Cranes & Lifting August 2025 by Prime Group

THE DEDICATED RESOURCE FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY / AUGUST 2025

Innovation Liebherr

Joyce Krane rst with

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FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

WELCOME TO THE AUGUST EDITION OF CRANESANDLIFTING MAGAZINE

THE CRANE INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (CICA) con nues to develop and implement important ini a ves on behalf of our indus y. One that con nues to be of the utmost importance – CICA Ar culated Crane Drive On-Road.

CICA has developed a comprehensive aining ini a ve aimed at ensuring every ar culated mobile crane driver is properly educated on the dis nct handling characteris cs of these machines. e course is ee to a end and is being implemented by CICA’s Sharon Pearce, who is a super experienced ar culated pick and carry crane operator and ainer. Sharon is avelling the coun y with the course and companies that have put personnel through the aining can’t speak highly enough about the results.

e CICA Ar culated Crane Drive On-Road has received s ong support om the Na onal Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the team at Cranes and Li ng is encouraging all crane hire companies to contact CICA, nd out when the course is being conducted in your neck of the woods and enrol your operators. CICA is encouraging enrolment by awarding one lucky par cipant with an ‘all expenses paid cket’ to this year’s Na onal Conference in Brisbane.

in the li ing indus y for many years and his story provides a wonderful insight into the way he thinks and how he has helped grow Andromeda Indus ies into a li ing powerhouse.

You will read with interest how Joyce Kranes con nues to embrace Liebherr innova on, having recently taken delivery of the rst LG 1800-1.0 to arrive in the coun y. We also encourage all crane hire companies to consider entering e CICA Li of the Year compe on. En ies will be accepted up un l the middle of August.

Between Hook and Load is a regular sec on within the magazine focusing on the vital role the li ing equipment and rigging indus y plays. ere are insigh ul ar cles in this sec on.

As always, the team at Cranes and Li ng has worked hard to provide what we hope is an informa ve and interes ng issue and we hope you enjoy the read.

BOOMS UP!

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JOYCE KRANE FIRST WITH LIEBHERR INNOVATION

Joyce Krane has built a reputation for being early embracers of crane innovation and this has been reinforced with the L LG . . James Joyce, Joyce Krane General Manager discusses the reasons behind the purchase.

“FOR MANY YEARS, LIEBHERR HAS BEEN our ‘go to brand’ when it comes to large capaci all terrains,” James said.

“We purchased the LG 1750 in late 2010 early 2011. At the me our largest capaci Liebherr was a 400 tonne all terrain. We were receiving enquiries for li s which we couldn’t handle, and we were hiring in cranes for this work. With everything ge ng larger and heavier, we knew we had to have a large capaci all terrain in our eet, and we needed to look a er our own back yard, so we invested in the LG 1750. At the me this was a ground-breaking crane being a la ce boom on a mobile carrier.”

Ini ally, the work for the LG 1750 was quite sporadic. Joyce Krane had work in the oil and gas, mining and in as ucture sectors but it wasn’t un l the emergence of the renewable energy sector, that the crane really hit its s aps.

“For us, the LG 1750 has realised its full poten al towards the end of its working life and s ll con nues to be a well u lised asset in the wind farm cons uc on and maintenance sectors,” said James. “Liebherr did release the SX boom system which was designed to upgrade performance in terms of hoist height and li ing capaci , but because our crane was one of the earlier designed LG 1750s,

upgrading it to the SX boom system would not have been commercially viable, which is why we didn’t undertake the upgrade.

“We did look at the LG 1750 SX3, but at the me we felt this model was nearing the end of its design life and we had heard that Liebherr was working on a signi cant upgrade to the model with the 800 tonne capaci LG 1800-1.0. So, we waited for the release of the model and moved as soon as we could.”

Liebherr released details of the LG 1800-1.0 in late 2023. It is the successor to its highly appraised LG 1750 – a crane that came in for high acclaim thanks to the

Above right: The 10 tonne counterweights make transportation easier.

Right: The LG 1800-1.0, boasts a main boom option of to 1 met e and a main boom n jib combination providing a maximum hook height of 208 metres.

Images: Joyce Krane

design’s combina on of the mobili of a mobile crane and the load capaci of a crawler crane.

e LG 1800-1.0 possesses a maximum li ing capaci of 800 tonne and, akin to its crawler rela ve in the Liebherr range, the LR 1800-1.0, holds a main boom op on of up to 180 me es long and a main-boomplus-lu ng-jib combina on providing a maximum hook height of 208 me es. e crane features a chassis width of three me es and is capable of climbing up

gradients of 25 per cent making the crane “ideal” for the wind indus y, according to Liebherr.

Further op mising the crane for the wind indus y is the machine’s enhanced wind power boom systems that make it possible to work with a boom of 174 me e and an 18 me e long la ce- pe xed jib at hub heights of 180 me es, as well as the wind speed load charts with di erent permissible wind speeds of up to 13.4 me es per second.

Liebherr’s LG 1800-1.0 has also been designed to facilitate easier ansport. Labelling the crane as “suitable for all markets” worldwide, Liebherr says the nine-axle vehicle features an axle-load of ten tonnes with all four supports, meaning the crane is accessible to public roads. Addi onally, ansport of the mobile la ce-boom crane is possible with only two supports and a total weight of 70 tonnes, as well as completely without supports at around 50 tonnes. e

The LG 1800-1.0 features a chassis width of three metres and is capable of climbing up gradients of 25 per cent making the crane “ideal” for the wind industry.

Liebherr says the nine-axle vehicle features an axle-load of 10 tonnes with all four supports, meaning the crane is accessible to public roads.

crane comes with the latest in Liebherr technology too, such as V-Frame, VarioTray, ZF Traxon Torque ansmission with EcoDrive, and the aforemen oned Windspeed Charts.

One of the major di erences between the LG 1800-1.0 and the LG 1750 is that the folding beams on the new 800-tonne machine are not telescopic. e required support base of 13x13m is su cient for the LG 1800-1.0 to achieve enormous load capaci es with the derrick system, and “very good” erectable lengths without the derrick system, according to the manufacturer.

Joyce Krane was impressed with what it saw on paper and the new LG 1800-1.0 has impressed in real life.

“Liebherr has redesigned the crane with shorter boom sec ons, be er boom con gura ons and with counterweights that are 10 tonne rather than 12.5t. ose

three features make the crane far more ansportable and easier to build and con gure for di erent applica ons,” said James. “Our LG 1750 was ideal for oil and gas, mining and in as ucture wind farm work, this machine is doing all that pe of work and much more. e LG 1800-1.0 has a much higher boom reach and li ing capaci which means it will remain contemporary for the cons uc on of wind turbines as they get taller and the componen y gets heavier.

“When it comes to large capaci cranes like this, ansporta on is one of the biggest issues. Liebherr has designed the LG 1800-1.0 with shorter boom sec ons which means we are able to nest more sec ons on a ailer and the 10t counterweights are easier to ansport. e supers ucture is easy to li , and the carrier is too. All in all, it is a pre good package.”

Joyce Krane was also one of the rst

importers of the LTM 1750-9.1, 800t all terrain crane into Aus alia. With the investment in the new LG 1800-1.0, the company con nues its pioneering role in developing markets for new large crane models in Aus alia.

Joyce Krane has been working with Liebherr for many years and is happy with the product as well as support and service.

“We work well with Liebherr, we have a s ong rela onship with the brand and the people that work behind it,” said James. “Our eet of all terrains are all Liebherr’s, and capaci es go right through to our two 800t LTM 1750-9.1s.

“Service and support are cri cal for any crane hire business, and we are no di erent. We receive great support om Stefan DeSilva and his team. Whatever the issue they are on to it and have it resolved as quickly as possible. We couldn’t want for anything more in a partnership.”

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CAMARADERIE AND GENEROSITY HALLMARKS OF CICA MEMBERSHIP

Welcome to the August issue of Cranes and Lifting magazine. It’s always a pleasure to connect with you through these pages, and I want to acknowledge and thank Cranes and Lifting for its valued partnership in helping us share industry news, ideas, and stories.

IT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING TO SEE THE s ong numbers of people a ending CICA mee ngs recently. In this issue, you’ll read about the Mudgee regional mee ng, the turnout, generosi , and support shown by our members is something I am genuinely proud of. Camaraderie and generosi have long been hallmarks of

our membership, and it’s a privilege to be part of a communi that embodies these values so s ongly.

You may also have come across the CICA Crane Simulator and Trailer in recent months. is cu ng-edge, mobile resource is designed to bring an exci ng and realis c experience of

crane opera on to careers expos, high schools, and other events, in a safe, engaging, and interac ve way. e simulator gives par cipants a feel for what it’s like to operate a crane, without the risks, and it’s a fantas c way to inspire the next genera on to explore whether a future in our indus y is the

The CICA Crane Smulator and Trailer is designed to bring an exciting and realistic experience of crane operation to careers expos, high schools, and other events, in a safe, engaging, and interactive way.

“CICA is urging both Federal and State governments to implement a dual approach: prioritising skilled

and investing in local training and development programs.”

right t, and discover where a career in our indus y might lead.

On the topic of skills and aining, this issue also features e Case for an Advanced Crane Licence. is is a crucial discussion for our indus y’s future, and we want to hear your thoughts. I encourage you to complete the accompanying survey to share your views.

CICA will con nue to focus its advocacy to support the crane indus y’s growth and e ciency. Addressing the skills shortage in the crane indus y is a priori for CICA. CICA is urging both Federal and State governments to implement a dual approach: priori sing skilled migra on to ll urgent vacancies and inves ng in local aining and development programs. is s ategy aims to build a sustainable pipeline of quali ed crane operators to meet growing indus y demand.

Looking ahead, our annual CICA Na onal Conference and Crane Display is fast approaching, and ckets are selling quickly. If you haven’t already secured yours, I encourage you to book soon to avoid missing out. is year’s theme, Are You Invested?, promises to be both challenging and inspiring. With the busyness of our day-to-day lives, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. My hope is that this theme encourages all of us to pause and re ect: How am I invested? Are there ways I can invest more – in my health, my family, my business, our indus y, and in future genera ons?

ank you, as always, for your support and for the incredible work you do for our indus y. Enjoy the read, and I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events.

Warm regards,

Ben Pieyre CICA Board President

CICA BOARD

Ben Pieyre – President

Marcus Ferrari – Vice President

Danny Adair – Director

Danny Black – Director

David Solomon – Director

Karli Sutherland– Director

Anthony Grosser – Director

Andrew Esquilant-Director

CICA OFFICE

Brandon Hitch ief xec ti e ce 0428 228 048 ceo@cica.com.au

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

Patrick Cran

CICA Site Operations Advisor 0488 004 274 pat@cranesafe.com.au

Sharon Pearce ane e om etenc ce 0491 134 533 sharon@cica.com.au

Damien Hense

CICA Road Policy Advisor 0488 007 575 damien@cica.com.au

Thomas Webber Communications Coordinator thomas@cica.com.au

Kate Galloway Traineeship & Industry Engagement Coordinator

0491 047 118 kate@cica.com.au

Michelle Verkerk Communications and Special Projects Advisor michelle@cica.com.au

Justina Blackman Member Events and Engagement 0403 717 626 justina@cica.com.au

Ashleigh Gould ce e ation oo dinato 0490 356 041 ashleigh@cica.com.au

Shane Coupe

CraneSafe & CrewSafe Administrative i tant ce 0491 047 134 shane@cica.com.au

Unit 10, 18–22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave Vic 3170

Phone: 03 9501 0078

Email: admin@cica.com.au

Website: www.cica.com.au

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

GENEROSITY ABOUNDS DURING CICA REGIONAL MEETING

In late May, the vibrant town of Mudgee in the Central West of New South Wales played host to 50 plus members of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA). The NSW CICA Regional Meeting attracted crane hire businesses and crane manufacturers with local businesses Strait Up Cranes and Mudgee Cranes ensuring all were made to feel welcome to their part of the world.

THE PROGRAM OF SPEAKERS WAS FULL and the topics interes ng. Stephan Becherand, CICA NSW/ACT Branch Chair hosted the event and Dean Bassed om PNO Insurance was the rst to present. He explained the importance of crane hire companies having the right levels of insurance and indemni es and what can happen if they don’t. Dean’s presenta on was followed by the Regional Crane Owners Panel which included Jess Tuck-Lee om Mudgee Cranes, Grant Gjessing om S ait Up Cranes, Brad Harold om Boom Logis cs and Edward

It is always interes ng to get a di erent perspec ve on the indus y with these regional opera ons facing similar challenges to their big ci cousins. A ac ng the right calibre of individuals to the region and then to the crane indus y is a major issue, especially when they are compe ng with the local coal mining sector.

e ansi on to renewable energy is posi vely impac ng the region and local crane businesses are working hard to get their fair share of the spoils. As always it was a vibrant conversa on enjoyed

A er lunch, the event’s keynote speaker Ma Formston took the stage, and his presence was felt immediately. Ma is no ordinary athlete. With less than three per cent vision he’s a world champion surfer, Aus alian Paralympian cyclist, author, Invictus Aus alia Ambassador, execu ve coach and interna onal keynote speaker. Ma ’s ex aordinary journey includes sur ng giant waves as a blind athlete, documented in the feature documentary e Blind Sea, and running clinics for visually impaired children to embrace the

Brandon Hitch (left) with the Regional Crane Owners Panel, Jess Tuck-Lee from Mudgee Cranes, Grant Gjessing from Strait Up Cranes, Brad Harold from Boom Logistics and Edward Brennan from Freo Group and NSW CICA Chair Stephan Bercherand.

launching the award-winning children’s book Sur ng in the Dark and winning pres gious sur ng awards, including a Guinness World Record for sur ng the largest wave. His next project is to ee dive to the greatest depth achieved by a sight impaired athlete. Ma is a relentless force, breaking barriers and inspiring worldwide.

With the tough task of following Ma ’s presenta on, Josh Kent om Safework NSW did an admirable job. His interes ng presenta on focused on some of the common incidents Safework is required to inves gate.

Sharon Pearce then launched the On-Road Ar culated Cranes Course Video. e ming of the launch was very topical as within a week, an operator lost con ol of a pick and carry in one of Sydney’s busiest tunnels causing hours of disrup ons. Luckily no one was seriously injured.

Following the a ernoon tea break, Tadano Oceania’s Genevieve Mustafa, Marke ng Manager and O ce Opera ons, shared her passion for marke ng and some of her experiences working with some major brands. Genevieve explained that marke ng campaigns come in many shapes and forms and how important it is to ensure the messaging is carefully thought through so as not to damage the brand. She explained how social media provides great marke ng pla orms, but they are not without their pi alls. Not being able to manage comments and feedback being the main issue.

Sco Greenow, Execu ve Director Freight at Transport for NSW, dialled in to the mee ng with an update and Brandon Hitch CICA Chief Execu ve O cer presented the John Gillespie Na onal CICA update which included details of CICA’s work on ISO standards and highlighted the changes that are coming to high-risk licensing. Stephan Becherand wrapped up proceedings with an NSW/ACT Branch update.

Early in the evening, everyone gathered for dinner which included the all-important fundraising auc on for the chosen chari , Invictus Aus alia.

families to spor ng communi es across Aus alia. Whether at a grassroots level or on the interna onal stage, Invictus Aus alia leverages the power of sport to proac vely foster posi ve health and wellbeing.

By partnering with spor ng bodies, ex-service organisa ons, government, businesses, and the communi , Invictus Aus alia provides the defence communi with a range of spor ng opportuni es, not just for par cipa on, but specta ng, coaching and volunteering too. Being involved in sport can o er people a sense of connec on and purpose, helping to posi vely in uence physical, social and emo onal health, par cularly for those experiencing challenges associated with their service or when making the

across Aus alia, working hard to make a di erence.

Rodney Co am, known as Rocket to his iends, in oduced the audience to Invictus Aus alia and later to his business Run Rocket Run, a professional coaching business which works with people and businesses to enhance their performance personally and in the workplace. Rodney is an ex-military man of the 3rd Ba alion, Royal Aus alian Regiment, Aus alian Army, having served over four years, and running is his tonic.

In 2004 he was on his way to barracks in Sydney when he was in a motor vehicle accident which le with a number of serious injuries, as well as a long-term condi on called Brachial Plexus Palsy that permanently paralysed his le arm. In the

Images: Prime Creative

Team Invictus Australia was presented with a model Sennebogen as a reminder of the industry’s generosity.

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blink of an eye, he went om being an elite soldier, in the best physical shape possible, to losing all movement and feeling in his le arm, om shoulder to nger ps. His military and prior high-level spor ng experiences had already ins lled a sense of resilience in him, which at this de ning moment helped him make a crucial decision: to accept what had happened, move on and con nue to live his best life. Ma Formston is a ‘Brand Ambassador’ for Invictus Aus alia and spoke about his work with the chari .

Before the auc on began, auc oneers Andrew Esquilant, Chief Execu ve O cer Borger Crane Hire, and Anthony Heeks, Managing Director Pace Cranes, revealed a ne system has been secretly in oduced and o ences such as individuals falling asleep during presenta ons, wearing sunglasses to disguise the fact that they were falling asleep, working on laptops during presenta ons were penalised. e generosi of crane manufacturers and dis ibutors including Liebherr, Manitowoc, Tadano and Pace Cranes know no bounds with all dona ng models, merchandise and sourcing spor ng memorabilia for the auc on. As always, the bidding was fast, furious and generous. Rod and Chris om Run Rocket Run donated their coaching services which secured the auc on’s single largest dona on om Preston Hire.

Jus na Blackman, CICA’s Member Events and Engagement who was congratulated for organising a rst-class event, con rmed that $26,000 was generated on the night but when the nes were nally accounted for and voluntary dona ons made to the chari the amount was closer to $30,000.

At the end of the evening Rod was presented with a Sennebogen model to thank the Invictus Aus alia team for the wonderful work they do with defence veterans and to remind them of how generous our indus y is.

Fines were awarded for wearing sunglasses which disguised the fact that some were snoozing during presentations.

CICA ARTICULATED MOBILE DRIVER COURSE HAS UNIVERSAL APPEAL

Recently, Universal Cranes’ Gladstone operation put a number of operators through the CICA Articulated Crane Drive On-Road course. Branch Manager Luke Brushe was impressed with the content and the outcomes.

“WE SIGNED UP FOR THE COURSE TO ensure our operators are fully quali ed and competent when opera ng ar culated cranes on public roads,” Luke said.

“When operators are ained and assessed for CN HRWL classi ca on, the focus in on site work, li ing and aversing with loads. ere is no real focus on the speci c steering characteris cs when avelling at road speeds. We think this is a great ini a ve om the Crane Indus y Council of Aus alia (CICA), in line with our ongoing commitment to improving safe and compliance with road ansport regula ons.”

e Universal Cranes’ team found the course very informa ve and well-s uctured. It covered both the prac cal and theore cal components clearly and at a pace that suited everyone. e prac cal component gave a good understanding of the machine’s mechanical func ons said Luke.

He goes on to explain there were some areas in the theory element of the course that the operators found di cult.

“Some team members ini ally found some of the references to speci c models of pick and carry machines a challenge because they hadn’t actually operated them, but with the help of their fellow colleagues they were able to work through these. It was also noted that the course wording could do with some simplifying and be set down in more layman’s terms.”

Having many years of experience as a crane operator, Sharon Pearce joined CICA as the Crane Crew Competency O cer. She is avelling the coun y conduc ng the course. e Universal Cranes’ operators were impressed with Sharon’s approach.

“Sharon was ex emely knowledgeable, professional, and approachable. She

explained the topics in a simple, prac cal way and answered all our ques ons thoroughly. Being an operator herself, it was easy to relate to Sharon,” said Luke.

He said key takeaways for Universal Cranes’ operators included the e ects of avel speed, importance of legal responsibili es when driving on-road, and par cularly the correct procedures for safe steering of ar culated cranes in a c environments.

“ e course was absolutely very bene cial. It increased our team’s con dence and competence in opera ng pick and carry cranes safely on public roads. Our employees believe it is bene cial for experienced operators and beginners alike, if there was anything that you are unsure on, the course provides a safe space to ask ques ons and learn.”

e team learned about road compliance, load res aint techniques, legal responsibili es of crane operators, and prac cal skills for manoeuvring ar culated cranes on-road.

pick and carry cranes play an important role for Universal Cranes’ Gladstone opera on, equently used for a varie of tasks due to their versa li and e ciency.

“We currently run 17 pick and carry cranes om the Cen al Queensland branches, and these are spread across eight di erent models including the AT40, MAC25 SL, MAC25, AT22, AT20, AT18, FE420e, AT15. Seven pick and carry cranes, including AT40, MAC25 SL, MAC25, AT22, AT20, FE420 e AT15 are in constant use across di erent projects.

“Safe opera on is paramount to Universal Cranes. It not only protects our employees and the public but also maintains our reputa on for professionalism and safe in the indus y.

“ e course was surprisingly enjoyable, content was thorough and highlighted the importance of our safe on the road.

“I believe the peer-based rollout will provide a comfortable environment for ques ons to be asked and informa on to be passed on,” said Luke.

Image: Universal Cranes

Universal Cranes currently runs 17 pick and carry cranes from the Central Queensland branches.

Luke said

Regulators and industry groups, such as CICA, have been engaging in active discussions about how to improve crane licensing.

THE CASE FOR AN ADVANCED CRANE LICENCE IN AUSTRALIA

Why it’s time to take a closer look at how we license our lifters.

EVERY DAY ACROSS AUSTRALIA, cranes move massive loads over busy cons uc on sites, remote mine sites, and everything in between. And si ng in the cab, at the cen e of it all, are the operators, tasked with keeping both loads and lives safe.

Crane opera on is classed as high-risk work under Aus alian law, to get behind the con ols, operators need a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL), issued in accordance with Work Health and Safe (WHS) legisla on. e idea is simple: if you’re moving heavy things through the air, you need to know exactly what you’re doing.

But here’s where things get a li le more complicated, and where the case for an advanced crane licence starts to gain momentum.

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

Crane licences in Aus alia follow a ered system. For example, someone holding a CO licence (for slewing mobile cranes of any capaci ) is legally permi ed to operate smaller crane pes, such as C6 (slewing cranes up to 60 tonnes) or even non-slewing cranes. is concept, known as “encompassment,” is intended to s eamline licensing. But increasingly, indus y voices are asking: is that s ll t for purpose? e reali is that di erent cranes behave in very di erent ways. A vehicle-loading crane has a very di erent risk pro le to a 100-tonne crawler, and both require speci c knowledge, especially when things don’t go to plan. Yet, under the current system, someone could technically operate either with just one licence pe in their pocket.

Image: Trucks-Cranes

SO WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

Regulators and indus y groups, such as CICA, have been engaging in ac ve discussions about how to improve crane licensing. One op on on the table is to in oduce more specialised and advanced licence categories that be er re ect the diversi of equipment in use today.

ere is talk of removing encompassment altogether, requiring operators to be ained and licensed on each speci c pe of crane they use. While some might see this as adding red tape, it’s a necessary move to li safe standards and keep up with modern equipment and work prac ces.

INDUSTRY FEEDBACK

A recent survey that went out to recipients of the CICA Safe Bulle n yielded some interes ng results.

THE BENEFITS OF GOING ADVANCED

As employers, operators, or site managers, there are realworld advantages to encouraging advanced licensing.

• S With advanced aining, operators are be er equipped to handle complex li s and respond e ec vely in emergencies. at’s good for people, proper , and projects.

“There is talk of removing encompassment altogether, type of crane they use.”

• S Certain high-capaci cranes legally require higher-level licences. Ge ng it wrong can mean serious penal es, not just for the operator. e Chain of Responsibili (CoR) legal amework under the Heavy Vehicle Na onal Law (HVNL) extends safe and compliance obliga ons beyond just the crane operator or driver to all par es involved in the opera on, management, and scheduling of heavy vehicles, including cranes.

• Skilled operators make be er decisions, work more e ciently, and help keep projects on ack, especially on complex or mesensi ve sites.

• For operators, advanced licences open doors. ey signal a level of professionalism that’s valued across sectors, om civil cons uc on to energy and mining. Be er aining can mean be er pay and more opportuni es.

LOOKING AHEAD

e crane indus y is constantly evolving, and so should the way we

license the people. While regulatory change always takes me, there’s growing recogni on that more tailored, prac cal aining and licensing would be a win-win for safe , compliance, and career growth.

Advanced licensing is about recognising the complexi of modern crane work and giving operators the tools (and the creden als) they need to do the job well.

Images:

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NAVIGATING CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE COMPLEXITIES

With over 45 years in the insurance industry – spanning underwriting, broking, and portfolio leadership – Gary Woodhams, recently appointed National Underwriting Manager at UAA, has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected names in the business.

“MY CAREER HAS ALWAYS BEEN GROUNDED in the heavy motor and mobile plant sectors, where I’ve developed a deep apprecia on for the people, machinery, and risks that de ne this space. Now, in my new role with UAA, I’m excited to bring that experience to the fore ont –suppor ng brokers, building technical capabili , and helping shape the future of plant and equipment insurance. At heart, I’m s ll that curious, hands-on professional who enjoys solving complex challenges and building las ng rela onships in an indus y that never stands s ll,” said Gary.

“Aus alia has been enjoying a sustained period of growth across the ansport and civil cons uc on sectors. We are also seeing considerable cons uc on ac vi in mining civil cons uc on in response to the growing global demand for cri cal minerals. Similarly, we see growth in the general cons uc on sectors (i.e. residen al, commercial, ins tu onal, health),” he said.

WHAT HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS?

e key drivers for this growth came ini ally om bullish State and Federal government s mulus spending in response to the COVID pandemic. is con nues to be pushed along in response to s ong popula on growth pressures to ensure our urban and regional environments have the facili es to cope with this persistently increasing demand.

“ is creates a pipeline of available work opportuni es for crane hire companies –probably for at least the next ve years. UAA’s view on the outlook for the crane

indus y is de nitely very posi ve,” said Gary.

In this environment, there are many risks and challenges in business which need to be iden ed and mi gated. We all know the harsh reali is that all projects come with human, material, legal, nancial, environmental and regulatory risk. As a crane hire business, naviga ng the complex world of con actual obliga ons and insurance requirements, is just as important as managing physical equipment and site based opera onal risks.

How do we go about naviga ng the world on Con act Management and Insurance? It is impera ve to maintain a consistent approach and engage the experts.

Navigating Contract Management and Insurance –

1) Obtain quality legal advice

It is well known that con actual wording can be complex and aught with risk for the unwary. Engaging a lawyer who has experience and exper se with crane opera on con acts is a smart risk management investment. ey can help you navigate complex indemni clauses and: - ensure they are workable om your standpoint, - align with your insurance coverage, and - do not leave you with uninsured and unmanageable exposure.

Experienced lawyers understand the prac cal reali es of crane opera ons. ey can iden fy uninsurable risks in con act terms (which may be required to meet con act requirements) and assist you to nego ate reasonable con actual terms.

ey can also help you liaise with your insurance broker to convey your insurance requirements for a given con act.

ESTABLISH YOUR OPERATIONAL RISK PROFILE

Before making any contact and engaging in nego a on, your lawyer will need to understand your risk pro le to support the nego a ng posi on and insurance requirements, including:

• Your safe record

• Equipment condi on

• Operator quali ca ons

• Financial stabili

• Provide documenta on on opera onal procedures, safe management systems and any other documenta on to support risk management processes.

• Speci c site risks

• Copy of insurances and extensions

NDE N T C A SES N CONTRACTS

An indemni clause ansfers risk om one person to another. It can be speci c (eg. a promise to hold a person harmless in

Gary Woodhams, National Underwriting Manager at UAA.

Image:

UAA

“There are many risks and challenges and mitigated.”

rela on to an occurrence om a par cular event) or broadbrush (eg. to allocate risk of loss, damage or liabili om certain events). Your insurance coverage needs to align as closely as possible to the requirements of such indemni clauses. Importantly, you will also need to iden fy uninsured risks required by the indemni clauses which you will have to manage in other ways.

e indemni clause may enforce a legal requirement on the con actor (i.e. crane operator) to indemnify the principal (i.e. your client), om any direct or vicarious liabili es to third par es that may arise om your ac vi es. In some cases, the indemni in favour of the principal may require you to assume liabili that is beyond normal legal requirement.

Public liabili policies pically cover the insured against legal liabili it may have to third par es for loss or damage to proper , loss of use of undamaged proper , or personal injury which arises out of an insured par ’s ac vi es. erefore, a con actor’s liabili under an indemni in favour of the principal, against third par claims caused by the con actor’s ac vi es, is likely to be covered under a public liabili insurance issued to a crane operator. For this reason, a con actor’s lawyer should seek to nego ate and limit these indemni es as closely as possible to loss or damage arising om negligence of the con actor (i.e. s ictly fault-based indemni es).

Mutual (fault-based) indemnification clauses require each par to the con act to assume responsibili for losses arising om their own negligence. is is a reciprocal obliga on where both par es indemnify each other with the aim of helping to reduce the likelihood of disputes between par es to the con act by keeping each par ’s s ict legal liabili obliga ons separate and clear.

It is impor nt to no indemni ca on clauses need to be carefully reviewed to ensure they are enforceable and as far as possible, insurable. It is even more impor nt to iden fy uninsured risks so other forms of risk management can be applied. Once we s rt going beyond faultbased indemni es, we become open to po n al for uninsured loss. It is cri cal to remember that insurance policies are limi d to their rms, condi ons and exclusions and can only be ex nded to meet con actual indemni es within the insurer’s res aints. Most policies con in a con actual exclusion (unless the liabili would have been incurred even in the absence of the con act).

SOME COMMONLY REQUESTED CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

Blanket Hold Harmless Clauses Put simply, a Hold Harmless Clause is a provision within a con act where the con actor agrees to indemnify, and assume responsibili for, liabili – even if another par (usually the principal/client) is at fault.

Typically, these clauses contain allinclusive words, such as “all claims”, “all

damage”, “any” loss,” “any person”, “any reason”, “howsoever caused”, “in connec on with”. We have seen cases with a requirement for the con actor’s public liabili policy to be extended to include “blanket con actual liabili cover”.

To further move a con actor’s exposure and responsibili for principal’s/client’s risk, con actual insurance clauses may require the client to be added as a “named” or “joint insured” – thereby allowing the client full access to the con actor’s insurance policy.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A er you have reviewed the indemni clauses, the insurance clauses need to be carefully reviewed. e pe of insurance you have (or will require!) needs to match, as far as possible, the insurance clauses in your con act. (Note: Non-insurance people o en confuse “indemni ” with “insurance” in a con act, believing them to be the same thing. ey are not the same. As you will now know om this ar cle, they are two dis nctly di erent facets of con actual requirement).

TYPICAL EXTENSIONS REQUIRED CAN INCLUDE

Named or Joint Insured – is provides the client full protec on under the policy. As an insured, this will allow the client to enforce the policy directly against the insurer and lodge claims – and not necessarily arising om the “policy owner’s” acts.

is requirement is pically required with Hold Harmless indemni clauses but can also be seen in fault-based indemni es. (Aus alian Standard cons uc on con acts contain this requirement).

Cross liability – “Cross liabili ” is insurance jargon. It is an automa c bene t under most quali public liabili policies. e clause allows one insured par under a policy to claim against another insured par under the same policy – as if they were two separate par es.

Naturally, the risk of such a claim being made against a con actor’s policy is increased when a con act requires external par es to be “named” or “joint insured’s”.

Waiver of subrogation – “Subroga on” is insurance jargon. is provision is where one par agrees to give up their right of recovery to seek compensa on om the

par responsible for the loss or damage. Normally your insurer will pay for damage to your proper and will then have the right to pursue the par responsible for the damage to recover the cost of the claim as if they were you seeking such recovery. With a subroga on waiver requirement in a con act, your insurer must agree to not pursue compensa on om the par named.

ere can be other requirements depending on the policy class involved. ere could also be requirements for cer cates of currency, cancella on no ces, loss payee clauses to name a few others.

2) Speak to your insurance broker “ ey are your professional risk advisors supported by UAA’s understanding of con act management complexi es through insurance. Our recommenda on is to engage your broker early – om the

commencement of the tender process. In collabora on with your lawyer, your broker will provide those cri cal inputs at the right me on insurance coverage, limita ons, and gaps. ey will explore extensions or other policies to ensure you are covered as far as possible for any outstanding coverage requirements and should explain where you are not covered,” said Gary.

“Brokers who understand crane opera ons’ unique risks can s ucture coverage to match con act requirements and iden fy gaps before they become an issue.

“Never leave it to the last minute to engage your broker or – worse – a er you have signed the con act. At the end of the day, professional guidance is essen al for you to be fully aware of the risks involved and to allow you to make an informed decision before commi ng yourself to any con act,” he said.

GROVE POTAIN

Manitowoc Australia 0417 674 019

infoANZ@manitowoc.com New Zealand 0800 878 695 cranes@trt.co.nz

Manitowoc Australia 0407 967 444

infoANZ@manitowoc.com

New Zealand +61 407967444

infoANZ@manitowoc.com

ADVOCACY THAT DELIVERS: SPECIALIST TRADES SECURE THEIR VOICE

At CANZ, we work every day to ensure the voices of our members are heard – in boardrooms, policy discussions, and now, at the very heart of the vocational education system. And today, we’re proud to share a success that shows just how powerful that advocacy can be.

wasn’t guaranteed. In fact, we fought to ensure this wording was included.

Why? Because names ma er. Representa on ma ers. And when a sector like ours is formally included in the naming and scope of a governance s ucture, it has a direct impact on how aining is shaped, how funding is allocated, and how our workforce is understood and supported.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

is change didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of collabora ve, s ategic advocacy – the kind that CANZ priori ses every day on behalf of our members.

THAN S TO S STA NED E ORTS O RS and those of our allies – the government has con rmed that one of the newly formed Indus y Skills Boards (ISBs) will be named the Cons uc on and Specialist Trades ISB. at name change might seem like a small tweak, but make no mistake: this is a huge win for the crane indus y, for specialist ades, and for our members.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Historically, aining s uctures in Aotearoa have not always re ected the unique needs of indus ies like ours. Cranes, rigging, and heavy li ing have long operated as specialist disciplines within the broader cons uc on environment – essen al to progress but not always recognised in formal s uctures or funding models.

at’s why we’ve pushed hard for reform. As part of a broader overhaul of voca onal educa on, the government has commi ed to moving away om the cen alised Te Pūkenga system in favour of indus y-led models. From 1 January 2026, eight new Indus y Skills Boards will assume responsibili for aining standards, program endorsements, and modera on.

Crucially, one of these boards will now formally include Specialist Trades – explicitly acknowledging the cri cal con ibu on of crane operators and other highly skilled, high-risk ades. is

Gone are the days when e ec ve lobbying meant marching up the steps of Parliament. Today, it’s about building usted rela onships, aligning with likeminded sectors, and advoca ng through smart, persistent channels. at’s what we’ve done here.

CANZ worked closely with the Specialist Trade Con actors Federa on (STCF), an umbrella body represen ng a range of indus ies o en overlooked in broad “cons uc on” categories. eir leadership in these reforms has been outstanding – and as a proud STCF member, CANZ added our weight and voice through formal submissions, targeted engagement, and direct dialogue with o cials.

Together, we made the case that cranes and heavy li ing are not side notes – they’re integral to New Zealand’s in as ucture, produc vi , and safe . e inclusion of Specialist Trades in the ISB tle is a powerful con rma on that our message got through.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

For our members, this win is more than symbolic – it’s prac cal.

From 2026, the Cons uc on and Specialist Trades ISB will oversee how aining is designed, delivered, and assessed across our sector. at means:

• Standards will be er re ect real-world work, rather than academic theory.

• Training providers will be held to

Image: CANZ

Sarah Toase visiting Te Kaha Christchurch Stadium –hosted by Tim Smith of Smith Crane and Construction.

account, ensuring they deliver job-ready graduates with skills employers uly need.

• Crane sector exper se will have a seat at the table, shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

And while the ansi on is s ll 18 months away, the groundwork is already being laid.

CANZ is ac vely preparing to support this change, ensuring there is no disrup on to current appren ces or ainees, and working closely with providers who share our commitment to quali and safe .

A WIN SHARED BY

MANY is achievement re ects the s ength of working with others – and the importance of never advoca ng in isola on. e Specialist Trades voice is s onger because it speaks with the weight

of many: crane operators, sca olders, roofers, plumbers, steel manufacturers and more.

By embedding ourselves within the STCF, and by maintaining s ong connec ons with other associa ons and sector leaders, CANZ has helped amplify our indus y’s needs at the highest levels. And it’s paid o .

clear guidance for employers and ainees.

• Con nue championing high standards, safe prac ces, and relevant quali ca ons across all li ing opera ons.

But today, we pause to celebrate a step forward. One that proves advocacy – when done right – works. It takes

“The inclusion of Specialist Trades in the ISB title is a powerful .

LOOKING AHEAD

Our work isn’t nished. As the ISBs begin to take shape, CANZ will:

• Push for fair representa on of the crane sector on the Cons uc on and Specialist Trades ISB.

• Maintain open lines of communica on to ensure

me, e ort, and collabora on. And most of all, it takes the support of a s ong, united membership.

ank you to all our members who have shared your insights, supported our submissions, and stood with us in calling for be er aining and be er recogni on. is win is yours.

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Finance Something Real

Flexible financing solutions tailored for crane owners and operators

When opportunity knocks, you need the power to act fast. Manitowoc Finance helps you acquire your crane without tying up your capital. Whether you‘re expanding your fleet, upgrading equipment, or taking on bigger projects, our flexible financing options and payment schedules are adaptable to virtually any business need.

With Manitowoc Finance, you get: – Competitive rates and flexible terms – Fast approvals and simple paperwork –Financing for new and used cranes – Support from experts who understand your industry

Don’t let budget constraints hold you back. With Manitowoc Finance, you can invest in the future, today.

Ready to elevate your business?

Reach out to Kirk Purchase via the contact details below:

Kirk Purchase

Mobile: +61 414895065 kirk.purchase@dllgroup.com

BUILT TO LIFT: WHY MANITOWOC FINANCE’S CRANE-SAVVY FINANCE BEATS THE CONVENTIONAL BIG BANKS

When a crane owner decides to add another Grove all terrain or Potain tower crane, the cheque book is rarely the only hurdle.

Manitowoc Finance is bridging the gap between crane ownership and tailored financin foc in on t e ni e need of t e iftin ind t .

THE TRUE CHALLENGE IS FINDING A LENDER that understands how project cycles, equipment asset value and ancillary gear shape a crane business – and that is precisely where the nearly 24-year-old partnership between DLL and Manitowoc through Manitowoc Finance, stands apart.

Since the program’s global launch in 2002, Manitowoc Finance has wri en nance for an es mated AUD $10 billion-plus worth of li ing equipment worldwide, funding roughly 60 per cent of Manitowoc crane sales globally and even more in Aus alia.

A FINANCE SOLUTION BUILT AROUND CRANES, NOT SPREADSHEETS

“ e biggest perk is that DLL understands cranes. It’s not like a big pillar bank that just knows a payment is due on the 15th,” said John Stewart, General Manager Manitowoc Cranes Aus alia, about the partnership.

Crane indus y insight ma ers. A customer’s historical cash ow won’t always re ect what is required to get into the next size crane. Manitowoc Finance will work with the customer to understand what is coming up and not just what has

happened in the past. John’s team and Kirk Purchase, Senior Account Manager DLL, can res ucture exis ng con acts or re nance other con acts to get the operator into the equipment they need.

SCALE THAT STILL FEELS PERSONAL Manitowoc Finance underwrites “through-the-cycle”: the DLL credit team looks past the current P&L to the pipeline, new customers, dry hire expenses, order backlog and the Manitowoc factory’s view of a customer’s ack record to build a case for the successful acquisi on of new

equipment. at people- rst approach goes both ways. John o en drives out to a prospect’s yard while Kirk will sani -check with a quick site visit to understand the business and the people behind it. at joint due-diligence is something pillar banks simply don’t have the bandwidth – or the indus y knowledge – to replicate.

crane indus y condi ons. is leads to real-world approvals for businesses that mains eam lenders may classify as not quite ready.

THE TAKEAWAY FOR FLEET OWNERS

Whether you run a single 60-tonne taxi crane or a na onal tower crane eet, Manitowoc Finance’s proposi on is s aigh orward:

• Indus y DNA: 23-plus years embedded in crane nance; dedicated account managers who know jib charts as well as term sheets.

• Whole-of-li funding: Cranes (new and used), a achments, ansport and even refurbishments under one facili .

• Flexible s uctures, including interestonly periods and re nances to suit market condi ons and cash ow your new Manitowoc eet acquisi on.

FINANCING THE WHOLE LIFT, NOT JUST THE CRANE

A modern li rarely stops at steel and hoist rope. Ou igger pads, spreader beams, ba ery packs for tower cranes or even a dedicated ailer can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the purchase. Manitowoc Finance can roll all of it into a single package, so operators avoid mul ple loans and mismatched maturi es. “We can supply a tower crane with a ba ery and a personnel li – 40 per cent ancillary equipment, 60 per cent crane – and wrap it in one nance deal,” John said.

e same logic applies to second hand machines. Manitowoc’s new Seven Hills facili is ki ed out to refurbish used cranes, and DLL nances those units on the same terms as new stock – closing the loop for customers ading up or diversifying their eet.

cons uc on equipment. It o ers payment plans tailored to the business’ cash ow, nance approvals for cranes being built, and master lease lines so the business can easily add more Grove equipment. As DLL is part of the Rabobank Group, the backing of Rabobank gives the program the balance-sheet s ength of a global lender while keeping all decisions with a crane indus y-focused team.

- Longer term higher balloons using cha el mortgage

- Opera ng (fair-market-value) leases with terms om 24 to 84 months

- End of lease op ons: extension, re nance or purchase

For operators nervous about today’s high interest rates, Kirk o en s uctures a short ini al term and plans a lower-cost re nance once the rate cycle turns.

SPEED,

CERTAINTY AND A SEAT AT THE TABLE

Because DLL sits alongside Manitowoc’s sales team, credit decisions are quick and collabora ve. If a bank hesitates over a tower crane, Kirk understands the resale value, service history, rental rates and

• Products that grow with you: From two-year opera ng leases to sevenyear cha el ownership paths, with the abili to ade up when appropriate.

“In the end,” Kirk said, “our job is to build a nance case that lets a customer win the con act their crane is designed for. You want to talk directly to the lender and through Manitowoc Finance you can do exactly that.”

For crane businesses looking to scale in a world of ght margins and increasing equipment costs, that beats a bank every day of the week.

Ready to li your business to new heights with nancing through Manitowoc Finance? Reach out to Kirk via the contact details below.

Kirk Purchase Senior Account Manager DLL E

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DLL?

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Kirk Purchase, Senior Account Manager DLL

John Stewart, General Manager Manitowoc Cranes Australia

greater e ciency in crane opera on. S ess-tested in Manitowoc’s own Product Veri ca on Center (PVC), the kit comprises a rope lubrica on system in the form of a metal sleeve that quickly clamps around the rope and is supplied alongside a Portable Grease Transfer System featuring a hydraulic hose with grease pump.

NEW GROVE ROPE CLEANER

N G and speeds up maintenance.

PROVING THAT GOOD THINGS COME IN small packages, one of Manitowoc’s most important product launches at bauma 2025 – the rope cleaner – literally ts inside a briefcase. e system is supplied in a sturdy hardcover case. It comes complete with all necessary s aps and shackles, providing customers with a simple, fast, and e ec ve solu on for regular wire rope maintenance on all Grove all terrain cranes. Using the rope cleaner o ers several bene ts, including an extended working life for the rope, as well as greater li ing e ciency and reduced expenditure on consumable parts.

“Our innova ve a ermarket solu on can extend the working life of the rope by reducing ic on and adding e ec ve corrosion protec on that pene ates all the way to the core,” explains Pa ick Stelter, Grove’s parts and service product and marke ng manager. “ e whole cleaning and greasing procedure can be carried out in as li le as 90 minutes, which is not only much quicker but far less tedious than adi onal methods that use a wire brush or compressed air. It ees up the technician’s me that would otherwise be spent manually cleaning rope, and delivers signi cant reduc ons in planned down me, so owners will bene t om a no ceable increase in opera ng me too.”

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

e system automates cleaning and lubrica on by feeding the wire rope through an aluminium housing equipped with inserts that are easily clamped around it. e inserts and scrapers are currently available to suit 16, 17, 19, 22, and 24-millime e rope diameters. Further diameters can be made available upon request. It delivers signi cant savings in down me and technician hours, plus

Once the technician has chosen and ed the correctly sized inserts into the sleeve, the lubrica on system is a ached to the hoist rope and secured with the shackles before the separate cleaner device is clamped below. Available to suit ve diameters of rope between 1624 millime e, the compact cleaner is cons ucted om a tough material and precisely designed to allow the s ands to pass through with just the right amount of resistance required to remove dirt without causing de imental abrasion.

With one hose connected to the Portable Grease Transfer System and another to the crane’s air pressure system, the technician can then adjust the levels to deliver the required quan of grease. e hoist is lowered, removing dirt and grime om the rope before esh lubricant is automa cally added to maintain it in op mum condi on. e procedure is then repeated on the rope below the boom head, using the hook block as an anchor and de ec on point to maintain tension on the rope as it is raised upwards.

Images: Manitowoc

The system automates cleaning and lubrication by feeding the wire rope through an aluminium housing equipped with inserts that are easily clamped around it.

Manitowoc’s rope cleaner ite a fit in ide a b iefca e.

IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE

Earlier in the year Boom Logistics announced an inaugural partnership with MensLine A investment in supporting the wellbeing of the broader community. Elaine Buchanan, Boom Logistics General Manager, HR and Industrial Relations, discusses the initiative.

MENSLINE AUSTRALIA IS A FREE NATIONAL telephone and online counselling service delivered by Lifeline that supports men at risk of suicide, experiencing emo onal dis ess, or having rela onship di cul es.

“With over 750 employees our management team at Boom Logis cs understands the importance of mental wellbeing throughout its workforce. e leadership teams meet regularly with everyone om the ground up to understand how they are avelling and to reinforce that they are never viewed as ‘being a number,’ in the business,” said Elaine.

e partnership with MensLine Aus alia commenced o the back of Boom Logis cs Chief Execu ve O cer and Managing Director Ben Pieyre’s successful

FebFast par cipa on in which he raised over $17,000 – the highest amount by an individual in the campaign by a large margin – to help reduce substance addic on and the risk of suicide.

Boom Logis cs’ commitment will go towards a 0.8 FTE MensLine Aus alia counsellor capable of delivering 50 telephone or virtual counselling sessions a week. is will enable anyone who seeks help to receive the support they need during di cult mes.

e FebFast fundraising characterised Ben’s personal value of taking ac on over words. He said that it’s impera ve to lead by example.

“It’s not enough simply to talk about mental health, we must actually invest in

the people who are doing the hard work on the ground. e vast majori of people in our sector are men, and it’s clear that more needs to be done to encourage and support anyone going through s uggle with mental health.

“I’ve seen rst-hand the impact of mental health crises on my sta , and agically, one person took their own life in the past year. Boom Logis cs is s ongly communi -minded and are con dent our commitment will go where it’s needed most.

“Boom Logis cs prides itself on its values and is commi ed to being a workplace and services provider that puts safe rst. We have a du of care to our people, their families and the

With over 750 employees, the management team at Boom Logistics understands the importance of mental wellbeing throughout its workforce.

broader communi , and we take that very seriously,” said Ben.

Having completed her Commerce Degree in HR Indus ial Rela ons, Elaine has spent the 20 plus years in HR. She has a s ong background in cons uc on having spent 14 years in the cons uc on indus y working with employees in remote loca ons and away om their families.

“During my career, I’ve seen the in oduc on and development of mental health help in the workplace and I’ve also seen the ansforma on, par cularly for men, to actually seek the available help with companies embracing employee assistance programs,” said Elaine.

However, current sta s cs s ll show men are less likely to seek help when they are experiencing emo onal dis ess than women, and three mes more likely to die by suicide. Male suicides make up threequarters of all suicides. In 2023 suicide was the 11th leading cause of death for males and the highest ranked external cause of death in males.

Boom Logis cs is very aware of its responsibili es.

“We have a du of care to our people, their families and the broader communi , and we take that very seriously. e MensLine Aus alia partnership aligns closely with our value of ‘safe always’ and although we are gradually seeing increased diversi in the sector, more than 90 per cent of our workforce iden fy as male. is partnership is par cularly close to my heart,” said Ben.

Lifeline Chief Execu ve O cer Luke Lindsay said the partnership will deliver a vital boost to the na onal service.

“When someone calls MensLine, they are given a safe and private place to talk through whatever it is that is on their mind. is funding will support us to o er mely, professional counselling support for Aus alian men anywhere, any me, in the way which suits them best,” he said.

MensLine Aus alia is delivered by Lifeline, and o ers a na onal telephone and online support, informa on and referral service for men with mental health, family and rela onship concerns. e ee service is available na onwide and is sta ed by professional counsellors experienced

commitment will go towards a 0.8 FTE Mensline Australia counsellor capable of delivering 50 appointments of telephone or virtual counselling sessions a week.

Images: Boom Logistics

Boom Logistics’

MAKING NOISE WITH CRANE SERVICING AND REPAIRS

Complete Crane Solutions (CCS) expansion plans continue with the recent opening of a workshop in Western Sydney’s Wetherill Park. National General Manager Mitch Smidt and Workshop Manager Nathan Demanuele explain how

.

“I’VE BEEN WORKING WITH JOSH JOHN FOR a couple of years and prior to joining CCS, I was working with Primero in the Pilbara where he and the team were servicing our cranes and heavy equipment,” said Mitch. “A er joining CCS, I started in the Karratha opera on, but I’m originally om Sydney, When Josh spoke to Nathan about the opportuni es here and we decided to open this opera on, I put my hand up to move back.”

He said the new facili is viewed as Na onal Headquarters.

“ ere have been a number of exci ng changes within the business. We’ve grown om servicing Karratha and the surrounds, to having opera ons in Perth, Queensland, Sydney and Victoria with a na onal management team now based in Sydney.

“Our inten on has been to let everyone know we are here. e workshop is highly visible in a busy part of Wetherill Park, which is exactly what we needed. We have entered a saturated market with the crane original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and third par service providers and repairers well established. But we are con dent in what we o er. Our s ong focus on eld service and responsiveness will be hard to compete with. We know we

have to build our reputa on in Sydney, and we are con dent we will,” said Mitch.

A focus on service and a s ong eld presence will be the ini al focus.

“In terms of capabili es we are aligned with the indus y standard, it’s just that we are the new kids on the block and we have to make some noise to get no ced,” Mitch said. “We provide a 24/7 service, with our workshop opera ng om 5am un l 7pm. We o er 24 hour call out, working on a at rate even when it’s a public holiday. We work with customers providing mes to service their cranes that suit them and their business. Given the market’s posi ve response, it appears likely we will outgrow this facili fairly quickly.

“When I was a client of CCS I knew if there was a problem I could call Josh, Ryan or Luke and one of them would pick up and do whatever it takes to get things sorted. at’s always been the culture of the business and that’s why it’s a great place to work,” he said.

CCS has been quick to build an experienced team to service the Sydney market. Nathan has 25 years of experience

managing the servicing and repairs for a major European OEM and has helped recruit a number of experienced technicians.

“It is not o en that you open a new opera on with a team as experienced and dynamic as ours,” Mitch said. “Nathan has helped build a formidable team by combining experience and a ac ng young and enthusias c appren ces who share our vision.

“ e team has experience with every leading brand including Liebherr, Tadano, Grove and Franna but more importantly everyone is commi ed to do whatever it takes to get the customer’s crane back up and opera ng. Across the company we have close to 50 sta who have experience with every crane OEM, they’ve worked all over the globe and have mul ple years of experience which is shared across the en re organisa on,” he said.

“CCS is a service-driven business and we understand the challenges crane hire companies face, especially when they are opera ng remotely or in regional parts of the coun y. Servicing cranes in remote loca ons is a real issue, one that we are

Images: CCS and Prime Creative

The CCS facility is highly visible in a busy part of Wetherill Park in Western Sydney.

here to address. We’ve already engaged with mul ple crane companies, and we have entered into service agreements with certain OEMs and have s ong alliances with others.

“OEMs see the bene ts of working with CCS because they have the con dence that a er-sale service commitments will be met with full delivery. Our sole focus is repairing broken cranes, and we’ve built our business doing that. We’ve invested in service vans and ailers so we can get out there. Crane hire companies s uggling to nd the right service partner can talk to us, and they will understand they do have op ons.”

Nathan explains the approach to work in regional areas.

“When we get a call om a regional customer, we will ring other businesses in that area to let them know we will have a service technician there for a few days. We then split the cost of the me, accommoda on and ansport between two or three customers and instead of being there for a day, we’ll spend a week servicing the cranes.

He goes on to explain what customers can expect om CCS when it comes to larger repairs and signi cant works such as major inspec ons.

“ e one stand-out customers can expect om us is ansparency. Technically we know we have the best guys, so managing the job is s aight forward. Tailoring the job to the customer’s speci c needs is the key. ere are di erent levels of major inspec ons which depend on what a customer requires om their asset. Do they want to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on completely s ipping it down and rebuilding it? Or do they want to comply with OEM or the Crane Indus y Council of Aus alia’s CraneSafe requirements?

“We discuss how valuable the asset is to the business, what they are ying to get out of the asset and build the right major around all of the informa on. We quote to the job as we see it and if we can get the cost right at the start there shouldn’t be any major surprises. ere may be discrepancies depending on what we nd, but these are immediately relayed to the client, every step of the way,” said Nathan.

“When you look at the service and repair businesses in the crane sector, par cularly in Sydney, they are mature businesses and many of their sta have been with them for a long me. Obviously, they have signi cant experience but maybe not the levels of passion for the indus y they once had.

“When you are building a business, you need one or two guys with the experience managing young guys who are hungry, who want to do the big hours, who want to go out and set a tone, make noise and make their mark in the indus y. Over the years, I have established good rela onships with third-par repairers who are happy to build rela onships with us and expose our guys to their environment. ese rela onships include hydraulic workshops where our guys learn to service and x cylinders, auto elec icians and pump repair businesses. It’s about exposing our team to various areas of the business and ensuring they receive aining and experience in every facet.”

He said CCS is a dynamic business to be working in and is a ac ng the right calibre of employee.

Nathan and Mitch, centre, with the Sydney team.

FRANNA’S 30 YEARS AS A WORK HORSE

Mudgee Cranes began life in 1976 when Richard Hooper

Richard changed the name of the business to Mudgee Cranes . T

PA T C EE JO NED THE S NESS as a 17 year old appren ce in 1982 and obtained his rst paper crane licence back in 1986 when opera ng an old 15 tonne Koehring. Paul purchased the business in 2011. Mudgee Cranes’ Manager Jess Tuck-Lee takes up the story.

“Mudgee Cranes has a rich li ing heritage da ng back almost 50 years and we remain a family-owned business servicing the mid-west regions of New South Wales. My father Paul Tuck-Lee has been working in the business since he was 17 years old, my brother started in the business in 2015, and I joined in 2016.

“Being a family business we are very focused on our team of people. We have 14 operators including two women. Our workforce is a mix of Indigenous and mul cultural backgrounds, and we have a ainee learning the ropes. Our team varies in experience with some members having 10 years and others over 40. Our teams are very service cen ic, and we s ive to ensure the customer is sa s ed with everything we do. We are servicing a rela vely small business communi , and our reputa on counts for everything,” said Jess.

Servicing the local mining sector is important for Mudgee Cranes.

“Typically, servicing the mining sector is our bread and bu er and we work on a number of mining con acts,” Jess said. “We also have a lot of day-today work within the local communi and this involves working with local builders helping to cons uct new homes and

renovate and extend others. We help put people’s pools and spas in and recently we have been busy li ing containers into place which are then turned into homes.

“We will go as far as anyone’s willing to pay us to avel. We’ve done a bit of work out at Warren, which is a fair few hundred kilome es away, and we also do a bit of work in Dubbo, Gulgong and Coolah. We are not a aid to avel if the work is there.”

Mudgee Cranes currently operates six Frannas, two all terrain slew cranes and one uck-mounted slew crane. Li ing capaci es start with a 14 tonne Franna through to a 160 tonne Terex Demag.

Images: Mudgee Cranes

Paul Tuck-Lee, centre, with daughter Jess to his right, and some of the team from Mudgee Cranes.

Mudgee Cranes still operates one of the businesses original Frannas – a 1991 4WD16 which is used as the ‘workshop Franna’, and goes to work every day..

“We s ll operate one of Richard Hooper’s original Frannas. It’s a 1991 4WD16 which we use as our ‘workshop Franna’. It’s an old manual and very humbling to drive but it s ll goes to work every day and is testament to the longevi of Frannas and how well engineered they are,” Jess said.

“Over the years, we have been adding Frannas to our eet and they really are the ‘work horses’ for our business. Last year we invested in a new, 2024 model Franna AT40 and this has proved to be a really valuable asset. e operators enjoy driving and li ing with the AT40.

“ e Frannas really come into their own with the mining work. We manage a couple of di cult jobs like ‘Pump Alley’ which is a really ght alleyway that they have to get into and li various products during mine maintenance

programs and shutdowns. But they are equally comfortable in town here, we use them every day for li ing roof usses, containers spas and pools.

ey are de nitely the workhorses of the business.”

All Mudgee Cranes are MDG15 compliant and undergo three-monthly mines-speci c inspec ons as well as annual CraneSafe and non-des uc ve tes ng (NDT). All li ing and rigging equipment is inspected every three months.

Jess and the Mudgee Cranes’ team have been impressed with the a er sales service and support they receive om Terex Franna.

“In our opinion, any new crane can prove to be di cult because they are fairly complex machines. We had a few minor issues when we rst took delivery

of the AT40, we reported them to Terex Franna and to their credit, they had a technician out here the next day to x them,” said Jess.

“A li le later in the piece we had a couple of other minor issues, and again the technician was out the next day and got everything sorted.

“Like any crane hire business, an asset that isn’t working is cos ng money and with Mudgee being a good three and a half hours om Sydney, we rely on the a er sales service and support provided by our suppliers. Terex Franna has always provided rst class support. We’ve operated Frannas for many years and they have been the ‘back bone’ of the business since its incep on.”

Jess goes on to discuss how the team at Mudgee Cranes engages with the local communi .

Last year Mudgee Cranes invested in a 2024 model Franna AT40 and this has proved to be a valuable asset.

More than just a pre-start checklist

StartSafe is comprehensive tool designed to streamline your crane operations, enhance safety, and ensure accountability.

“Obviously we live with the local communi , we know them, we engage with them, and we support them in any way we can. We sponsor a number of local spor ng events and teams including

Mudgee Basketball, Kandos S eet Machine, Mudgee Cranes O -Road Racing Team, Mudgee Spor ng Clays, Skillset’s Try-A-Trade at Mudgee High School and Mudgee Rugby League.

More than just a pre-start checklist

and Cabin

“When it comes to the business communi , we are focused on customer sa sfac on. Pre much every job crosses my desk, and I work on the li studies. We visit every site prior to the job to ensure we are prepared, that we are deploying the right crane and that the team knows what to expect. We don’t charge for these site visits, as they are part of our service.

Attatchment - Security

Charts

“When you are opera ng a crane business in a rela vely small regional cen e like Mudgee, customer sa sfac on and your reputa on are everything. Recently, we have no ced clients have come to us because their incumbent craneage provider hasn’t been able to provide a solu on or hasn’t delivered to their expecta ons. We are always examining how we operate and wherever possible, we are implemen ng ways of simply doing things be er. In a small regional cen e, that gets no ced.”

More than just a pre-start checklist

TAILORED VISIBLE

Machine speciﬁc checklists are in line with the CraneSafe program.

StartSafe is comprehensive tool designed to streamline your crane operations, enhance safety, and ensure accountability.

Photos tell the story.

StartSafe is comprehensive tool designed to streamline your crane operations, enhance safety, and ensure accountability.

StartSafe streamlines the process for collecting pre-start information, with instant data retention to a central location for the crane owner to access.

Machine speciﬁc checklists are in line with the CraneSafe program.

Photos tell the story.

When a faulty item is recorded by the operator, the maintenance team is notiﬁed of the issue by email, which includes photo evidence of the fault. This also assists with gathering major inspection data.

StartSafe streamlines the process for collecting pre-start information, with instant data retention to a central location for the crane owner to access.

TAILORED VISIBLE

Photos tell the story.

When a faulty item is recorded operator, the maintenance team notiﬁed of the issue by email, includes photo evidence of the This also assists with gathering inspection data.

150T Crawler Crane, Versatile Lifting Expert

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Compact structure with a small footprint,5.94m slewing radius, suitable for operation in narrow spaces

Max. luffing jib configuration: 52m + 46m; optional folding luffing jib. Requires only 68m max. luffing space.

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Multi-stage counterweight, customizable variable-gauge crawler chassis for diverse working conditions

GROVE’S PERFORMANCE TRIED AND TRUSTED

Brothers Chris and Tony Farley have been operating Western District Crane Service (WD Crane Services) for over 16 years, servicing customers in Southern Victoria. Grove is their chosen brand of all terrain and they recently added a Grove GMK5150L-1 and GMK3060L-1

C T .

CHRIS AND TONY STARTED WORKING IN the indus y back in 1985. ey worked in cons uc on and crane hire for various companies around Aus alia and Chris worked overseas in the Sco sh oil and gas sector.

“We both started in the cons uc on

we were pu ng cranes out on dry hire, one at a me and seeing an opportuni , we brought them back in and started our own business,” said Tony.

“In the early days, we bought two Franna MAC25s and then we bought a Liebherr LTM 60 tonner and we had them

GMK3060L and a GMK 4100L-1 and our recent purchases have been the GMK5150L and the GMK3060L. Basically, we’re running six Grove all terrains om 60t capaci through to 250t capaci ,” he said.

T WD C S

• 1 x 250t GMK5250 L all terrain crane.

• 1 x 150t GMK 5150 L - 1 all terrain crane.

• 1 x 100t GMK4100 L-1 all terrain crane.

• 1x 100 t GMK4100 all terrain crane.

• 1 x 60t GMK3060 L-1 all terrain crane.

• 1 x 60t GMK3060 all terrain crane.

• 3 x 25t MAC Franna mobile cranes.

• 2 x 20t Franna mobile crane.

• 1 x 2.5t Manitou all terrain fork Li .

• 1 x 5.5t Magni with 19m boom telehandler with 6t powered winch pack.

• 6t Magni with 10m boom Telehandler

The WD Crane Services team understands the importance of customer service and delivering on what they promise.

With a preference for the Grove brand, Chris explains what they like about Groves and just as importantly, what their operators like about them including the light road weight which enables them to carry mbers and li ing gear without the need for gear ucks.

“We are opera ng remotely in a regional Victoria and rely on the back up and service provided by the team at Grove. John Mahoney om JDM Services has provided excellent service and support and so has Garry Barker and the Manitowoc team om Sydney. If there has been an issue and John isn’t able to help, Garry ies in one of his technicians s aight away.

“ e Grove product has proved to be really reliable over many years, and we’ve had minimal problems with the eet. We’ve been buying secondhand cranes om Garry and the process has always been ansparent. He’s sourced cranes om Aus alia but the recent purchases, the Grove GMK5150 and GMK 3060L,

were second hand om Aus alia. He manages the whole process and keeps us posted every step of the way. Another advantage with the Groves is that all of our operators are very familiar with the opera ng systems and can move seamlessly om one capaci machine to machine to another,” said Chris.

Over the past 16 years the support om the Grove team has been outstanding.

“ is includes the technical support om people like David Tye, Danny Hall, Jesse Bradley and Garry Barker as well as sales support om Neil Hollingshead and more recently Richard Swaine. All of these people have worked for us as a team for the best results.

“When you are working on a 24 hour a day 8 km direc onal gas drilling project with the whole program relying on your crane li s and at 11.30pm and at a cri cal me of the opera on, the ECOS crane computer goes blank. You call a mobile and a person picks up. It turned out to only be

blown fuse but those are the situa ons you remember and that’s what I call support,” he said.

WD Crane Services now employ two mechanics, Hamish who has an auto elec ical background and Steve who has a diesel mechanical background.

“Grove have been fantas c with the technical support and guidance a orded to Hamish and Steve. Our cranes operate remotely a lot of the me, and we are hours om Melbourne. e most recent Groves, the GMK5150L-1 – and GMK 3060L1, feature Grove Connect which allows Hamish or Steve to ‘dial into’ the cranes and see what the operators are having issues with. is will save us so much me and money,” said Chris.

Tony talks about the team at WD Crane Services and how he and Chris share their experience through mentoring programs.

“We run a team of 14 guys and most of them are locals. Chris and I have been working in cranes and cons uc on for

Brothers Chris and Tony Farley (right) have been operating WD Crane Services for over 16 years, servicing customers in southern Victoria.

The Grove product has proved to be really reliable over many years, and WD Crane Services has experienced minimal ob em it t e eet.

40 years and wherever we can we share our knowledge and experience and mentor the team. We help the younger member through aineeships where they learn about the business and the indus y om the ground up. We have some very experienced team members who have been in the indus y a long me.

“Some have moved o and worked around Aus alia and then come back home to roost. We have been happy to provide them the opportuni to come back and work in their local communi . We have four guys who have been with us for the whole 16 year journey of the business, and there is no subs tute for this pe of experience. We’ve got a ainee just nishing his two-year aineeship, and we are looking to take on another one shortly,” said Tony.

“Our business revolves around the energy sector, which includes renewables like wind power, solar, ba ery technology

but we also work in gas- red power sta ons and gas plants.

“Servicing the farming indus y especially the dairy sector is part of our business too. We support the milk factories, and the farming communi where do everything om pulling a actor out of a dam through to an eight-crane li where we’re building a huge farm shed,” he said,” he said.

Chris explains how customer focused the WD Crane Services team is and how they work in with the requirements of the local business communi .

“Warrnambool is a remote regional town, and we work for and live within the local communi . Our team understands the importance of customer service and the importance of delivering on what we promise. We are a s ong team and we work well together. Some mes our work can be di cult, take uck rollovers as an example. We have to work together to

determine the best and safest way to get a B-double upright. e guys work really well with one another and give each other 110% support,” said Chris.

WD Crane Services understands it’s responsibili to the local businesses especially the farming communi .

“We support the farming communi , which can do it tough in the winter. We y to be as responsive as possible to our customers during the winter period. Equipment can get easily bogged in the wet condi ons and equally they require support during drought condi ons which are experiencing now.

“We’re sponsoring a Support the Farmer Founda on which focuses on mental health and care within the farming communi and we also sponsor three or four of the foo clubs. e local dairy farmers are a big part of our business and we will do whatever we can to support them and their families,” said Tony.

FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGGING AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT

RAYMOND MCLAREN A LIFTING LEGEND

Raymond McLaren, founder of Andromeda Industries, is the inaugural recipient of The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Lifting Legends Award. He has been recognised for his huge contribution to the global lifting industry.

RAYMOND SHARES HIS STORY.

“ ere’s a quiet brilliance in knots. Across the centuries, they’ve secured and built civilisa ons. From the ropes of ancient sailing ships to the in icate rigging of modern engineering, knots have quietly shaped the progress of humani , balancing simplici with profound func onali ,” said Raymond. “Is it any wonder a fascina on with them became the spark of my life’s work?”

Raymond explains how he se led on the name for the business.

“Andromeda is the only Greek legend with a happy ending when Achilles saves Andromeda om being taken by the sea monster and they get married. Anne e Williams now owns Andromeda Indus ies and she and Geo Bower will take it to big things,” he said.

Raymond explains his approach to the design and manufacturing.

“When I manufacture something, I y and get as close as I can to a perfect job, and that’s how we build our machines. I’ve virtually designed all of the machines that Andromeda employs today, and I’ve built a lot of the parts myself. My engineering abili es help me to conceive concepts and then design and manufacture them.

“Looking back on my early childhood, I think I was born an engineer and virtually had a slide rule in my hand at birth. I naturally knew how things worked. I built my rst lever-ac on ri e at 15 years old and a self-loading handgun. My parents weren’t really aware of the level I was working at.

“But a er I le school, I went s aight to Newcastle and started at Stewarts and Lloyds tube makers and did a mechanical engineering cer cate course. ose forma ve years were learning about the ade of machining plus the engineering behind the design of machines,” he said.

Raymond borrowed a book om Newcastle library called Knots, Splices and Fancy Work, which illus ated all the basic working knots plus a lot of the fancy knots which iggered his interest.

“Knots have always interested me, so I borrowed the book and purchased the cordage and started making them. Stewarts and Lloyds had their own rigging shop where they manufactured their own slings. It seemed to me a wire cable is more or less useless, but when it’s got an eye and an end to it, and by pu ng a splice in, you make the wire rope into a sling. Splicing the rope seemed like magic to me,” said Raymond.

“A er that, I went to Townsville and worked with Evans Deacon Indus ies for a year designing a conveyor belt system for a sugar mill. I wanted to go on an adventure up to Cape York and I saw an advert in the Cairns Post where an engineer was wanted

at Weipa to run the power sta on and I got the job,” he said.

When Raymond got to Weipa, the boss called and said, ‘Look Raymond, we employed you to run the power sta on, but could you drive a crane?’ Raymond was 21 and con dent he could, he had to approach the bosun who managed the store to make slings for the next day.

“ e bosun wasn’t reliable, and I ended up making my own slings. at experience did two things. It showed me the importance of the crane, what it does, how it works and how essen al they are. It also showed me the importance of a sling and how it has to be 100 per cent. I might be li ing an aircra engine worth thousands of dollars, and that sling has to get it to shore,” he said.

Weipa was a 12-month con act then Raymond decided to take a year o .

Raymond McLaren, Annette Williams and eo o e .

Images: Prime Creative

He went back to Townsville where the Townsville Regional Elec ici Board had heard that he could splice wire rope.

“I get the phone call, ‘Could you make some slings for us?’ and this was my rst order. Un l then, splicing had been a hobby but then I thought, ‘Maybe there is a business to be had in this,’ and that’s really how the business started,” said Raymond.

A er that rst order there were others, but Raymond decided to return to New South Wales.

“I thought I’d have a year o and do a bit of splicing here and there. Everywhere

I went, people wanted slings made. I had a splicing clamp and om the back of my old Land Rover, I could do mobile splicing. I’d pull up, set up my tent, and next thing there are people queuing up saying ‘make me slings’,” he said.

In due course, Raymond married Beryl, his rst wife and he built a caravan.

“ e caravan took me three months to build, and we avelled for seven years. I would do a circuit of New South Wales once every year, and by then I had regular customers in each town. I’d no fy them that I was coming, and they’d have orders ready. We started out as a mobile business,

my wife loved avelling, and we’d camp out everywhere, it was a good way of life.

“But eventually I could see I needed something more than a mobile workshop, we needed mechanisa on. Hand splicing is wonderful, but it’s slow. For me, Tamworth was always the best spot, and I purchased a block of land in 1967,” he said.

About the same me pressed ferrule technology was emerging, which made the manufacturing of slings far quicker and easier. Raymond built his rst press in 1967, then another one about three years later.

“Because I’m an engineer, by day I built a 250 tonne press and at night I designed machines. I could make my own tools and design and build my own machines and that started me on the path of manufacturing slings on a large scale. Early on with the business I had a sugges on om a Mr McNichols in Wagga Wagga who said, ‘You’re making great slings, Raymond, but could you make them more exible because they’re a bit s ?’”

“In my knot book there were examples of plaits and braids. I eventually came up with a four by three sinet plaited cable made of small wires which you plait into a bigger wire rope, and it achieved a exible sling, and that’s how the step om wire rope to Super ex cable came about.

“We had made hundreds of slings by hand, but it takes too long, I needed a machine. I had to invent, design and manufacture a machine that can make spools of plaited cable and that took 10 years of my life,” said Raymond.

Raymond has been ins umental in the li ing indus y and was part of the board that designed Aus alian standards. He helped in oduce plaited wire rope and all the braided cables as key elements of the Aus alian standards.

“A board called the ME-025 Group was formed and convened by Geo Rogers of Nobles and other luminaries in the indus y to upgrade the standards for slings and rigging gear om the old English standard 166, to an Aus alian standard. I was on the board that worked on that.

“We had mee ngs every couple of months over a two year period, and it was interes ng to put down on paper

Raymond could make his own tools and design and build his own machines. That started him on the path to manufacturing slings on a large scale.

new ideas, new guidelines for slings and rigging gear and it was a great honour to be involved. e legacy is that we’re s ll using that documenta on.

“One of the honours of my working life was becoming a member of the Li ing Equipment Engineers Associa on (LEEA). When you’re invited to join an indus y group like LEEA, it shows you have earned the creden als and what you have achieved is worthwhile. Over the years my company has manufactured thousands upon thousands of slings and they are li ing all manner of things.

“I have never wanted to, and never have, received a phone call along the lines of, ‘Raymond, one of your slings has failed and we have just dropped a $10 million product into the ocean’. My focus has always been to maintain standards and quali , knowing that we’re doing a good job and that the li ing indus y can rely on our products,” said Raymond.

Raymond virtually designed all of the machines that Andromeda employs today.

FIT FOR PURPOSE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIFTING EQUIPMENT

In industries like construction, mining, oil and gas, and port operations, the lifting of heavy loads is routine – but the risks are anything but ordinary.

“RECENTLY, I’VE HAD TWO SEPARATE conversa ons, one with the safe lead at a large global mining rm and another with the Warehouse Manager for a New South Wales Government en , where they said, ‘No one really takes responsibili for li ing equipment as their job,” said Jus n Boehm, Regional Manager for e Li ing Equipment Engineers Associa on (LEEA).

While most professionals in procurement, supervision, and leadership understand the fundamentals of li ing, real-world incidents show that even minor misjudgements in selec ng the right li ing equipment can lead to catas ophic consequences. Having gear that is “ t for purpose” means much more than picking something that can li a load – it requires full alignment with safe regula ons, task requirements, environment, and lifespan expecta ons.

LEEA’s Code of Prac ce for the Safe Use of Li ing Equipment (COPSULE) provides an interna onal best-prac ce amework for ge ng li ing equipment speci ca on right. When combined with compliance to Aus alian standards, this guidance o ers cri cal tools to ensure equipment isn’t just legal, it’s safe, suitable, and durable.

In Aus alia, legal du es for li ing opera ons are clear. Under the Work Health and Safe (WHS) laws, those conduc ng business (PCBUs), along with o cers and workers, must ensure li ing equipment is safe and used in accordance with manufacturer speci ca ons. Equipment is expected to meet applicable standards and be maintained and inspected by competent persons.

LEEA’s COPSULE reinforces this by outlining eight cri cal legal requirements, including suitabili for purpose, safe maintenance, competent personnel, and documenta on. It s esses that equipment

must be veri ed, correctly marked, and aceable, and that all those involved, om buyers to operators, share the responsibili for safe . A single lapse at the point of purchase or misuse can undermine an en re li ing system.

O en, the rst ques on asked when selec ng li ing equipment is: “What’s the weight of the load?” While important, weight is just one of many factors to consider. Yet, what needs to be considered is the ue speci ca on requirements of –Load pe, COG, li height and headroom and environment, to name just a few.

A 10-tonne crane for a portside facili exposed to salt spray and wind shear must be speci ed very di erently than a 10-tonne crane in a factory. Temperature, corrosion risk, and wind load must all be factored in. Specifying gear for the real condi ons, rather than ideal ones, is essen al. is

e inves ga on revealed mul ple failures, some as basic as not standing under a suspended load. But tellingly, maintenance and inadequate repair were the biggest culprits. e company was ned $840,000, and a senior manager received a personal ne. e court found that the equipment used was no longer t for purpose due to wear and improper maintenance. Even if it had once been properly speci ed, neglect over me had ansformed a compliant piece of gear into a deadly liabili .

One of the most common mistakes in equipment selec on is underes ma ng the environment’s impact on li ing gear. Salt air, dust, UV exposure, chemicals, and ex eme temperatures all degrade equipment at di erent rates.

LEEA’s COPSULE emphasises compa bili between the load, the environment, and the equipment material.

the load moves safely, the job stays on schedule, and the team goes home unharmed.”

means procurers and site managers must fully understand task equency, handling demands, and worst-case scenarios. As LEEA’s COPSULE points out, equipment should not just be capable of li ing a load once, it should handle repeated use, environmental wear, and the opera onal s essors over its working life.

“And when it does go wrong, we see agedy. A case in South Aus alia in 2021 illus ates the consequences of overlooking these principles. A 21-year-old appren ce was killed when a three-tonne tank fell om a gan y crane a er the hoist cable snapped,” said Jus n.

For hazardous environments like oil and gas, li ing equipment may also need explosion-proof cer ca on or be made of non-sparking materials. Selec ng gear with the right protec ve coa ngs, material grade, and fa gue resistance ensures a longer lifespan and fewer breakdowns. More importantly, it prevents exposure to hidden failure risks that can escape rou ne pre-use checks.

Equipment compliance is about more than markings and manuals. Every li ing item – om slings to spreader beams – must be aceable, cer ed, and veri ably tested. LEEA’s guidance encourages sourcing om

usted suppliers – ideally LEEA members – who are regularly audited for their manufacturing and inspec on processes. Using undocumented, second-hand, or modi ed gear without re-cer ca on in oduces serious risk.

No li ing equipment lasts forever. Yet, me and again, incidents occur because gear was kept in service too long, used too o en, or stored and maintained poorly.

e concept of Design Working Period (DWP) refers to the number of load cycles or hours of opera on an item is designed for. Even if no visible damage exists, an overused hoist or sling may be near its fa gue limit.

Rou ne inspec ons – daily visual checks, interim maintenance, and statutory thorough examina ons – are the safe net. But they are only e ec ve when records are kept, defects are acted on, and equipment is re red when needed.

Even the best equipment can fail if people aren’t ained to use it properly.

LEEA emphasises that competent people must be assigned to every part of the li ing process: speci ca on, inspec on, supervision, rigging, and opera on.

is is more than licences – it’s about crea ng a safe culture where:

• Near misses are reported and acted on,

• Equipment is only used within cer ed limits,

• Workers speak up if something seems unsafe,

• Li planning is part of the job, not an a erthought.

In a 2020 incident at a Western Aus alian mine site, workers used a davit crane to li a mini excavator om a crusher vault. Instead of following the OEM’s recommended li method using a spreader beam under the ack ame, the team hooked slings to a welded access step –never designed as a li ing point.

As the crane took the load, the weld failed. e excavator fell 10 me es into the vault. Two workers narrowly avoided being s uck.

is near miss could easily have been a fatali . It’s a reminder that equipment selec on includes not just the gear, but the a achment method, the rigging arrangement, and the personnel competence to interpret manufacturer guidelines. Correct li ing points ma er just as much as the crane’s capaci .

Under WHS laws, employers and site managers have a du to provide informa on, aining, and supervision. Courts have repeatedly found companies liable not just for equipment failure, but for system failures in planning and oversight.

Li ing equipment selec on is a technical, opera onal, and legal responsibili . Ge ng it wrong can have devasta ng consequences – as the above case studies show.

LEEA’s COPSULE sets the benchmark: select based on task, environment, and lifespan; verify compliance; and ensure competent use throughout. When li ing equipment is uly t for purpose, everyone wins: the load moves safely, the job stays on schedule, and the team goes home unharmed.

“Whether you’re wri ng the spec, signing o on a purchase, or supervising a cri cal li , ask yourself:

“Is this equipment uly t for purposetoday, and every day it’s in service?

“If you hesitate, dig deeper. Because in li ing, assump ons can be deadly – and best prac ce must be normal prac ce,” said Jus n.

Image: Prime Creative

LEEA’s Regional Manager Justin Boehm.

A LOCAL HEAVY-LIFT CHAMP WITH GLOBAL POWER

West Australian contractors who work between the hook and the load have long known Lifting Gear Hire & Sales (LGHS) for its deep inventory and quick turn-arounds.

NOW THE HENDERSON ASED SPEC A ST has esh backing. In May 2025 Axel Johnson Interna onal’s Li ing Solu ons Group bought Li ing Gear Hire & Sales – its second rental acquisi on in Aus alia a er Dynamic Rigging Hire in 2022 –bringing the two long- me partners under the same umbrella.

“Within the rst month we were approved for A$150,000 in new-gear capex,” said Li ing Gear Hire & Sales Manager Damien Treverrow, who has steered the hand-over. “ e ex a buying power means more choice for local clients.”

RO ONE SHED TO A O A A

Li ing Gear Hire & Sales started in 2015 om a single-shed hire yard. Damien, an ex-oil-and-gas rigger who “came om the other side of the hook”, joined 18 months ago and now runs day-to-day opera ons. A six-person team blends more than 30 years’ eld experience with thirdpar engineering support for li plans when required.

e yard sits in Perth’s southern marine precinct, minutes om the Aus alian Marine Complex and Garden Island naval base.

“Shipbuilders, o shore con actors and Defence suppliers keep us busy, but we also send gear to mining and civil sites as far as the Pilbara,” Damien said.

Cross-hire links inside the Global Li ing Group help Li ing Gear Hire & Sales mobilise at short no ce. “If we get a con act and haven’t got the equipment, we’re constantly cross-hiring om Dynamic Rigging Hire in Melbourne or Queensland Rigging Hire,” he said.

WHAT S ON THE SHE

Li ing Gear Hire & Sales primarily

Lifting Gear Hire & Sales Manager Damien Treverrow at the company’s warehouse in Henderson, Western Australia.

Crosby and Van Beest shackles, and a comprehensive selec on of precast li ing gear with clutches om Reid, Ancon, and PSA.

One of the latest addi ons to the eet is an o set crane work box om Maxirig. is work box features a rear counterweight and an extended working pla orm, providing a 1.6 me e (m)

the work pla orm remains level with both occupants at the ont.

e precast rigging gear inventory has been expanded to include all Reid, Ancon, and PSA face li ing clutches, edge li ing clutches, loop thimbles, and mistake plates. ese items are all ready for hire, complete with cer cates of test and non-des uc ve tes ng (NDT)

Images:

Lifting Gear

Hire & Sales

module build at Karratha for 18 months. Up to 15 Maxirig and Moduli beams –om 50t to 110t – are s ll on site.

WHY THE AXEL JOHNSON DEAL MATTERS

reports for the mistake plates, ensuring full documenta on for use.

Air hoists are a key component of Li ing Gear Hire & Sale’s rental eet, and J.D. Neuhaus (JDN) stands out as the highly regarded brand in this space for its reliabili and simplici . Li ing Gear Hire & Sales stocks JDN air hoists om 1t through to 25t capaci , o ering the exibili to cater to the speci c chain fall lengths of each end user. All load chains for their air hoists are sourced om RUD.

Machinery movement work is also well-catered for with a range of toe jacks, hydraulic li ing systems, load skates, and air castors. e 30t Aero Go air castor system, manufactured in the United States, is a high-quali op on that allows for the installa on of cri cal equipment in clean areas without leaving any markings on the oor surfaces.

Li ing Gear Hire & Sales’ inventory has everything needed between the hook and the load. e catalogue includes:

• Spreader & li ing beams (1t – 300t)

• Slings, shackles and load cells for secure and measurable li s

• Portable gan y cranes and materialshandling gear for con ned sites

• Hoists – air, elec ic and manual chain blocks

• Hydraulic jacking, skates and pad-eye testers

• Winches, air compressors and test weights

FAST, COMPLIANT AND DOCUMENTED SERVICE MODEL

Every item is inspected before dispatch, again on return, and placed in a rolling third-par recer ca on program.

“It’s a constant process,” Damien said. For engineered li s, Li ing Gear Hire & Sales brings in a chartered engineer, but most solu ons start with the in-house team’s “20 or 30 years’ experience”.

e proof can be found on the ground.

Li ing Gear Hire & Sales beams have been on Bechtel’s Woodside Train 2 gas-

Axel Johnson Interna onal’s Li ing Solu ons Group con ols more than 25 specialist companies across Europe, Asia and Aus alia. e Li ing Gear Hire & Sales purchase cements a west-coast footprint and gives the Henderson yard access to group-wide buying, engineering and sustainabili ini a ves.

Damien sees tangible bene ts already. “Being part of the group makes us far more compe ve on supply and equipment.” He also points to circulareconomy targets: refurbishing and re-cer fying gear extends service life and reduces waste across the rental pool.

Even with enquiry volumes “unusually quiet”, u lisa on remains high. “We’re s ll busy – there’s a lot of gear out, and we make sure people aren’t wai ng,” Damien said.

Backed by new capital, s onger eastwest links and an inventory that keeps growing – one o set work box and Aero Go air-castor at a me – Li ing Gear

Hire & Sales aims to stay the rst name Perth li planners call when heavy loads need to move safely and fast.

The yard is situated in Perth’s southern marine precinct, just minutes away from the Australian Marine Complex and Garden Island naval base.

WIRE ROPE WITHOUT THE WAIT

Wire rope is the unseen workhorse of Australia’s lifting it better than Peter Morley.

WITH NEARLY FOUR DECADES OF INDUSTRY experience, Peter remains a usted voice in selec ng, supplying, and maintaining crane ropes. “ e people that come in here have an expecta on, and by the me they leave they’ve usually got a smile on their face because they’ve been xed up s aight away,” he said.

A MARKET MEASURED IN KILOMETRES OF ROPE

According to the 26th edi on of the RLB Crane Index, about 840 cranes were ac ve on Aus alian sites in early 2025. Each of these cranes was carrying mul ple hoist and lu ng lines. No single dis ibutor can stock every variant, but Peter argues that All Li ing’s blend of local inventory

and global sourcing narrows the gap. “If the customer can wait and it’s just a replacement for one they’ve already got, you’d go o shore and get it,” he said, no ng established supply pipelines through Singapore and Korea that can dispatch cut-to-length reels directly to site. Urgent tasks, by con ast, are lled om branch stock so rigs are back on the hook within hours rather than days.

ROPE FAMILIES BUILT FOR CRANE DUTY

All Li ing’s catalogue now spans four principal, high-performance pes:

• High-s ength non-rota ng ropes for tower cranes demanding stabili

• Compacted non-rota ng ropes o ering s ength and minimal rota on

• Compacted six and eight-s and ropes for general crane and winch du es

• Compacted poly- lled-valley ropes, which reduce internal nicking with polymer inlays

Standard diameters range om 9 millime e (mm) to 64mm with tensile s engths up to 2160 megapascal (MPa). Lubrica on is tailored by applica on, om light mineral oils for high-speed hoists to heavy grease for marine environments.

SPEC FIRST, SELL LATER

Every order begins with a detailed speci ca on sheet. “You meet with the customer to get the exact requirements – breaking load, crane make, nishing lengths,” Peter said. Only once these are con rmed does the team decide whether to pull om local stock or source mill-cut lengths.

End termina ons are considered equally. All Li ing o ers poured sockets, swaged sockets, and thimbled eye splices, all assembled in-house with cer cates for proof-loading, batch con ol, and full material aceabili .

All Li ing also supplies wire rope presses and provides aining – including units delivered to Papua New Guinea –

Images: All Lifting

All Lifting bridges the gaps in supply for wire ropes with a mix of local stock and global sourcing.

The All Lifting team with a 600 tonne wire rope press bound for Papua New Guinea.

giving customers the abili to manage pressing opera ons on-site.

N HO SE PRESS N AT E ER OCAT ON

All Li ing is equipped with heavy-du pressing machines at every store to ensure fast, accurate, and cer ed rope fabrica on on demand. e Brisbane branch operates a 1500-tonne (t) press capable of handling up to 82mm wire rope. Campbell eld and Sydney both house 500t presses with a capaci of up to 38mm, while Dandenong is equipped with a 600t press that can manage ropes up to 42mm. Newcastle o ers pressing services for wire ropes up to 14mm, and the Port Moresby branch in Papua New Guinea operates a 300t press capable of handling up to 28mm. is dis ibuted capabili means urgent rope builds and replacements can be completed locally minimising down me and logis cs delays for cri cal li ing opera ons.

C TT N DOWNT E NOT CORNERS

For crane owners, lost produc on o en dwarfs the cost of replacement rope. at’s why All Li ing ships direct om factory to remote sites, whether it’s a mine in the Pilbara or a wind farm in Egypt, if that is the quickest route.

“Yes, air eight costs more,” Peter said, “but it’s worth it when you look at the cost of a crane si ng idle.”

SER CE WH E O WA T

Speed also drives the company’s Brisbane manufacturing hub, where ropes can be cut, ed and cer ed over the counter. at agili , he adds, is easier to deliver with a smaller enterprise like All Li ing than in a mul na onal warehouse where paperwork alone can add days.

D TA RE STERS EEP EETS CO P ANT

Managing inspec ons across a eet of li ing gear can be a logis cal headache, especially for opera ons juggling dozens of cranes, slings, and hoists across mul ple job sites. at’s where All Li ing’s elec onic asset- acking pla orm makes a real impact.

e system acks inspec on cycles and alerts teams when gear is due, whether for a sling check, service, or annual crane audit.

“ e system tells the guys when inspec ons are due,” Peter said. “It ees them up to focus on the job, not the paperwork.”

Each item is logged with its test cer cate, service history, and inspec on schedule, so nothing gets missed, making compliance simple and reliable.

E OND STEE RE ROPES A N RO ND

Synthe c alterna ves are also carving a niche. Peter points to ul a-high-molecular low-weight polyethylene products such as

Dyneema. “It’s as s ong as wire rope and 25 per cent lighter,” he said, though the material s ll costs ve to six mes more than steel and demands careful handling around sharp edges.

For now, All Li ing mainly supplies bre ropes for specialised o shore installa ons and rescue hoists, but Peter expects wider uptake as crane original equipment manufacturers cer fy synthe c lines on smaller capaci models.

NAT ONA OOTPR NT RE ONA A T

From a single Melbourne base in 1974, All Li ing has expanded its presence with branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Batam, and most recently Jakarta, Indonesia.

A second Melbourne branch has also opened in Dandenong, with inspec on services extending across the Gold Coast and regional Queensland.

Peter said this reach enables the team to handle everything om mining draglines in the Bowen Basin to container cranes in Port Moresby, all while maintaining the hands-on service that keeps customers coming back.

Each loca on stocks rope tailored to local indus y needs – om marine-grade galvanised s ands to low-temperaturerated ropes for blast-furnace shutdowns.

RE AT ONSH PS T ON RES TS

“ e customer service level here is way be er than they would get at a larger company,” Peter said.

He believes that a tude has helped All Li ing capture accounts om compe tors and keep them.

Regular toolbox talks, on-site splice demons a ons and same-day cer ca ons all reinforce the message that down me is the enemy.

E ES ORWARD EET ON THE RO ND

In a market where every crane down-day is money lost, the partnership between supplier and operator is o en worth more than the rope itself – and All Li ing is be ng that knowledge, speed and a growing network will keep those ropes turning for years to come.

iftin i bane b o e quick, over-the-counter rope c ttin fittin and ce tification.

JOIN REGATTA REGISTERS TO HANDLE YOUR OWN LIFTING EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

Crane and rigging companies have long juggled mountains of paperwork –clipboards, spreadsheets, or whiteboard schedules.

STAYING ON TOP OF EQUIPMENT

compliance and inspec on repor ng can be a daily headache, especially for businesses managing large eets and mul ple job sites. Recognising these pain points, a team of li ing indus y professionals in Aus alia developed a new cloud-based service called Rega a Registers. is so ware is purpose-built by li ing experts for li ing companies, aiming to modernise how crane and rigging businesses ack asset safe , inspec ons, and compliance.

Rega a Registers isn’t a generic o -theshelf app repurposed for cranes – it was

conceived within the li ing sector itself. “It’s designed by li ing experts for li ing experts,” said Alma Elks, Sales Specialist at Rega a Registers and part of the team behind the So ware as a Service (SaaS) pla orm. Developed en rely in Aus alia by professionals with extensive experience in compliance-driven environments, Rega a Registers carries the know-how of people who understand the s ingent safe standards and opera onal challenges in li ing opera ons. e result is a system nely tuned to the day-to-day reali es of crane and rigging businesses.

e team saw rst-hand how “manual processes were holding companies back,” Alma said. Many crane operators s ll rely on pen-and-paper logbooks or adhoc Excel sheets to monitor equipment status. “You’d be amazed how many big companies s ll have Monday-to-Sunday job schedules on a whiteboard,” she said. Important details – like whether a shackle’s cer ca on has expired or if a crane’s annual inspec on is due – can slip through the cracks in such manual systems. Rega a Registers was created to eliminate those uncertain es.

Business can track their assets and ensure seamless safety compliance for every piece of equipment.

By digi sing the equipment register and automa ng compliance tasks, it ensures nothing gets missed or out-of-date. “We built Rega a to address the day-to-day headaches we experienced in our own opera ons,” Alma said. In short, the pla orm is the product of on-the-ground li ing experience anslated into a useriendly digital tool.

SOLVING COMPLIANCE AND INSPECTION HEADACHES

At its core, Rega a Registers tackles four major opera onal pain points of crane and rigging companies: equipment compliance, inspec on repor ng, asset acking, and mul -site management. e pla orm serves as a secure, cen alised hub where all li ing gear informa on is stored and kept up to date. Users can log every piece of equipment – om cranes and hoists down to slings and shackles – into a digital register along with its cer ca on details and inspec on history. Once entered, the system takes over much of the adminis a ve burden.

Rega a Registers automa cally acks when each item is due for inspec on or

maintenance, based on dates or regulatory intervals. It sends mely reminders and alerts so that inspec ons aren’t forgo en.

“It will give reminders of when the equipment is due for inspec on,” Alma said. Meaning managers no longer have to rely on memory or scribbled calendar notes. When an inspec on is completed, the pla orm makes upda ng the record easy – an inspector in the eld can input the new inspec on date on a tablet, for example, and the system will instantly log it and generate a report. In fact, comprehensive reports can be produced with just a few clicks, providing an up-to-date snapshot of equipment status, maintenance history, and compliance records. ese reports can even be automa cally shared.

“It will send a report to whoever they want – it could be their customer or their manager,” Alma said, highligh ng how clients and stakeholders can be kept in the loop with minimal e ort.

Cri cally, compliance is built into every step. Each asset en y in Rega a Registers can be linked to the relevant

provides automated reminders, realtime updates, and e o t e e o tin .

safe standard or regula on it must meet. “Every item is linked to a standard, so it complies,” Alma said. e so ware essen ally creates a live compliance amework: at any moment, a user can see which equipment is cer ed and which might be approaching expira on or out of service.

is is a huge change om digging through le folders or hoping a tag on the equipment is s ll legible. With Rega a Registers, audit prepara on becomes easier as well – all records are organised and accessible in one system, and cer ca on documents or past reports are only a few clicks away. e pla orm even allows impor ng past data via CSV les, so companies can migrate their old inspec on records into the new system to maintain con nui .

Following input and feedback om local rms, Rega a Registers is launching to the broader market. e service is available on a subscrip on basis, with a ee ial and live demons a ons available for companies interested in seeing it in ac on. As an Aus alian-developed solu on, it carries a sense of local pride too.

Images: Regatta Registers

Regatta Registers

READY, RELIABLE, RESPONSIVE: LGH AUSTRALIA HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) recently launched its Australian lifting and rigging equipment business. As it does throughout the UK, Europe and the USA, LGH supports customers with the hire of quality products backed with a highly responsive approach to service and support. Hadley Price, a representative of LGH Australia, discusses their approach in more detail.

LGH WAS FOUNDED BY BILL PARKINSON inManchester, England in 1970 and remains family-owned and managed today. e company expanded signi cantly in

in Somersby, located an hour north of Sydney, marks LGH’s largest expansion in recent years.”

Now, the business brings its proven

and o ce space, suppor ng LGH’s high standards for equipment maintenance, quali assurance and customer service.

“Somersby gives us a s ong founda on – we’ve got the space, the access, and the abili to grow as demand increases,” said Hadley, “and most importantly, it allows us to deliver the fast, reliable turnaround mes our customers expect.”

QUALITY EQUIPMENT, READY TO GO

A mul -million-dollar investment in equipment supported the need to have comprehensive inventory readily available om day one.

“It was essen al that the equipment we invested met the requirements of the market. As a Group, we regularly invest in our wide and varied eet of hois ng, pulling, jacking, rigging, material handling and safe equipment to meet virtually every li ing or moving need om 500 kilograms to 1000 tonne. Whether it’s

Hadley Price and Holly Patterson have worked hard to establish LGH Australia.

Investment in its own test stand is a key di e entiato and allows fo i o o te tin in ection and ce tif in e i ment in o e.

support the local economy, so where possible, we source through local dis ibutors and manufacturers.

“Our investment in our own test stand aligns with the LGH footprint around the world. is is a key di eren ator, as it allows us to rigorously test, inspect, and cer fy our equipment in-house. is process ensures that all stock is ready for immediate and safe use,” he said.

LGH is commi ed to providing quick and responsive customer service, ensuring customers receive fully compliant equipment tailored to their needs, delivered to the right place and at the right me avoiding costly delays on a project.

“We understand that if equipment does not arrive as expected, it can lead to costly down me. As a customer-focused organisa on, we acknowledge that such situa ons are simply unacceptable. e Group decided to open LGH in Aus alia following a focus on growth and expansion. As the largest single organisa on devoted exclusively to the provision of li ing and moving equipment, we found Aus alia aligns well with our exis ng markets,

quote processing, logis cs, and more. We also bene t om the shared knowledge of the broader global LGH team and were excited to welcome team members om the USA in late July. We’re crea ng a team culture that’s focused on responsiveness, safe and solu ons,” said Hadley. at mindset was tested early – even before the doors o cially opened. LGH Aus alia was approached by Tier 1 cons uc on company John Holland, which urgently needed li ing gear for a cri cal li on the Waterloo Integrated Sta on Development in Sydney.

“It was a ght window and a highpro le project. ey needed our MOD 24 spreader beams delivered and ready to go the next day, and we made it happen. at kind of speed and reliabili is exactly what we’re here to o er,” said Hadley. With deep experience across cons uc on, in as ucture and energy, the Aus alian team is delivering the same usted service LGH is known for globally – tailored to local site condi ons, compliance requirements and real-world project demands.

including cons uc on, in as ucture, mining, energy, pe ochemical, marine, and o shore indus ies,” said Hadley.

“Addi onally, our s ong commitment to safe ensures we thrive in environments with s ict regula ons, making Aus alia a logical next choice for us. With the coun y seeing increased investment in in as ucture, manufacturing, cons uc on, and defence, we are excited to support the growth of these crucial sectors doing what we do best,” he said.

THE TEAM

“LGH is expanding its team, which now consists of 10 members. Each bring a wealth of experience om within the indus y.

“At LGH, our success is largely due to our commitment to li ing engineering and progression across everything we do. at’s why we place a s ong emphasis on aining, so all employees will undergo comprehensive aining both in-house and through seminars with our key suppliers.

“ is aining covers everything om ensuring equipment is safe and ready to use, seeking to meet customer’s needs, e cient

LOOKING AHEAD

In a high-risk, high-pressure indus y like li ing and rigging, down me is expensive – and reliabili is everything. With interna onal backing, local experience, and a service- rst mindset, LGH Aus alia is well posi oned to deliver what the market needs, when and where it’s needed most.

ie 1 b i de needed MOD 24 eade beam ic e e de i e ed and ead to o t e next da .

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THE BACKBONE OF BIG LIFTS

Drive through Melbourne and you’ve likely passed under a bridge, through a tunnel, or near a crane where Dynamic Rigging Hire played a critical role.

“WE’VE TOUCHED ALMOST EVERY MAJOR project in Victoria,” said Ross Johnson, Manager at Dynamic Rigging Hire. “Me o Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, North East Link – you name it, our gear’s probably been on it.”

Over the past decade, Dynamic Rigging Hire has quietly become a mainstay of Victoria’s in as ucture landscape, supplying the li ing and rigging equipment that supports some of the coun y’s most complex cons uc on and engineering challenges. Its gear helps weigh tunnel boring machine cu er heads, li modular bridges, rig oversized ansformers, and everything in between.

And it’s not just the big end of town. “We deal directly with some of the biggest players in the indus y, but we also work with the smallest crane yards in Melbourne – the ones with two cranes and a ute. And I’ll tell you what, it’s those smaller guys who walk in with a box of beer or a bo le of Bundy to say thanks. at kind of apprecia on s cks with you,” Ross said.

A SPECIALIST IN A CROWDED FIELD

While many rental companies dabble in everything om sca olding to jackhammers, Dynamic Rigging Hire has stayed ue to the essen als of heavy li ing and rigging.

Headquartered in Melbourne, Dynamic Rigging Hire o ers a specialist hire service that includes spreader beams, li ing beams, precast and duc ng cages, air hoists, winches, load cells, chain blocks, and custom test weights. Its clients range om cons uc on giants to marine operators and heavy ansport rms.

Whether you need equipment for a day, a month, or a year, Dynamic Rigging Hire is s uctured to supply and support.

“We stick to what we know best – lifting and rigging.”

“At Dynamic Rigging Hire, we s ck to what we know best– li ing and rigging. It’s our special , and that focus allows us to deliver quali products and services to every client, no ma er the size of their project. at consistency is what sets us apart,” Ross said.

e workshop team is led by Li ing Equipment Engineers Associa on (LEEA) ained sta and all equipment leaving the yard is thoroughly inspected and cer ed. is level of focus extends to the design of equipment. Dynamic Rigging Hire works closely with Maxirig, a Geelong-based fabricator, to produce custom li ing gear. “We’ve got a fourpoint spreader beam that’s one of a kind in Aus alia,” Ross said. “It folds in like two parallel beams hinged in the middle.”

BRIDGING THE GAP

A en on to detail is crucial for Dynamic Rigging Hire’s more technical work, such as weighing large, high-value assets.

In early 2024, the company was called in to weigh a massive ansformer manufactured in Melbourne ahead of a heavy haulage opera on to Queensland.

Using four 150-tonne (t) compression load cells connected to a digital display system, Dynamic Rigging Hire con rmed the ansformer’s nal weight at 167.59t. at precise reading formed the basis for nal permits and ansport calcula ons.

“We’ve weighed everything om tunnel boring machine heads to modular buildings and precast bridge segments,” Ross said. “Not many others in this space can handle that kind of job.”

Dynamic Rigging Hire specialises in heavy lifting and rigging and has stuck to its core business.

Images: Dynamic Rigging Hire

In fact, one of his proudest moments came during work on the North East Link, where Dynamic Rigging Hire’s technicians weighed the cu er head of a tunnel boring machine – a massive piece of equipment pushing over 370 tonne. “ at’s a specialist service,” he notes. “You can’t eyeball

that and hope it’s accurate. You need the right tools.”

SMARTER LOAD TESTING

Another standout project was the load test of a 130 tonne overhead crane in regional New South Wales. Dynamic Rigging Hire supplied all the

required load tes ng gear – including a combina on of steel test weights and water load bags – and sent an experienced technician to manage the rigging on-site.

Water load bags o ered a clever solu on to the site’s headroom res ic ons and dras cally cut eight needs.

“One rigid ay uck delivered everything we needed,” said Ross. “If we’d used steel alone, we’d have needed seven semi- ailers. e environmental and cost advantages are obvious.”

It’s this kind of ingenui that sets Dynamic Rigging Hire apart – not just the equipment, but how it’s applied.

FROM WORKSHOP TO WORKSITE

Step inside Dynamic Rigging Hire’s Melbourne yard and you’ll see what Ross casually refers to as “a shed the size of Bunnings.” Packed with li ing equipment, it re ects years of steady investment.

“We’ve got so much gear now, you almost forget what you have,” he laughs. “But every piece has a purpose.”

And for Ross, that gear isn’t just steel and shackles – it’s personal. “I used to drive my kids around the ci and point at bridges, sta ons, tunnels – places where our stu made the li happen.

ey got sick of it pre quickly. But for me? I see those projects as chapters in our story.”

at story isn’t con ned to Victoria. Dynamic Rigging Hire is now turning its a en on to Perth and other growing markets.

“Over in WA, we’re building our brand. It’s about showing people what we’ve already proven locally.”

For Ross and the Dynamic Rigging Hire team, what sets them apart isn’t just gear – it’s how they eat customers.

“We’ve always said it doesn’t ma er if you’re running a er-one in as ucture project or you’re an independent operator – we give you the same level of service. at consistency is why people come back.” It’s a small gesture, but one rooted in Dynamic Rigging Hire’s prac cal, customer- rst culture.

Spanset 20 tonne Magnum Plus Sling.

PUTTING ‘AUSTRALIAN MADE’ AT THE CENTRE OF EVERY LIFT

THE GLOBAL LIFTING GROUP IS BEST KNOWN as the li ing indus y’s quiet connector –a na onwide network that links specialist li ing, rigging and height-safe suppliers om Perth to Townsville and everywhere in between.

“ e group basically covers pre much the whole Aus alian region,” said Steve Flint, a 38-year veteran of the ade and long- me Global Li ing Group member. “We’re ying to provide a network of like-minded businesses that can o er customers and suppliers a consistent, high-quali service.”

What now sets the group apart is its collec ve push behind the Aus alian Made campaign. e ini a ve is not a marke ng slogan; it is a supply-chain s ategy born om COVID-era shortages and the current geopoli cal vola li .

“Nearshoring supply became cri cal when shipping lines stalled,” Steve said. “In uncertain mes you’ve s ll got the securi of Aus alian manufacturing.”

A SINGLE VOICE FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURERS

Global Li ing Group’s scale gives homegrown fabricators the kind of order volumes they once s uggled to secure on their own.

“If we went to these guys as individual companies, we probably wouldn’t have enough volume,” Steve said. “As a group we can make it economical for the manufacturer and s engthen their own supply chain.”

Member companies channel that pooled demand to key Aus alian brands such as SpanSet, Townley, Andromeda and Delphi Loadcells, providing a reliable pipeline of locally-made slings, chain, hardware and engineered devices. e alliance already represents “many of Aus alasia’s leading li ing, rigging and height-safe suppliers.” e member directory s etches across every major

state – only Darwin remains uncovered –giving project managers access to iden cal products and cer ca on paperwork regardless of postcode.

Quali con ol is a second pillar.

“ e reliabili of Aus alian product and the quali is superior to imported product,” Steve said. “You also get the guarantee that every item is built and tested to the relevant Aus alian Standard.”

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE

To see how the philosophy plays out in the eld, Steve said you only have to look at Dynamic Rigging Hire, Global Li ing Group’s Victorian member. e company manages more than 2000 pieces of specialist gear om its Melbourne headquarters and supplies con actors

on major State Government projects ranging om North East Link to the Me o Tunnel.

“We’ve touched almost every major project in Victoria,” says Dynamic Rigging Hire manager Ross Johnson. “Me o Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, North East Link – you name it, our gear’s probably been on it.”

Ross’s opera on is proof that ‘Aus alian Made’ is about more than pa io c s ckers. Dynamic Rigging Hire works with Geelong-based fabricator Maxirig to develop one-o solu ons such as a folding, four-point spreader beam “that’s the only one of its kind in Aus alia”. He said the abili to sit across the table om the designer, re ne a drawing and have the nished beam

Bridge segment being lifted in Tasmania using SpanSet slings.

Images: DRH

Dynamic Rigging Hire completed the job of tilting a 200-plustonne bridge segment, proving that the slings met standards.

could be load-tested on short no ce. e numbers stood up.

TRAINING

FOR THE LONG HAUL

Steve concedes formal quali ca ons for inspec ng li ing gear remain a “gap” in Aus alia, but said every Global Li ing Group company invests in its own programs while lobbying through LEEA for a na onal amework. “ ere’s no actual formal quali ca on for inspec on in our indus y– but we’re building the pathway,” he said. In prac ce that means shared modules on chain-block s ip-downs, sling re rement criteria and elec onic register management –knowledge the group disseminates ee among members.

WHY AUSTRALIAN MADE MATTERS IN 2025

Beyond compliance and logis cs, the Aus alian Made push has a s ategic dimension. Steve points to tari s, Middle-East shipping disrup on and vola le exchange rates as reminders that single-source o shore supply is a risk. “When it’s uncertain you want con ol,” he said. “Local manufacturing gives you that.”

cer ed to AS 4991 within weeks is a commercial edge imported hardware can’t match.

“ ere’s no point pretending to be everything to everyone,” Ross adds. “We know li ing. We know rigging. at’s what we do, and we do it properly.” at focus extends to inspec on: every item leaving Dynamic Rigging Hire’s yard is checked to Li ing Equipment Engineers Associa on (LEEA) standards, and the company brings in non-des uc ve tes ng (NDT) and load-cell specialists when needed – a compliance culture Steve said is common across the Global Li ing Group.

ECONOMIES OF SCALE MEET ECONOMIES OF TRUST

Global Li ing Group’s purchasing power

cost imports.

“Aus alia’s abili to manufacture is diminishing all the me,” Steve said. “We see a real place for high-end, locally made product – and we’re determined to support it.”

at resolve is reinforced each me a project requires certain rather than the cheapest line item. Earlier this year a Global Li ing Group member completed a complex li in Tasmania using SpanSet slings – gear chosen as much for aceabili and technical data as for s ength. e job, completed by Dynamic Rigging Hire, involved l ng a 200-plustonne bridge segment. It demanded proof that the slings met the standards and

Ross adds to the reasoning. “Customers don’t ring us because a spreadsheet says our shackle was two dollars cheaper,” he said. “ ey ring us because the gear turns up cer ed, it ts, and if something goes wrong we can get it sorted the same day.”

Global Li ing Group’s next step is bringing newer partners deeper into the campaign and rolling out a na onal branding package so end users can instantly recognise Aus alian-made op ons. Steve also wants to showcase more case studies that quan fy lifecycle savings versus low-cost imports.

“We’re not saying imported gear has no place,” Steve said. “But when the li is cri cal and the stakes are high, suppor ng local manufacturing is good for quali , good for the indus y and good for Aus alia.”

At a me when supply-chain resilience ma ers as much as capaci , that may be the li that keeps the na on building.

The 3Dx™ Articulating Clutch: One clutch. Multiple anchors. Every lift done right.

3DX10ALC, compatible with Reid™ 3DX10A 10t & 3DX8A 8.5t Narrow lifting anchors.

Articulating design, preventing handle bending or clutch rotation

Remote release, eliminating the need for an elevated work platform.

Quick and easy placement, reducing the risk of spalling.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the VLN 2.0 introduces a cutting-edge solution for lifting and manoeuvering heavy loads with unmatched precision.

PRECISION IN MOTION: THE VLN 2.0 REVOLUTIONISES LOAD HANDLING

BUILDING ON THE SUCCESS OF ITS predecessor, the VLN 2.0 in oduces a cu ng-edge solu on for li ing and manoeuvring loads with unmatched precision. is semi-autonomous, propulsion-driven device a aches seamlessly beneath a crane’s hook and is operated remotely, o ering enhanced con ol and safe on site. Equipped with advanced sensors that capture over 1000 data points per second, the VLN 2.0 con nuously monitors load dynamics in real me. Its powerful fan system ac vely

stabilises the load, counterac ng unwanted spinning, rota on, and other hazardous movements that can lead to site damage or injury. e result is a smarter, safer, and more e cient li ing experience.

WHAT’S NEW

e upgraded VLN 2.0 brings a host of improvements to enhance safe , e ciency and precision con ol on projects.

“ e brilliant team at Vita Indus ial has almost doubled the energy capaci , extended ba ery life and redesigned the

E-Box with a sleek new look that caters to a wider range of rigging angles. A completely re-engineered data fusion algorithm and sensor suite vastly improve precision and accuracy in GPS-challenged environments such as urban cen es and areas with obscured views of the sky,” said Niall.

SOLVING LIFTING CHALLENGES

“Not all jobs are the same, but all li s can be performed safer, faster and more e ciently. If one of our standard models does not meet the li ing requirements of your project,

Images: VLN

The

Erne Li ing along with interna onal partners, MDM li ing and Vita Indus ial can help con gure a solu on with you.

“While we pically showcase the VLN in standard con gura ons mounted on spreader bars of varying lengths to support li s across most indus ies, some projects demand more customised setups. anks to its modular design, the VLN’s

bars or even a ached directly to the load to con ol even the largest and most complex li s,” said Niall.

At the core of this exibili is a sophis cated so ware algorithm that con nuously analyses the interac on between the fans and the load in real me. It calculates the precise torque required, both in magnitude and dura on, to achieve smooth, stable con ol. is powerful, autonomous system enables a single operator to manage any con gura on, whether standard or highly customised, and using the same intui ve remote con ol. e system is also capable of dual con ol and can be switched between operators when required.

FEEDBACK ON THE VLN SYSTEM

“Since bringing the product to the market in early 2024, the VLN was unknown technology and we were aware of the challenges this would cause. It wasn’t only a case of crea ng product awareness and exposure; it also meant con on ng

In indus ies like cons uc on where crane opera ons demand reliabili , new technology is o en met with scep cism,” said Niall.

Despite this, the response om the market has been overwhelmingly posi ve. In terms of bene ts, the VLN is undeniable. With a remote-con ol range up to 182 me es and elimina ng the need for taglines, crew members are outside the danger zone un l the load is placed and con rmed safe to work. Produc vi is signi cantly increased thanks to precision con ol and memory func onali .

“We see a 30 per cent increase in daily li s, not to men on days that sites previously would have been shut down due to wind or other weather condi ons, the VLN allows work to con nue in most cases. e end result is projects nishing either on me or ahead of schedule. In a world where safe and speed are nonnego able, adop ng this technology is not only a necessi , it is a s ategic advantage a

upgraded VLN 2.0 brings a host of improvements to enhance safety,

cienc and eci ion control to projects.

Using the intuitive remote control, the system is capable of dual control and can be switched between operators when required.

“Thanks to its modular design, the VLN’s high-powered fans can bars or even attached directly to the load to control even the largest and most complex lifts.”

company needs to stay compe ve and be ready to lead the future of crane opera ons,” he said.

STEVE QUINN PROJECT MANAGER BBV

“It is now six weeks’ since we took delivery of your VLN stabilising device here at Bromford Intermediate sha . Our li ing opera ons here were severely hampered by the fact that our 18.6 me e diameter sha only has a ver cal Plenum opening 8.450 me e x 5.200 me es. Some of the loads we have to li into the sha are over 7.5 me es wide and can be anything up to 30 tonnes in

weight. e abili to rotate the VLN device by remote con ol is a ‘God send’, enabling us to posi on the load in the precise orienta on for safely entering the Plenum con nes and lowering to pit bo om safely and without the fear of wall s ikes during descent or wind ac on rota ng the load mid li . is is due to the VLN remotely se ng posi on once orienteered correctly by the lead slinger.”

BILLY BRANT AP KIRBY GROUP

“A new update on the vita, we have had so much produc vi since not being winded

o . We have caught up with the steel company and now are wai ng on them, whereas before they were wai ng for us. is has 100 per cent given the project the boost it needed, we are 100 per cent be er on produc vi and li ing opera ons have been given an even greater safe factor.”

RAISING THE BAR

A er the successful launch in New South Wales, Erne Li ing expanded its presence into Western Aus alia and brought in James Flanagan as the representa ve to oversee opera ons.

“With all cri cal components now aligned, we are excited to establish a new indus y benchmark for best prac ces in li ing opera ons across Aus alia,” said Niall. “We encourage interested companies to contact us to arrange a demons a on of this indus y-leading technology or visit our website h ps://erneli ing.com.”

A NEW STANDARD IN LIFTING DESIGN

With demand surging for more complex, heavily reinforced concrete panels, Reid has stepped up with a specialised solution: the 3DX Narrow Anchor and Edge Lifting Clutch system.

DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF a shi ing precast indus y, this new addi on to the usted 3DX range lls a cri cal gap in panel li ing – o ering s ength, compa bili , and con dence for crane crews working on today’s ghttolerance s uctures.

“We had built a solid reputa on with our original 3DX anchor, which covers a wide range of applica ons,” said Ian Ferrier, Product Development Manager at Reid. “But with precast panels becoming thinner in some cases and more densely reinforced in others, we needed a solu on that could physically t where our 10-tonne(t) anchor couldn’t – without compromising on safe or performance.”

A SOLUTION BORN FROM INDUSTRY CHANGE

e challenge stemmed om increasingly complex wall panels featuring two layers of reinforcement. ese are commonly found in s uctural and seismic-rated applica ons, where adi onal li ing

anchors may simply be too bulky to slot between the steel.

“We saw a real end emerging where panels weren’t just single-mesh anymore –they had dual layers, spaced ghtly in 150 to 200-millime e(mm) thicknesses,” said Ian. “ at created a physical limita on. Our exis ng anchors couldn’t be installed without clashing with rebar.”

is led the Reid team to engineer a new anchor pro le – one narrow enough to install cleanly between dual reinforcement layers, yet robust enough to handle demanding site loads. e result was the 8.5-tonne 3DX Narrow Anchor.

ENGINEERED FROM THE GROUND UP

Despite its slimmer geome y, the new anchor s ll incorporates all the patented features that de ne the 3DX system. Chief among them is the I-beam design, which uses large anges top and bo om to grip esh concrete e ec vely during earlyage li ing.

“ ose wide anges, especially the lower one, are what really bite into the

concrete when you li the panel o the cas ng bed,” Ian said. “It’s a forged alloy steel anchor, and the shape is engineered to push steel outwards where it ma ers most.”

is intelligent redis ibu on of material means the anchor maintains s ength while ng in ghter spaces.

“We’ve reinforced around the head to make sure it doesn’t deform, even under high loads,” Ian said. “It engages smoothly with the clutch and concrete alike.”

e anchor also retains Reid’s signature duc li – a cri cal safe factor in li ing. “Duc li means it will deform gradually if overloaded, rather than snapping,” Ian adds. “It gives crews a warning signal, rather than a catas ophic failure.”

CLUTCH COMPATIBILITY AND SITE SAFETY

One of the anchor’s key s engths lies in its backwards compa bili . Reid has ensured that the new unit is fully compa ble with its exis ng 3DX ar culated clutches, including the indus y-renowned remote-release model.

With rigorous testing, Reid’s 3DX Narrow Anchor provides construction crews with a reliable solution for lifting panels.

“ at was non-nego able for us,” Ian said. “We wanted the erec on crews to only carry one clutch – one that ts our en re anchor range, om legacy 7t Jaws anchors right up to the 10t 3DX anchor.” e system also features mechanical safe built into the clutch-anchor interac on. Small nodules on the anchor head limit clutch rota on during angled li s, reducing the risk of spalling due to the clutch bearing on the agile sides of the void.

“It’s a small feature, but really important,” said Ian. “When you’ve got a sling angle, that clutch can y to rotate on the anchor. We’ve engineered the head so that the clutch locks in one direc on but s ll releases easily in the other. at’s cri cal when you’re using remote-release ropes om the ground.”

is func onali ensures fast cycling during panel erec on and avoids hold-ups associated with needing elevated work pla orms to disengage clutches.

TESTED FOR CONFIDENCE

Every anchor in Reid’s li ing range undergoes a comprehensive valida on program, and the new narrow anchor is no excep on. e product has been tested extensively to the revised 2024 AS 3850.1 standard – including speci c provisions for anchors that operate without relying en rely on a tension bar.

“Even though our system includes a tension bar, we don’t depend on it,” said Ian.

“ e anchor does the bulk of the work by itself. at’s now something AS 3850.1 speci cally tests for, and we’ve passed with ying colours.”

Tes ng includes simulated li s within 24 hours of cas ng – the indus y standard for speed but a challenging environment for anchors.

“I o en say, if that concrete were a footpath, we wouldn’t even let people walk on it a er 24 hours,” Ian said. “And yet, we’re li ing mul -tonne panels. It shows how important the right anchor and the right tes ng are.”

Reid’s in-house tes ng facili casts and breaks up to 150 tonnes of concrete per year – with test data rigorously

documented and directly linked to published load ra ngs.

“It costs us 10 mes more to test than it does to develop the product,” Ian said. “But that’s how we can look a builder in the eye and say, ‘ is anchor performs. Here’s the proof.’”

A BROADER USE CASE

While designed for dense reinforcement, the 8.5t anchor isn’t limited to s uctural walls. It also suits thinner, single-reinforced panels commonly used in architectural cladding on steelamed buildings.

“We’ve e ec vely bridged both ends of the spec um,” Ian said. “It replaces our older, low-volume three-tonne unit, while also solving the problem of oversized anchors in ght doublereinforced panels. It’s already being used in both applica ons.”

Feedback om early adopters has been overwhelmingly posi ve, with some con actors switching exclusively to the narrow anchor, while others are using it alongside Reid’s 10t op on, depending on the job.

Reid’s 3DX Narrow Anchor isn’t just a response to market demand – it’s a forward-thinking product designed to simplify li ing opera ons without sacri cing engineering rigour.

Backed by rigorous tes ng, siteready design features, and broad compa bili , the anchor represents a exible solu on for precasters, riggers, and builders alike.

“Our mission was simple,” said Ian. “Give people on site a product that just works – whether it’s a 125mm architectural panel or a 200mm s uctural wall. If it’s a Reid anchor, they can li with con dence.”

Images: Reid

The 8.5-tonne 3DX Narrow Anchor features Reid’s patented I-beam design.

Render of the 3DX Narrow Anchor and Edge Lifting Clutch system.

Better Flexibility and Efficient Operation

The SANY SAC1200E isn’t just a crane, it’s a statement. With a massive 66m, 7-section boom, plus an 18.7m fixed jib and hydraulically adjustable jib, this 120-tonne all-terrain machine is built to go further, lift smarter, and work harder. Its dual-engine system delivers serious power on-road and on-site, while the 940mm counterweight configuration keeps the tail swing tight, perfect for confined spaces without compromising lift. Every function can be controlled via full wireless remote. Standard anti-electromagnetic interference tech ensures the SAC1200E performs flawlessly even in the toughest electrical and magnetic environments. And with the all-new iCab, designed for comfort, control, and visibility — it’s clear this crane was built with the operator in mind. Available from Tutt Bryant Equipment, the SAC1200E is what modern lifting looks like.

The entire operation took place within a fully operational facility, surrounded by eight active mills and continuously running conveyor belts, all vital for maintaining production.

XTREME LIFTING SOLUTION

When Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) required an upgrade for Mill number one, they Contacted Xtreme Engineering which is renowned for executing complex, high-stakes projects.

THE CHALLENGE INVOLVED FABRICATING a brand-new mill shell om 50 millime e thick rolled plates with machined anges on both ends, installing rubber lining, a grout lled division head and metal liner plates, and delivering the brand new shell, complete with new mill heads to site.

But replacing the old 118-tonne mill wasn’t just a simple swap. Situated in a highly con ned area, conven onal cranes couldn’t access the site. Instead, the old mill had to be ex acted, ansported using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), and li ed with a dual-crane opera on – a 220-tonne and a 350-tonne hydraulic crane working in perfect sync. e new 148-tonne mill followed the same in icate choreography in reverse – carefully li ed, ansported, and installed. e nal phase involved reinstalla on of cri cal mechanical drive

components, including the girth gear, pinion, new couplings, gearbox, and recondi oned elec ic motor, ensuring seamless integra on with the exis ng plant in as ucture.

What made this project even more demanding was the fact that the en re opera on took place within a fully opera onal facili , surrounded by eight ac ve mills and con nuously running conveyor belts, all vital for maintaining produc on. Precision, e ciency, teamwork and expert coordina on were paramount.

THE LIMITATION WITH THE EXISTING METHOD

Tradi onally, ball mill removals and installa ons at the QAL facili relied on the jack-and-pack method, u lising SPMTs and climbing jacks. While

func onal, this approach had its drawbacks – capaci cons aints, me ine ciencies, and increased con ned space work within a live opera onal plant. A major limita on was that the exis ng mill shell required both heads to be removed before mill shell removal, adding complexi and risk to the process.

Recognising an opportuni for innova on, the X eme Engineering team approached Mammoet and together they in oduced a new li ing method, Mammoet’s JS500 jack-up system. is cu ng-edge approach, deployed for the rst me as an alterna ve to the adi onal method, o ered greater li ing capaci , enhanced safe , and s eamlined e ciency – rede ning how heavy mill components are handled in challenging environments.

Images: Xtreme Engineering

THE NEW METHODOLOGY

e in oduc on of JS500 jack-up system revolu onised ball mill installa ons at QAL, se ng a new benchmark in e ciency and safe . Unlike the adi onal jack-and-pack method, which required dismantling both heads om the mill shell, the JS500 system enabled the complete removal and installa on with the heads s ll a ached – a previously impossible feat.

By u lising two JS500 towers, each boas ng a 500-tonne capaci , X eme Engineering slashed the exchange meline by more than half for the replacement of mill shell, reducing mill down me by approximately two weeks. is not only minimised produc on losses but also delivered substan al cost savings and health and safe bene t for the project and client.

Beyond e ciency, the ground-level execu on of the JS500 method eliminated the need for personnel to work at height, being able to execute the exchange leaving both mill heads a ached also eliminated the need for con ned space en y, signi cantly reducing project risk. e shi om the old methodology to this cu ng-edge approach not only overcame previous limita ons but also exceeded

the client’s expecta ons – se ng a new indus y standard for safe , precision, and cost-e ec veness.

EXECUTION

e execu on of this new methodology began with the JS500 system jacking up to seven me es, carefully posi oning the Ball Mill into a saddle to li it clear of its supports. Once secure, the mill was skidded ve me es at height at a precise angle to clean obs uc ons, then lowered into pre assembled sta c cradles to take the en re weight and enable demobilisa on of the JS500 towers and acks, a ix-axle-line SPMT was mobilised and posi oned precisely then elevated to ansfer mill shell om sta c cradles to SPMT for ansport.

Naviga ng the con ned site required major planning. A er clearing the ghtest area, an addi onal our axles were added to the SPMT, ensuring su cient ac on to safely descend a 10 per cent gradient. e mill was then carefully ansported to its temporary laydown area, where the en re sequence was reversed for the installa on of the new mill.

At the designated laydown area, X eme Engineering executed a precision dual li , using 350-tonne and 220-tonne

hydraulic slew cranes to ansfer the old mill o the SPMT and replace it with the newly fabricated mill. Every step of the process was a combina on of heavy-li exper se and awless execu on to deliver a mill exchange.

THE SUCCESS STORY

e Ball Mill exchange project at the QAL facili is a testament to X eme Engineering and Mammoet’s abili to innovate, adapt, and execute complex engineering solu ons with precision. By leveraging innova ve li ing technology and s ategic planning, the project delivered remarkable outcomes:

• Signi cant me savings – e advanced methodology reduced opera onal down me by two weeks, thanks to the abili to remove and install the mill with its ends intact. is enabled QAL to resume full produc on well ahead of schedule.

• Reduced risk and enhanced safe – By elimina ng the need for work at height, con ned space and manual handling the JS500 system dras cally improved personnel safe , reducing exposure to high-risk environments.

• Cost e ciency – e reduc on in down me, combined with a s eamlined approach, led to substan al cost savings. e op mised methodology minimised the need for addi onal equipment and personnel, ensuring a cost-e ec ve execu on.

• Seamless collabora on – Leveraging 3D modelling and maintaining close client collabora on, poten al challenges were iden ed and mi gated early, ensuring a smooth and e cient project delivery.

By challenging conven onal methodologies and implemen ng advanced li ing technology, the project delivered a faster, safer, and more coste ec ve solu on – one that not only met but exceeded client expecta ons. is project stands as a testament to exper se in heavy fabrica on and precision installa on, reinforcing X eme Engineering’s reputa on as indus y leaders in tackling complex challenges.

Xtreme Engineering approached Mammoet and together they introduced a new lifting method, Mammoet’s JS500 jack-up system.

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

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

INAUGURAL CRANE AUCTION A MAJOR SUCCESS

Crane Auctions Australia (CAA) held its inaugural crane auction in May and the industry responded in a quick and positive manner. CAA is a joint venture between MCT Equipment and All Cranes Sales. Anthony and James Grosser, along with Todd and Peter Shelton from All Cranes Sales, explain more about the industry’s response to the auction.

“WITH EVERYTHING TAKEN INTO account, we were really happy with the results om the rst auc on. We had over 200 individuals register and create accounts, but there was a emendous amount of interest during the lead-up and we generated over

a million impressions,” said Todd. “When you think we only had three weeks of adver sing in the lead-up to the auc on, we were really happy with the levels of interest. Being our rst auc on, we gained signi cant insights, enabling us to be more organised

for the next auc on, which will be in September.”

MCT Equipment and All Cranes Sales have a marked advantage as both are experienced in the used crane indus y and both have been ac vely ying to sell the machines that weren’t

websites and there was con nued interest in those cranes with quotes being provided.

“We’ve been receiving enquiries om businesses that weren’t quite ready at auc on me and we are handling a number of solid leads which we are pre con dent about and these should lead to cranes being sold. We told the market that we would be providing an integrated sales approach to the auc ons and that’s what we are doing. Weeks a er the auc ons we are s ll nego a ng poten al deals and the exposure hasn’t stopped for our customers that are ying to sell their cranes,” said Todd.

With a broad range of cranes, capaci es and ages included in the auc on James explains what was successful.

“ e larger capaci machines were the winners and a number of them went for good prices. ere were several bidders for the large capaci machines, both om the domes c and interna onal markets. e split of

sold during auc on, providing a more rounded sales process for customers.

“As Todd said, there was a massive amount of interest in the lead-up to the auc on and a erwards we would have each received 50 to 100 phone calls asking about the auc on and how it went, and these conversa ons led to sales for our own individual en es and addi onal sales a er the auc on was complete. is con rmed that our rounded sales approach is what the indus y is looking for,” said Anthony.

“We had a clearance rate of 40 per cent. We are s ll nego a ng with a number of interested par es and we should close those deals soon,” he said.

Two weeks post auc on, the cranes not sold have been listed on both MCT Equipment and All Cranes Sales

like engineering and civil cons uc on companies, that aren’t directly related to cranes but will have some interest. We think this s ategy will make the auc on more compe ve.

“We learnt a lot om the rst auc on, with our next auc on already booked. We were ex emely happy with the performance of the pla orm with our customers also pleased with our approach. Timing was probably the biggest lesson we learned.

“Timing includes ge ng the machines to market faster so people can see what we’re working with and also what me the auc on takes place and par cularly when it nishes.

“ e ming was a li le out because interested par es could have s ll been opera ng cranes or doing school runs. We can now see the bene t of holding the auc on later in the day and we expect more ac vi during the next auc on as a result,” he said.

e CAA team is excited about the next auc on Anthony said.

“ e next auc on will take place

“The next auction will take place between September 18 and 25 and there will be a lot of advertising promoting this.”

bidders was 50/50, and because you are dealing with mul ple buyers, the auc on process ‘keeps them all honest’. With the older, larger capaci cranes, there was mixed results, however there have been several enquiries post auc on,” said Peter.

e auc on a acted a s ong mix of crane hire businesses as well.

“We had a number of small to medium-sized businesses bid in the auc on and also a couple of very large players. We had Tier One public listed companies, down to small owner operators who have one crane or are looking to get into the market,” said Todd.

“For the next auc on we will spread the net even wider and look to a act bidders om other indus y sectors

between September 18 and 25 and you will see a lot more adver sing promo ng the auc on. We already have a good spread of inventory, including major brands and a broad range of capaci es. Basically we have something for every market and every bidder –both domes c and interna onal.

“We are really responsive to our customers’ needs, and we understand these cranes are urgently required, maybe a day or two later. A er the rst auc on James was in the yard un l late, ge ng cranes on oats.

“We organised the ansport and actually drove the cranes onto the oat. at’s because we work with cranes all day every day allowing us to provide excellent service to our customers.”

The team behind CAA, Todd Shelton, Anthony Grosser, Peter Shelton and James Grosser

PLAN YOUR ENTRY

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) recognises excellence and innovation in the Australian crane industry with the CICA Lift Of The Year Awards.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

LIFT OF THE YEAR –UNDER 20T

LIFT OF THE YEAR –OVER 20T

PROJECT OF THE EAR W NNER

Sydney Gateway Project John Holland - Seymour Whyte JV.

LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20

TONNES W NNER BMS Heavy Cranes Australia & CPB Contractors & John Holland Joint Venture.Girder GSR-08 Install of Bridge 80 of the West Gate Tunnel Project.

NNO AT ON AWARD W NNER

Alevro. LNG Compressors Jack Down with Jacking System.

BILL SHAW MEMORIAL CUP W NNER BMS Heavy Cranes Australia and CPB Contractors & John Holland Group Joint Venture.

LIFT OF THE YEAR LESS THAN 20

TONNES W NNER John Holland and Johnson & Young Cranes. Relocation of the heritage listed Nissen Hut.

Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is expanding its Ehingen-Berg site to build new facilities including a customer centre and dispatch building.

A 54-HECTARE LEAP FORWARD

Liebherr bets big on Ehingen-Berg: New 54-hectare expansion sets the stage for next-gen crane hub.

E HERR WER EH N EN H ( WE) is doubling down on its heartland in southwestern Germany. “Together with the mayor of Ehingen, we have signed the purchase agreement for an addi onal area at the Ehingen-Berg indus ial site at the end of June,” the managing directors said.

e newly acquired plot – 54 hectares in all – begins directly behind the service and repair cen e that opened in 2022.

“With this newly purchased land in Ehingen-Berg, we are con nuing to develop our already exis ng EhingenBerg site,” the company said.

e ground-breaking ceremony has been scheduled for September 2025, with cons uc on to follow immediately a er. Phase one will ansform roughly 250,000 square me es (m²) – about half the new site – into a customer cen e, a dispatch building and ex a logis cs space.

“ e project teams for the rst steps are already working fast to ensure a s aigh orward development of the new site,” the company said.

NS DE E HERR S CRANE H

e Ehingen plant has been the global home of Liebherr mobile and

crawler cranes since 1969. e cranes manufactured in Ehingen can be roughly divided into two product lines. On the one hand, there are the wheeled mobile cranes, which include all terrain mobile cranes, compact cranes, uck-mounted cranes and rough-terrain cranes. On the other hand, are the crawler cranes with la ce jibs or telescopic booms. is concen a on of manufacturing muscle has helped Liebherr clinch – as the company equently notes – “the world’s largest por olio of mobile and crawler cranes.”

Image: Halifax Crane Hire.

YOUR ALLY IN LIFTING THE IMPOSSIBLE

For more than 30 years, Alliance Engineering Consultants (AEC) has forged a reputation across Australia as a trusted name in solving some of the most complex lifting and structural engineering challenges.

professionals and a ack record that spans the oil and gas, mining, local government and cons uc on sectors, the Perth-based consultancy is known for its inven ve and prac cal engineering approach.

AEC’s ethos is s aigh orward: bring a “can-do” a tude to every project, no ma er how daun ng the condi ons. Whether it involves decommissioning s ucturally compromised equipment, naviga ng cons aints like con ned spaces or no-hot-work zones, or preven ng workplace hazards, AEC consistently delivers custom engineering solu ons. e following three examples om the past year exemplify the exper se, each showcasing how Alliance Engineering’s specialist team anslated

problems into prac cal, safe, and coste ec ve outcomes.

LIFTING THE UNLIFTABLE

One of AEC’s notable projects involved removing a severely corroded and s ucturally condemned container om an o shore gas facili . e project’s complexi was heightened by opera onal cons aints: no hot work allowed, limited crane availabili , and minimal o shore manpower due to bed space and other cri cal tasks.

Lead S uctural Engineer Steve Kea ng was tasked with solving the issue. Drawing inspira on om both anatomy and architecture –speci cally, the human skeleton and the internal s ucture of the Statue of Liber – Steve proposed designing

a lightweight internal skeleton for the container. is internal ame would take the load during li ing, compensa ng for the compromised s uctural integri of the container’s corroded walls.

AEC used 3D laser scanning and local non-des uc ve tes ng (NDT) data to iden fy points on the container with su cient thickness of steel. e lightweight ame was designed with bolted connec ons, elimina ng the need for welding. All assembly work was done internally, avoiding costly external sca olding and ‘Working at Height’ risks.

Further complica ng the job was the need to calculate the combined cen e of gravi of the container and ame to prevent li ing instabili . Once complete, the container was safely

Alliance Engineering Consultants successfully removed a structurally com omi ed o o e containe in an innovative internal skeleton design.

hoisted and loaded into a rated o shore container for backload to shore. e successful li was achieved with minimal o shore crew interven on and received high praise om the opera ons team. Removing or reloca ng the ‘unli able’ is where AEC thrives.

ASSESSING DROPPED OBJECT RISK

In another recent job, AEC was urgently brought in to assess the risk posed by corroded steel elements falling om a 30-me e-high tower onto a covered walkway below. With opera ons ongoing, there was an immediate need to understand the risk and determine what protec ve ac ons might be required.

Senior Engineer Ma Kazazi led the analysis, conduc ng nite element analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks Premium, a 3D design tool, to simulate the impact of falling debris. Closeup imagery using drones was used to map the ajectory and poten al impact points, which revealed that objects falling om above 17 me es could possibly perforate the stainlesssteel canopy.

A 3D design tool was used to simulate the impact of falling debris.

Physical drop tests were used to determine the impact of falling debris.

To validate the simula on, drop tests were conducted over a weekend by Ma , Yasmin Santana, and Mike Hubble. ese physical tests con rmed that perfora on occurred at higher eleva ons, and a fail-safe height threshold was established. As a result, a mobile olley system was developed to safely contain or de ect debris that might occur om 20 me es or above. is combined theore cal and physical valida on allowed the client to avoid a blanket res ic on on opera ons, keeping work on schedule while ensuring personnel safe . It also added valuable real-world data to AEC’s expanding knowledge base. AEC encourages the prac ce of proving the theore cal with physical tests.

STRUCTURAL SURPRISES ON RAIL BRIDGES

Alliance Engineering was also engaged by a cons uc on rm to laser-scan a pair of rail bridges in Perth. e goal

was to verify whether the proposed new access-way design – prepared by another par – aligned with the actual as-built status of the s uctures.

Lead Designer Mike Hubble led the project, conduc ng detailed 3D laser scans despite opera onal limita ons such as res icted access and a narrow night- me work window due to ac ve rail services. Underdeck scanning required boat avel to each pier loca on, adding logis cal complexi .

e scans revealed signi cant level di erences om pier to pier and across the acks – details not re ected in the original plans.

is informa on not only helped avoid major design clashes but also enabled quick adjustments to the proposed s uctures, including walkways, gra ng panels, handrails, ramps and addi onal bracing.

e survey also helped fabricate numerous s uctural elements and gra ng panels with precision, based on the actual site geome y. One not surprising outcome was the determina on that levels were considerably di erent om pier to pier. is insight was shared with the asset managers for future remedia on planning.

e client praised Hubble’s me culous work, no ng the importance of verifying assump ons when working with legacy s uctures.

e project ul mately demons ated how advanced scanning technology can reduce costly errors and enable faster, more accurate fabrica on.

ese three examples highlight what Alliance Engineering does best – deploying technical exper se and crea ve problem-solving to engineer safe, e cient, and prac cal solu ons under pressure.

Whether it’s working o shore under ght res ic ons, managing risk on cri cal in as ucture, or delivering pinpoint accuracy in s uctural fabrica on, AEC brings deep indus y experience and a sharp eye for detail to every job.

Alliance Engineering laser scanned active rail bridges in Perth to verify the internal structure.

The scans showed major

TAKING CONSTRUCTION TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

NEXT LEVEL AWARDS AT CONEXPO

CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America, is expanding its award program, The Next Level Awards, for the 2026 show with the introduction of two categories: Equipment and Technology.

THIS AWARDS PROGRAM PREMIERED during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, when Holcim’s ECOPact Low-Carbon Concrete was selected as the Next Level Award’s Con actors’ Choice Award winner. e Next Level Awards celebrate companies pushing the boundaries and delivering innova ve products, services, and technologies that move the cons uc on indus y forward.

Nomina ons open August 19, 2025, and close December 1, 2025. A panel of indus y experts and leaders, (to be announced soon), will select 10 nalists in each category ahead of CONEXPO-CON/ AGG. During the show, held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, a endees will vote for their favorite in each category with winners announced on the Ground Breakers keynote stage Friday, March 6.

“ is expansion of the Next Level Awards exempli es the commitment of CONEXPO-CON/AGG to advance the cons uc on indus y by eleva ng and celebra ng its groundbreaking innova ons that have an enormous impact on how we build our world,” said CONEXPO-CON/ AGG Show Director Dana Wuestho . “By highligh ng the most inven ve products, services, and technologies, we not only honor the pioneers driving progress but also inspire the en re indus y to reach new heights.”

e Next Level Awards provide an excellent opportuni for companies to gain ex a exposure and recogni on for their innova ve con ibu ons to the indus y. Finalists will be recognised in CONEXPO-CON/AGG press releases, social media, and other applicable channels, encouraging a endees to visit their booths and learn more about their cu ng-edge products.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards: Honoring Exceptional Booth Designs In addi on to the Next Level Awards, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is in oducing the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards, managed by EXHIBITOR Magazine. is program will honor CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitors and their outstanding booth design e orts.

All exhibits at the show will be automa cally entered into the compe on and placed in one of four size-based categories. EXHIBITOR magazine sta will complete the rst round of impar al judging, selec ng up to ten nalists in each category. ese nalists will then be judged by a group of esteemed designers and marketers on-site. Judges will also select an “Editor’s Choice” award winner. e winners will be announced on the Ground Breakers stage and will

experien al design is a natural t. Our editorial team and panel of expert judges are eager to see the crea vi CONEXPOCON/AGG par cipants will unveil in 2026.”

For more informa on on how to par cipate in the Next Level Awards and the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards, visit the CONEXPO-CON/ AGG Awards and Recogni on page h ps:// www.conexpoconagg.com/for-exhibitors/ awards-and-recogni on.

“We’re delighted to partner with CONEXPO-CON/AGG to lead the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards,”

receive a ophy and a scholarship to a end EXHIBITORLIVE 2026. is recogni on not only highlights the crea vi and e ort put into booth designs but also inspires the broader indus y with innova ve and impac ul presenta ons.

“We’re delighted to partner with CONEXPO-CON/AGG to lead the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards,” said Emily Olson, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine. “For more than 30 years, EXHIBITOR has recognised compelling and e ec ve ade show design, and working with an event that priori ses innova on in exhibit and

A O T CONE PO CON A

Held every three years, CONEXPOCON/AGG is the must-a end event for cons uc on indus y professionals. e show features the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the cons uc on indus y, as well as indus y-leading educa on. CONEXPOCON/AGG is owned in partnership with NRMCA, NSSGA and AEM and managed by AEM. e next CONEXPO-CON/ AGG will be held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more informa on on CONEXPO-CON/AGG, visit h ps://www.conexpoconagg.com.

Image:

CONEXPO

Above: Holcim’s ECOPact Low-Carbon Concrete was selected as the Next Level Award’s Contractors’ Choice Award Winner.

ZOOMLIONS PROVE A GREAT ASSET

Asset Cranes and Rigging recently took delivery of a number of Zoomlion crawler cranes, a 120 tonne capacity all terrain and access equipment from Nationwide Machinery and Sales. General Manager, Daniel Blakeley explains more about the purchases and what has impressed most about Zoomlion.

“ASSET CRANES AND RIGGING

specialises in a s uctural steel erec on and also complex rigging solu ons. We are a privately owned company with Anthony Horn purchasing the business four years ago. We’ve been opera ng Zoomlions for approximately six years and we recently made a signi cant investment in more Zoomlion cranes and also access equipment,” said Daniel.

e largest crane in the recent order was the Zoomlion ZCC1500V la ce crawler crane which features a li ing capaci of 150 tonnes (t), a main boom combina on 19 m to 76m meters and

a xed jib of 13m to 31m.

Other cranes delivered include two Zoomlion ZCT600V532 telescopic crawler cranes with a li ing capaci of 60t a main boom of 10.9m to 43mand a xed jib of 8m as well as a Zoomlion ZCT160V442 telescopic crawler with a li ing capaci of 16t, featuring four oval shaped boom sec ons which extend to a maximum length of 31m.

A Zoomlion ZAT1200V all terrain featuring a maximum li ing capaci of 120t, Maximum boom height of 66.8m and jib extensions of 10.4m to 17.5m was delivered recently.

Asset Cranes and Rigging also ordered two ZT26J telescopic boom li s featuring a high pla orm height of 26.2m and large horizontal ou each of 23.31m. is model features four-wheel

Asset Cranes and Rigging specialises in a structural steel erection and recently took delivery of a number of Zoomlion cranes and access equipment from Nationwide Machinery and Sales.

Left: The largest crane in the recent order was the Zoomlion ZCC1500V lattice crawler crane which features a lifting capacity of 150t, a main boom combination 19m to 76m and a fixed jib of 13m to 31m.

drive and oscilla ng axle system which greatly improves o -road performance.

Daniel explains how Na onwide Machinery organised for him and his team to visit the Zoomlion factory.

“We were lucky enough to be invited to the Zoomlion factory in June of last year, and quite ankly we were blown away. We weren’t prepared for the enormi of Zoomlion’s opera on and how they manufacture products for the major markets around the world.

“ e manufacturing processes are very automated including robo c welding with s ict quali con ol on all of the products with all components coming om leading suppliers.

“We toured both the crane and access equipment factories, where they manufacture boom li s and scissor li s, and everything we saw was ‘state of the art’ in turns of manufacturing automa on,” said Daniel.

A commitment to quali designed, engineered and manufactured cranes has been a signi cant in uence on Asset Crane Hire’s decision to purchase Zoomlion product.

“We are a growing business with a team of 60 plus in New South Wales and another crew in Queensland. We are running up to eight di erent projects at a me and like most businesses, we carefully assess our investment in cranes and other equipment. We have chosen Zoomlion mainly because the brand represents terri c value for money and an excellent return on investment.

The Asset Cranes and Rigging team.

“We have chosen Zoomlion mainly because the brand represents .

“We are also impressed with the quali of the cranes and access equipment. Having seen the manufacturing processes rsthand, we think Zoomlion product is on par with some of the more established European, US and Japanese brands, but they are priced really compe vely.

“Our crews have been impressed with the performance of the cranes and access equipment like any piece of machinery, niggling issues do arise, but when they do our crews are able to x them or the team at Na onwide Machinery have jumped onto them s aight away. e service

om Na onwide Machinery has been consistently excellent for many years, they understand our business and our support requirements and provide an excellent service,” he said.

e new Zoomlions went to work s aight away said Daniel.

“ e cranes and access equipment went s aight to work with the Zoomlion ZCT600V532 telescopic crawler and the other cranes working on a site in Eastern Creek where its installing 15000t of s uctural steel,” he said.

Alliance Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd

•Detailed

•Design/Upgrade

•Structural engineering assessments based on inspection reports

•Independent

•Development

MAEDA UPGRADES CRAWLER MODELS

During bauma, Maeda announced upgrades to various models in the range. Michael Cawston, National Sales Manager for Pace Cranes explains what the upgrades will mean to customers.

“DURING BAUMA, MAEDA ANNOUNCED a model re esh for the MC305 and the MC405, which are two of our most popular models, we refer to them as the workhorses within the range. e upgrades includes the integra on of a more advanced computer giving the models the added abili to have a mulmode ou igger se ngs and a variable load chart around the various sec ons of the cranes,” said Michael.

He said the upgrades enable the mini crane to work be er in con ned spaces.

“If you can’t get the ou iggers all the way out, you can adjust the machine to push the ou iggers out to where you are li ing and have them shorter on the other side to reduce the footprint.

e new so ware calculates all of this, ensuring the machine can provide the op mal capaci where it’s required.

“ e computer so ware automa cally detects the length of the ou igger. ere are three di erent load charts to select om, and each corner of the machine can be at a di erent capaci to the other. is exibili is as a result of the upgrades which include the latest Load Monitoring Indicator (LMI) system,” said Michael.

e LMI is a key safe feature. When the operator sets up the crane, the LMI provides a capaci reading for each slew area of the crane, which means the operator knows exactly what capaci he is going to get on which sec on of the crane before he even starts li ing.

“It’s a big step up om the older models and Maeda has also added a more advanced full wireless remote con ol. e wireless remote means the operator can get further away om the

machine and there’s no cords to ip over. We nd a lot of the operators like using the wireless remotes. It enables them to operate the crane om a man basket or an elevated work pla orm when pu ng in glass or steel, they can get a much clearer view of the load. We are de nitely nding an increasing number of operators like to use the remote con ol,” he said.

e upgrade includes cameras on the machines. “ e cameras are designed to help with the larger mini crawlers in

Images: Maeda and Prime Creative

Maeda announced a model refresh for the MC305 and the MC405, which are two of the most popular models.

the range. When you are parking the machine or loading it onto a uck, the camera allows you to get up nice and close to things without bumping into something,” said Michael.

Another new feature developed by Maeda is the M-Link telema c system.

“M-Link is another new feature which is about to be rolled out across the range. M-Link is a telema c system designed to assist with remote diagnos cs and help keep the machines working.

“If there’s a fault or an error they can be iden ed quite easily. Our technicians can help with remote support on the machine. If something’s going on, they can dial in and see what’s going on and help get the machine back and keep the machine opera ng,” said Michael.

M-Link will monitor the performance of the crane con rming

how long it is stood idle between li s and con rm the fuel consump on levels. It can also assist with servicing schedules, knowing when the servicing is due rather than relying on operators repor ng that a service is due or is overdue and the crane isn’t going to be let back onsite.

“M-Link enables pre-emp ve servicing, but also enables the owner to understand where their machines are actually located. If you are opera ng a sizeable eet and ying to make sure the cranes are where they are supposed to be, you can even set up geofencing.

“You can receive alerts if the machine isn’t where it should be. If the

crane is working on a site in the ci and suddenly it’s on the M5 headed west, you receive an alert. If people are using the machine onsite and it’s supposed to be stood down for the Christmas break, you can see if it’s being used,” said Michael.

“M-Link will be rolled out with the new models of the 305, 405, and will eventually feature across the whole range.

“Customers will receive a three year subscrip on to M-Link included in the sale of the machine and a er this period the owner will determine if they want to con nue with the feature or not,” he said.

“M-Link enables pre-emptive servicing, but also enables the owner to understand where their machines are actually located.”

The machine can be adjusted to push the outriggers out to where the crane is lifting and have them shorter on the other side to reduce the footprint.

HUMMA GOES GLOBAL

Western Australia’s Humma Cranes, the birthplace of the safest and highest-capacity articulated pick and carry crane ever built, is accelerating its export program as the brand approaches its 30th anniversary.

THE ROAD CRANE (RC) PROJECT WAS launched in 1996. At the me, the actor-based pick and carry (P&C) crane, established by Linmac in the 1960s, had ceased ading in 1994. Despite more than 30 years of development – expanding its capaci om three tonne to 12 tonne– the design failed to keep pace with market demands. By the 1980s, Franna had gained dominance by catering to the evolving needs of the crane hire indus y, ul mately becoming the en y point for many of today’s major crane hire businesses.

Cons uct Engineering, a division of DRA Indus ies (established in 1971), had just completed a major overseas materials handling project in 1994 and was seeking to redeploy its engineering team amid an indus y downturn that forced many engineering companies into closure or liquida on.

Peter Dalla Riva, Opera ons Director at DRA Indus ies, saw an opportuni in Linmac’s closure. He recruited key Linmac sta , including those involved in designing the Linmac 18T high-speed road crane – then a direct compe tor

to Franna’s 15T and 18T models. is move gave Cons uct Engineering access to decades of design knowledge and opera onal data on ar culated P&C cranes.

e next step was to establish a new design that would address long-standing issues with exis ng P&C models. An Aus alia-wide survey iden ed a range of opera onal and s uctural problems. With insights om former Linmac personnel and Cons uct Engineering’s s uctural and mechanical teams, the Humma design speci ca on was launched.

Humma Cranes is expanding its presence in the global market with its articulated pick and carry cranes.

Mining, cons uc on, and service sectors required P&C cranes capable of enduring tough site condi ons. By 1996, Franna operated the 15T, 18T, and the newly released MAC25 – suitable for both light-du cons uc on and demanding mine environments. It was clear that P&C design needed to evolve to serve both.

To address this, Humma developed and tested two key design criteria over several years, supported by a dedicated dry hire division. is allowed for eld tes ng, debugging, and performance op misa on before market release.

Now nearing its 30th year, Humma’s ongoing R&D program has delivered several industryleading innovations. These include:

• Modular build with a standard footprint across models

• Nil-twist chassis with safe ar cula on up to 42 degrees

• Digital rope compensa on

• Dynamic load chart

• Patented auto-leveller

• Safe road avel speeds up to 100 km/h

• Cabin noise below 70 decibels and low vibra on

Humma is engineered for dual-purpose performance: capable of highway avel at 100 kilome e/hour with comfort levels comparable to heavy-du ucks, while remaining s ucturally robust and e cient in crane mode. e engine’s pe, capaci , and gearing are op mised for rapid accelera on in urban environments and low-rev opera on on work sites.

e Humma pla orm has proven itself in performance, safe , and cost-e ciency across the mining and cons uc on sectors. A two-year road ial of the Humma 35 Mk2 re ned its performance, par cularly in ansit. In crane mode, Humma consistently outperformed compe tors in li capaci , cost-e ciency, and reliabili – leading to the release of the Humma 35 Mk3. By 2016, the Humma 25 Mk2 (launched in 2006) and Humma 35 Mk3 (launched in 2010) had cemented the company’s reputa on. Word spread within the crane hire sector of Humma’s mine-site

performance. e Humma 35 quickly became the best-selling model, rated at 49 tonne-me es (TM) in the 42-degree ar cula on range. is was later surpassed by the Humma 55, with a record-se ng 77 TM – the highest in the ar culated P&C segment globally.

Having established its creden als, Humma began expor ng – ini ally to gold mines in Papua New Guinea with the Humma 25, followed by Humma 35 units sent to Sudan, Tanzania, and Peru.

Remarkably, this global ac on has occurred without a dedicated Humma sales team. All interna onal sales have resulted om referrals – referred to internally as “the unpaid salesman.” Aus alian mining engineers and supervisors, familiar with Humma’s performance, have in oduced the brand to overseas projects.

With a mature product and proven

ack record, the company is now selec vely appoin ng interna onal agents in key mining regions. Energotec in Peru, a plant supplier to mining sites, and MM Mobile Crane in South A ica – an established crane agent for over 30 years – are among the early partners. Addi onal agencies are under considera on across A ica and South America.

In a recent mee ng, Peter Dalla Riva was asked about the next on er, now that the Humma 35 Underground Series has passed tes ng at Olympic Dam in line with BHP underground speci ca ons. His response: “ e market is asking for a 40T model with two axles and the footprint of the Humma 55, with 56TM capaci , as well as an elec ic Humma variant for mine-site work based on the 55T design.”

Having rede ned the modern ar culated P&C crane, Humma Heavy Li ’s ready to scale its global presence.

Humma started exporting to Papua New Guinea with the Humma 25, then to Sudan, Tanzania, and Peru with the Humma 35.

PLEASE SEND YOUR LIFT OF THE MONTH ENTRIES TO SIMON.GOULD@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU

WHO: Xtreme Engineering and Mammoet. W HAT WAS LIFTED: A new 148 tonne mill. W HAT WAS USED: Mammoet’s JS500 jack-up system.

D IFFICULTY: The entire operation took place within a fully operational facility, surrounded by eight active mills and continuously running conveyor belts, all vital for maintaining production.

O UTCOME: The introduction of JS500 jack-up system revolutionised ball mill installations setting a new benchmark in efficiency and safety.

Humma Heavy Lift

Longest powered boom to 20.9m with 5.5m telescopic ﬂy extends to 26m

All Models (25T, 35T, 55T) rated @ 1.4m boom position, highest boom strength available, fully fabricated

High Stability at all positions to 42 degrees

Air-spring suspension with shock absorbers eliminating cabin noise and vibration

Low centre of gravity with rigid chassis design, safest crane available

Dynamic Load Chart and Digital Rope Compensation

Safe road speed 90-100kph with 180 degree unobstructed front vision with four cameras to sides and rear

Humma Heavy Lift Crane design, speciﬁcation with proven componentry has set the new Industry standard for performance. ONE FOOTPRINT FOR ALL MODELS.

Crane owners require low operating and maintenance costs, highest level of safety in both driving and crane mode, achievable on all Humma Models.

Patented Auto-leveller on Humma 55, the largest and safest Pick and Carry available. Highest level of safety at all articulation positions to 42 degrees using Humma low twist chassis design.

Cabin rated the safest and quietest available at 65 decibels.

Remove the removeable counterweight from 35T and 55T and you have a heavy duty 25T and 35T.