For me, the key question ‘is how many businesses are ready for the spring? And if they are not, what do they need to do to be prepared?’ As our discipline is finance, I will restrict my observations to this area,” he said.

WHAT DO WE KNOW AT FINLEASE? The ongoing demand for so many industries, including the mobile crane industry, is there, and has been increased as a function of these COVID-induced delays says Wilson.

“The Federal Government has provided significant tax incentives for businesses to invest and expand. The significant incentives are in place until June 30, 2023 and represent a once in a generation opportunity. Money has never been so cheap and typically, equipment finance interest rates are at record lows.

Wilson said overseas economies are starting to recover, production of machinery and yellow goods, including

mobile cranes will increase. International freight movements will expand and so the equipment required will start hitting our shores in increased quantities.

So, what do businesses need to do to be ready to upgrade and increase their current machinery equipment base? Finance will need to be secured.

Wilson believes this should be done by obtaining the best all round deals which have acceptable terms and conditions for the debt.

In order to secure the best outcomes, businesses should consider the following: 1. During this winter, avoid any premature deferment of existing finance payments if possible. With many of our clients, we can see they are currently a little uncertain about the existing business landscape, but many have good cash reserves off the back of a solid 2021 trading year.

In the event this winter goes longer than anticipated and cash looks to be getting tight they can always seek those deferrals in coming months.

2. Fast track the production of the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Jeff Wilson, senior partner equipment finance for Finlease (right).

“In so many ways, this pandemic is like a particularly bitter winter.

A winter which has claimed the lives of far too many as well as significantly damaging or destroying many businesses particularly in vulnerable industries. In our view, we should view this period in the knowledge that every winter is followed by spring and spring brings new hopes and aspirations.”

2021 formal financial accounts. This does not mean a business needs to submit tax returns as these are not typically due until April or May of next year. However, there may also be a benefit to table those tax returns early in the event they have acquired a significant amount of equipment in the 2021 financial year. As a result of the government initiatives, the acquisition of equipment could have provided significant tax benefits, which may also provide a tax refund windfall through the tax carry back opportunities on any tax paid in the 2019 and/or 2020 financial year.

3. Wherever possible keep their BAS www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and quarterly tax payments up to date. A company showing good trading results in 2021 (ignoring any tax benefits from the government incentive), with no deferred finance payments and ATO portals which are up to date, maximises their chance to obtain the best finance outcome on major equipment acquisitions in the future.

“When COVID first hit our shores back in January 2020, we saw our country start lockdowns and history has shown this was proven to be the correct decision.

Everyone was nervous and unsure of the future including big and small business, governments both local, state, and

federal, our parents, grandparents, and our children. No one really understood the full impact and there was a willingness by everyone to follow orders.

We saw both our financial institutions and governments offering varying levels of financial support providing us all with some levels of comfort and stability.

“Today, some 18 months later we find ourselves dealing with the Delta strain of COVID and this time around we have the same feelings of nervousness. This nervousness is not for the lack of work waiting for our return, we are nervous about the amount of time it will take before we can resume our prior ‘normal lives’.

“The government is making it clear that our way forward is via vaccination and with more vaccinations comes more freedom and to this point the vaccination rates are ramping up. If businesses look to ensure they have followed the steps above, it will certainly put them in the best position to take full advantage of the opportunities that certainly lie ahead,” said Wilson.

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IN FOCUS / HUMMA AND FREO GROUP

HUMMA’S DEVELOPMENT PLAN FINALLY PAYS DIVIDENDS Over the past 25 years, DRA Engineering has continued to develop the Humma range of pick and carry cranes following customer feedback. The Freo Group (Freo) embraced the early model Hummas, but after trialling them for some time, they were returned and it would be close to two decades before Hummas were back in the Freo fleet. Cranes & Lifting finds out.

FREO IS THE LARGEST CRANE HIRE business in Australia with over 430 assets and 24 branches strategically situated around the country. The company also operates the largest fleet of articulated pick-and-carry cranes.

Brothers Mike and Nic Celenza were amongst Freo’s first employees, starting with the business over 40 years ago. Here they discuss the history behind Freo’s relationship with articulated pick-andcarry cranes, including the Humma range, designed and manufactured by DRA Engineering.

Mike is General Manager – Fleet and Nic is Executive General Manager within the organisation. Nic provides background information relating to Freo and to the relationship with DRA Engineering and the Humma product.

“Over the years we’ve seen the Freo fleet evolve from a JEC / BHP mobile

known as, ‘Wobbly’ crane, and that’s how we first met the Linmac family; they were manufacturing and distributing the model.

“The Linmac family went on to manufacture a range of pick and carries until they were forced to close their business in 1995. At that time, we had as many Linmacs in our fleet as we did Frannas. When the Linmac business closed after 30 years of building cranes, Franna took the opportunity to develop and quickly became the dominant brand,” said Nic. “Over the years, we established a good relationship with Linmac’s John Sandstrom. John advised he and a Linmac design engineer had joined the DRA Group and were working on a new range of pick and carry cranes.

That’s when we were introduced to the Humma range,” . The Humma project

was launched by the DRA Group in 1996 with the first model the Humma 18.

At that stage it was referred to as Road Crane (RC) 18.

Peter Dalla Riva, Operations Director for DRA Engineering, takes up the story.

“Freo was showing interest in the RC18 and they took three units on hire for two years. They could see Humma was a good lifter with a long boom but we knew we needed reliability to go with the performance. Each Humma 18 released was better than the previous model and Freo wanted to be part of the development process. Both Mike and Nic were initially involved with Humma 18,” said Dalla Riva.

Mike Celenza speaks about the early Hummas.

“Freo’s association with the product dates back to 1998 when we had Hummas in the fleet over two years.

Freo noticed a vast improvement in the Humma 35t pick and carry.

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We liked the first cranes. Although the capacity was only 18t, we were impressed with the Humma’s full powered boom length because, at the time, the Frannas only had a manual extension.”

“We were also impressed with the onroad comfort. There were less drive lines and the air bag suspension technology made it a comfortable drive. But after two years, we sent them back to DRA Engineering and didn’t have much to do with the brand for close to 20 years,” he said.

In 2019, when the first Humma 55 was about to be dispatched, Peter Dalla Riva contacted Freo . There hadn’t been any contact between the two companies for sixteen years. Dalla Riva invited Freo to view the Humma 55.

“Freo accepted the offer to visit our factory and see what we’d been up to. As a result, they hired two Humma 35s for evaluation. The six-month field operation confirmed the cranes performed with low running costs, with increased reliability and safety. The rest, as they say, is history, with Freo since purchasing four 35t and currently have two 55t Hummas under evaluation,” said Dalla Riva.

According to Nic , they immediately noticed a significant improvement in the latest Hummas.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the 35t machines back in the fleet.

There has been a vast improvement - they are a totally different machine. In my opinion, they have a number of features which are the best in the industry and the market loves them. We’ve noticed there is a lot of demand for the Humma product, in particular with the refineries and production facilities asking for them by name. They are a great addition to our fleet,” he said.

“When we saw the Humma 35 we knew it was a completely new crane that incorporated several improvements from the previous models we had been exposed to , including technology advancements . DRA had added several unique features, including an impressive load chart and we could immediately see it was a superior lifter to the Franna. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

L to R Steve Rogers, Freo CEO, Peter A Dalla Riva DRA, Darren Rodwell, Freo GM North West, Peter Dalla Riva DRA.

The roadability of the crane was also a key factor. Anyone who has driven a pick and carry knows they can be a bit of an uncomfortable ride. With the airbag suspension, the Humma really is a unique road ride,” said Nic. Peter Dalla Riva adds more about the specifications included in the current Humma range.

“Pick and carry means the ‘load is dynamic,’ not constant, and the structure, booms and componentry

not on the side, because stability is best achieved in this position. When articulating at 42°, the load on the structure is even on both sides of the chassis, eliminating weld cracks and fatigue.

“The cabin is full width and modular and not part of the crane structure so it is isolated it from road vibration and noise. Humma cabins are the quietest in the industry with cabin noise at 65-70 decibels compared to Franna, where

“Standard footprint: all Humma models have the boom in the centre, not on the side, because stability is best achieved in this position.

When articulating at 42°, the load on the structure is even on both sides of the chassis, eliminating weld cracks and fatigue.”

must cope with these variables. Our competitors still do not take this feature into consideration, which affects reliability and operating costs, and increases downtime and repairs. With 20 years of proven field results, Humma offers 15 year/15,000hrs for the first major inspection and a proven ‘life cost’ of between 20-25 per cent of the MAC25,” he said.

“Standard footprint: all Humma models have the boom in the centre,

drivers should wear ear protection. The wide cabin is safe for driving on-road at high speed and when operating. Both our competitors have half cabins with boom obstruction.

“A crane must have the longest possible booms designed to withstand damage by flexing when moving loads.

Loads are dynamic and pick and carry crane boom designs require a high safety factor. Humma cranes have the longest boom in the industry up to two meters September 2021 CAL / 93

IN FOCUS / HUMMA AND FREO GROUP

Freo’s Nic and Mike Celenza.

longer than competitors,” he said.

“Suspension is critical with pick and carry cranes as it is required to move at normal traffic speed, up to 95-100km, on arterial roads and at the same time reduce road vibration which can damage sensitive crane componentry hence increasing repairs and maintenance,” said Dalla Riva.

Mike Celenza discusses the importance of safety when it comes to pick and carries operating on mine sites and Tier One construction sites.

“Safety has rightly so become a major focus. The objective of zero harm is industry best practice. For example, most mine owners in the Mining and Resource sector view pick and carries with a clear focus on i safety and compliance. Initially Franna was a little slow off the mark, and then TIDD entered the market with safety enhancements as a key feature.

With focus on risk mitigation and the desire to improve the overall safety of the machiness, DRA has engineered the Autoleveller System technology into the new Humma,” he said.

“The issue of derating crane lift 94 / CAL September 2021

capacity when operating on uneven surfaces led DRA Group to develop the Auto leveller System for its high-capacity Humma 55T pick and carry crane. The patented Auto levelling technology can be fitted to all models of Humma”, says Dalla Riva.

“The system ensures the chassis is kept horizontal when the crane is operating on uneven surfaces of up to 5°, without having to reduce the crane’s SWL. Slope deration is not necessary, although all Humma models have a dynamic load chart fitted with slope deration. In my opinion, DRA’s Autolevelling system, which is built into our Humma 55T crane, makes slope derate look like old technology.”

“When the Humma is set on Auto levelling it keeps the chassis level even when operating on slopes and uneven surfaces. This removes the need for slope deration and the possibility of operator error. Auto levelling is managed by theHumma 55t machine operating system. For this reason, it has been classed as the safest pick and carry crane available.

“DRA Group continues to invest in

the latest technology and Auto levelling along with the introduction of robotic crane manufacture. Such innovations are designed to see Humma remain ahead of the competition as we continue to develop the safest available pick and carry crane,” he said.

Nic Celenza summarises why he and Freo have been impressed with the Humma’s evolution.

“In our view, the Humma product has come a long way. At the top of the capacities you can’t compare the Humma 55 with the Franna AT40 - they are totally different machines. With the Humma side Auto levelling System, no matter what the angle of the ground, the crane doesn’t derate. This means the Humma 55 is a true 55t capacity craneeven if you are picking up 20t and operating on a 3° angle.

“It can actually lift and carry more than any other crane on the market.

We’ve been impressed with other features including the new LMI and computer systems. It has a better capacity and a full boom with more power which makes it excellent for facilities work. You can pick up heavy valves and jib them right out and all the way back. Before, you would have to use a ‘slewer’ for that type of work. The Humma is ideal for this sort of work and related applications”.

“The support from the DRA team is 100 per cent. We have their fitter’s direct number and we can call 24/7; they are always there for us. When we had a few little issues with a compensator, they said to bring the crane in immediately. We did and they fixed it. There are no delays; they are 100 per cent focused on support and they’ll work late to ensure the crane is there for you the next day,” he said.

“It makes a difference when you are working with the business owner and the manufacturer. The Dalla Rivas recognise it is imperative to provide that level of customer service. This is especially true when they are operating on a relatively small scale at the moment. As they build the business and the profile of the Humma range, I’m sure they will continue to make customer support and service a priority,” said Nic. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / UAA

DIGGING DEEP FOR MENTAL WELL BEING Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) has thrown its full support behind the Dig Deep Event, a construction industry fundraiser organised by CRE Group to raise $1 million for mental health awareness within the industry.

MENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS EVERY Australian industry differently. For the construction industry, the issue requires more conversation and support. Hence the creation of the inaugural Dig Deep Event.

Arranged by CRE Group, the fundraising event aims to raise over $1 million for Beyond Blue, a mental health organisation focused on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Every single year, 65,000 Australians attempt suicide. On average more than eight people take their own lives every day, six of whom are men.

Tragically, a construction worker is lost every second day to suicide, meaning that 190 construction workers take their own lives per year.

That’s why the Dig Deep Event is hoping to “keep digging” and “keep talking” around mental health within the construction industry.

Currently sponsored by twelve of the industry’s biggest players, the organisers are hoping to attract more sponsorship and exhibitors for the event – due to take place in Melbourne in November this year.

Exhibition spaces will grant industry participants great exposure for their brands and products, while also supporting an essential service.

Becoming an exhibitor is not the only way that potential attendees can support the event, however. People are also able to donate to the Dig Deep Event to support the $1 million goal.

With a range of activities, including showbags, music, a petting zoo, a digger park and a food truck zone, the event is catered to support the whole family.

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UAA AS PLATINUM SPONSOR Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) is a Platinum Sponsor for the Dig Deep Event. Stan Alexandropoulos, UAA group chief operating officer, says UAA jumped onboard to sponsor the event as soon as they heard about it.

“The Dig Deep Event came to our attention via the CRE Group’s insurance broker, PNO Insurance – themselves an Associate Sponsor for the event. To their credit, they referred it to UAA because they felt that this was a cause that was close to both our organisations’ hearts and we jumped at the chance to support it by becoming a Platinum Sponsor and participating in any way we could to raise awareness and make the day a success,” says Alexandropoulos.

“Anxiety and stress levels are at an alltime high due to COVID and its effects.

Financial pressures, health and wellbeing worries, fear of the unknown, feelings of isolation and loneliness are just some of the things that people are experiencing, both in Australia and worldwide. The more we can raise awareness on mental health issues and promote the message that it’s ok to feel that way, it’s ok to talk about it and ask for help or just ask your mate if they are ok, the better chance we have to get on top of the issue and prevent people from suffering in silence.”

As an underwriting agency with customers and access to a network of industry service suppliers across Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, Asia and the regions of Pacific Island and Papua New Guinea, Alexandropoulos says UAA invests heavily on mental health within its own team.

“At UAA, the mental health of our

UAA is right behind Dig Deep.

people has been a major focus and priority of ours for some time. We have invested heavily in this area, engaging health professionals and experts to conduct ongoing mental health audits and training in our workplaces to ensure that our people feel safe and are armed with the tools to deal with these stresses,” he says.

“More importantly, we want them to feel safe and confident to start a conversation with their colleagues, managers, and if required, free professional organisations that we provide access to that can help them manage any issues they might be dealing with. The civil construction industry has traditionally been male dominated, although that has changed somewhat over recent years. We know that men don’t tend to talk about these sorts of problems or issues. We need to start this conversation to remove the stigma that still exists around talking about mental health issues and say it’s ok and to have problems, feel down and struggle at times. The best way to deal with it is to talk about it. The power of a conversation can save lives.”

INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER CRE Group Director Michael Harding says he is overwhelmed by the amount of enthusiasm the program has generated within the organising team, as well as with the support received from the industry.

A committee, comprising of five CRE www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Dig Deep is raising funds for mental well being in construction. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / UAA

staff members, a legal consultant from Cross The T, and a digital marketing specialist from Build Social make up the committee that meets weekly in preparation for the event.

“Our initial target was to raise $100,000, but when we saw the strength of the committee and with COVID giving us more time, also having seen the impact COVID has had on mental health within the industry, we decided to increase the challenge for ourselves and we set out to raise $1 million,” he says.

“And if we can raise beyond that, even better.”

As Harding adds, the money raised will help support services, programs, research, advocacy, and communication activities relating to mental health.

“The people who build our towns and cities need our support. Organisations

like Beyond Blue provide vital support to people experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions and the Dig Deep Event aims to support Beyond Blue in their endeavours,” says Harding.

OPERATOR CHALLENGE One of the marquee events at the Dig Deep Event will be the Operators Challenge. Inspired by Ireland’s Ploughing Championship, the challenge is designed to test the skills of talented machinery operators throughout Victoria.

William Adams Caterpillar will run the Operators Challenge, which will test the operators on certain criteria such as accuracy, precision and work quality.

Operators from some of the state’s best civil contracting companies will compete for a prize, along with the bragging rights to be the inaugural Deep Event champion.

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The Dig Deep Event will also be supported by former Western Bulldogs star and current mental health advocate Tom Boyd, who himself has experienced challenges with mental health.

With already significant uptake and interest from within the construction industry, there are also plans to potentially repeat the event next year.

“If we can run a great event that brings our industry together and starts something new, we certainly love to give it another go. We can only imagine the event growing and growing,” Harding says.

The Dig Deep Event will take place on Sunday 14 November 2021, at 324 Perry Road, Keysborough, Victoria.

Those interested in attending the event, becoming an exhibitor or making donations can visit the Dig Deep Event website: www.digdeepevent.org.

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IN FOCUS / BRIDON BEKAERT

MEETING THE MARKET’S WIRE ROPE DEMANDS Leading wire rope manufacturer Bridon Bekaert, the Ropes Group (BBRG) recently installed a state-of-the-art service centre in its Newcastle manufacturing facility. The service centre is designed to further extend Bridon Bekaert’s ability to deliver its range of high-performance wire rope products and services to the Australian market.

STUART COXON IS THE TECHNICAL Accounts Manager. He provides the background to the Service Centre and how it is designed to address changing market demands.

“Over the past years, Bridon Bekaert has seen a change in the demand for high performance wire ropes in the market. The trend has moved away from the rope manufacturer providing full reels of wire rope, towards a more specific requirement for cut rope lengths, rope assemblies with tested certified terminations and other special requirements. This trend, at least in part, has been driven by the significant cost associated with stocking a range of different rope construction types and diameters,” said Coxon.

When the business case for a service sentre in Australia was presented to the BBRG chief sales and marketing officer, Luc Godefroid and the Australian lead team, the response was very positive says Coxon.

“The proposal received the full support of the BBRG local and global 100 / CAL September 2021

There was a positive response towards the initial proposal to the business case for the service centre at the manufacturing plant in Mayfield, NSW.

executive lead teams and the planning began for our new world class service centre at the BBRG manufacturing plant in Mayfield NSW. “There is always a high confidence

within the market when a manufacturer cuts, terminates, tests and delivers their own rope. BBRG has over 300 years of international industry experience and this has led to our position as the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“When our customers engage BBRG they can expect the highest level of professionalism, advice and service. You are dealing with the OEM, who manufacturers the rope, performs the testing and quality assurance. Now, we have the capabilities to cut, terminate and proof load an extended range of high-performance ropes.”

No expense has been spared when it comes to the safety of the new plant and equipment.

world’s leading rope manufacturer. We know ropes. With Australian and global knowledge to draw from, our customers can be assured they are getting the right rope for their application.

“When our customers engage BBRG they can expect the highest level of professionalism, advice and service.

You are dealing with the OEM, who manufacturers the rope, performs the testing and quality assurance. Now, we have the capabilities to cut, terminate and proof load an extended range of high-performance ropes.

“We can proudly say the new BBRG service centre is a world-class Australian first. We assembled a team including industry subject matter experts, mechanical/electrical engineers and experienced plant operators. Together the team has ensured the facility is fully compliant with all the relevant Australian Standards,” he said.

No expense has been spared when it comes to the safety of the new plant and equipment. Examples of this include the custom LED light curtains that act as exclusion zones, an overhead hiresolution camera and TV screen which allow our operators to monitor machine speeds, rope length, guiding and back tension on the rope, all with a live view.

Other key safety features built into www.cranesandlifting.com.au

the service centre include: • All new plant and machinery comply with AS4024 – Safety of Machinery • The press and winding lines are controlled using a Siemens PLC’s

(programmable logic controller).

All safety functions are controlled and monitored by a separate and dedicated safety PLC. • The winding line uses perimeter

The is moving towards a more specific requirement for cut rope lengths, rope assemblies with tested certified terminations and other special requirements.

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IN FOCUS / BRIDON BEKAERT

guarding and custom designed light curtains to manage operator access to the rotating equipment. The take-up loading gate is interlocked to the machinery and locked using PLC controlled electric solenoid gate locks. The custom light curtain system allows the rope to pass through, but will e-stop the line if an operator breaks it whilst in service.

• Both the 10t pay-off and take-up have safety rated encoders on the drive shaft which monitor the speed of rotation. The pay-off also has ultrasonic distance sensors to measure the how much rope is on a reel. This is used to limit the speed of rotation to ensure the brake can stop a reel rotating in 0.8 seconds, which is the time calculated in which a person could potentially breach the light curtain and engage the hazard.

LTM 1030-2.1 (2012)

LTM 1220-5.2 (2007)

• The facility is designed around a Lock Out system that is used to isolate individual machines or the whole facility for various operational and maintenance activities.

• Two electric winches and an overhead chain hoist have been installed to reduce manual handling of ropes. One is on the winding line and is remote control operated to assist with paying off large ropes.

The other is on the 1000t press and is used to assist with the setup of large ropes for the swaging operation.

It also features a Talurit AV45 annealing machine to fuse and taper rope ends complete with a mobile fume extraction unit.

A Talurit 1000t swaging press with aluminium and steel swage die sets, a 150t Talurit tensile proof loading test bed, heavy-duty pneumatic belt style

rope counter, mobile socketing stations and a cleaning and re-lubrication machine for rope inspection and maintenance.

“This Service Centre has been designed to be efficient, productive, safe and reliable. BBRG have a number Service Centres around the globe and we have leveraged their experiences to build this state-of the art service centre,” said Coxon.

“Simply put, the new facility allows us to provide the Australian market with a complete range of Bridon Bekeart’s High-Performance Rope products, whether it be a cut length of rope, a manufactured assembly with a certified end termination or a bulk reel. Our customers can be assured this product offering is fully supported by a local and global team of wire rope professionals,” he said.

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IN FOCUS / JONES EQUIPMENT SALES

SPT MINI CRAWLER CRANES GETTING BIGGER The SPT mini-crawler range continues to gain momentum in the market with interest in the range growing and orders increasing.

MID-YEAR, JONES EQUIPMENT SALES announced it had agreed to become the National Distributor for SPT mini crawler cranes and the response from the market has been quick and positive.

Michael Khamas, associate director of National Distributor, Jones Equipment Sales explains more.

“Over the last few months, we have continued to generate plenty of interest in the SPT range of mini cranes. Despite the challenges we all face, we are seeing increases in the number of orders received and the level of enquiries is increasing all the time. We will generate more interest as we introduce more models and see more product out and in the market,” said Khamas.

The full range of SPT cranes is now

Michael Khamas and Mitch Jones, Jones Equipment Sales

available through Jones Equipment Sales.

“We are bringing in the full range with capacities starting at two tonne with the SPT 199 ranging and up to 10 tonne capacity with the SPT 1009. There are three models in between. The SPT 199 is only 600mm wide and will fit through a standard doorway. It has a lifting capacity of 2t at 2.0m and a maximum working radius of 5.9m. The SPT 1009 has now been released with a lifting capacity of 10t at 2.5m and a maximum lifting height of 20.2m and a working radius of 19m. You

The full SPT mini crane range is available through Jones Equipment Sales. Capacities start at two tonne ranging and up to 10-tonne capacity with the newly released SPT 1009. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

can also increase the reach with a jib and fly,” said Khamas.

“The big news is we are just about to receive the first fully electric powered battery-operated crane from SPT. With the push towards sustainability and environmentally friendly workplaces including construction sites, we can see electric powered cranes becoming increasingly popular. There are numerous applications where zero emission electric cranes will be welcomed. We’ll have more to say about the crane when it arrives and we are able to put it through its paces,” said Khamas.

Khamas has been impressed with the market’s response and there has been a high level of interest in the SPT range of mini crawlers.

“We have been discussing the quality of the SPT range with a number of customers and it is obvious they understand mini cranes. They want to be sure the SPT product is right for them and that the right levels of product support and service is available. The SPT range of crawler cranes is a high quality product, engineered and manufactured to worlds best standards.

“The range features world leading componentry and each machine comes with a full two-year warranty. We continue September 2021 CAL / 103

IN FOCUS / JONES EQUIPMENT SALES Remote control comes standard on all models.

to have discussions relating to our distribution channels and there are a number of businesses keen to work us,” he said.

Khamas explains more about the features and benefits of the SPT range.

“The SPT mini crawler is a quality machine featuring world class components with a number of features which will appeal to the local market. The crane has two operational modes, manual and full wireless remote control.

“Manual operation is self-explanatory but each crane is equipped with intelligent wireless remote control which manages the engine start and stop, walking, turning, outriggers and lifting function. The crane is designed to work and function stably in a safe way under complex and dangerous working conditions.

“The cranes are equipped with a safety torque intelligent controller. A colour display screen assists with safe lifting and helps to control all operating conditions by displaying the real-time status of the crane,” he said.

The controller also intelligently monitors the operating mode, oil temperature and water temperature, electricity, fuel, pressure, function realisation status providing feedback to the operator through the colour display.

The safety alarm ensures the crane can only move to the ‘safe side’. These features will greatly enhance the safe operation of the crane on a construction 104 / CAL September 2021

site for example.

SPT has designed three safety modes for the crane. These ensure safe operation with the outriggers have been deployed, when the operator is walking the crane and when the crane is lifting. Accidents caused by operator error or mis-operation can be completely avoided as a result of these safety modes.

The outriggers can only be retracted after the crane senses the boom has fully returned. The crane will ensure the operator has retracted and rotated the boom to a designated safe position before the outriggers can be retracted. This enables the operator to avoid the danger of overturning the crane by operating the outrigger without retracting the boom.

There is an alarm safety function for lowering three turns of the hoist which ensures the wire rope on the hoist is guaranteed to keep more than three turns.

The crane will stop, and an alarm will sound to ensure the wire rope won’t fall off the winch.

The SPT mini crawler range automatically detects the different extension positions of the outriggers which ensures they are either in the full extension or half extension positions when lifting. The outriggers are automatically monitored when working in narrow spaces for example and the lifting weight data of each outrigger position is also automatically. This feature ensures the outriggers are automatically in the right position to manage the load

correctly and safely.

If for some reason the outriggers are not supporting the crane correctly the boom’s movement is restricted. This ensures the operator can’t mistakenly operate the boom before operating the outriggers. If the crane realises an outrigger is off the ground, an alarm function will sound and the whole machine will automatically stop and will not overturn. This ensures the personal safety of the operators.

Khamas explains more about the ‘smart functions’ built into the crane which are designed to make operations safer and simpler for the operator.

“The bulk of incidents are as a result of operator error or operational negligence.

SPT has noted this and built into each crane voice prompted functions. This means that when the operator selects different operating conditions and modes the crane will provide voice prompts to ensure safe operations,’ he said.

“The cranes also feature an automatic hook retracting function. After the equipment has been used, the hook is automatically tightened which prevents the hook banging on the crane body and avoids the hook shaking when the crane is walking.

“The standard intelligent controller of the crane cooperates with the intelligent detection sensor and all function information and maintenance requirements are sent back to the intelligent display screen through the integrated controller. The user can see how the crane is operating at a glance which helps with fixed-point maintenance and repair, and regular maintenance of the entire crane. The system can also diagnose the fault and find it quickly and accurately to avoid downtime.

“We are obviously impressed with the quality of the cranes. Pre-delivery is being conducted on everything and they have been CraneSafe approved to ensure they meet Australian and also EN 13000 standards. Nuts and bolt are tagged to confirm they have been checked and every machine is tested by the crane inspectors.

And each crane comes with a two year warranty,” said Khamas. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / GLEASON CRANES

GLEASON BACK AND HIRING Following a brief break from the rental market, Gleason Cranes is back with new units in the fleet and new Zoomlion telescopic crawlers to be added. Johno Wood from the Gleason Cranes Sales Department explains more.

“AFTER A SHORT HIATUS FROM THE rental market Gleason Cranes are back.

We have made new additions to the fleet including a Maeda 275 and a Kobelco F50. Obviously, these are smaller capacity machines but we have been carefully watching the hire market and we can see there’s a niche for mini crane hire.

“We have been talking to smaller contractors who don’t necessarily want or need to own their own crane, but they do have frequent requirements for small capacity cranes including mini crawler spider. The cranes are ideal for maintenance work and lifts on construction sites where they are ideal for lifts in tight and ‘hard to get to’ areas,” said Wood.

Gleason Cranes is happy to offer a

range of rental periods including ‘rent to buy’ options says Wood.

“We are flexible with our hire and rental terms. We are happy to talk about short or long terms packages and all our cranes come with our commitment to service, support and maintenance.

Recently, our client Hallberg Pty Ltd hired a Maeda 355C. After a minor incident on site, we had the machine back in our workshop on the same day and returned it to site the next morning ready to work. Our ability to respond quickly to this incident resulted in no lost time on site,” he said.

Gleason Cranes has full workshop capabilities to service, repair, inspect

all types of cranes and equipment.

All repairs and services are fully documented, and appropriate paperwork issued upon completion.

“It’s important that our hire fleet is well maintained and ready to go to site.

Between rentals, the crane is returned to our and qualified team test and service the equipment to ensure it is ready for the next job.

“Servicing and maintaining equipment is a major issue for our clients and we are very happy to work

Gleason Cranes will be bringing in models from the new Zoomlion ZCT series hydraulic telescopic boom crawlers.

106 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Gleason Cranes are back in the hire market adding mini crawlers to the fleet.

in with their schedules to service and maintain their equipment ensuring there is minimal downtime. This service is designed to make life easier for the client and they can confident that this service comes with high quality work,” he said.

“Crane repairs and crane servicing is undertaken at our Keysborough workshop where we have all the required infrastructure tom complete significant works. But we can also send our mechanics to the client’s yard or to site. We are very flexible. We are happy to work on one off crane repairs and we are happy to arrange ongoing crane servicing. Whatever works best for the client,” said Wood.

Gleason Cranes is also making some important additions to the hire fleet to address the market’s growing demand for hydraulic telescopic boom crawlers says Wood. Although hydraulic telescopic crawler cranes, commonly known as telecrawlers, have been around for close to 60 years, it is only within the past decade that they’ve become increasingly popular on a multitude of job sites, he says.

“Gleason Cranes are in the process of bringing in models from the new Zoomlion ZCT series of hydraulic telescopic boom crawlers or telecrawlers. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“Telecrawlers combine the mobility and stability of a crawler crane with the advantages of the quick set up inherent in telescopic allterrain or rough-terrain crane. Like lattice boom cranes, telecrawlers exhibit high manoeuvrability, but require no space or time on-site to build the boom.”

Again, our research has identified a strong demand for telecrawlers in the market. We are planning plans to bring in a five sectioned boom telecrawlers with 30t, 60t and 90t capacities,” he said.

Advancing technology has made telecrawler extremely versatile and more popular than ever says Wood.

“The footprints of telecrawlers have been getting more narrow, improved technology has made the boom stronger and lighter, and transportability has improved. They have evolved into powerful, agile machines,” he said.

“Telecrawlers combine the mobility and stability of a crawler crane with the advantages of the quick set up inherent in telescopic all-terrain or roughterrain crane. Like lattice boom cranes, telecrawlers exhibit high manoeuvrability, but require no space or time on-site to build the boom,” said Wood.

“Telecrawlers become indispensable on work sites where a rough-terrain or all-terrain crane can’t go, or on a site that a conventional crawler crane utilising flat pads can’t navigate. They are popular where ground conditions are poor and lift sites can be far apart.

After experiencing the versatility of a telecrawler, many clients have told me they’ll never use any other kind of crane,” he said.

“The Zoomlion ZCT series showcases exceptional lifting capacities and after extensive comparisons with some of its strongest competitors, the ZCT series has been seen to outlift many other brands in the same class. With a growing demand for telecrawlers, we are confident the market will be impressed with the performance of the new Zoomlion ZCT series and the value for money it presents,” said Wood.

September 2021 CAL / 107

IN FOCUS / COMANSA TOWER CRANES

Each crane will reach a final hook height of 243.7 metres with hook reach of 60 metres.

COMANSA BRIDGING NORTH AMERICA Two identical Comansa tower cranes model 21LC1050-50T have been selected to help construct a new cable-stayed bridge between Winsor, Canada and Detroit in the US. Comansa’s were selected because of their heavy lifting capabilities.

A NEW CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE BETWEEN Windsor, Canada and Detroit is under construction. This gateway is the busiest between the US and Canada with over 20% of all trade crossing between the two countries. In response to industry and border stakeholder concerns that the existing OntarioMichigan crossings would not support the anticipated increase in traffic, a binational partnership consisting of the governments of Ontario, Michigan, Canada and the United States, identified the need for increased traffic flow www.cranesandlifting.com.au

between the countries. The bridge will connect Highway 401 directly to Interstate 75. The project owner, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian Crown corporation, officially started construction in October 2018.

The project cost is $5.7 billion CAD with a projected construction duration of 74 months. The private sector partner is Bridging North America, a joint venture between Dragados Canada, Flour, and AECON who is performing the construction.

Two identical Comansa tower

cranes model 21LC1050-50T were selected because of the heavy lifting requirements of the structure. Each crane will reach a final hook height of 243.7 meters with hook reach of 60 meters. Capacity at jib end is 19,470 kg with maximum capacity of 50,000 kg The 21LC1050 – 50T is a relatively new-comer to the Comansa 2100 series family developed for large civil and prefabricated precast construction projects. It meets the criteria by intricately placing the crane location relative to the structure permitting September 2021 CAL / 109

IN FOCUS / COMANSA TOWER CRANES Two identical Comansa tower cranes model 21LC1050-50T were selected because of the heavy lifting requirements of the structure.

the 1050 to accomplish the necessary The characteristics of load, reach and mechanisms of the 21LC1050 make this model ideal to offer an optimal result in large industrial or mining projects as well as for the construction of buildings with prefabricated and steel structures of great tonnage.

The design of the slewing (horizontal) part of the 21LC1050 is similar to that of the successful 21LC750 and 21LC660 and allows a much faster and safer assembly. The 21LC1050 also shares a large part of the jib and counterjib sections with them, which allows optimizing the investment to customers 110 / CAL September 2021

who already own these cranes.

Among the key features presented by the 21LC1050 is the design of its counter jib, which, like the jib, allows numerous different configurations to better adapt to the needs of each job. Always having a counterjib radius as short as possible avoids possible interference with buildings or other cranes present in the same project, thus increasing safety.

The 21LC1050 is offered with versions of maximum load of 25, 37.5 and 50 tonnes and can be erected with reach of between 30 and 80 metres with configurations every 5 metres.

The crane tower will be tied to the structure with 4 tie-in assemblies.

Comansa Engineering worked closely with the Project Engineers to develop a system that will be installed and removed by the tower crane without assistance.

There were several benefits to using Comansa Tower Cranes including the ease of assembly with no pennant lines, all pin connecting tower eliminating the need for retorque, fast transfer between 4 and 8 part trolley, and Comansa’s ability to work seamlessly with the project for engineering, service, and other requirements. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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IN FOCUS / PANOLIN

PANOLIN AND SUSTAINABILITY MORE THAN JUST A CREDO To assist with the growing demands on machines as well as environmental protection, PANOLIN continues to expand the catalogue of requirements for its products and to improve the formulation of its hydraulic fluids for a variety of industries including the crane industry.

WHENEVER SUSTAINABILITY IS DISCUSSED the United Nations’ protocols on the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, is on everyone’s lips. The call to cut CO2 emissions is, and will remain, an urgent issue. As a global market leader in biodegradable lubricants, PANOLIN has attached great importance to the environmentally friendly management of resources and resultant long-term sustainability, for decades to come.

The development of biodegradable high performance hydraulic fluids by the Swiss family-owned company PANOLIN, began in 1983. In 1985 PANOLIN launched its first biodegradable hydraulic fluid – PANOLIN HLP SYNTH, which on the one hand enabled machines to perform to maximum efficiency, while on the other hand, protected the environment and its resources. Since then the core competence of PANOLIN is high performance, environmental friendliness and cost effectiveness of their Environmentally Considerate / Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (also known as ECL’s and EAL’s) that also have a positive impact on the customers’ CO2 emissions balance, due to their long-term use, which will be briefly presented in this article.

PANOLIN HLP SYNTH - DECADES OF SUCCESS Decades ago the first machines were filled with PANOLIN HLP SYNTH. The 112 / CAL September 2021

Since 2019 in addition to PANOLIN HLP SYNTH 32 (since 2017), PANOLIN HLP SYNTH 46 has been listed on the Bosch Rexroth Fluid Rating List 90245. These two products are the only environmentally compatible hydraulic fluids with Bosch Rexroth RDE 90245 approval. worldwide established PANOLIN HLP SYNTH, is formulated on the basis of saturated esters and enables a service life that is 5 to 10 times longer, compared to mineral based hydraulic oils. This not only protects the environment, but also the operators’ wallet. Reducing costs as well as increasing reliability and sustainability - a never-ending

Lubricants from PANOLIN are manufactured with high-quality resources and state-of-the-art additives.

issue in the crane industry and all other industries.

Since 2019 in addition to PANOLIN HLP SYNTH 32 (since 2017), PANOLIN HLP SYNTH 46 has been listed on the Bosch Rexroth Fluid Rating List 90245. These two products are the only environmentally compatible hydraulic fluids with Bosch Rexroth RDE 90245 approval. This result shows the outstanding performance of PANOLIN lubricants, especially in terms of their longevity and excellent wear protection.

To this date PANOLIN is still the only approved EAL/ECL by the standards or BR RDE 90245.

In addition to HLP SYNTH, the company’s latest innovation, PANOLIN SPRINT, is now also operating worldwide. PANOLIN SPRINT extends the PANOLIN HLP SYNTH product concept and gives customers the opportunity to a cost-effective introduction, to the use of highperformance bio-hydraulic fluids. While PANOLIN HLP SYNTH is designed for a long service life, PANOLIN SPRINT is designed for the same use, but for a www.cranesandlifting.com.au

shorter running time. This advantage is strengthened by the compatibility with the established PANOLIN HLP SYNTH. This special feature makes an upgrade possible at any time.

Lubricants from PANOLIN are manufactured with high-quality resources and state-of-the-art additives.

Development, production and distribution of lubricants are certified according to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 as well as ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). Constantly growing demands on machines as well as environmental protection have led PANOLIN to continuously expand the catalogue of requirements for their products and to improve the formulation of the hydraulic fluids for a variety of industries. In the crane industry, Environmentally Considerate Lubricants or ECL’s, play an important role in reliable operation of the equipment and protection of the environment when working in sensitive areas, such as rivers and waterways.

This thinking lies behind the launch of PANOLIN’s sustainable “GREENMACHINE” concept symbolized by a green CO2 footprint that is based on the needs-oriented use of PANOLIN’s broad range of lubricants. It aims to use machines as environmentally friendly as possible, with the highest level of technical safety and the best economy.

When a machine uses biodegradable lubricants at as many lubrication points as possible, it is classified, a GREENMACHINE.

associated price increase. Therefore, it is able to act ecologically responsible to an economical requirement.

The advantages of a RE-CO drum as a sustainable packaging solution are versatile. The use of the drums does not only reduce 46kg of CO2 in the manufacturing process, it also gives the raw material steel a second life. While having the same cleanliness specification as new drums, the RE-CO drums bring more flexibility and independence in view of the global steel shortage. To remark the importance of this new step, PANOLIN states the well-known CO2 footprint logo on every RE-CO drum along with the CO2 savings. With this action the company wants to show all its partners

and customers, its aim to support and promote the circular economy.

Sustainability that is directly visible.

THE BIG PICTURE These cornerstones are all part of one big mission of PANOLIN: to make high performing, biodegradable lubricants the global standard. The combination of readily biodegradability, reduction of CO2 emissions and conservation of resources are central elements of the company’s philosophy and part of their recipe for success. With these fundamental ideas, a visionary spirit and a constant drive for improvement, PANOLIN will continue to contribute to a sustainable protection of nature.

ECL’s, play an important role in the reliable operation of cranes as well as protecting the environment when they are working in sensitive areas, such as rivers and waterways.

RE-CO DRUMS – SUSTAINABLE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE With the use of reconditioned 200-liter oil drums, PANOLIN combines ecology and economy. Instead of being disposed of, the steel drums are recycled (reconditioned). For some time now, PANOLIN has invested into the development of a more sustainable red barrel. The most environmentally friendly solution is through the re-utilization of used steel. Due to the application of reconditioned drums, the company is not only able to face the increasing problem of worldwide steel disposal but also the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

September 2021 CAL / 113

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR EHINGEN

LIEBHERR IN EHINGEN SWITCHES TO CLIMATE-NEUTRAL HVO FUEL From September 2021, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH will power its mobile and crawler cranes exclusively using pure HVO fuel.

HVO FUELS WHICH COMPLY WITH standard EN 15940 with a base of hydrated vegetable oils and other synthetic fuels produced using renewable energies can make a valuable contribution to reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases. All Liebherr engines up to the 560 KW power class are approved for operation with HVO. Modern HVO is a synthetic fuel manufactured mainly from vegetable and animal oil and fat waste from the food industry. This is converted into hydrocarbons by adding hydrogen. HVO is an abbreviation which stands for

hydrogenated vegetable oils. The major benefit of HVO is that using it as a fuel instead of fossil diesel is essentially CO2neutral. In the future, this fuel will be used in all Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes. One of Liebherr’s main focus is to ensure, in partnership with its HVO suppliers and manufacturers, that no foodstuffs, particularly palm oil, are used in the production of its HVO. Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes – ready for action with HVO The conversion from fossil diesel to HVO fuel will apply to the crane acceptance procedure and test drives as well as to the initial fuelling of

cranes before delivery. Over the last few months, Liebherr has been working on preparing its entire range of mobile and crawler cranes for use with HVO. For this purpose, the diesel engines were first checked, certified and approved by the manufacturers. The cranes have also undergone extensive testing and trials with pure HVO by customers and in the company’s own Test Department.

Dr. Ulrich Hamme, Managing Director Design and Development at Liebherr in Ehingen comments: “If we consider the entire life-cycle of a crane from cradle to grave, including its production, CO² emissions from

The filling station at the Liebherr plant in Ehingen will shortly be converted to HVO fuel.

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Liebherr trials the use of HVO fuel in an LTM 1090-4.2 mobile crane in Norway.

a five-axle crane using HVO fall by 74 percent compared to a crane powered by diesel. This was shown in a study and calculation carried out by business consultancy Frontier Economics. This is an important step in reducing CO2 emissions.” The main reduction in CO2 emissions is during the operating phase – which is particularly significant for Liebherr cranes due to their high quality and the resultant long service life.

To achieve the maximum possible CO² reductions, the crane must be powered permanently using pure HVO. HVO is also an alternative fuel for existing fleets.

HVO and synthetic fuels made using renewable energy sources are an interesting concept for Liebherr as they are suitable for use in existing machines right now. Liebherr attaches a great deal of value to the durability of its products. Alternative fuel types such as HVO enable older Liebherr machines with internal combustion engines to be operated in essentially climate-neutral form. Currently, all Liebherr engines up to the 560 KW power class are www.cranesandlifting.com.au

approved for operation with HVO. In Europe, but also in Asia, Africa or South America, lots of machines with internal combustion engines continue in use for a great many years and therefore also affect our climate. As HVO can be added to fossil diesel fuel in any ratio and used with conventional internal combustion engines, most of these machines in existing fleets all over the world can in fact be powered effectively with HVO right away. The CO² saving factor is dependent on the ratio of HVO to fuel mixture. The higher the ratio of HVO, the higher the CO² saving.

One of the challenges, in part, is the practicability and availability of alternative fuels. “To make HVO or other synthetic fuels attractive for crane operators, they must be available nationwide and in plentiful quantities at filling stations, as is the case today with diesel. That will not be possible from one day to the next. But Liebherr is making a start, and we are hopeful that it will have a signal effect”, says Hamme.

Production Director at LiebherrWerk Ehingen GmbH, Ulrich Heusel,

continues: “Germany has included synthetic, paraffin-based fuels, which do not yet comply with EN 15940 (XTL), in its regulations relating to the quality of fuels. This is why HVO is not yet available at the filling station network.

HVO is available at public filling stations for road vehicles in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium as an additive for fossil diesel fuel or in pure form.”

Reductions in CO2 emissions by using HVO in vehicle at the plant in Ehingen Liebherr has also analysed all of its plant transport vehicles at the Ehingen site. The results show that the fleet can also be powered by HVO with a few exceptions. Liebherr is therefore planning to switch these vehicles to the climateneutral fuel in the near future.

“As a result, we will be able to save 2.5 million litres of fossil diesel per year by switching to HVO fuel. That will mean an annual reduction of around 6500 tonnes of CO2”, is how Heusel describes the expected result of the action at Liebherr’s Ehingen plant.

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IN FOCUS / TADANO TRUCK CRANE

GODS SMILE ON TADANO He is no stranger to cranes but Kurt Mckenzie is a relatively new crane owner, and explains why he started Zeus Cranes and why his first crane is a Tadano GT300EL truck crane.

KURT MCKENZIE’S CAREER STARTED IN the Royal Australian Navy as a junior sailor. “This is where I obtained my riggers tickets and a basic awareness of cranes which were being used for general lifts around the naval base.

“I left the navy and worked for Boom

Logistics where I quickly got moved onto the Heavy Lift Crew working with the 450t & 350t all terrains based in the Brisbane depot. I then moved around with a couple of different crane companies working with various cranes over the years.

“I moved into a supervisor role in a Kurt McKenzie, Zeus Cranes with his Tadano GT300EL truck crane.

116 / CAL September 2021

dynamic crane business, and it is here that I gained an understanding for what was needed at the ‘back end’ of a crane business. It was an amazing learning experience to work in a rapidly growing business which started with one 80t capacity crane and grew to 18 cranes in approximately four years,” he said.

McKenzie goes on to explain why he started Zeus Cranes and the reasoning behind the name of the business.

“For some years, it has been a passion of mine to own a business. I get a thrill from winning the work and looking after my customers, but most of all I love getting things right. I felt I had the skills to run a business in what is a highly demanding and challenging industry. Every job has issues and I love finding a way to make a job happen and finding the right solution to a customer’s problem.

“I also love the challenge of a job that most would think is too hard or in too tight a spot for a crane to operate. I have a can-do attitude towards the work and I have carried myself this way for many years now. There is a solution to every problem, it just takes the right minds to figure it out,” he said.

“In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus is the father of all gods and the God of Sky and Thunder. When I was thinking about a name for the business, I looked at the nature of the work we do, which is lifting loads skywards. Once the name came to me it stuck. I believe it stands out and is easy to remember which is half the battle,” said McKenzie.

McKenzie explains why he picked a Tadano GT300EL to start his business with.

“Truck mounted cranes have come a long way in recent years and the Tadano GT300EL is a perfect example of this. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“I also love the challenge of a job that most would think is too hard or in too tight a spot for a crane to operate. I have a cando attitude towards the work and I have carried myself this way for many years now. There is a solution to every problem, it just takes the right minds to figure it out.”

The GT300EL redefines truck cranes by offering enhanced safety and performance in all crane operations.

I learnt to drive in old truck mounted cranes many years ago and have always liked them. The price was a strong selling point as I had to be mindful of expenses being a start-up company. This model was also perfect for the clients that I have and the type of work I love to do. I already had a project lined up for this size of machine, so it was a great starting point,” he said.

The GT300EL redefines truck cranes by offering enhanced safety and performance in all crane operations.

The newly designed carrier also boasts refined performance, enabling it to withstand even the harshest running test conditions. Tadano has utilized years of development experience to craft this cutting-edge, Japanesemanufactured truck crane.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE GT300EL INCLUDE: • Capacity: 30t • 4-section long boom: 34.0 m • 2-staged jib: 8.5 m/14.0 m • Maximum lifting height: 34.0 m (Boom) • 40.0 m (Jib) Maximum load radius: 32.0 m (Boom) • Overall length: approx. 12,620 mm Overall width: approx. 2,550 mm Overall height: approx. 3,800 mm www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Max. traveling speed: 85 km/h.

The carrier has been newly designed, right down to the suspension, to pass long and rigorous road tests in a variety of environments and substantially improve crane mobility. The cabin has also been remodelled with features that contribute to comfortable and safe driving, such as automatic mechanical transmission. The ride quality has been optimized to ensure the driver’s comfort and protect the carrier.

ROUNDED BOOM CONSTRUCTION The rounded boom is made of high tensile steel which decreases its weight while increasing its strength to realize smooth and powerful crane operation, while the high-performance AML-C assists with safe and comfortable operation.

In addition, the newly developed Smart Chart expands workability into whole new areas to improve operation efficiency.

OPERATOR COMFORT The crane cabin provides improved and comfortable working environment for the operator.

The crane’s operating levers are of finger control type and steadily respond to the operator.

AUTOMATIC MOMENT LIMITER Tadano’s new AML-C is easy to use. It allows the operator to simultaneously monitor: Boom angle, boom length, operating pressure of the elevating cylinder, the extension width of outriggers, slewing position, rated lifting capacity and present hook load. All of this enables the AML-C to move easily through lifting capacity changes without changing configurations and codes to make a lift. The AML-C provides both audio and visual warnings when a condition exists that will overload the crane and automatically employs our slow stop function to avoid shock loads. The AML-C with “OPERATOR” pre-set working range limits and automatic slow stop functions will assist the operator to deliver safe smooth operations.

McKenzie confirms he had been looking at a truck crane for some time and he hasn’t been disappointed with the performance of the GT300EL. “Once I had decided to go out on my own, I had my eye on this exact machine for over 12 months. When I was ready to buy, Tadano had the machine over in Perth. Even though it is a 2019 model it was commissioned in April 2021, so it gives me the all the advantages of a new machine.

“Up until the purchase of the crane I didn’t have a relationship with Tadano.

But I spoke to Jason Perry, sales manager September 2021 CAL / 117

IN FOCUS / TADANO TRUCK CRANE

“We will look at anything and everything that needs to be lifted. For the past 18 years, general crane hire has been my background and if it can be lifted, I will find a way to do it.

I have long term relationships with customers, and many have become friends along the way.”

The rounded boom is made of high-tensile steel which decreases its weight while increasing its strength to realise smooth and powerful crane operation.

QLD/NT/PNG about the GT300EL and he was excellent to deal with. He took my many phone-calls over a 12 month period, and answered all my questions.

He didn’t need to influence my decision; once I’d seen the specs on the crane, I knew I wanted it,” he said.

“The Tadano team performed as any crane owner would want them to. They were really responsive to my questions and the pre-delivery was excellent. It took a few weeks for the crane to arrive, but this was due to shipping delays which were out of Tadano’s hands. I ran through the machine with Dan Greer in product support and he showed me everything I needed to know. For the size of this machine, I was very impressed with its lifting capacity. The crane has performed perfectly. It is a solid and well-built machine which is very simple to operate for any level of experience.

“We will look at anything and everything that needs to be lifted. For the past 18 years, general crane hire has been my background and if it can be lifted, I will find a way to do it. I have long term relationships with customers, and many have become friends along the way. We generally operate around Gold Coast and Brisbane areas but will travel from Ballina through to Noosa and the surrounds if a customer needs us to.

Customer service and satisfaction is of the upmost importance in the business, right alongside safety and efficiency and I know the Tadano GT300EL will meet the standards I have set for it,” he said.

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WORLD-LEADING Rough Terrain Crane

SAFEST . MOST INNOVATIVE . RELIABLE in the Industry When excellent manoeuvrability and compact agility to move in the narrowest of space is required, then a Tadano rough terrain crane is your answer. The range of rough terrain cranes varies in dimensions, crane tonnage and crane lifting capacity. Our line-up includes models that have lifting capacities between 13t and 145t.

Tadano’s rough terrain cranes in the international market are flagship products that lead the global RT market.

Cranes are valued based on their high reliability, quality and environmental-friendliness.

Get in touch with the Tadano team for a quote or visit our website to see our full range

WWW.TADANO.COM.AU

© Tadano Ltd. 2020. Tadano and Demag are trademarks of or licensed by Tadano Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Lifting your dreams

IN FOCUS / BOOM LOGISTICS AND GROVE ALL TERRAINS

GROVES BOOM IN HUGE SHED LIFT When Boom Logistics was contracted to help construct a huge industrial shed, they deployed six cranes for the job. Operations manager, Dave Barfield, has been with Boom Logistics for five years and is responsible for all operations in Western Australia’s south west region.

BOOM LOGISTICS SERVICES A WIDE range of industries with its national presence in metro and remote locations, says Dave Barfield, operations manager, Boom Logistics. In WA, its 750t and 450t all terrain cranes are consistently utilised on many of the large road and infrastructure projects as well as various wind farm construction projects.

It is also contracted to a number of mining companies where it is onsite to support them and their sub contractors 120 / CAL September 2021

with shutdown, maintenance and construction. “From our Port Hedland and Rockingham Depots, we are able to provide short term taxi crane works to the construction and manufacturing industries on short notice.

“Our main depot is in East Rockingham. We run 67 cranes statewide ranging from 14t Frannas all the way up to our 750t all terrains. We have depots in the north west along with other mine site based depots where we have

four or five cranes per site depending on the work levels. We are currently running 45 of the cranes out of the depots with some of our fleet on long term dry hire,” said Barfield.

“The resources sector is extremely buoyant now, and we are in the process of re-establishing ourselves in the north west. We recently opened our new Port Hedland depot in late 2020 and it is going well with James Thomas and his team” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The six crane lift included a 220t, 2 x 170ts, the 130t and a 95t capacity Grove all terrains.

Because the lift involved six cranes, the Boom Logistics team completed risk assessment.

Everyone knew exactly what the expectations were, so as to avoid any confusion.

It has been a conscious decision by Boom Logistics to build a versatile fleet designed to cater for all markets says Barfield.

“Included in the Boom Logistics fleet is everything from our Liebherr LTM1750-9.1 and Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1 all terrains right down to our Frannas. We have a number of 220’s, 250’s and a new 300t Demag. We also run six rough terrains as well as the Frannas of varying capacities including the recent addition of an AT40. In terms of brands, the fleet is predominantly Grove and Liebherr, supported and serviced with our in-house team of factory trained technicians,” he said.

The shed lift was for AUSPAN, one www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of WA’s leading shed and steel frame construction companies. The shed was for a primary producer and with six cranes involved, it was one of the most intricate lifts the team has performed.

“This type of work is always challenging as, generally speaking, the sites are primarily in remote areas, like the wheat belt for example. We worked with the client to meet their budget pricing. We used a 220t, 2 x 170ts, a 160t, a 130t and a 95t machine for the lift.

These capacities meant we didn’t need to take anything more than road travel counterweight,” said Barfield.

To ensure the six-crane lift went smoothly a significant amount of lift planning was required says Barfield.

“The lift itself required planning obviously, but to ensure a smooth, safe lift there was also a significant amount of planning relating to the rigging gear, mainly because there were a number of sheaves involved. In the days leading up to the lift, we spent a good deal of time preparing in the yard laying the gear out and making sure we were good to go.”

On the day the teams left the depot at 5am and got to site at 8am. Because we had prepared so meticulously, the lift was completed very quickly and they were all back in the depot by 4 pm.” he said.

Barfield describes how the cranes were communicating with each other to coordinate the timing of the lift.

“When our team got to site, they spent plenty of time on completing the risk assessment, ensuring they had everything covered. Because the lift involved six cranes and there were crews from various sources, it was important everyone knew exactly what the expectations were, so as to avoid any confusion and transfer of weight,” he said.

The 220t, 2 x 170ts, the 130t and the 95t were all Groves and the 160t a Demag said Barfield.

“We had our Supervisor on site for the lift along with our Lead Rigger and the rest of the labour was provided by the client’s contractor.

“Before the lift started, the columns for the shed were laid out flat on the ground on the outside of the roof’s perimeter. The columns had one bolt and when the shed was lifted they aligned to a vertical position and were fixed in place.” he said.“It was a straight-forward job in the end. But a straight-forward lift is always as a result of extensive planning and we needed a comprehensive plan because a six-crane lift is a rare occurrence,” said Barfield.

“It’s a credit to the Boom team and our ability to assess, plan and deliver such a successful outcome on such a project, meeting our clients requirements, budget and time frame.”

For further information on Boom Logistics contact 1300 36 2666.

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IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR ALL TERRAINS

WORKING BLIND 340M UNDERGROUND A Liebherr LTM 1250 6-1 all terrain delivers on a complex underground lift. Cranes & Lifting speaks to Wheeler Cranes regarding the complexities of lifting at 340 meters underground.

Two winches on the Liebherr LTM 1250 6-1 and planning, were key to a successful lift.

NEWCASTLE’S WHEELER CRANES WERE recently engaged at a local Hunter Valley mine site to do something out of the ordinary when it comes to the use of all terrain mobile cranes.

An early morning call to Wheeler Cranes supervisor Peter Beveridge, from long-time customer and friend Simon Montford owner of Civil Sydney, started the ball rolling on a project requiring Wheeler Cranes to consider utilising an all terrain crane in a way it wouldn’t normally consider.

“Simon explained the task was to remove soil material from the bottom 122 / CAL September 2021

of a new vent shaft at one of the local Hunter Valley mine sites. The challenge was the coal, soil or sludge materials were 340m below the surface,” said Beveridge.

A site inspection and meeting were arranged with the Mines Construction Project Manager it was identified that the task had already been undertaken by another company utilising a Lampson pin jib crawler crane on dry hire, with a clamp shell lowered down the shaft.

“The fact that there was some information and video evidence already available, gave me the confidence that we could proceed with our Liebherr LTM

1250 6-1. The next challenge was finding the right size clamshell that would suit the capacity of our crane’s line pull,” said Beveridge.

“After a few initial enquiries with some local stevedoring companies, we found that there were no suitable clamp shells available locally. But following a recommendation from Newcastle Stevedores GM James Griffiths, I got in touch with Bulk Cargo Services in Brisbane and we hired a 4m3 touch grab, which I thought would be suitable for the task,” he said.

Obviously, there were a number www.cranesandlifting.com.au

of significant challenges and risks to consider prior to starting says Beveridge.

“My initial thoughts and calculations were based around the clamshell weight of 3.5t and material weight of coal 1.4t per cubic meter with a combined weight of approximately 9.1t when the grab was full. This would make suitable to use the single part line from the cranes 425m second winch with a line pull of 105kn.

“I wasn’t overly confident with my calculations for the material being based around coal material weight of 1.4t per cubic meter, but I submitted this to site for review as part of our lift plan. There were no concerns mentioned or raised from site engineering regarding the calculation of the materials, but I was still a little sceptical,” said Beveridge.

“I questioned what if it’s wet or of a different density would the material be heavier, if we send the clamshell bucket down and it ends up exceeding the cranes line pull when full, we would be in a lot of bother. This got me thinking about how we could minimise the risks.

“During my time with Eglo Engineering and Lampson, I spent several years traveling around the country putting Lampson Transi-Lifts and Manitowoc 4100 & 4600 ‘ringers’ together and on some occasions two winches were utilised in the hook block reeving of the crane configuration.

“This got me thinking about using the two winches on the Liebherr LTM 1250 6-1 but I put these thoughts to the back of my mind until I started discussing and planning the task with our 250 operator Tim Archer. I mentioned my main concerns to Tim and right away he said, ‘why don’t we use the 2 winches’, I looked at him and said, ‘Great idea, Déjà vu’,” said Beveridge.

Tim Archer and Josh Redman along with others mobilised the crane to site and set the crane up with the two winches rigged on a Friday afternoon.

The clamshell arrived from Brisbane on Saturday morning which allowed work to start, says Beveridge.

“The first time the clamshell was lowered down the vent shaft it came back up empty. Tim suggested we change the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

rigging as he couldn’t get a feel through the crane’s reactions to know if the grab was engaging or locking.

“We added a few heavy shackles onto the rigging and lowered the clamshell back down for the second time and when we winched it back up, it was as full as a boot - over flowing and wet. But with the two winches in play, we were more than happy to see the clamshell full and weighing in and around our original estimations.

“Tim got the crane into a rhythm and his skills as an operator really shined,

throughout the project considering he was working blind 340m ‘down under’,” said Beveridge.

Three days later the task had been completed safely with around 110 cubic meters of materials removed which allowed the miners underground to resume work.

“It’s very rewarding when a plan comes together, I thank everyone who helped or contributed to bringing the resources together for us to complete this project safely. As usual, the Liebherr didn’t miss a beat,” said Beveridge.

The winches needed to manage a combined weight of 9.1t.

September 2021 CAL / 123

IN FOCUS / ELEVATED RIGGING

RIGGING ELEVATED TO NEW HEIGHTS When Gravity Rigging and Machinery recently took delivery of its new Grove GMK 3060L-1 all terrain it turned to Elevate Lifting and Rigging for the lifting gear fit out. Aaron Fidler is Elevate Lifting and Rigging’s Victorian branch manager, and he explains more about the services provided by the business.

Elevated Rigging provided Gravity Rigging with a full crane kit out for the new 60t Grove all terrain.

AARON FIDLER HAS BEEN PROVIDING rigging solutions for eight years. He started as the account manager for Elevate Lifting and Rigging two and a half years ago, approximately 18 months ago, he was promoted to branch manager.

Elevate Lifting and Rigging has a motivated team, some based in the warehouse with specialist sales engineers out and in front of customers all day every day says Fidler.

“As a team, we are focused on providing the right solution for our customers. We service everyone from a small business with one chain sling, to giants of the crane industry like Advanced Cranes, and everyone else in between. Our services are varied and spread across multiple and different industries, but we do have a particular focus on the crane and rigging industry.

“Elevate Lifting and rigging is based in Preston, Victoria and we work within a structure of other rigging businesses called the Global Lifting Group. This group of companies helps with our buying power and also with the supply and availability of product.

“Working together as a group provides the individual businesses with the ability to offer a broader service 124 / CAL September 2021

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The crane kit included 8mm, 10mm, 13mm 16mm chain slings a full range of shackles from three tonne to 25t, a full range of soft slings, both flat and round from two tonne to five tonne capacities.

and a national solution for the larger organisations in the cranes and lifting sector. We can offer this extended service while maintaining a very local and customer specific focus. With this network we are able to work together and take on some of the larger, national rigging businesses that perhaps don’t have the same local focus,” he said.

Fidler goes on to discuss the services provided by Elevate Rigging and Lifting.

“We don’t hire equipment; we contract hire our work to Dynamic Rigging Hire, an associated business which is focused on the hire of equipment. We stock hoisting equipment including chain and level blocks, clamps and trolleys, wire ropes, chain slings both Grade 100 and Grade 80. Increasingly, we are finding customers are enquiring about the Grade 120 quality, but it is still new, and it is also more expensive.

Customers do understand they are purchasing a premium product with the Grade 120 chain,” he said. “Elevate Lifting and Rigging is focused on selling and repairing equipment and managing onsite inspections. Where possible, we like to stock Australian made product and do so wherever we can, but at the moment, it is a price driven market. We stock SpanSet harnesses and slings, we buy other products through WireCo, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Allan Marketing Group, PWB and the Australian Lifting Centre.

Fidler explains more about the relationship with Gravity Rigging and Machinery and the services provided for the new Grove GMK 3060L-1.

“I’ve known Dean Crook, owner of Gravity Rigging, for a number of years, pretty much from when he started his business. We have a great relationship, and we’ve been doing business together for some time. We provided him with a full crane kit out for his new 60t Grove all terrain which included 8mm, 10mm, 13mm and 16mm chain slings a full range of shackles from three tonne to 25t, a full range of soft slings, both flat and round from two tonne to five tonne capacities. These are all tagged and registered through our online portal where we use CORE Inspection Software,” he said.

Fidler goes on to discuss how the inspection and compliance processes work.

“The inspection and compliance processes depend on the item but generally speaking, the inspections will be required every 3, 6, or 12 months. Soft slings for example will be every 3 months, personal height safety gear every 6 or 12 months. The timing of inspections also depends on how many times you use the

product each week.

“If you are using it more than the listed number of lifts per week, inspections will be more frequent. We are more happy to work in with the customer’s requirements, to ensure their equipment is complaint from both an Australian Standards and from a safety perspective. To do this, we tag all the items before they leave our facility and once delivered, the customer can safely use them at any time until the next inspection is due,” he said.

Success is based on having the right level of professionalism and experience within the business says Fidler.

“The success of the business is due to the experience and expertise of our team.

Anthony Borg recently joined us as Sales Manager, and he has been in the industry for 30 years plus. Our CEO Dean Nelson has been in and around the industry for over 25 years and he is great mentor.We also have key team members like Jenna Redenbach, Jessie Bedwell, Lee Williams, Diego Cruz, Keith O’Callaghan, and Robert Arong.

“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes for us to provide our customers with a dynamic and responsive service.

But it is these levels of service that see businesses like Gravity Rigging and Machinery continue to come to us for their crane fit outs,” said Fidler.

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The Liebherr LG1750, because its suspended ballast system, allowed the center 125t ballast tray to be disconnected from the outer 400t capacity ballast tray.

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR CRAWLERS

MAMMOET MINIMISES DOWNTIME WITH LIEBHERR Cranes & Lifting finds out how Mammoet minimised downtime for a gas-fired power plant maintenance project in Victoria. The lift with a Liebherr LG1750 is the first time an exhaust silencer replacement has been lifted in a single piece.

MAMMOET COMPLETED THE REPLACEMENT of a matured exhaust silencer for a gas turbine, at a gas-fired power station in Victoria. Removal of this 305t exhaust silencer was completed in a single lift reducing the amount of time the client, an Australian energy company, needed for their operations to be suspended to allow replacement to take place.

There were several challenges on site, which included the space available, how to interface with other activity crucial to the lift procedure, and the technical complexity of the lift itself - which needed to be very precise, despite the weights involved. The challenge lay in creating a methodology that was both strong enough to lift the loads and fast enough to keep delays to a minimum.

So, the lift was meticulously planned, as every aspect of the lift was engineered weeks in advance. The crane’s position, boom laydown and location of the superlift tray were all marked out ahead of its arrival on site, ensuring engineering checks could be made that significantly optimized its setup time.

Mammoet proposed to use the Liebherr LG1750, because its suspended ballast system allowed the center 125t ballast tray to be disconnected from the outer 400t capacity ballast tray, once the load had been raised to the installation radius.

This cut down on any delay so that the crane’s counterweight could be adjusted 126 / CAL September 2021

by auxiliary cranes and allowed the team to execute the project both efficiently and meticulously.

Secondly, the team faced the challenge of having to deal with the gas turbine’s tight shutdown schedule. Mechanical preparations could not start until the gas turbine was switched off and there was a narrow timeframe to complete lifting lug welding, so that the LG1750 crane could be assembled and be ready for lifting.

Liebherr developed a completely new boom system with the designation SX for its 750-tonne lattice boom cranes LR 1750/2 and LG 1750. This has proved invaluable for erecting the latest generation of wind turbines where turbines with a hub height of up to 165 metres and component weights of up to 120 tonnes.

The new SX system has already been tested and is available now. It differs from previous boom systems by the fact that 3.5 metre wide lattice sections are used in the bottom area of the boom rather than sections measuring just 3 metres wide.

The extended lattice sections increase the lateral stability of the boom and therefore deliver a higher load capacity.

Furthermore, the weight of the lattice sections has been reduced. This means that the boom length can now be raised up to 165 metres comprising the main boom plus the fixed lattice jib.

An additional increase in lifting

capacity is achieved by a particularly innovative extension to the SX system: instead of 3.5 metre wide lattice sections, two lattice sections each 14 metres in length (SX2 system) or three lattice sections each 14 metres in length (SX3 system) with a width of 6 metres are installed in the lowest area of the main boom. This provides additional rigidity to the boom system, thus increasing its load capacity.

In order to install the six metre wide lattice sections in the boom, there is an extension adapter from 3 metres to 6 metres on the pivot section for the turntable. At the top the width of six metres is reduced to 3.5 metres by a second adapter. When designing this system extension, Liebherr focused on www.cranesandlifting.com.au

ensuring it was highly economical. This means that crane operators only have to buy the 6 metre wide sections and the adapters in addition to the SX system.

The challenge for the development of the six metre wide lattice sections, however, was the question of how they could be transported economically on public roads. Liebherr created something completely new to solve this problem: the wide boom sections made up of two halves which can be bolted together in the centre and separated again very quickly.

To transport them, the individual halves are slightly offset longitudinally and then joined so that they mesh together like teeth. This means that a practical transport width of 3.5 metres can be achieved. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The complete SX system can be interchanged between the LR 1750/2 crawler crane and the LG 1750 mobile crane. To enable the higher lifting capacities of the SX system to be used, Liebherr has also developed a new fixed jib specially enhanced for this system. A runner is included, and the head sheaves and a new hook block are designed so as to prevent the hook block becoming twisted.

Mammoet overcame the above challenge by carrying out detailed site surveys in advance and planning an accelerated mobilization schedule. The LG1750 could then be brought onto site and set up quickly to minimize the required shut down period for the gas power plant.

Once the 205t used silencer had been removed, a new silencer was be fitted, comprising two pieces: a 168t base module and a 159t top module.

Throughout the project, Mammoet ensured the highest levels of operational efficiency, so that disruptions to dayto-day work were minimal, and that downtime for the power station was kept low. Furthermore, Mammoet was able to provide right equipment and expertise to efficiently setup and operate the LG1750 SX despite significant space restrictions on-site.

Completion of this replacement will see the gas-fired power station continue with full operation for power generation. The power station’s two generating turbines have an overall capacity of 566 megawatts.

September 2021 CAL / 127

IN FOCUS / TADANO ALL TERRAINS

The AC 4.110-1 now has a larger lifting capacity despite no changes to its total weight.

DOUBLE TADANO ALL TERRAIN UPGRADE With recent announcements about upgrades like greater lifting capacities and boom extensions to its four axle and five axle all terrains, Tadano offers more options to the market.

Tadano has upgraded its four-axle and five-axle cranes in the 100-tonne to 120-tonne class.

128 / CAL September 2021

TADANO IS BETTING ON BEING ON THE cutting edge of things, and so the company recently decided to upgrade more than just the name of its four-axle and five-axle cranes in the 100-tonne to 120-tonne class. The maneuverable AC 4.110-1 now has a larger lifting capacity despite there not being any changes to its total weight – all thanks to a new and stronger boom that is also part of the five-axle AC 5.120-1. The latter continues to make a compelling case in day-to-day work with a convenient 10t axle load.

As part of its reorganisation efforts, Tadano will be standardizing the names of its mobile crane models throughout the year. The new AC 4.110-1 and AC 5.120-1 come with updated names right out of the gate. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

A STRONGER BOOM FOR MORE LIFTING CAPACITY The pivotal point of both crane models is the new and stronger main boom.

With it, Tadano offers greater lifting capacities: The two models can now lift 10 tonnes with the main boom fully extended, which corresponds to a lifting capacity increase of 37 per cent in comparison to the preceding ATF100-4.1 and ATF-120-5.1 models.

A BIGGER WORK AREA AND THE ABILITY TO HANDLE TIGHTER SPACES The boom extension means that the two cranes now have a larger work area. A smaller minimum radius, larger lifting height, and 82° boom angle make it possible to work closer to the crane. This makes both crane models

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The AC 5.120-1 benefits from an updated main boom extension.

even better suited to tight work sites and work at large heights.

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR EXTENSIONS In addition to the larger lifting capacity, the AC 4.110-1 and AC 5.1201 benefit from an updated main boom extension. This extension can be set

up particularly quickly as a result of reduced complexity. The ATF-1004.1 and ATF-120-5.1 main boom extension, including a runner, will continue to be available. Both main boom extension versions now benefit from a reduced minimum radius in the 0° position.

LIFT OF THE MONTH PLEASE SEND YOUR LIFT OF THE MONTH ENTRIES TO SIMON.GOULD@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU

WHO: Boom Logistics WHERE: Western Australia In Focus Boom Logistics and Grove all terrains WHAT: Huge shed lift HOW: The six crane lift included a 220t, 2 x 170ts, the 130t and a 95t capacity Grove all terrain.

WHO: Borger Cranes WHERE: Brisbane CBD CRANE: Liebherr LTM1500-8.1 THE PROJECT: Installation of 6.3t chiller units and equipment out to a radius of 80m. The LTM1500-8.1 was configured with a 26.5m main boom, 70m luffing fly jib and 135t of counterweight. The total lift weight including the load, rope and rigging was 8t.

WHO: Mammoet WHERE Victoria CRANE: Liebherr LG1750 HOW: Because of the suspended ballast system, the Liebherr LG1750, allowed the center 125t ballast tray to be disconnected from the outer 400t capacity ballast tray.

OUTCOME: Mammoet completed the replacement of a 305t matured exhaust silencer for a gas turbine in a single lift reducing the amount of time the client. placement to take place.

WHO: The Men From Marr’s and Mirvac.

WHAT: Removal of the first section of iconic TV tower.

WHERE: Sydney.

HOW: A Marr’s M310D crane will remove the top parts of the tower while supported by over 200 meters of tower sections and guy cables attached to four independent foundations anchored into the bedrock.

WHO: Sarens WHERE: Sydney WHAT: 1425t steel arch bridge over James Ruse Drive.

HOW: During an eight-hour window the Saren’s team deployed: • 48 axle-lines of Kamag K24 SPMTs with 2 Power Packs; • 48 axle-lines of Scheurle Gen 3; SPMTs with 2 Power Packs; • 4 HSL 4500 Strand Jacks; • 2 x MB 1800 Modular Beams; and • 4 Towers built-up with BS610 Columns and BS324 Bracings.

WHO: Sarens WHERE: Cairo WHAT: An ancient Egyptian boat from the time of the pharaohs.

HOW: Sarens deployed: • 12 axle-lines SPMT K24; • 12 axle-lines SPMT K25; and • 800T crane CC4800 SSL/LSL 90m with 300T superlift.

130 / CAL September 2021

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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