THE DEDICATED RESOURCE FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY / JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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IN THIS ISSUE 7
Industry News
10 Up Front Melrose Cranes and Rigging deploys new Grove for complex crane dismantling project.
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14 CICA Presidents report Revitalising the economy through the construction sector. 17 CICA Member Profile Queensland crane hire business takes a versatile approach to customer support and growth. 21 CICA crane safety study RMIT recently released a study covering crane safety incidents. 22 CICA South Australian Industry Day Collaboration in construction, the overriding theme of successful industry day. 25 CICA Tech Corner The CICA Technical Committee examines lift terminology. 28 Robotic manufacturing DRA Group invests in state of the art robotics to manufacture HUMMA. 30 Mi-Jack’s Travelift in Australia Gleason Cranes announce new Travelift distributorship. 32 Crane Connection delivers again Another satisfied client takes delivery of a 60t Liebherr. 34 Critical role of spare parts support Liebherr’s manager discusses the importance of spare parts. 38 TIDD’s big finish to the year With the delivery of the first of many TIDDs, a new country manager and new distributor in WA, TIDD finished 2020 with a bang. 42 Premier #TeamLifting Premier Cranes’ focus on company culture designed to benefit clients. 46 Liebherr crawlers Liebherr HS 895 HD thrives in massive sand quarry. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
48 Gleason Cranes delivers 150t all terrain Gleason Cranes delivers Zoomlion 150t all terrain to Snowy Hydro 2.0. 50 Frannas manage sensitive lift Environmentally sensitive lift completed by Frannas. 52 Planning and scheduling system assists Cairns crane business E.P.O.S. streamlines Century Cranes business processes. 55 Liebherr tower cranes help build Auckland landmark Liebherr tower cranes and selferector feature in commercial high rise project.
70 Liebherr release 150t capacity all terrain With 66m of main boom and 150t capacity, the Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 is a good allrounder. 72 WGC Cranes grow with Sennebogens WGC Cranes continues to add Sennebogen crawler cranes to its burgeoning fleet. 74 A1A Software adds to telematics capabilities The latest addition to the A1A suite of software helps connectivity across various platforms.
58 Grove launch new cabs Grove “cab2020” adheres to new standards and regulations.
76 Universal Cranes kicks goal with stadium re-build Universal Cranes supplies two 400t crawlers for Sydney Football Stadium rebuild.
64 Preston Hire’s approach to handling glass Preston Hire discusses its specialist glass and glazing services.
79 Fire suppressant systems United Safety fit fire suppressant system to Snowy Hydro 2.0 bound all terrain.
67 Insuring plant in the land of the long white cloud UAA Insurance broker, Runacres Insurance discuss the challenges facing the New Zealand market.
81 Working at Heights Association WAHA and managing the risk of falls in the workplace. 85 Lift of the Month The latest submissions confirm what our industry does best. January 2021 CAL / 3
FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM
WELCOME TO THE JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE OF CRANES AND LIFTING FORECASTS RELEASED BY VARIOUS industry groups at the end of 2020 revealed the construction sector is not out of the “COVID woods” just yet. The pandemic and the measures put in place to control its spread forced the delay of many new building projects, and forecasts suggest work will decrease by over three per cent over 2020-21. This could result in the loss of 42,000 construction-related jobs mainly in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The continued downturn in residential
construction will impact the construction of apartments in inner city Melbourne and Sydney, which is not good news for the tower crane sector, but there are positive signs. The construction of industrial facilities has remained strong and is expected to grow between four and six per cent, and high levels of federal and state governments spending on infrastructure, with a focus on “shovel ready” initiatives, will see an increase in construction work on roads, bridges and railways by 15 per cent. This will take a while to filter through, but when it does, it will have a hefty impact on the construction sector. The construction industry should see a rebound in 2021 with building and construction work estimated to increase to $230 billion. Residential building will also return with the “drop off” in residential approvals stabilising, but it is expected apartment construction will take a while to rebuild in numbers and value. No doubt we will be reflecting the of this will be reflected in future issues of the magazine. This issue of Cranes and Lifting contains great articles. Increasingly, organisations are opening up to the Cranes and Lifting team, allowing us access to better understand how they do things and the lessons they have learnt. By reflecting their experiences through articles in the magazine and related digital products, we hope to help the “greater” crane industry become a smarter, safer and more productive industry. On behalf of the team, I wish you well for the coming year and, as always, we hope you enjoy the read.
Simon Gould Editor, Cranes and Lifting 4 / CAL January 2021
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11-15 Buckhurst St South Melbourne VIC 3205 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au CEO John Murphy E: john.murphy@primecreative.com.au Chief Operating Officer Zelda Tupicoff E: zelda.tupicoff@primecreative.com.au Publisher Christine Clancy E: christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor (Northern) Syed Shah E: syed.shah@primecreative.com.au Editor Simon Gould E: simon.gould@primecreative.com.au Business Development Manager Brad Marshall E: brad.marshall@primecreative.com.au T: 0403 993 443 Client Success Manager Justine Nardone E: justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au Design Production Manager Michelle Weston E: michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au Art Director Blake Storey Design Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty Subscriptions Frank Rapone T: 03 9690 8766 E: frank.rapone@primecreative.com.au The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. © Copyright – No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.
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The new AC 450‑7
Benchmark on 7 Axles. The new Demag AC 450‑7 is in a class of its own: With a carrier length of 15.99 m and an outrigger base of 8.45 m, it is as compact as a six‑axle crane, and yet is as powerful as some eight‑axle cranes. In fact, the Demag AC 450‑7 can reach lifting capacities of up to 25 tonnes when its 80 m main boom is fully extended, and that is without even using the SSL system. Bring in SSL, and the lifting capacity goes up to an unbeatable 37.9 tonnes. In addition, Demag is using a new Sideways Superlift design for the first time ever in the AC 450‑7 – one that makes handling and setup easier. The system can be extended with an 81 m luffing jib, and the sections of this jib can also be used to assemble fixed extensions. Above. Ahead. Always.
INDUSTRY NEWS NEWEST TEREX TOWER CRANE OPERATING IN SYDNEY Terex Cranes recently congratulated John & Josh Handley from Cosmo Cranes on the first erection of the newest Hydraulic Luffing Jib tower crane CTLH 192-12. The crane is working on luxury apartment complex in North Sydney. Josh Handley from Cosmo Cranes said, “As the footprints of high rise construction sites in our major cities continue to reduce, I believe this will crane will be a game changer. The comfort and safety of the new cab and the awesome range of class leading features are built into the DNA of the new Terex Comedil cranes”. According to Glenn Howden, Terex Cranes sales manager, the purchase of the CTLH 192-12 is a vote of confidence in the Terex brand. “Over the last few years, the Handleys and the Cosmo Cranes team have shown a particular passion for the Terex brand of crane and they have closely monitored the
TRT ANNOUNCES NEW COUNTRY MANAGER FOR AUSTRALIA TRT has appointed Marc Baumback to the role of country manager for TRT Australia. Marc started his role on 12 October 2020 and will be leading the team in Australia. Based at TRT’s Brisbane operation, he will continue to lead business growth and product development plans throughout Australia and PNG. Marc’s appointment supports TRT’s continued focus on growth within Australian through further expansion into key industry sectors, including construction, transport, resource and defence. This expansion includes the advancement and innovation of the TIDD PC28 pick and carry crane, manufactured product including TRT Trailers, exceptional crane service and parts support, the launch of new products and the management of key Australian distribution arrangements, including Manitowoc and, most recently, Kobelco Crawler Cranes. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
development of the CTLH 192-12. For Cosmo Cranes to be the first tower crane business to take delivery of this machine is a fantastic milestone for both them and Terex,” he said. CTLH 192-12 features the latest hydraulic luffing technology which enables the lowest in service and out of service radius, of only 3m and 8m respectively. The model has a maximum jib length of 55 m and a maximum capacity of 12t. The crane is provided with the latest control system, featuring easy and quick setup, Terex Power Plus (TPP), Power Match functions and T-Torque Slewing System with customisable setting. “I would personally like to thank Cosmo Cranes, they are a very good customer for us. It is always a great experience to work closely with them to ensure they have the have the right cranes available to meet the varying demands they face from the great variety of job sites they work on”,” said Howden.
The role supports Lawrence Baker, COO and both directors, Bruce and Robert Carden. “This is a critical leadership role for TRT. Marc’s depth of experience in leading businesses through growth and change, in challenging environments with a global perspective, is aligned to accelerate the delivery of our strategic objectives and to enhance the growing reputation TRT has as a quality OEM manufacturer and leader of industry innovation. The management team and Board of Directors look forward to working with Marc,”says Bruce Carden, TRT’s director of innovation and sales. Originally from Queensland, Marc’s experience spans a long career, in a variety of roles and in several international locations, all contributing to his depth of knowledge and capability. Starting his career as an Australian Army Officer, Marc moved into logistics and operational roles within a number of blue-chip companies that
Reducing footprints of construction sites provide opportunities for new luffing Terex.
include, BlueScope Steel, Chevron in South Korea and most recently, Toll Logistics, where he led business activity, projects and programs across Australia, Asia and the USA. Marc explains, “This is an exciting challenge and a change for me. TRT Australia is embarking on the next phase of growth with a range of manufactured and imported product, with the TIDD Crane and TRT Trailers at its foundation. TRT’s strategic partnerships with Manitowoc, Grove, Kobelco and Hiab are evidence of the trust TRT has gained from within the industry to deliver integrated solutions to customers.” He continues, “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to lead TRT Australia and to be backed by a dedicated, experienced and professional team both here in Australia and in New Zealand, a team who are completely aligned to contributing to a safer, more innovative future in the industries we serve.” January 2021 CAL / 7
INDUSTRY NEWS FAST TRACKING AI IN CONSTRUCTION Two of Australia’s most innovative companies join forces to take the construction industry into the future. Leading heavy lift crane specialists, The Men From Marr’s (Marr Contracting Pty Ltd), have collaborated with tech start-up BuildAI to fast-track artificial intelligence (AI) on work sites and take the construction industry into the future. In what is the first strategic partnership and significant investment since BuildAI launched in 2019, The Men From Marr’s have taken a minority stake in the start-up and their cranes will be the first in the world to adopt BuildAI technology, a cloud based AI software system that automatically reports construction progress. The partnership brings together two of the most innovative companies in Australia’s construction industry in what is poised to be a “smartphone moment” that will revolutionise work sites in the same way that apps replaced ATMs and Uber disrupted the taxi industry. Marr’s Managing Director Simon Marr said adding BuildAI’s artificial intelligence to the company’s cranes would allow Marr’s and its clients to use real-time data to dramatically improve overall project outcomes at an important time when businesses needed to think differently about how to drive productivity and efficiency. “Despite the massive technological advancements that we’ve seen in other sectors, our industry hasn’t changed much in terms of technology over the last 20 years. Where manufacturing productivity has grown by 3.6 per cent, construction productivity growth is sitting below one per cent. This is why we’re joining forces with BuildAI to bring developments in technology on-site to allow us to automatically gather and analyse real-time lifting data. It’s the missing link for us in delivering even safer, faster and more cost-effective solutions for our clients,” Marr said. 8 / CAL January 2021
Simon Marr (L) with Kristian Butcher. Cranes from the Men From Marr’s will be the first in the world to adopt BuildAI technology.
Echoing Marr’s excitement about what the technology means for the sector, BuildAI CEO and Co-Founder Kristian Butcher said, “BuildAI will do for the construction industry what Apple has done for phones – our AI technology is a quantum leap forward from current manual methods akin to upgrading from a Nokia to a smartphone”. “While manufacturing has long been enjoying the benefits of automation, it has taken more time for hardware and AI to become sophisticated enough to respond to the dynamic environment of a construction site. Similar to selfdriving cars, BuildAI uses cameras to monitor cranes and the movement of materials and workers, and then relays that data to an AI system which crunches the numbers in real-time onto a cloud-based dashboard,” Butcher said. “The possibilities for improved efficiency, profitability, productivity and safety are endless, with AI set to boost productivity of the biggest and most expensive equipment on site – cranes – by 25 per cent. It will also support safety controls, such as perimeter edge protection, which are in place to reduce the risk of falls from height.” All of Marr’s cranes – including the M2480D which is the world’s largest capacity tower crane – are currently fitted with remote data logging and monitoring systems, and with the world-first addition of
BuildAI’s technology, Marr’s will be able to access this data from anywhere in the world to see how efficiently their cranes are being used and how they are interacting with the overall project schedule. Butcher said the technology was designed to support project teams at site and head office level on current and future projects. “BuildAI won’t just allow project teams to unlock the full potential of their resources and realise some long overdue productivity gains but it will entirely reshape the way work sites are run, allowing for more flexibility and diversity. This technology will allow boots-on-the-ground staff to make it home for dinner, enable an aging workforce to upskill, inspire the next generation (digital natives) to forge a career in construction and facilitate the work-life balance needed to improve diversity and inclusion, bringing more women and primary carers into the industry,” Butcher said. BuildAI is currently working with other industry leaders that focus on safety, quality and efficiency gains by harnessing AI and site data. And starting with The Men From Marr’s – whose cranes are currently working on some of the nation’s biggest projects including the Sydney Metro, Sydney Football Stadium and Crown Sydney – BuildAI is forming new partnerships and customer engagements within the construction ecosystem to bring this innovative product to the wider sector. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
FRANNA APPOINTS NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN WEST AFRICA Franna recently announced the appointment of Paterson Simons & Co. (Africa) Ltd as authorised Franna distributor in West Africa. Paterson Simons will provide full coverage including machine sales, spare parts and service support to the following territories: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone & Togo. Headquartered in the UK with subsidiaries in West Africa, Paterson Simons & Co. (Africa) Ltd. are lifting equipment specialists who serve the mining, ports, oil and gas industries across the region. World class aftersales support is provided through a local team of highly trained technicians alongside a dedicated training division that delivers certified operator training. “Paterson Simons have been operating for over 70 years and their extensive experience in the mining,
CORERFID’S GLOBAL GROWTH GATHERS PACE Asset management software firm CoreRFID is installing its new IDXpert Net solution for heavy lifting firm SpanSet Australia. The Sydney-based firm will be able to produce safety certifications for its clients in a matter of minutes when the system goes live at the end of the year. CoreRFID’s latest project follows the recent installation of IDXpert Net for
energy and ports industries will be an invaluable asset to Franna in this region. With increasing utilisation of pick and carry cranes throughout the continent of Africa, this strategic partnership will help to support our growth objectives in these territories,” Danny Black, general manager of Franna said. “We are delighted to be working with such a customer centric business and excited with the opportunities this will bring for Franna and our customers in this region.” “We are delighted to add the Franna range to the list of products we supply and support in West Africa. We are no strangers to these popular and versatile machines and maintain a number of them under existing service agreements across the region,” John Traynor,
SpanSet Australia’s sister companies in Switzerland, Germany, US and Spain. IDXpert Net, which replaces a manual system, enables inspections to be recorded on site using a tablet. The data is then automatically uploaded to a secure cloud-based database and is immediately accessible to customers. IDXpert Net is based on CoreRFID’s CheckedOK system, which is a market leader in the UK and Ireland for inspection and asset management in
Kristian Pritchett MD SpanSet says IDXpert Net will improve reporting accuracy and speed of inspection certification for clients.
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Utilisation of pick and carrys is increasing on the African continent.
managing director of Paterson Simons said. “We have long admired their fast highway speeds and no nonsense set up, which makes them uniquely able to deploy rapidly on our customers large worksites. We are just shipping our first outright sale to a customer in Mali which will join a sizable fleet in the region and with the availability of full local service and warranty support, we expect to add many more.”
the construction and heavy lifting sectors. The new system is specifically designed for international crane, heavy lifting and asset management firms. SpanSet Australia designs, manufactures and supplies height safety, lifting and load control systems as well as managing safety inspections. It is part of the SpanSet International Group that has sites across the globe. “IDXpert Net will make savings in areas such as admin while improving the reporting accuracy and speed of inspection certification for our clients. It’s a step-up in the customer experience we can offer,” SpanSet Australia’s managing director Kristian Pritchett said. CoreRFID partners with more than 75 firms using its inspection solutions in the UK and Ireland. “This latest project shows we can offer crane and lifting firms, anywhere in the world, a system that can make inspections work more effectively for themselves and their clients,” CoreRFID technical director Munzi Ali said. January 2021 CAL / 9
UP FRONT / MELROSE CRANES AND GROVE Melrose Cranes deployed three of their cranes for the project. “Evolution,” its 500t capacity LTM1500-8.1; The “Beast” a 450t capacity Grove GMK7450 and “Poppy” its new Grove GMK5250XL-1.
MELROSE CRANES DISMANTLE CONTAINER HANDLERS When a decommissioned container handling crane required pulling down at Port Botany, Melrose Cranes and Rigging deployed two heavy lift all terrains and its brand new Grove GMK5250XL-1. THE PROJECT PRESENTED A NUMBER of challenges including incredibly low ground pressure tolerances with heavy and high lifts, so the lift planning had to be meticulous, said Gregg Melrose. “On a job like this you will normally be told you can have around 20t of ground pressure per square metre but the wharf engineers came back and told me it was only capable of sustaining four or five tonnes of loading per square metre. One of the cranes we needed to use was our 500t capacity all terrain for some of the main lifts. 10 / CAL January 2021
“We had to utilise significantly oversized engineered mats (some of which are 6.3 meters long and 3.1 meters wide) and use ramps for the cranes. ‘Evolution’, our 500t capacity Liebherr LTM1500-8.1, and ‘The Beast’, our 450t capacity Grove GMK7450, both had to climb up onto the 480mm high mats. We’ve named the new GMK5250XL-1 ‘Poppy’, as a tribute to the operator Steve Foster, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with for 33 years. “We had to comply with the very low tolerances and overcome the problem.
To adhere to the tolerances and get the men up to where they needed to be in the man box we had used the Manitowoc lift planner to calculate the ground pressure then divided by the square meterage of the standard crane mats. We still had 5.5t per square metre per mat, which wasn’t low enough so we had to get creative. Even then we only fitted 21t of the 80t counterweight on the 250t,” said Melrose. “For the GMK5250XL-1 you normally have a steel mat around 4.5m2. These are engineered mats which the crane sits www.cranesandlifting.com.au
on. On this job, we had the 250 set up on pairs of our 500 tonner’s mats, with a bridging beam sitting on top to create enough surface area to meet the load per square metre requirements.” McMahon Services was the client for the project and Melrose Cranes has a long and established relationship with the organisation. “One of their senior project managers, Chris Chisholm, has been a strong ally of MCR’s over many years. McMahon performs jobs all over Australia and internationally. They are a diversified company that provides demolition services assembling and dismantling heavy steel. They have a few of their own cranes including large crawlers and they tend to quote on the bigger projects. Wharf work is their specialty. “They’ve just finished a large project in Thailand for the same client. They sent their specialist team across and used local cranes to pull down a very similar crane. I don’t hear from Chris that often because he can be working on projects anywhere in the region, but he called me a few months ago and said they had a derelict container handling crane on the wharf at Botany Bay. He said it had been in the way for a while and they’ve now got the budget to pull it down. He wanted to know how we could pull it down; he shared some information on the methodology of the project in Thailand and it was basically a ‘twin’ to the project requirements here. “We created some preliminary drawings for him and delivered a competitive budget. It’s a job that took three weeks, which doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for three big cranes and a Franna running around, it was lucrative. The main part of the project was the demolition of the container handling crane, but we were also working on four Rolling Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGCs) which have been used for moving the containers around this particular section of the wharf. The dismantling of these involved smaller lifts. Evolution, the 500t Liebherr was used to bring the large crane down (with the assistance of the other cranes) then the Grove 450t and www.cranesandlifting.com.au
250t were used to dismantle the RTGCs,” said Melrose. “Because we had to meet all the weight restrictions, the cranes were working well within their capabilities. The 500t could have pulled a lot more weight off but we did not want to exceed the loading issue and it’s demolition, which required additional tolerances to be applied. When we got to the lower stages on the crane, there were large cross beams which weighed between 50t and 60t. Here the 500t was on one end and the 450t on the other, completing a series of complex dual lifts,” he said. Melrose goes on to explain in more detail how his team were able to meet
the tight ground pressure tolerances by deploying specialised outrigger pads. “We don’t have unlimited resources and we did not want to take engineered mats from other fleet cranes because it would stop them from working. The required size of pads aren’t an item you can hire, they are specialised and they are expensive to build. “Over the years I’ve built lots of mats for my cranes. The ‘big’ six and ramps that we used here were purchased at a crane auction in north Queensland. They were used to put a 600t crawler on when it was operating on bad ground. They have become very useful on an abundance of MCR projects.
Melrose Cranes and Rigging had to comply with very low tolerances by utilising significantly oversized engineered mats. January 2021 CAL / 11
UP FRONT / MELROSE CRANES AND GROVE
“If you built those mats today it would be at a rather substantial cost. We use them specifically to help us win jobs like this one. Four of them went under the 500t and the other two large mats went under the rear legs of the 450t. We then had the 450’s standard four mats going under the front legs in pairs with bridging beams on top. It was a major juggling act,” said Melrose. Melrose Cranes & Rigging has been a Grove customer for many years, achieving a number of firsts over this time. The business is delighted to welcome the new GMK5250XL-1, says Melrose. “From my perspective, this crane is the next step in the evolution of Grove. Our GMK5220 was a 2008 model and when Grove released the original 250t (shorter 70m boom), I didn’t buy one because the 220t wasn’t old enough for me to justify the new model. But now it is 12 years old and they recently brought out this new model, with 78.5m of boom. It’s the evolution of a 220t to a 250t but staying at five axles with a massive 78.5m of boom. We are trading our 220t on the new 250t, which I believe is the first to be delivered in Sydney. Manitowoc were great,” said Melrose. Melrose has long been a fan of Grove all terrains and explains more about the important role previous purchases have played in his business. “We ordered the Grove GMK7450 in 2006. Back then, the biggest crane in our fleet was an old 200t Liebherr and we were looking at a larger capacity crane. We were going to buy a 300t Liebherr because it was a well-respected crane. There weren’t many large capacity cranes on the east coast, the largest being a 350t Demag. I sat down with my brother Tony and he said ‘Look, we’re growing, we’ve been in business eight years, we need a large capacity crane, let’s not just match the competition, let’s blow them away,’ and we ordered the 450t Grove. “David Greentree was the senior sales manager with Manitowoc and Andrew Gray was MCR’s heavy lift manager then (now Manitowoc’s sales manager). As it was a really big investment for us, the 12 / CAL January 2021
With 78.5m of main boom, the new Grove GMK5250 XL-1 boasts the longest boom on five axles.
three of us flew to Germany to see the crane first-hand and it went into service mid 2007. “It’s probably the best crane I’ve ever owned, it’s reliable and quick on the road. It came with its headaches because we had a four-axle dolly which had never been done before in Australia, but the registration was eventually approved. As it performed so well over many years, we recently rebuilt it and with the recent change in livery of Melrose colours to black, white and red, it was time for it to have its birthday. The three main reasons for rebuilding the crane were one, it was the pinnacle of the fleet for so long; two, it can travel with the ‘boom in’ on-road
and three, I love it,” said Melrose. The refurbishment of the 450 was done mainly in house. Melrose Cranes & Rigging has a major workshop in Seven Hills and although some of the products like pumps and cylinders were sent out for refurbishing, the main work, the un-bolt, re-bolt and the engineering was completed in house. “Grove is a great supplier; they build a reputable product and the 450 has been a terrific crane for our business. We buy predominantly new Groves, but not always. They now have a division in Europe which is trading used cranes, so I bought a used Grove GMK 6400 tonner about three years ago. It’s a great www.cranesandlifting.com.au
“My son Ryan did the full analysis on the GMK5250XL-1 as we have been really happy with the 220t. The 220t had 68m of main boom which was a great asset for its class back in 2008. To have a five axle machine with a three axle dolly for the past 12 years has been terrific for the business.” machine. MCR has been the first with Manitowoc to buy many models of cranes. The 450t was the first, we bought the first long boom 100t, we bought the first long boom 150t, and now the long boom 250t. We are proud of these purchases and I think Manitowoc respect this and they look after MCR. “My son Ryan did the full analysis on the GMK5250XL-1 as we have been really happy with the 220t. The 220t had 68m of main boom which was a great asset for its class back in 2008. To have a five axle machine with a three axle dolly for the last 12 years has been terrific for the business. It was still going to work every day before we traded it. But you have to keep up with market demands and many clients like tower crane businesses want a longer boom, they want cranes to work quicker. The 250’s load charts are excellent and one of the main advantages as we saw it, is they have only increased the counterweight by three tonne,” said Melrose. Ryan Melrose discusses the reasoning behind the purchase of the GMK5250XL-1 covering some of the key features and benefits. “The old 220t had 77t of counterweight, this machine total, only has 80t. Incorporated in that weight are two small five tonne wing pieces and when you compare the 70t chart of the 250 to the 77t chart of the 220 and then you allow for the fact there is a 10m section inside the boom of the new crane, the new crane outlifts it even with the extra weight in the boom. This is a result of the technological advances in steels, welding and electronics as well as the increased abilities of the design and engineering teams at the headquarters of Manitowoc,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
“The long boom gives you reach vertically to get up and over city buildings with relatively heavy loads. Obviously the fly is not a winch operated luffing fly, like bigger models, it’s a hydraulic fly and sits on the end, but the fly is very versatile. It has a ‘straight’ extension to extend the main boom, plus an extension that goes into the ‘offset’ section of the swingaway for a total of 33.5m fly length, putting the crane around 109m in the air. If it is heavier, it also has charts for the main boom extension plus heavy duty jib. So, you go straight up with 78.5m plus 9.8m and you have a 2m hydraulic heavy duty jib to get you over the parapet or to get you into the centre of the load. That and the ability to get it back from the dolly to a five-axle permit which isn’t that great yet but will build in time. The 220 had that ability and the 250 has this ability. If they had said it would never get on the five axle network, we wouldn’t have bought the crane, we would have bought one that could. “We were looking at a long boom 300t capacity or a long boom 250t because we didn’t think we needed another six-axle crane in the market with a dolly. We want the ability to send the 250t out as a 150t or whatever, because it is only a five-axle crane. It really does fit where the 150 fits especially when it goes back in the cradle, it’s under 15.5 meters in length which means you can travel it around 24 hours a day, if the roads can get you there. When a few more tweaks are made to how you log on and change the configuration of the crane, I’ll register the alternate configuration and hopefully we get more versatility by leaving the dolly behind, at times.
“Bear in mind we bought the 150t two years ago, it’s on five axles and it’s only got 60m of boom and it’s a very similar size to the new Grove. We can now send the 250 to work as a 150 with 78.5m of boom, that’s a big jump. It could allow you to do a 150t plus fly job on main boom. You can’t carry the 250t fly on five axles, but hopefully we don’t need it, we’ve got 78.5m of main boom. That’s why we’ve gone for this model crane, the versatility; we can work it down when we need to,” said Melrose. Gregg Melrose concludes the new Grove will fit into the Melrose fleet nicely. “We are happy with the crane, we were looked after with the Manitowoc trade in and from a business perspective it was what I call a ‘no brainer’. The 250t was already here in Australia, brand new and just painted white. The availability of the crane became a critical factor because of the nature of work in Sydney at the moment. It was a case of registering the crane, painting it, getting some Melrose stickers on it and out she went. “ John Stewart and his team look after Melrose in a fashion that I totally respect. Manitowoc has always gone the extra mile for Melrose and the Grove product has stood the test of time in my fleet and performed brilliantly. The latest addition will be no different,” said Melrose. With its 78.5m main boom, the new Grove GMK5250XL-1 has the longest main boom in its class. Combining high capacities up to 250t with excellent manoeuvrability, the GMK5250XL-1 can perform a multitude of jobs, ensuring high return on investment. With its single engine design and EUROMOT 5 emission levels, the all-terrain crane meets the latest regulations. This is especially important as construction companies are increasing their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. The GMK5250XL-1 also delivers lower operating costs due to a 30 per cent decrease in diesel consumption compared to previous generation models. January 2021 CAL / 13
CICA PRESIDENT’S REPORT INDUSTRY NEWS / PRESIDENT’S REPORT
BUILDING OUR WAY TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY As Australia nudges out its COVID fog, the focus for 2021 will be on economic recovery and the role the construction sector will play in revitalising each State’s economy with the planned roll out of infrastructure projects. CICA president Tom Smith.
WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF CRANES and Lifting magazine for 2021. 2020 was a year quite unlike any other, the COVID-19 pandemic presented Australia, and more broadly the world, with a unique and pressing challenge in cooperation, adaptability, and resilience. The situation evolved rapidly; and as a result, we had to identify opportunities within our own businesses to adapt to new challenges, to navigate shutdowns and adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing regulations. I have felt a sense of pride and gratitude to be a part of an industry that responded to the COVID-19 situation quickly and effectively by implementing additional health and safety protocols to protect our workers and our customers. Alternative methods of delivering important services were rolled out, or in rare instances, temporarily closed to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. With restrictions now easing, Australia is focusing on economic recovery and the construction sector will play a leading role in revitalising each State’s economy through the delivery of infrastructure projects. To achieve this, however, we will need to overcome other challenges and weak points within the industry such as: • Having enough workers available who are skilled to operate cranes safely and efficiently • Accessing roads that permit direct rather than convoluted travel pathways • Building on co-operation in construction 14 / CAL January 2021
• Making the most of the instant asset write-off scheme • Ensuring that machinery acquired has a purpose beyond the ‘big’ projects so that we are not faced with an oversupply of machinery in the future So as we mark the beginning of a New Year we need to think about what will rebuilding look like and how a united approach to these challenges via CICA, can capitalise on the synergies created by the multiple points of intersection of many of our key interests and stakeholders. SKILLED OPERATORS Shovel ready projects need skilled and reliable employees. To that end, three States offer and continue to enhance their training model. Victoria and New South Wales offer a Cert III traineeship and Western Australia have recently had the first Cert IV traineeship in the country, approved for pilot. Some sectors have shed staff during the pandemic and there are students who are ‘over’ doing coursework via Zoom – these may be prime candidates for a crane traineeship. I have spoken to numerous people over the years who have really enjoyed the opportunities a career in the crane industry has afforded them, so I would encourage you to be ambassadors for our industry and to encourage people you meet who are the right ‘fit’ to take up a traineeship. As for those who already work in the sector, the CrewSafe program really is the ‘gold standard’ in certifying competence. The more operators who join the
CrewSafe program – the less time is spent on ineffectual activity on site. ACCESSING ROADS CICA has recently employed Jed Kenwright to focus specifically on improving road access for our members. Jed’s background is in the assessment of vehicle performance. He is working on innovative ways for cranes not be thought of as trucks, and for them to be granted access based on their unique performance and limited road use. COOPERATION IN CONSTRUCTION At the end of last year, the CICA S.A. Branch ran a very successful Industry Day where they engaged key stakeholders in the construction industry to provide an update on our CraneSafe, CrewSafe and StartSafe programs. They invited technical and guest speakers from Multiplex to talk on their journey with CrewSafe and representation from key South Australian construction companies to foster collaboration and open communication. I commend Marcus, Steve and the S.A. Branch Executive for their initiative and always being willing to put a shoulder to the wheel. I also want to recognise the work that Anthony, Connie, Ben, Ray, Lester, Rod and David put into the CICA W.A. Family Day in late 2020. Our families are important and really, they’re the reason many of us get up every morning to face another day, so it was a great initiative of the W.A. team to demonstrate to our families how important they are to us. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
THE INSTANT ASSET WRITE-OFF SCHEME Under the instant asset write-off, eligible businesses can claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset in the year the asset is first used. Instant asset write-off can be used for: • An unlimited volume of eligible acquisitions. • New and second-hand assets, subject to annual turnover eligibility. The instant asset write-off eligibility criteria and threshold have changed in the recent Federal Budget announced in October. This space seems to be evolving regularly since COVID measures were first announced, but put simply, new assets can be fully written off until June 30, 2022 provided the business has an annual turnover of less than $5 billion (that covers most of us!) and used equipment acquisitions can be fully written off on the same time line for those with a turnover no greater than $50 million per year. Please double check with your external accountant for eligibility and for further detail on incentives as the detail on these schemes have been evolving. PREVENTING AN OVERSUPPLY OF MACHINERY Further on the instant asset write off scheme, this is obviously an incentive to raise economic growth. We all need to be diligent in the use of such incentives and ensure we are not over committing for “fear of missing out” on eligible tax deductions. As always, regardless of government schemes and incentives, we all need to acquire the best equipment for our business without overcommitting ourselves. Incentivising acquisitions in a recessed economy may lead to an oversupply of certain machinery types which may cause deeper industry issues. We all need to be mindful of these types of potential unintended consequences of government intervention and seek the correct advice; and remember, “bargains can send you broke!” 2021 – A YEAR OF REBUILDING Given the way we have responded to
the challenges of such an unusual year, I have confidence looking forward to 2021. I believe that it will be a positive and exciting year for CICA members and the crane industry more broadly. We’re coming out the other side scarred but not beaten, emerging from COVID armed with the learnings of 2020 which
may deliver an opportunity to reset and readjust our businesses for more safe and progressive times ahead. Tom Smith CICA president managing director – McKay United 0439 130 567
CICA BOARD Tom Smith – President Ben Pieyre – Vice President Danny Adair – Director Danny Black – Director Andrew Esquilant – Director Marcus Ferrari – Director David Solomon – Director Bart Sutherland – Director CICA OFFICE Brandon Hitch Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 0428 228 048 ceo@cica.com.au Heidi Hervay CICA Administration Officer (NSW, QLD, NT, VIC & TAS Secretariat) 0403 717 626 heidi@cica.com.au Alice Edwards Project Engineer 03 8320 0440 alice@cica.com.au Patrick Cran CraneSafe and CrewSafe Technical Officer 0488 004 274 pat@cranesafe.com.au Damien Hense Road Safety Liaison Officer 03 8320 0460 0488 007 575 damien@cica.com.au
Jed Kenwright Road Technical Officer 0439 556 867 jed@cica.com.au Julie Turner CICA Executive Assistant / Office Manager Direct: 03 8320 0411 Email: julie@cica.com.au Ashleigh Gould CICA Administration Officer – CraneSafe And CrewSafe Direct: 03 8320 0466 Email: ashleigh@cranesafe.com.au Michelle Verkerk Marketing and Media Communications Officer 0410 003 759 michelle@cica.com.au Unit 10, 18-22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave Vic 3170 (PO Box 136 Mount Waverley Vic 3149) Phone: 03 9501 0078 Fax: 03 9501 0083 Email: admin@cica.com.au Website: www.cica.com.au
For information, please visit our website or call the CICA office. January 2021 CAL / 15
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CICA MEMBER PROFILE
VERSATILE APPROACH TO SERVICE AND GROWTH Versatile Group is a crane hire company with a core focus on customer satisfaction. The company’s directors, management and staff boast years of experience in the mining, construction and crane sectors. Following a recent acquisition, the company has rapidly expanded its services throughout Queensland and interstate. WITH ONE CRANE, VERSATILE CRANE Hire was started by business partners and directors Dan Story, Brenton Inglis and Liam Bladen, in 2016. Through repeat business and customer referrals, the business quickly grew, as did the crane fleet, and within 24 months they were operating 10 cranes. According to Liam Bladen, the Versatile Crane Hire management team was always confident it had the right approach. “Our experience in the crane, mining and construction industries provided the confidence in our ability to raise the bar in terms of servicing our customers. “Versatile Crane Hire always took an open approach to the profile of our
Versatile Group’s management team left to right: Liam Bladen, Brenton Inglis, Dan Story. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
customers and from the beginning, we set out to accommodate businesses in all sectors ranging from residential building through to larger construction projects and the mining sector,” said Story. “Every customer is equally important to us and developing long term relationships has been a major focus for the business. We want our customers to benefit from our services and we want them to want to use us, and to continue to use us regardless of job location. If a customer wants assistance with a remote or interstate project, we will make considerations to remain extremely competitive and help deliver the project,” he said.
On July 1st 2020, Versatile Crane Hire acquired Lee Crane Hire, a family owned business with operations in Gladstone, Biloela and Moura. This acquisition led to the formation of Versatile Group. According to Dan Story, the acquisition facilitates further growth throughout South East Queensland. “We seized on the opportunity to expand our operations in Central and South East Queensland with the purchase of Lee Crane Hire. It is a highly reputable and already successful family business with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and safety. “We have already introduced new systems and procedures to bring the business in line with the values we have at Versatile Group, and this will improve both efficiencies throughout the business and the service we offer to our customers. The acquisition also dramatically increases our capabilities throughout the region,” said Story. Versatile Group owns both Versatile Crane Hire and Lee Crane Hire. Today, Versatile Group has a fleet of 80+ cranes at its disposal with capacities ranging from a 2.5t spider crane through to a 300t capacity all terrain. The fleet also includes a broad variety of machines says Brenton Inglis. “Our fleet comprises of all types of cranes including all terrains, rough terrains, crawlers, telescopic crawlers, Franna’s articulated pick and carrys cranes, telehandlers as well as mini cranes. We also offer heavy haulage up to 10 row platforms. We run the leading brands including Hitachi-Sumitomo, Liebherr, January 2021 CAL / 17
CICA MEMBER PROFILE
Versatile Group has a fleet of 80+ cranes at its disposal.
Demag, Grove, Tadano, Link-Belt, Maeda, Terex Franna and HUMMA, and we use a state-of-the-art fleet management program to manage the fleet,” said Inglis. “The work we conduct has always influenced the make-up of our fleet. We have aimed at providing customers with a completely specialised lift and shift service. From the early planning stages, we provide specialised advice, 3D lift plans, and examine the best way to manage the haulage to and from site right through to the final placement of the load. “To suit our customer’s needs, we have also put together a specialist ‘shutdown division’ which utilises our Liebherr telescopic crawler cranes, including the LTR1220s, LTR1100s and HitachiSumitomo 280t crawler as well as various rough terrains and Franna’s pick and carry cranes,” he said. Versatile Group maintains the fleet with their own mechanics says Bladen. “When there is an issue, our maintenance staff provide practical advice back to the manufacturers and we service and maintain our equipment to all OEM 18 / CAL January 2021
recommendations. Always providing well maintained and serviced equipment is another service we proudly provide our customers,” he said. Bladen goes on to explain what measures Versatile Group has in place to ensure lifts are planned and managed safely. “Most jobs start with our customer providing detailed site plans or with the completion of site inspection checklist following our first site visit. From site inspections, known weights and radii, we calculate and produce state of the art 3D lift plan which enables us to show the customer what we are recommending as the best crane possible for the job and why. “This process also enables us to illustrate the limitations with the site and for the customer to understand more about clearances, capacity, ground bearing pressures and the interaction with surrounding obstructions. We also walk them through a detailed and itemised rigging plans, so they are comfortable with everything we are planning,” said Bladen.
All Versatile Group employees are provided with the relevant training courses, and Verification of Competency can be required depending on the site and the complexities of the lift, says Inglis. “Depending on the complexity of the lift or site requirements, our employees can be subjected to any number of requirements. These can include multiple safety measures such as inductions, Job Risk Analysis, Safe Work Method Statement, Form 100, pre lift checklists, Take 5 safety management, medicals and site inspections. Our operators and riggers can access lift and rigging plans through their dedicated iPads to ensure all the requirements to execute the job safely have been calculated and planned,” said Inglis. With a workforce of 100 plus, the team behind Versatile Group recognises the continued development of a positive work culture is important to the future success of the business, says Story. “We recognise good people can take their skills and experience anywhere. We have always taken a position that we want our staff to want to work in the business, and to take ownership of everything they do. “We also recognise that many of our customers see our personnel as being crucial to the business. They work with them onsite every day and frequently work around issues and solve them together. “We are here because of our customers and our staff. The acquisition of Lee Crane Hire presents tremendous opportunities for our customers, our business and for our staff in particular. We recognise the responsibility we have to the local services that depend on us, and the families and the local communities we engage with,” he said. “We hope Versatile Group will be seen as an ‘employer of choice’, where youngsters will be interested in exploring the available traineeship opportunities and where qualified and experienced crew will choose to bring their skills. We want our customers to know we are in this for the long haul and that we will continue to focus on bringing them the best possible solutions we are capable of delivering,” said Story. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
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16th – 17th February
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Perth WA
2 Days
23rd – 24th February
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Sydney NSW
2 Days
9th – 10th March
Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner
Sydney NSW
2 Days
13th – 14th April
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Auckland NZ
2 Days
20th – 22nd April
LICCON I & II with data bus
Sydney NSW
3 Days
4th – 6th May
LICCON I & II with data bus
Perth WA
3 Days
18th – 19th May
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Brisbane QLD
2 Days
1st – 2nd June
Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner
Perth WA
2 Days
3rd – 4th June
Active rear axle steering
Perth WA
2 Days
22nd – 23rd June
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Melbourne VIC
2 Days
6th – 7th July
Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner
Brisbane QLD
2 Days
20th – 21st July
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Perth WA
2 Days
3rd – 4th August
Crane Service and Maintenance including an Introduction to Diagnostics
Sydney NSW
2 Days
10th – 12th August
LICCON I & II with data bus
Auckland NZ
3 Days
24th – 26th August
LICCON I & II with data bus
Brisbane QLD
3 Days
7th – 8th September
Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner
Melbourne VIC
2 Days
28th – 29th September
Active rear axle steering
Sydney NSW
2 Days
12th – 14th October
LICCON I & II with data bus
Perth WA
3 Days
19th – 21st October
LICCON I & II with data bus
Sydney NSW
3 Days
16th – 18th November
LICCON I & II with data bus
Melbourne VIC
3 Days
30th November – 1st December
Influence of Wind including LICCON Work Planner
Auckland NZ
2 Days
CONTACT US For all bookings and information, please contact the Liebherr Mobile Cranes training department via email LAS-MCTraining@liebherr.com, or call +61 2 9852 1830.
CICA CRANE SAFETY REPORT
PREVENTING CRANE SAFETY INCIDENTS The RMIT Construction Work Health and Safety research group recently published the findings of a study into the crane safety incidents. IN AUSTRALIA, 47 WORKERS WERE KILLED in incidents involving cranes between 2003 and 2015. Safe Work Australia also reports that there are, on average, around 240 serious injury claims arising from crane safety incidents every year.2 The RMIT Construction Work Health and Safety @ RMIT research group undertook a study of crane safety incident causation in the Australian construction industry. The study involved a review of international literature, an analysis of historical crane safety incidents occurring in NSW between 2002 and 2019, and interviews with a broad range of industry stakeholders. This work was funded by, and undertaken in partnership with, the NSW Government Centre for Work Health and Safety and completed in 2019. Data collected from the industry stakeholders was systematically analysed to identify factors contributing to safety incidents involving fixed and mobile cranes in the Australian construction industry. The results reveal that the factors contributing to crane safety incidents operate at different levels of the construction industry’s work system. A comprehensive crane safety incident causation model was developed. This model classified contributing factors according to their proximity to the incident. Immediate circumstances included material/equipment factors, site factors and worker factors. These factors were traced back to aspects of the project/site management environment, including the way in which crane services are procured, site management, layout, prelift planning, management of plant and machinery, workload and fatigue. 1 2
In turn, these project/site-level factors could be traced back to issues in the broader construction industry environment, including characteristics of the regulatory environment, training and licensing arrangements, labour issues including a shortage of skilled workers and increasing numbers of new-toindustry workers, and the commercial arrangements through which construction projects are delivered. The crane safety incident causation model was validated in further industry consultation, which confirmed that the model is relevant to safety incidents involving both mobile and fixed cranes. The crane safety incident causation model can be used as a tool to support investigation into the factors contributing to crane safety incidents in the construction industry, or to identify risk factors and proactively plan for safe crane operations in construction worksites. The industry experts also identified strategies that could assist in preventing safety incidents involving cranes. Suggested strategies included improving processes for training workers responsible for crane-related activities and ensuring that they are competent to do the work they are required to perform. Participants suggested that crane safety incidents could be reduced by the adoption of a tiered licensing system, the use of ‘logbooks,’ verification of competency for operation of cranes of particular make or model and processes for periodic testing and refresher training. Participants also suggested that improvements to regulatory/inspection processes, increased use of advanced safety technologies and improvements to the commercial
arrangements through which construction contractors procure crane services could reduce crane safety incidents in the construction industry. The Hon. Kevin Anderson, MP, Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, NSW Government commented: “This research project has helped us better understand the cause of crane safety incidents in the Australian construction industry and identify what actions can be taken to prevent them.” To find out more about the research project and to download the technical and research-topractice reports, visit https://www.rmit.edu.au/ about/schools-colleges/property-constructionand-project-management/research/ research-centres-and-groups/constructionwork-health-safety-research/projects/cranesafety-incident-causation
SafeWork Australia, (2016). Work related traumatic injury fatalities 2015, SafeWork Australia: Canberra. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/cranes
www.cranesandlifting.com.au
January 2021 CAL / 21
CICA INDUSTRY DAY
COLLABORATION IN CONSTRUCTION Crane Industry in South Australia provides platform for cross functional collaboration. COLLABORATION WAS THE CENTRAL theme of this year’s highly successful S.A. industry day held at the Adelaide Convention Centre and hosted by CICA South Australia on 6 November 2020. Approximately 60 people attended, and the audience consisted of Tier 1, 2 and 3 builders, safety managers, site safety officers, state authorities and CICA S.A. Members. The purpose of the day was to open the lines of communication, to think and work together to enhance safety and streamline efficiencies on construction sites. MC and key organiser of the event Marcus Rigney, CICA SA chairman opened, stating “Collaboration is a key word the crane association is committed to. I truly believe we can collaborate between industries to work together continuously to improve safety and site entry transitions to your work sites, in terms of cranes and lifting in our industry.” The keynote speaker was Danny Black – general manager of Terex Cranes Australia & NZ who spoke on the
MC and key organiser of the event Marcus Rigney, CICA SA Chairman.
development of crane safety systems, paying homage to the late Robert Way, his dedication to safety and the influence he had on the development of crane safety systems. The day was a hybrid of in-person and online presentation. Brandon Hitch and
Danny Black, general manager of Terex Cranes Australia & NZ spoke on developments in crane safety systems. 22 / CAL January 2021
Patrick Cran from CICA spoke about CrewSafe, CraneSafe and the release of StartSafe. Also online, due to COVID travel restrictions were Rolly Dimitrovski, Multiplex WHS coordinator/plant manager and Warwick Johnson - director NSW/QLD who outlined the reasons why Multiplex are using CrewSafe as their method of proof for crane operator competencies. Cheryl Woodhart chaired a panel of builders and crane owners, who answered questions and discussed the problems and inefficiencies that present when arriving at different work sites. By acknowledging the issues, those in attendance were given an insight into the challenges each party faces. Collaboration is an ongoing process and the key to continuous improvement. CICA S.A. are well on the way to fostering a culture to deliver innovative solutions that satisfy everyone. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to organise the event, present on the day and attend. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
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CICA TECH CORNER
CALL FOR LIFTING TERMINOLOGY CONSISTENCY Lifting terminology in the crane industry can be confusing. Some terms are clearly defined in Australian Standards with others derived from industry colloquialisms. The Crane Industry Council of Australia’s Technical Committee examines these variations. LIFT CONFUSION There are five common terms used in the crane industry related to preparing for and conducting a safe lift. These are: • Designed lift • Engineered lift • Lift study • Lift plan • Lift procedure Some of the definitions of these terms are not clearly defined which can cause confusion on the scope, content, and application of these terms when planning a lifting task. Many projects interchange to each activity and that further adds to the confusion. Some of these terms are clearly defined in Australian Standards whereas others are derived from industry colloquialisms. DESIGNED LIFTS Designed lifts are defined in AS2550.12011, Section 1.4.4, Section 6.27 and Appendix D. The following definition, scope, content and application of designed lifts are quoted from AS2550.1-2011 Designed lifts are extraordinary and temporary lifting operations requiring an assessment of the design of the crane, which may require a temporary reclassification or re-rating or a change in the intended use of the crane. Note: The following are examples of designed lifts: • Some multiple crane lifts • Lifts where the center of gravity changes or is difficult to determine • Lifts for hazardous materials • Lifts where the load lifted exceeds the published rated capacity of the crane www.cranesandlifting.com.au
The person developing the designed lift must be a competent person. The competent person should define and record the reason for any detailed conditions associated with the review. A third party must review the design characteristics of the crane. The effect the operation has on the service life of the crane shall be considered. All designed lifts must be recorded and retained in the crane service logbook for the service life of the crane. The Australian Standard is clear that classifying a lift as a ‘designed lift’ is for extraordinary and temporary lifting operations. Consider a design lift as a lift that is outside the manufacturer’s generic operation guides or supplied rated capacity charts and consultation with the manufacturer is recommended. Something as seemingly simple as changing the angle on the boom support
system may be possible but could require a designed lift if that angle is not defined by the manufacturer. For designed lifts, CICA recommends that a professional engineer (refer to AS2550.5-2016 Section 1.4.6) be the competent person. ENGINEERED LIFTS Engineered lifts are not defined in AS2550.1 or AS2550.5, they are initiated because of the complexity of the lift or because a crane is operating near its lifting capacity. Different from a designed lift, an engineered lift doesn’t specify that a crane is working beyond the design capabilities. Most often a lift is classified as an ‘engineered lift’ because an engineer is involved either with the initial design of the lift or as a 3rd party auditor of the lift plan. A competent person should be an Liebherr Y-guying system.
January 2021 CAL / 25
CICA TECH CORNER
LIFT STUDY Lift study is not clearly defined in the Australian Standards, Code of Practice or Guidances for cranes. A lift study, is a review of the feasibility of the lifting task by way of confirming the lifting gear arrangment, any necessary deductions, the crane rated capacities at pick up and place locations, and any other considerations that need to be considered. The lift study outlines basic parameters before a more thorough lift plan begins. Competent person required for conducting lift study is a person who has acquired through training, qualification, experience or a combination of these - the knowledge and skill enabling that person to correctly perform the required task. Depending on the complexity of the lift, list of competent persons includes: • professional engineers (CPEng, RPEQ or equivalent); • manufacturer’s representative; • project engineer; • lift supervisor; and • intermediate rigger or advanced rigger LIFT PLAN Lift plan is not clearly defined in Australian Standards, Code of Practice or Guidances for cranes. The lift plan is a written document and drawings that 26 / CAL January 2021
specify the requirements and resources necessary, to safely and efficiently to perform the lifting task. As a minimum requirement, the content of the plan should include: • The size and weight of the load to be lifted. • Identifying the location of the centre of gravity. • Lift geometry for the entire lifting process, including the position of the crane, the load radius, the boom length and angle • Rated capacity of the crane for all the configurations of the crane during the entire lifting process. • A rigging plan that details the lifting gear and accessories required, the exact pick points, and any special procedures involved • An evaluation of the ground condition or the structure condition where the crane stands on, and if necessary, the configuration of mats or other means to provide sufficient bearing capacity The lift plan should be prepared by a competent person, and should be reviewed and signed by the plan’s author, the lift supervisor and the crane crew before performing the lifting task. A lift plan should be developed for all type of lifting tasks. Image taken from John Holland Lift of the Year 2018 entry.
engineer who has experience in crane operations suited for the task. This may be specific to concrete panel rotation, working on a barge or demolitions and deconstruction projects, as examples. In today’s crane industry many lifts are performed without the need to be classified as an ‘engineered lift’ or a ‘designed lift’, but planning and preparation is required to complete the lift(s) safety. A three step process should be followed, to – Study, Plan, Proceed. The level of detail and formality of these three steps may depend on client requirements or the complexity of the lift(s), however,these three steps would always apply to designed lifts and engineered lifts.
Lift plan drawing for rigging arrangement.
Competent person required for developing lift plan is a person who has acquired through training, qualification, experience or a combination of these, the knowledge and skill enabling that person to correctly perform the required task. Depending on the complexity of the lift, the list of competent persons includes: • professional engineers (CPEng, RPEQ or equivalent); • manufacturer’s representative; • project engineer; • lift supervisor; and • crane crew. LIFT PROCEDURE Lift procedure is defined in AS2550.5 Section 1.4.5 and Section 6.10, Mobile crane Code of Practice Section 9.5, and General Guidance for Cranes. Lift procedure is a document with the requirements of the crane and equipment used with the lift, the method of lifting and personnel involved in the lift. Comprehensive documented lifting procedures are required in the following situations: • tilt-up panel jobs ; • multiple crane lifts; • lifting of workboxes with persons in the boxes; • installation of bridge beams during bridge installation work; and • the use of mobile cranes on barges. The lift procedure should be prepared by a competent person and should be reviewed and signed by the plan’s author and the crane crew before performing the lifting task. Having a clear understanding of the terms associated with lifting, improves planning and on-site communication. Clarity around definitions and requirements to plan the lift, assess the risks and control the risks will ensure you have done everything possible to achieve a safe lift. The CICA Technical Corner is made possible in part by a contribution from IncoLink. For access to safety resources, Australian Standards and Guidance notes go to the CICA website www.cica. com.au and become a CICA Member. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
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IN FOCUS / HUMMA PICK AND CARRY
The aim of the project was to reduce manual welding, weld rework and automate most of the welding operations.
HUMMA INTRODUCES ROBOTIC MANUFACTURE Leading Australian manufacturer DRA Group, took a deep look how it would manufacture the Humma range into the future. The result is a brand new-state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing cell. WITH A LIFTING CAPACITY OF 55T AND featuring auto levelling, the Humma 55 is the largest articulated pick and carry crane available. Since its successful launch in 2018, DRA Engineering has gone on to install a state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing cell for the future production of Humma models. In 2018, the research and development programme for the Humma 55 was completed. Following its successful launch, DRA Engineering, the business behind the design, engineering and manufacture of the Humma range, launched the Humma Robotic Welding project. This project was designed to investigate overseas manufacture and 28 / CAL January 2021
assess the advantages and disadvantages of such a move, says DRA operations director Peter Dalla Riva. “The market leader in articulated pick and carrys, had moved manufacture of some models to China so as to benefit from lower labour costs and the use of low-cost componentry where possible. Humma had spent a number of years testing, evaluating and selecting a number of components with proven reliability and performance and was not prepared to commit additional time, effort and cost to select componentry from India and China,” he said. “There is abundant performance history in the market on componentry
from these countries failing prematurely or being unreliable. Faced with historic data and taking into consideration that Australian Humma costs are approximately seventy percent materials and componentry and thirty percent labour, the solution was to concentrate on reducing labour cost increases by introducing robotic welding to improve the quality of the weld by reducing or eliminating rework. “This solution allowed us to retain the established and proven benefit of all the Humma componentry, improving welding productivity and retain manufacture in Australia. This solution also protects our designs from being copied. For all these www.cranesandlifting.com.au
reasons, Humma Robotic Manufacture was launched as a new research and development project,” said Dalla Riva. The aim of the project was to reduce manual welding, weld rework and automate most of the welding operations. The Humma structure requires each component to be presented to the welding head from a number of positions to achieve the perfect weld. The robotic weld head is one challenge but the major design is in programming the handling of components such as rear chassis weighing up to 5000kg. Welding of booms, including the various attachments, was challenging, rear chassis bracing and air suspension involved a lot of programming and trial and error testing. DRA Engineering prepared a design specification after selecting three robot welding manufacturers. The designs and pricing from the three tenderers were evaluated and a supplier selected. The project required that DRA supply mechatronic and mechanical engineers for training in Germany. The welding manipulator module is one of the largest in Australia, capable of depositing up to 26kg of metal per hour while manipulating the workpiece weighing up to 5,000kg. A perfect weld on a boom section can be deposited in under 1.5 hours. Each workpiece requires the jig to be
designed first to achieve the perfect weld in the shortest time. The workpiece is placed on the manipulator, program selected for the workpiece and the robotic head follows the program, completes the welding operation unattended and turns itself off. There are many features in the system that are worth mentioning. The system is more on the uncommon side of robotic welding system, especially in Australia. This is because of the versatility of its welding capability. Generally, automated systems are limited in the way they work with the workpiece, particularly in terms of product variety such as dimension and shape. But this robotic welding system is designed to work with completely different shape of workpieces at varying lengths, for example, the shape of the chassis compared to the boom and the varying length and dimension of the booms for the crane. Firstly, the system is equipped with the most advanced laser technology to enhance welding precision whilst reducing pre-weld system calibration time. The laser measures and determines the geometry of the workpiece before welding. This process takes a few seconds depending on the complexity of the workpiece geometry compared to the traditional robot sensors which takes minutes. Secondly the system is also equipped
The robotic installation is programmed for Humma 25 and 35. Production for Humma 55 is scheduled for 2021.. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
with tandem weld technology with automated torch changing capability. The robot operator can command/ program the robot to change the torch used (single wire or tandem) as required. The tandem torch can deposit metals at a rate of 26 kilograms per hour compared to traditional weld with a rate of less than 10 kilograms per hour – which is a substantial amount of metal. Lastly, the robot and workpiece positioners allow the robot to have high versatility in welding varying workpieces. The workpiece can be small, big, short or long, it would pose no problem for the system. The robot is mounted on an overhead positioner that enables the entire welding robot to move in x, y and z direction, giving it access to workpiece at various angles. Combined with a multiaxis workpiece positioner rated at five tonnes, the workpiece can be mounted and positioned vertically or horizontally (with a tailstock at the other end). This feature enables longer or shorter workpiece to be welded. The robotic installation is programmed for Humma 25 and 35 and is in production, the quality of welds is high, rework is minimal and DRA is adding two additional units in 2021/22. Programming for Humma 55 is in progress with production scheduled for 2021. “Labour cost for welding and assembly represents in the vicinity of 30 per cent of the crane cost, with 70 per cent being steel and componentry. “We established the large saving in offshoring manufacture was using untested componentry. The possibility of using componentry which has not been regularly tested and possibly not meet Australian standards could destroy Humma’s proven reliability and low operating costs. DRA assessed the potential low cost and improved sale price was too risky and launched the ‘Humma Robotic Build Project’. As an Australian owned company about to celebrate 50 years of manufacture, we are the only Australian manufacturer of pick and carry cranes approved to carry the Australian Made logo and we proudly own that right,” said Dalla Riva. January 2021 CAL / 29
IN FOCUS / GLEASON CRANES MI-JACK TRAVELIFT
GLEASON CRANES ANNOUNCE NEW DISTRIBUTORSHIP Gleason Cranes recently announced it had been appointed the National Distributor for US leading brand of rubber tyred gantry cranes, Travelift. MI-JACK PRODUCTS IS THE manufacturer of Travelift and Translift Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes (RTG). Mi-Jack specialises in solutions for industrial and intermodal applications worldwide. Mi-Jack has machines operating on six of the seven continents and is globally recognised for designing and manufacturing innovative and productive machines. 30 / CAL January 2021
All of Mi-Jacks machines and components are manufactured to international ISO certified standards. The Travelift RTG operates in most industrial applications including rail, port intermodal facilities, concrete manufacturing plants, construction, infrastructure and resources. Gleason Cranes’, Chris Logan, is particularly pleased with the development.
“Gleason Cranes is well known to the Australian market, we’ve been importing, buying and selling and supporting cranes for over 40 years and we know a winner when we see one. The Travelift product is a winner. “The Australian market may not be aware, but there are already seven Travelift container handling RTGs operating locally with major businesses www.cranesandlifting.com.au
“They can customise the dimensions required to work on bridges and have the capability to pick and carry at capacities which offer huge advantages and cost savings over traditional construction cranes. For the rail sector, they have provided rail wheels in lieu of rubber tyred when requested.” RPM requirements needed to operate the Travelift are supplied automatically through the Power on Demand feature which maximises efficiencies and achieves 36 per cent fuel savings and 25 per cent extended engine life,” he said.
With the amount of infrastructure projects in the pipeline, Gleason Cranes believes it is an ideal time to be working with Mi-Jack and the Travelift.
including ANRR, NRC and Toll North QRX. Mi-Jack Travelift is also the primary RTG provider to the North American prestress industry with the product very popular on new bridge and existing bridge reconstruction. “They can customise the dimensions required to work on bridges and have the capability to pick and carry at capacities which offer huge advantages and cost savings over traditional construction cranes. For the rail sector, they have provided rail wheels in leu of rubber tyred when requested. The Mi-Jack Travelift RTG range offers capacities ranging from 18t to 295t and dimensions can be customised to meet specific applications,” said Logan. There are a number of design features which make the Travelift RTG popular said Logan. “The optimal engine horsepower/ www.cranesandlifting.com.au
OTHER KEY FEATURES INCLUDE: 1. Lead wheel steering includes a multiple steer mode system which allows the operators to steer the crane using distinct steer modes including: 0° In-Line Steer 90° Transverse Steer Circle Steer All Wheel Steer and Crab Steer at full capacity. 2. An inward facing cab is more spacious featuring a 180° rotating seat which allows the operator direct sight towards the direction of travel and/or the load. 3. High rise cab increases the eye level height and provides better sight lines over stacked product. 4. An auxiliary hoist allows the operator to rotate product while reducing the potential to damage the product. 5. Dual/Split Trolley provides a solid four point pick ability for unbalanced loads. 6. Air conditioner both AC generator powered and air compressor driven style are available. 7. RF Remote Control allows safe operation of all standard crane function from ground level. Scale Package scale readout in the cab to show weights of product lifted. 8. All wheel drive, drive components at all four corners to increase gradeability as required by rough yard conditions. 9. Trolley and Hoist synchronisation allows the operator to use on joystick to work on both trolleys and hoists in unison for ease of operation.
10. The ladder and platform kit allows easy access to top beams and their components in the event other means of access are unavailable. 11. Camera package assists the operator by increasing visibility of potential blind spots while travelling. 12. The spreader bars/strong backs manufactured by Mi-Jack are customised to fit the needs for each application. The Autospreader, with adjustable slides and hooking capabilities controlled from the cab, help to eliminate the need for ground riggers and the need to climb ladders to hook/unhook product. The AutoSpreader comes in various models capable of handling double tees, hollow core, wall panels, I-Beams, and any other applications looking to maximise productivity. By equipping the Mi-Jack Travelift rubber tyred gantry crane with a magnet package, controlled from the cab, the operator can handle steel products without the necessary ground crew needed to hook/unhook product. C-Hooks are designed for easy handling of steel wire and steel coils. “The Travelift is a world class product,” said Logan, “it is extremely versatile, and designed to operate in numerous applications and industry sectors. It is particularly well suited to the intermodal and container handling industry but is equally at home in prestressed concrete manufacturing and rail applications. “With the amount of infrastructure projects in the pipeline, we believe now is the ideal time to be working with Mi-Jack and the Travelift product and the team at Gleason Cranes looks forward to answering any questions and providing more information on the range,” he said. January 2021 CAL / 31
IN FOCUS / BADEN DAVIS CRANE CONNECTION
CONNECTING USED CRANES ON DEMAND The Baden Davis Crane Connection has satisfied the requirements of another customer with a high quality used crane. JJ CRANES HAS RELIED ON THE SERVICES of The Baden Davis Crane Connection to deliver several of the cranes in its fleet. Rob Medill enjoys the relationship with Anthony Davis and respects the support he gets from the Crane Connection team. Medill found himself working with cranes when he was just 19. He started as a rigger and worked his way up from Dogman to crane driver then crane supervisor before deciding he wanted to go and do it for himself.
Medill started JJ Cranes in 1996 when he bought a 25t truck crane in from Japan. He began to build his clientele with the intention of not wanting the business to get too big. As the business grew, Medill bought another 25t truck crane and shortly afterwards a tower crane. “I sold one of the 25s and bought a 30t truck crane and a second tower crane and then a Franna. This was followed by a city crane and then another tower
crane. At this time, I was avoiding the all terrains, to me it was a concern to move into such a large crane which required a support vehicle. With a truck crane everything, including the counterweight, is on the one truck and it does the job. “It was also difficult to justify the investment required to move into the all terrains but, in the end, I could see I was falling behind the competition and I realised it was time to step up and I bought my first 55-tonner from Botany
Anthony Davis, Baden Davis Crane Connection hands over the keys to Rob Medill and his son Jarrod.
32 / CAL January 2021
www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Cranes,” said Medill. global network. He quickly comes back Over the years, the tower crane market with options on what he has found, became extremely competitive and and we make our selection based on Medill decided to get out of the market our needs. and focus on mobile cranes. “With the recent purchase I told him “We had that first all terrain for I was looking for a relatively late model a while before I bought another 50t 60 tonner because it features the latest capacity, then a Franna and then I technology in a small three axle machine invested in a 100t Liebherr. After that with a large main boom of 48m. To me, a 40t Demag rough terrain and then this size of crane is going to be the future two years ago a brand new 90t Liebherr. of taxi crane hire. It was hard to justify Recently we purchased a 60t Liebherr. buying a new crane and this one had The 60t Liebherr was purchased low kilometres. through Anthony Davis at the Baden “I was prepared to wait until February Davis Crane Connection. “I have known Anthony for many years. John from Botany Cranes introduced us when we were racing our cars at Eastern Creek. So, we met through our common love of racing cars and we’ve always caught through that circle of friends and we’ve always remained good mates. We’ve also caught up at various crane expos and conferences both here and overseas, so we’ve always had a good relationship. “The first crane we purchased through Anthony was the 40t Demag which came from Europe. We were very close to purchasing the 90t Liebherr through Anthony as well. He had been searching for us and found one in Spain and was planning to bring it in, but in the end, I figured it was too close to a new one in terms of cost, and I went The Liebherr in the Baden Davis paint shop. in that direction instead. “But we did go with The Baden Davis Crane Connection with the or March next year but when he told recent 60t Liebherr. Their service has me the machine had just landed, I went always been good, and they are always to his yard and put a deposit on it that there to back you up with anything you day,” he said. need, nothing is a problem for Anthony According to Anthony Davis from and his team. The Baden Davis Crane Connection, According to Medill, the service there are a number of advantages for from The Crane Connection is customers like JJ Cranes to be working straight-forward. with his business. “When I’m in the market for a crane “Customers like JJ Cranes ask for I give Anthony a call and let him know different brands and we will bring in what I’m looking for and he starts what they want. One benefit of using searching for the crane through his The Crane Connection is our ability to www.cranesandlifting.com.au
buy and keep cranes in stock without needing a sale for them, as was the case for with the 60t Liebherr. “We try and carry a couple of cranes at all times because customers like Rob, want the crane instantly, they don’t want to wait four months until it arrives. For this type of demand, you need to have stock on the ground. “We source the crane overseas, we fund it, and we bring it in. We quarantine and wash it. We service and repair it and we get it CraneSafe approved. We paint it in-house and register it for the customer. Even the major OEMs can’t make this claim. They might have a paint shop, but they rely on contract painters. We are the only ones who have everything in-house, all the time,” said Davis. Medill goes on to explain how his business has evolved and how his cranes fit these requirements. “We are too small to compete with Tier Ones where you have to step up to the next level and into a much larger scale. We tend to work with Tier Two and Tier Three clientele and relationships with my clients date back 20 years. “More recently, we’ve also been working with builders in the residential high-rise sector, structural steel erection as well as roofing clients. We’ve been focused on the general construction side of the industry, but we have also been working in the civil works side of things and we’d like to be doing more work in this area,” he said. “We run a tight ship as far as our team is concerned. At full capacity we can have up to The bigger cranes require two dogmen and the operator and there’s two guys on the Franna. There’s myself, my twin sons Jarrod and Josh who are operators, that’s where the JJ comes from, my nephew Shane Brien who is the manager and the team back in the office which includes my wife and daughter. Like The Baden Davis Crane Connection, it’s a very ‘hands on’ family business,” said Medill. January 2021 CAL / 33
IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR SPARE PARTS
FOCUSING ON THE CRITICAL ROLE OF SPARE PARTS Liebherr recognises the important role spare parts play in supporting customers as well as reinforcing the strength of the brand.
Manson Tong, National Parts Manager Mobile Cranes Division, Liebherr-Australia .
MANSON TONG IS THE NATIONAL SPARE parts manager for Liebherr Mobile Cranes. In this article, he discusses the critical role spare parts has within the organisation and the emphasis Liebherr places on product support and customer satisfaction. After graduating from the University of Sydney in 2007 with a degree in Engineering with a major in Mechatronic Engineering, Tong joined Rehau, a large German company which manufactures 34 / CAL January 2021
polymer. While there, he came across the name Liebherr. Rehau is a supplier to Liebherr for their range of fridges. “From my perspective, Polymer is more about material engineering and my background is mechatronics and I was looking to work in an area which was more related to my area of expertise. Coincidentally, an opportunity became available at Liebherr, as a support engineer with Liebherr Mobile Cranes,” said Tong.
Tong started work on roadability studies, helping customers on how best Liebherr could equip the machines for them and still remain within the road axles limits to comply with the road regulations and also to support the sales managers. “As a support engineer, you are the ‘hub’ between the sales team and the factory. We collect information from the sales team, pass it onto the factory, they answer the questions or solve the www.cranesandlifting.com.au
problems and we then go back to the sales team and implement the solutions for them. “If there is a new model release, we conduct roadability studies and work out how we are going to road the crane and what the configuration of the crane should be to achieve the required weights. The role also included the importing of the machines. The role enabled me to understand the sales process and to also develop a relationship with the factory. As the support engineer I was given the extra responsibility to look after used machines which is a really interesting area and at the time it was a relatively new area for Liebherr,” said Tong. Tong goes on to discuss the transition from support engineer to spare parts and the parts distribution side of the business. “Both personally and professionally, I am ambitious and I was looking for a more senior role within the organisation and at this time the spare parts manager took a more senior role back at the factory. The opportunity presented, I put in my resume and with my experience in sales, a good understanding of how the machines work and how they are to be equipped, I was successful with my application. “This was three and a half years ago, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity by Andrew Esquilant, general manager mobile and crawler cranes and Steve Hogg, national service manager mobile cranes. I am also pleased with the faith they have shown in me,” said Tong. “What I have found interesting is with the sales process, customers tend to make their decision over an extended period of time, but with spare parts they make decisions really quickly. This is because they are not looking at the future development of their business, they are looking at getting their machine back to work quickly. This is probably the most challenging part of the role and also the most rewarding. As a team, we work hard to help the customer by supplying the right www.cranesandlifting.com.au
parts in an expedient fashion, so his crane is back to work as soon as possible. That is very satisfying for us,” he said. Tong goes on to explain Liebherr’s approach to spare parts and his teams’ ability to supply parts quickly throughout Australia and New Zealand. “Liebherr has a very strong focus on customer support and of course spare parts is a major focus. For the Australian and New Zealand markets we hold a substantial amount of spare parts with permanent Liebherr parts interpreters and warehouse personnel within five distributions centres (DCs) across Australia and New Zealand. The main DC is in Sydney, we have DCs in Yatala in Queensland, Dandenong in Victoria, Rockingham in Western Australia and
customers growing and with this, the population of cranes has grown, and with more potential, we addressed the need to have more support available in New Zealand. Spare parts is recognised as a critical part of the business and there are plans to grow the team further in 2021,” said Tong. The art of spare parts management is having the right parts available, for the right crane in the right location explains Tong. “Managing parts availability is a constant challenge. Customers are moving their cranes around the country following the work and we have to be as quick as possible to follow this as well. Each of the smaller DCs stock critical spares which include sensors, hoist ropes
“In terms of the amount of stock we hold, Sydney manages 7000 line items, Rockingham 3500, Queensland and Victoria 1000 each and we have 1200 line items in New Zealand. We try to hold as much stock as possible including critical spares as well.” Auckland, New Zealand. “In terms of the amount of stock we hold, Sydney manages 7,000 line items, Rockingham 3,500, Queensland and Victoria 1000 each and we have 1,200 line items in New Zealand. We try to hold as much stock as possible including critical spares as well. Stock holding is interesting at the moment. We currently have 42 models in Liebherr’s program and 35 of these models are currently available in Australia and New Zealand. If you add the obsolete models, we are talking about 48 models and the population would be close to 1000 machines. “For Liebherr, the role of customer support continues to be a major focus and with it, the significance of spare parts increases also. Our team is constantly growing, and we recently put on two extra team members one in Melbourne and Auckland to support our customers in these markets. In the past we have been supporting New Zealand from Sydney, but with the number of
for popular models, ECUs, windscreens, filters, oils and other products required for maintenance programs. “In terms of inventory management, we utilise the Baan inventory control system which includes a material requirement planning (MRP) system, but we mainly rely on ‘consumption reports’ which we generate, and we like to ‘personalise’ how we order parts from the factory. “With this we ‘hand craft’ every order for a part by looking at every part we have delivered, the consumption and we run a report within the team. We then decide what we need to reorder and replenish from the factory. We then look at the size of the part, how much we have in stock around Australia and New Zealand and then decide if we need to fly the part in or rely on sea freight,” he said. Tong goes on to explain how his spare parts team manages the delivery of parts to a crane which has broken down in a remote location. “We have a good relationships with January 2021 CAL / 35
IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR SPARE PARTS
our freight partners and depending on how urgent the part is, we have service from road freight to next flight service. In a scenario where the part is critical and the crane can’t operate, we will put that part on a next flight service, which is normally the next available flight to the closest airport, and then a courier will collect the part and drive it straight to the site. Depending on how remote the site is this could take one to two days,” he said. A crane requiring major repairs including the replacement of major, structural parts is a different
Liebherr customers face. “Major inspections are a planned exercise, they are not something we undertake spontaneously. Again, we work closely with the service department and they know certain components and areas of the crane that will need parts and most of the time we will have those parts. We try to have parts available in Australia to suit our customer’s needs and forecast work. Not every facility will hold every part but we can draw from our stocks across the country. “But a major inspection could uncover other issues. Let’s say a
“Major inspections are a planned exercise, they are not something we undertake spontaneously. Again, we work closely with the service department and they know certain components and areas of the crane that will need parts and most of the time we will have those parts. We try to have parts available in Australia to suit our customer’s needs and forecast work.” proposition. In this instance the spare parts team works very closely with the service department explains Tong. “In this scenario the service department will assess the machine to better understand how badly damaged the crane is and together we work out what parts they are going to need. Once all the parts have been listed the spare parts team will engage the customer service team at the factory and their head of spare parts, who we work closely with. We send them the list of the required parts and they provide a quotation. They will talk to production to discuss lead time on the parts and the price and once this has been co-ordinated, we will generate a quote and give this to the customer. The quote confirms the line items required, the lead times and of course the cost,” he said. Major inspections are another issue facing OEMs. Tong explains how Liebherr plans for these inspections and how his team is able to minimise the amount of down time 36 / CAL January 2021
particular pump on a winch needs replacing; these are the types of parts where we need to engage the factory. If it’s urgent we will fly it in, and again this comes back to our excellent relationship with our freight partners. We do stock most of the parts required by a major inspection, this minimises the downtime for the crane because we realise time is money for our customers,” he said. Tong goes on to explain that at any given time he and his team can see what stock is being held both locally and internationally. “If we sold a particular part today in Western Australia, I can dial in, in real time, and immediately see that is has been sold and I can share this information with the other facilities. We can also access the factory system as well, so we can see what they have in stock and we also have access to stock, worldwide. This enables us to look at other subsidiaries to see what they have available. “A couple of years ago, a specialised
rope was required for an old 300t machine, the factory confirmed there would be a long lead time before we could expect to receive it and so, we had a look at the worldwide stock. We found one in South Africa. We contacted them and had it shipped here within a quick turnaround. This model isn’t in our active program anymore and so to have the rope made would have meant extremely long lead times. We have relationships with other countries, Hong Kong purchase parts from us and so has South Africa and Spain. So, Liebherr really does use the network of companies we have around the globe to help our customers,” said Tong. Tong explains more about the strong focus Liebherr has on customer satisfaction. “In my role, I can see how difficult it is to recover financial losses, but it is even more difficult to recover reputation losses. The strength of the Liebherr brand is a result of many years of effort from everyone within the organisation from sales through to service and parts. “The whole team is very focused on this aspect of doing business and I think this approach sets Liebherr apart from other OEMs. With spare parts things can go wrong. Freight might not turn up, or parts could be damaged on arrival. When this happens my first question is ‘Do we have another one to supply to the customer?’ It’s the first thought because the customer is waiting to get his machine back to work and any financial losses involved can be recovered. If our reputation is there and intact the customer will always come back. “Liebherr is a dominant player in the mobile crane sector with a healthy market share. This position has been achieved as a result of putting the customer first and making customer satisfaction a priority through after sales support. Our challenge is to maintain the high levels of customer satisfaction through service and spare parts support as the business continues to grow,” said Tong. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Built Australian – Built Tough _The only Australian made range of Pick & Carry Cranes _Fully fabricated and manufactured in Australia _Australian owned _Field proven lowest operating costs of all Pick & Carry Cranes _Highest levels of safety with class leading innovation _2 year warranty _15 year / 15000hr Major Inspection
P. +61 8 9417 2300 | E. sales@dragroup.com.au DRA Group, 31 Cutler Road, Jandakot WA 6164 hummacranes.com.au
IN FOCUS / TRT TIDD
BIG YEAR FOR TIDD TRT Australia experienced a very strong finish to 2020. Marc Baumback was appointed to the role of country manager and started just in time to shape the handover of the first of a series of TIDD PC28s to Cranecorp Australia in Perth. November 2020 saw leading equipment distributor, Ronco Group appointed as the Western Australian distributor for TIDD cranes. CRANECORP AUSTRALIA TOOK DELIVERY of its first TIDD PC28 pick and carry crane in December and Baumback explains how effective the relationship between the two organisations has evolved. “The engagement with Cranecorp has been incredibly positive. The delivery of the first TIDD PC28 went very well and while at a protracted distance with restrictions, this has been characterised with a frequency and frankness in communication between TRT and Cranecorp that has delivered success for all parties. “We provided two weeks of customised familiarisation with two of TRT’s TIDD experts that not only included the safe operation of the assets, but detailed mechanical support too. We customised this support response to Cranecorp, to take account of the diverse nature and harsh environments they, and their customers operate in,” he said. “This bespoke, pragmatic approach will continue to characterise TRT’s approach to others looking to add the TIDD PC28 to their fleets. We believe in ‘through life’ considerations at TRT to enable our customers and agents to be the most agile, safest and most potent they can be in their chosen fields; from the quality of TIDD production, delivery, familiarisation through to responsive technical advice. In addition to that, we are supporting the product with an appropriate and tested holding of consignment stock that will enable Cranecorp – and others in the future to operate with agility and effectiveness,” said Baumback. “Having recently appointed Ronco 38 / CAL January 2021
Group in WA and having worked with the Baden Davis Crane Connection for the last seven years, Baumback explains the importance of the TIDD distribution network and the critical role product
support is going to play, particularly when it comes to mine sites in the most remote corners of the country and beyond. “The TIDD distributor and service network is an integral part of our
Rod White, CEO Cranecorp with the first of the new TIDD PC28s.
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customer support programme and we have chosen these partnerships with care, aligning our values in quality, innovation, support and safety. We are also aligned in terms of strategic growth plans, sales and operations planning in terms of being heavily supported around the financing structures and marketing activity. “They are heavily consulted and engaged frequently to ensure we are fully aligned. When you get into areas like WA, which we know can be quite parochial, having a quality dealer like Ronco Group is a great advantage. They not only know the networks, personalities and customers, they have an experienced team that are empathetic to safety. That’s a recipe for success, as WA remains a very untapped market from our perspective,” he said. Roger Cross has 20 years of experience with cranes including working with leading OEMs and crane distributors. He joined Ronco Group in April 2020 as Crane Manager. Cross discusses the recent appointment of Ronco Group as the TIDD distributor for Western Australia. “We were officially appointed as the distributor in November 2020 and we are really excited about the development. The TIDD articulated pick and carry is an excellent machine and we can see plenty of opportunities for the product in this market. We are also excited at the prospect of working with TRT. “My primary role is to find new sales for the TIDD Pick and Carry and also the SANY range of cranes which Ronco also represents. “The TIDD is an innovative product, it’s the first in its market with Slew Safe and features other safety technologies across the crane. I am very aware of the crane’s capabilities as I was responsible for the sales in my role at WATM, which was the product’s previous distributor for the product,” he said. Cross acknowledges that safe operation will be a major factor when resources and mining companies examine the possibility of purchasing a pick and carry crane putting the TIDD product in a very strong position. “Safety is a key factor when the major www.cranesandlifting.com.au
mining and resources companies are looking to purchase new plant, whether its mining equipment or cranes. I have been talking to a number of the Tier One producers for some time. “It can be a slow process with this sector because there needs to be a high level of engagement around issues relating to safety compliance and it has really been a case of educating them around the safety features of the TIDD compared to other products. “It takes time to effect a change in mindset, but the safety benefits engineered into the TIDD are certainly recognised as significant advantages with the product,” said Cross. In West Australia, articulated pick and carry cranes are a much needed asset in the mining and resources sector. This is mainly due to their abilities to conduct multiple tasks on a site, says Cross. “The concern for the mine operator is that these tasks are completed safely. Again, this brings into focus the safety features of the Slew Safe system which, to a degree, removes the opportunity for an operator to make mistakes which could lead to an incident or worse. This is a major plus for the companies I am speaking to,” he said. Cross explains how Ronco Group plan to support the TIDD product as well as the company’s approach to spare parts, support and training around product. “We’ve already started this process with the first TIDD being delivered to Cranecorp in early December. One of TRT’s leading training operators and expert on the TIDD flew to WA, and we sent four of our technicians for training. This enabled them to familiarise themselves with the product and to have a better understanding of the TIDDs features and benefits. “The TIDD is not dissimilar to other pick and carries in terms of look but is does have important differences in terms of functionality and design which our technicians are learning about,” said Cross. “We also understand that product support is critical to the success of any product and brand. That’s why training
is important. We need our team of technicians to be able to ‘trouble shoot’ any issue, whatever it might be, and to get a crane back up and operating as soon as possible. “In terms of parts support, we have already purchased a sizeable number of consumable components. So, we are already stocking spare parts for the TIDD and our parts holding will increase exponentially as we further establish the TIDD brand and we sell more machines into the WA market,” he said. Cross sees plenty of opportunity for the TIDD and it’s not just in the mining and resources sector. “There’s a huge pipeline of infrastructure projects planned for WA and this includes more than $6.5 billion of investment over the next two years. There is $260 million anticipated to be spent on transport portfolio works each month, building up to $280m a month in the 2021-22 financial year. Some major infrastructure works fast-tracked include the Mitchell Freeway extension to Romeo Road, the Tonkin Gap project through Bayswater and Albany Ring Road,” he said. “This means the crane hire companies are going to be very busy and they will need to have the right mix of cranes in their fleet to cater to the demand. As with mining and resources, Tier One builders of the infrastructure projects are extremely safety focused and we anticipate this will lead to increased demands for the TIDD product. “We’ve already supplied a number of quotes to be crane hire businesses around Perth and we are hoping that by the middle of next year, we will be selling a TIDD a month,” said Cross Joe Pito is the Asset and Compliance manager at Cranecorp Australia, a full spectrum crane services business. Pito explains more about the Cranecorp business and why it purchased the newly delivered TIDD articulated pick and carry. “Our core clients are in or involved in the resource sector; therefore businesses that operate within the space must not only adhere to respective legislation, OH&S standards, principal and January 2021 CAL / 39
IN FOCUS / TRT TIDD
contractor safety management plans and policy but also contribute to best practice outcomes. This focus on best practice and safety excellence is fundamental in our company’s operational principals. “Our commitment to these principals has always been to continually examine ways of providing greater levels of reliability without compromising these fundamentals. Our company is often asking if there is technology available, or are there advances in technology and equipment that will enable us to continue to manage our risk exposure? “When we talk about risk exposure, we are referring to the protection of our people, our equipment and our business from any potential damage or loss incurred,” said Pito. The new TIDD PC 28 recently arrived on site at the Cranecorp Tom Price depot in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. “The TIDD arrived at our Tom Price depot in early December. TRT product support representatives travelled from Queensland to spend a few weeks commissioning the asset with the Ronco team. From there the rep travelled to Cranecorp’s Tom Price depot to conduct operator familiarisation utilising the Crewsafe framework created by CICA. Our mechanical personnel also took the opportunity to undergo a Q&A session with TRT’s rep around mechanical maintenance. “There is conjecture around the articulated pick and carry cranes. Any crane asset can be incredibly dangerous when misused or operated incorrectly. Pick and Carry cranes are the most common in rollover incidents. Many within the industry can attest to knowing of an incident or someone involved in a rollover. Pito discusses the issues relating to the ‘Chain of Responsibility’. He explains how Cranecorp views the role of Chain of Responsibility around the TIDD and why the business purchased the TIDD. “There is always a risk associated with any crane equipment. One of the attractions of the TIDD in the pick and carry space was TRT’s focus on understanding the factors leading up to 40 / CAL January 2021
a crane being exposed to a tipping point and further developing improvements on the existing technologies, including Slew Safe or introducing new technologies to their equipment to mitigate this potential outcome.” “It’s not to say that other manufacturers are not addressing these challenges. It is about challenging the current status quo and encouraging manufacturers to continuously improve and innovate existing systems or create new product technological advancements. At this stage, we cannot eliminate the human factor of making poor operational choices that often results in a poor outcome. However, we can intentionally invest in crane equipment with leading safety features and technological advancements that will positively influence these potential outcomes,” he said. “That’s what we are talking about with the TIDD. We have a piece of equipment that has more safety technology engineered into it, so if it does find itself in a position where there is the potential of a rollover, tipping or suffering structural damage, it is capable of regulating and communicating back to its operator. The equipment is becoming smarter in the way it can monitor that occurrence and then relay feedback to the operator,” said Pito. Pito is also pleased with the announcement that Ronco Group will be distributing and supporting the TIDD product in WA. “From their managing director through to their operational and leadership team, everyone has been involved in the crane this industry for quite some time. This brings a diverse knowledge base and practical experience to their business. We know of each other’s organisations through business dealings and industry networks. “Given this is a newly created relationship between Ronco and TRT and that Ronco are now distributing the product, my understanding is they will be very involved in the commissioning, familiarisation and the product support of the TIDD product in Western Australia, so we are looking forward to
working with them. “We are confident there is a good fit between TRT and Ronco, this should translate to greater reliability through effective service and product support, so yes, we are positive about the development. While it is always great to commission anew asset, for Cranecorp, one of the key considerations when deciding the type of equipment mix you have in your fleet is the level of service and support provided by the assets OEM support network,” said Pito. “We believe it’s a good mix. With all the cranes we have in terms of capacity, make, and model, there is an understanding that strong product support is a priority. Our asset base comprises of all the major Japanese, European and Australian brands. We have an all-terrain fleet and a rough terrain fleet, which includes Liebherr, Tadano and Demag and a pick and carry fleet of Terex and now TRT cranes.” he said. TIDD ARTICULATED PICK AND CARRY CRANES: STRAIGHT TALKING WITH TRT’S MARC BAUMBACK. Marc Baumback was recently appointed to the role of country manager for TRT Australia. New to his role at TRT, Baumback’s long career includes a variety of roles within a number of blue-chip companies including, BlueScope Steel, Chevron in South Korea and most recently, Toll Logistics where he led business activity, projects and programs across Australia, Asia and the US. Baumback explains his reasons for joining TRT Australia and what the market can expect to see from the TIDD Pick and Carry range. “I’m charged with evolving the business and we expect to be dealing with more Tier One organisations and companies that service Tier One organisations. We will however never forget our roots and remain loyal to those customers that have trusted us to support them, and who have helped us grow. We already have in place a TIDD dealership network, which includes Ronco Group in Western Australia, The Crane Connection in New South Wales and our own operation in Queensland, with www.cranesandlifting.com.au
TRT’s final assembly of TIDD PC28 is based on Lean Manufacturing principles.
additional service agents being developed, like RMB Services in South Australia and JDM Diesel Services in Victoria. “We are focusing on the opportunities remote and regional areas to present for TRT’s flagship product, the TIDD PC28 articulated pick and carry crane, which in my opinion, is a far safer and far more capable crane compared to others in its class. Aligned with this, we are concentrating on developing more effective operational processes, standards and structure, which is all part of the business’ evolution, along with our TIDD Crane,” he said. Before Baumback took the position, he conducted research in to the TRT product lines and was particularly impressed with the opportunities the TIDD product presents. “It was evident from research, that the TIDD PC28 is a far safer product when compared to the market leading brand. Having come from blue chip companies like BlueScope, Chevron and Toll, concluded that it would be difficult to understand why a business would buy a less safe alternative to the TIDD. “We need to also lead from the front to affect this change. We are committed to convincing those that make the “easy” decision, to make the better one based on safety, adaptability and productivity,” he said. TRT recognises there are already increasing numbers of crane hire companies that understand the benefits www.cranesandlifting.com.au
of the TIDD crane, but also understand that many Tier One organisation won’t let articulated pick and carries on their sites without these improved safety features. “Crane hire businesses deal with customers in high risk resource industries like mining and oil and gas. Historical relationships also seem to drive behaviour. I’m not sure this model is as futureproof, as the demands of these customers will ultimately drive safer solutions. “The demonstration of Slew Safe capabilities has shown to be enough evidence for many companies to make the change and with the benefit of a cab with ROPs as standard its pretty compelling. With organisations, like Rio, BHP and Toll there are other benefits that aid better fleet management including through life capacity, whole of life costing and ultimately behavioural safety approaches and empathy, that the TIDD crane also answers,” said Baumback. Baumback recognises there are numbers of large crane hire businesses committed to the TIDD product. Some run multiple TIDDs in their fleet, like Max Cranes based in South Australia and Melrose Cranes based in Sydney. They understand the benefits and the machines are extremely well utilised. They also understand that they may not change every crane in this class to a TIDD in a hire fleet. “We know we can’t change every opinion or policy, but it is about raising awareness with those that have an
appreciation towards safety and real leadership of employees and those they engage within their communities. We are focused on those companies that are aligned to our values, beliefs and leadership in innovation and safety. Yes, TRT are open about the TIDD PC28 Crane being designed, engineered and manufactured in New Zealand at is Hamilton manufacturing facility, from the steel in the door to the completed tested unit at the other. Baumback also identifies the potential advantage for Australian customers. “Customers should be cognisant of what has happened over the last 6 to 8 months regarding the fragility of supply chains affected by Covid-19. By choosing a regional supply chain, and by that, I mean Australia and New Zealand, there is more assuredness around responsiveness, spare parts availability, service and support. “With a regional supply chain, there is an absence of political consequences compared to a relationship between Australia and China and China with the US. Choosing TRT and TIDD is sustainable, it’s predictable and it’s benign of any political issues which are currently on display,” he said. Baumback describes how he intends to position the TIDD articulated pick and carry so as to appeal to the broad spectrum of crane hire businesses. Regardless of the size of any entity, Tier One Two or Three, or an owner operator, the tier system does not give you a mortgage on the best safety solution. Every entity, it’s employees and our customers deserve to be serviced with the safest alternative on the market. “Tier One organisations only need to give the operators a chance to try out the difference, rather than making a decision based on “we’ve always bought this and we always will,” he said. “In the case of TIDD, this approach could also mean excluding innovation from within their own organisation or, at least, the opportunity to consider better. The evidence is there in terms of safety and reliability. In my opinion, a TIDD PC28 would be an asset to any fleet,” said Baumback. January 2021 CAL / 41
IN FOCUS / PREMIER CRANES
PREMIER IS #TEAMLIFTING At Premier Cranes, company culture governs every aspect of the organisation. Delivering results to clients, using progressive thinking, coupled with a team empowered with #TeamLifing at the core of everything it does. PREMIER CRANES IS FOCUSED ON A company culture designed to deliver high levels of client fulfilment. It’s not a marketing strategy, #TeamLifting is at the heart of the business, it governs how every member of the Premier Cranes’ team views their role and the importance their contribution makes to the continual quest for this client fulfilment. Steve Warton and Matt Clark started Premier Cranes 11 years ago. Today, it is a progressive thinking organisation with a decentralised management structure
that empowers employees. Every day at every level of the business team members make decisions, and with each decision the first question they ask is, “Are we putting the Client first? How will this benefit them?”
“Together we are continually evolving our approach to client satisfaction, by examining the way we do things. It’s an old cliché, but Matt and I know that our team is only as strong as our weakest player, and this is the reason we place so much emphasis on #TeamLifting. We need to have a strong and cohesive team that continually delivers high levels of service which in turn consistently exceeds client requirements,” said Warton. ‘Cracking the Code for Premier Cranes’ is an example of how Warton and Clark see #TeamLifting benefitting the client. “ ’Cracking the Code’ takes a deep look at our organisation and examines the ways we can deliver on the client’s expectations and the value they are
The Liebherr LR 1350/1 350t capacity crawler was a big step for Premier Cranes into this market.
42 / CAL January 2021
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looking for. We’re not just talking about price. It’s about consistently delivering on critical systems like lift planning and engineering. We are always looking to value-add and looking to provide the client with the consistency they might not be able to find with other providers. “We work hard to encourage a can-do attitude with our team members which contributes to our ‘blue ocean’ strategy. Creating a value proposition that helps create markets that might not even exist at the moment. “Within the construction sector, we recognise that oftentimes we are dealing with a traditional industry, and while there are elements of the industry which appear reluctant to embrace new ideas and approaches our clients do respond positively to the way we approach business. They can feel that our approach to #TeamLifting equally applies to them as it does to our team. “We see a growing awareness from clients that our teams are there to work together with them - lifting them up so to speak. We are there to collaborate together to come up with solutions for the task at hand and solve any problems that might arise.” said Warton. As the federal and state governments continue to announce increased funding for Victoria’s massive infrastructure build across road and rail, Premier Cranes is fostering the #TeamLifting notion to specifically cater for the demanding expectations of Tier One builders, Project Managers and the specialist Project & Lift Engineers working these projects says Warton. “We understand that the Tier Ones’ working on the major infrastructure projects, employ or contract highly experienced crane specialists to manage their crane and safety systems. Our focus is on consistently delivering to a high standard. “Delivering to the highest level with our lift planning and engineering solutions, these experienced individuals get the results they need with us.” “The last thing we want is them shaking their heads and finding issues with what we are delivering. In our www.cranesandlifting.com.au
experience, this level of planner is a tune to finding errors in plans and shaking their heads at mistakes,” said Warton. “We are constantly evolving our strategy to make the jobs of senior lift planning managers and also onsite safety managers as easy as possible. There’s a big difference between this approach and having clients standing with a checklist putting crosses next to issues. We aspire for Premier to be in a position where the senior lift planners and senior safety managers on major projects ask for Premier Cranes because we work hard to make their working lives easier. “We don’t want to send a plan to senior personnel only for them to pick up on simple errors. We have some
for and the standards it sets for all stakeholders.“ “We have nominated field leaders, they were selected from our crews that have been with us the longest, historically they might not have always been in leadership positions, but by bringing different skill sets, along with being good people they represent Premier its true light,” said Clark. “Some of the team leaders have been our biggest supporters and others our biggest critics. We deliberately didn’t hand pick the most agreeable leaders, we don’t want ‘yes’ men. The individuals we have selected understand and can articulate ‘this is how we do it here at Premier Cranes’.”
“We are constantly evolving our strategy to make the jobs of senior lift planning managers and also onsite safety managers as easy as possible. There’s a big difference between this approach and having clients standing with a checklist putting crosses next to issues.” younger lifting engineers working under the #TeamLifting banner and they are working and training with more senior engineers to ensure the consistency and Quality Assurance in this element of the process. We’ve also bought on board a ex Tier One Lift Planner, he throws his critical eye across our lift plans ensuring that our solutions represent the level of compliance and expectation required, and if anything needs to be tidied up, it is done so before it gets to the client,” said Warton. According to Matt Clark, Premier Cranes has continued to work hard on decentralising its structure and team members are accepting more responsibility within the business. “With #TeamLifting there is an expectation that individuals evolve with the job and accept the responsibility by representing Premier every minute of every day. “When our team turn up to site, when prompted they can explain what #TeamLifting means using a 30 second ‘elevator pitch’ to describe what it stands
“That’s where our people start to feel #TeamLifitng and with that leadership they are working with their crews week in and week out to help each individual genuinely understand what it means for them personally. They then project this approach to everything they do externally so that our client experiences and feels what #TeamLifitng really is. This is important for the consistency mentioned earlier, we want everything Premier delivers to be of a consistently high standard,” said Clark. Warton recently read a book called ‘The Infinite Game’ by Simon Sinek which examines the difference between a finite game and an infinite game. He enjoys taking the overarching concepts and adopting them within the Premier Cranes business. “The Infinite Game is an interesting read. A finite game such as AFL has a winner and a loser. The rules of the game are known to both sides, the boundaries of the playing field are welldefined, the scoreboard keeps track of the game’s activity, and at the end of a January 2021 CAL / 43
IN FOCUS / PREMIER CRANES
prescribed period of time, a winner is declared. It’s neat. It’s clean. Someone wins, someone loses.” “However, Infinite games have no winners or losers. Rules often don’t exist, and if they do, they are fuzzy and open to interpretation. The playing field is undefined and progress is hard to measure. Opponents change frequently, as does the game itself. There are no clear winners or losers in the infinite game. Competitors drop out of the infinite game when they lose the will or resources to stop playing. The goal is to outlast your competition.” “The world in which we live, the most
team to think about the long game. Historically, tradespeople can be a slave to themselves, they are slaves to the clock, their hours and how much they can get in their pocket per week.” “We want our team members to be developing themselves and helping to develop each other. Naturally at first, they will have a focus on their pay packet but by encouraging them to think about the long game and with us focusing on their training, their personal wellbeing and their general wellbeing within the business.” We encourage the team not to think about today, tomorrow, last week. We
Clients respond positively to #TeamLifting and can see it equally applies to them as it does the Premier Cranes team.
successful leaders and organisations are learning to play the infinite game, not the finite one. The “game” of leadership and business is an infinite game where the rules change frequently, competitors come and go, and there is no end point to the game. You are either ahead or behind. There is no ultimate winner or loser. The infinite game continues indefinitely until someone loses the will or resources to keep playing.” Warton said. “We encourage everyone within our 44 / CAL January 2021
want them to look at their role over a period of time and to look at how much they have grown over this time. If they still think something isn’t being fulfilled, they discuss this with their leader and plan a way forward. Warton has a strong focus on the role IT plays within Premier and uses IT experts to explore innovative ways of realising efficiencies and increasing levels of client satisfaction. “They are experienced programmers
and they’ve been collaborating with Matusch using the E.P.O.S. operations and scheduling software. We use the system quite creatively and extract a lot of important data from E.P.O.S. “The E.P.O.S system is quite unique in the way it works, and we’ve always managed to make it work for what we have wanted and needed. Now we have the IT experts onboard. They have been extracting the data captured and they are using this in very creative ways. “With fatigue management for example. We have extracted the relevant data from the system and by pushing pre-set algorithms across this data we have been able assess the activities of our team members. This has enabled us to eliminate the human decisions that might lead to fatigue or wrong decision making and when our work schedules are being set, we can tell team members that they need to take a break and we can immediately show them the hours and days they’ve worked without a break and calculate the likely effect this is having on their ability to function at the levels we require of them,” said Warton. “Using this type of information makes the decision-making process less subjective and it’s hard to argue against. In the end we are putting in place systems for the wellbeing of our people. We also use the data generated by E.P.O.S for our utilisation, statistics and quantification within Premier. “Understanding the data enables us to focus further on the client experience, and understand their needs and requirements and the crane sizes and capacities they require. We also discuss the post purchase experience, this is where we loop back around and discuss the experience from the clients perspective, understand the lessons learned and, and wherever possible, compare what we promised at the front end to what we delivered operationally. “We are working creatively within Premier with the client’s experience being the key focus. Doing so helps Premier contribute positively to our lives, bringing quality and fulfilment to all.” said Warton. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR CRAWLER
MAKING LIGHT WORK OF SAND QUARRY A Liebherr HS 895 HD duty cycle machine doesn’t miss a beat in a sand quarrying application. DTB EQUIPMENT HAS DEPLOYED A Liebherr HS 895 HD duty cycle machine to help manage the excavations of a giant Victorian sand quarry in Lang, Lang Victoria It hasn’t missed a days’ work in three years. Lang Lang is a small town with 1,500 residents in Victoria, situated 85 km south-east of Melbourne. Here, there is an extensive area rich in horizontal sand deposits which is being excavated, washed and processed for use in the Victorian construction industry. DTB Equipment was started by Daryl Bradford in 1982. Since then, the business has been hiring equipment to mining companies, it has also held a number of major civil contracts and 46 / CAL January 2021
provided all the equipment for freeway and infrastructure projects. Bradford and his team have worked on coal mining projects in the La Trobe Valley supplying a fleet of 85t and 100t dump trucks for that sort of work, but for the last six years DTB equipment has been on the one site at Lang Lang excavating the sand for Pronto Concrete/Barro Group. “This was a greenfield site when DTB Equipment undertook the contract to develop the sand mine and extract and wash the sand. The mine represents Melbourne’s sand supply well into the future. “On a normal day we extract 5000 cubic meters of sand with the cable excavator and the HS 895 HD loads two
Caterpillar 775 60t capacity dump trucks to extract the sand from a depth of 18m. The grab bucket manages five cubic meters or 10t per grab. It is from TGS a specialist grab bucket manufacturer from the Netherlands. “The Liebherr HS 895 HD has been on site for three years. We have a long history with Liebherr product and as far as we are concerned, Liebherr is the leader in this type of cable excavator. Over the years, I have had a lot of experience with other types of Liebherr mining equipment including the large Liebherr excavators, so I have been very aware of the quality of the product over a long period of time,” said Bradford. “I’ve been impressed with the www.cranesandlifting.com.au
On a normal day The Liebherr HS 895 HD extracts 5000 cubic meters of sand.
performance of the cable excavator and Liebherr equipment in general, but I’ve also been impressed with the approach from the Liebherr team. There is always a willingness to help, they’ve
been more than prepared to get involved in the project from the word go. From the delivery of the machine and its installation through to the operator training, they have been fantastic. “The excavator is working solidly eight hours a day, 40 hours a week and it’s worked every day since we’ve owned the machine without a problem, it’s a reliable machine and a key element to our operation,” he said. The Liebherr HS 895 HD – is a duty cycle machine with two 350 kN winches and manufactured in accordance with international standards. During the deployment in Australia it is handling 5000 cubic meters of sand per day. This high turnover is achieved by the HS 895 HD very short working cycles. With a swing angle of approx. 180° it requires only 45 seconds per cycle. The digging depth can be increased to 40 m, which compared to the hydraulic excavators, is an enormous advantage. The topsoil is removed in the traditional way by the hydraulic excavators, while the duty cycle machine makes full use of its higher working reach and excavates at depths that were unachievable before. Liebherr’s HS 895 HD is equipped with a mechanical round nose grab from TGS - The Grab Specialist B.V from the Netherlands. The grab, with a filling capacity of 5 cubic meter, can
The Liebherr HS 895 HD is a powerful machine in the 200 tonne class. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
optimally penetrate very hard soils or interlocked material thanks to the specifically rounded shape and the grab teeth. A high filling ratio of the grab can therefore be achieved even under difficult conditions. In combination with the Liebherr machine the grab is ideal for this type of excavation application. The HS 895 HD is fitted with a tagline winch, which contributes to quick and precise operation of the clamshell grab. Since the deeper layers are easily reachable for the duty cycle machine, not only more sand can be excavated, but the costs involved can also be considerably reduced. So far, the work extends over only a small part of the total surface area available. LIEBHERR HS 895 HD TECHNICAL DATA The HS 895 HD is a powerful machine in the 200-tonne class. Thanks to its solid steel construction and its strong 12-cylinder 670kW diesel engine, the duty cycle crawler crane with grab bucket is ideal for material handling tasks. It can also be used as a carrier machine for various other applications. A wide range of attachments means that the range of use of the Liebherr HS 895 HD crawler crane is almost unlimited. These include: grabbers, drag buckets, diaphragm wall grabbers and pipe laying machines, as well as demolition and dynamic ground compaction. Overall specs are: • maximum lifting capacity 200t; • minimum transport width 3.5m; • minimum transport height 3.41m; • minimum transport weight 60t; • engine power 670 kW; • maximum winch line pull 2 x 350 kN; • maximum main boom 84.20m; • boom length in grab operation 55.10m; • boom length in dragline operation; 55.10m; • operating weight 172t; • maximum depth dragline operation 22.00m; • maximum capacity of dragline bucket 6.90 m³; and • maximum capacity of clamshell 12.00 m³ at radius 18.00m. January 2021 CAL / 47
IN FOCUS / GLEASON CRANES AND ZOOMLION
ZOOMLION ALL TERRAIN TO SNOWY HYDRO 2.0 Gleason Cranes Sales and Rentals recently delivered a 150-tonne capacity Zoomlion all terrain to the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. It completes the five-crane order for the $5.1 billion megahydropower project. THE SNOWY 2.0 PROJECT IS A MAJOR expansion of the Snowy Scheme, linking Tantangara and Talbingo reservoirs with tunnels and an underground pumpedhydro power station about 800m below the surface. The Snowy 2.0 power station will house six reversible Francis pumpturbine and motor-generator units three will be synchronous (fixed) speed and three will be asynchronous (variable)
speed. A single inclined pressure tunnel that is concrete-lined will divert water into six steel-lined penstocks (the tunnels that feed water into the generating units). An important part of the Snowy 2.0 project is the production of the concrete segments that will line the waterway tunnels linking Tantangara and Talbingo dams. The concrete segment factory is currently being built at Snowy Hydro’s industrially-zoned site at Polo Flat, outside Cooma. The Zoomlion all terrain has been delivered to this location. When completed, the segment factory will employ approximately 125 people and will produce 130,000 segments that make up the concrete rings that will line the 27km Snowy 2.0 tunnel. The five-
month construction period is the result of a $55 million investment and has created 30 jobs. When it is operational it will have an annual turnover of $115m and create 125 operational jobs. The Zoomlion all terrain will be utilised for general lifting as the factory is being constructed, and once production starts, it will be used to lift and load the concrete segments. Chris Logan from Gleason Cranes confirms four rough terrains were also part of the order for the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. “We delivered the first four cranes of the five-crane order back in August. The cranes included two RT 35s,35t capacity rough terrains and two ZRT 850s, which are Zoomlion’s 85t capacity rough
Zoomlion’s ZAT1500E all terrain crane, is a high-performance and high-reliability product.
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www.cranesandlifting.com.au
terrains. Thanks to Graham ‘Bluey’ Heffey at Heavyworks, the Zoomlion ZAT1500 150t capacity all terrain Crane was delivered in late September,” said Logan. “Because of the Victoria’s COVID lock down, we worked with ‘Bluey’ to have the all terrain registered for use on New South Wales roads. He collected the crane from the wharf, oversaw a number of modifications required by the site, and then drove the crane to Cooma. ‘Bluey’ also conducted product familiarisation and onsite training on all five cranes. “This is one of the largest Zoomlion all terrains to arrive in Australia. We’ve sold the cranes directly to Salini Impregilo who won the Snowy 2.0 hydropower mega contract worth $5.1bn,” he said. Zoomlion’s ZAT1500E all terrain crane, is a high-performance and high-reliability product designed and developed to meet the demands of markets around the globe. The ZAT1500E features a lifting capacity 150t with 72m of telescopic main boom plus 18.6m of jib. The ZAT1500E is the result of Zoomlion’s decades of technological know-how in designing and manufacturing mobile cranes. This experience has been combined with internationally advanced technologies to produce a high-tech product, combining mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems providing excellent control performance, precise micro-positioning performance, great lifting capacity at super lifting heights. The ZAT1500E is designed to be widely used in industries including construction and infrastructure, mining and resources, oil and gas etc. The Zoomlion all terrain features a full range of slewing functions, telescopic boom sections and electrohydraulic proportional controlled systems. The five-axle (three axles driven and all axles steered) full-width special purpose chassis is manufactured by Zoomlion, providing wide vision and a spacious cab for the operator. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Gleason Cranes Sales and Rental delivered two RT 35, 35t capacity rough terrains and two 85t rough terrains for the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project.
It also features the latest electrohydraulic proportional directional control valve with load sensing function. The multiple plunger variable pumps and open/closed variable system ensures that each mechanism makes full use of its work capability. Two joysticks provide the crane with smooth simultaneous movements including spool, up/reel off, main winch/auxiliary winch, derrick, slew and telescope. These functions are designed to increase the productivity and efficiency of the operator. The joysticks also enable easy and flexible operations, smooth and reliable work and stepless speed regulation, etc. The safety devices including load moment limiter, relief valve, balance valve, hydraulic lock and brake valve, in the hydraulic system, are designed to prevent and incident should there be a rupture of pipes and hoses. To comply with site requirements, additional features were fitted on all five cranes. These features included: • Fire suppression system, including the dual upper and lower engines. This included a AS5062 Compliant Fogmaker Fire Suppression System fitted on the all terrain by Fire Storm in NSW.
• Wireless brake temperature indicator system. • External emergency stop buttons on both sides of crane for easy access • Anemometer. Gleason Cranes has been buying, selling and servicing cranes in AustraliaNew Zealand and Islands since the early 70s. Chris Logan has been in the crane business for a long time. “The tender process to supply the cranes to the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project was extremely competitive and we would have tendered against every major manufacturer of rough terrain and all terrains cranes in the country. The main reason Zoomlion products were chosen for the project is value for money. They are getting quality products which are now recognised for their performance and reliability, at a great price,” said Logan. “We’ve been bringing in cranes from Zoomlion for over 10 years. We have an excellent relationship with the factory, and they are a professional company to deal with. They also offer finance on their equipment. If a customer is interested, we can provide finance as part of the crane’s package. Zoomlion exclusively finances its own product, nobody else’s,” said Logan. January 2021 CAL / 49
IN FOCUS / FRANNA PICK AND CARRY
A FRANN-TASTIC LIFT Queensland Crane Hire and Rigging completes an environmentally sensitive lift with three Franna MAC 25 Superlifts. IN MID 2020, QUEENSLAND CRANE HIRE and Rigging (QCHR) was approached about a lift by its customer, Landmark Products, designers and manufactures of outdoor structures such as bridges. They called Tim Vermey, business support at QCHR and said their crane supplier to the north of Brisbane had quoted but were unable to complete a particular project and would QCHR be interested in having a look. “Landmark Products regularly use our services for lifts south of Brisbane, and around the Gold Coast regions, but we don’t normally conduct work for them north of Brisbane,” said Vermey. The job involved the lifting and placement of a 11,500kg bridge across a creek. The whole project was environmentally sensitive, said Vermey. “Landmark Products’ client lives in a remote, rural environment surrounded by pristine rain forest. A waterfall feeds the creek which runs down and into other waterways and marsh areas down-stream, and these are inhabited by native fauna and flora. Their client didn’t want any chance of oil or spillage or contaminants entering the creek and contaminating this system,” said Vermey. “We agreed to have a look at the project and during our first trip we realised we wouldn’t be able to get big cranes to site due to the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) restrictions. The local roads feature small timber bridges and dirt roads leading to the site. “When we sat down to work out how we could achieve the job, we knew we needed to keep the on-road weights as light as possible to be able to safely cross the bridges and access the dirt roads and 50 / CAL January 2021
QLD Crane Hire determined its Franna MAC 25-3 Superlifts coupled with a Demag AC 40-2, 40t capacity all terrain, would manage the lift.
minimise the ground pressure on the creek banks,” he said. Queensland Crane Hire and Rigging is based in Ipswich with depots in Yatala and also Goondiwindi in Queensland and is owned by the Marshall brothers from Goondiwindi. Queensland Crane Hire was formerly TP Turner which started the crane hire component of the business 1957. “We were a family run company then and we are still a family run company today,” said Vermey. QLCH’s fleet ranges from a 2.8t capacity mini crane up to a 200t all terrain and everything in between says Vermey. “We have 20 cranes in the fleet, and we mainly run Terex machines. Obviously the Frannas are a Terex brand and the majority of our slew cranes are Demags. We run seven Frannas in the fleet with capacities ranging from 15t to 25t capacity MAC 25-3 Superlifts,” he said. “After the first look at the site, we knew the-only way we could safely navigate the roadways and wooden bridges was with
smaller cranes. Looking at the weight of the bridge and complexities of the site, we determined our Franna MAC 25-3 Superlifts coupled with our Demag AC 40-2, 40t capacity all terrain, would manage the lift,” said Vermey. “We put together a draft lift study which involved the deployment of three Franna MAC 25 Superlifts and the 40t Demag all terrain. We then went to site a second time to double check some of the measurements of the creek and examine the bank stability. During this inspection it was clear we would be able to set the 40tonner far enough back from the bank to be able to achieve our safety margins. We then finalised the lift draft in KranExpert and we went from there,” he said. The bridge was pre-delivered in multiple parts on small crane trucks and assembled on site. As a result of the detailed planning by Queensland Crane Hire and Rigging, the job was completed within four hours says Vermey. “When we arrived on site, we www.cranesandlifting.com.au
conducted a tool-box with the client and also with our riggers and crane operators. During the tool-box we explained what had to happen and how it was going to happen, and we went about doing the job. We set up the Frannas and added the Superlift counterweights. As we hadn’t been to site for two weeks, we also conducted final checks of the creek making sure nothing had been flushed out, or that the creek hadn’t flooded and saturated or weakened the creek banks in anyway,” he said. It was a two-stage lift, explains Vermey, with two MAC25s positioned on one side of the creek with the third MAC 25 and the AC40 all terrain on the other. “During the first stage, we had to orientate the bridge correctly with a Superlift Franna at each end and we walked the bridge so it aligned with the headstock that it needed to land on. The second part of the lift again involved the two Superlift Frannas but this time side by side and with a Maxilift 50t telescopic 6m spreader bar. This was designed to keep the Frannas at a distance from the bridge, providing adequate clearance as we walked the bridge forward towards the headstocks, effectively steering it out and over the small creek. “Once we had reached that position, we had a long sling hanging between the third 25t Franna Superlift and the AC 40/2 40t all terrain on the other bank. This was in a basket configuration which they simply raised up under the edge of the bridge allowing the two MAC 25s on the other bank to put the load down and disconnect. One of these Frannas then returned to lift the other end of the bridge and, with the 25t Superlift and the 40t all terrain, the bridge was manoeuvred across and onto the headstocks. The whole process only took three and a half hours,” said Vermey. The MAC 25 has a lifting capacity of 25t and offers maximum safety, excellent roadability, intuitive operation and unmatched versatility. Over the years it’s design has been tried, tested and proven in a range of difficult lifting applications and is still a customer favourite today. A Superlift (SL) upgrade is also www.cranesandlifting.com.au
available on the MAC 25-4 as an additional option. The SL kit works in tandem with the existing MAC 25 counterweight, adding a low-slung additional counterweight piece to the rear of the machine, increasing rated capacity of the machine up to 30% in some configurations. DYNAMIC LMI (PATENT PROTECTED) First released in 2013, Franna’s patented Dynamic LMI remains as a pillar of safety, underpinning the electronic control and user experience offered today. The system is designed to offer ‘real-time’ calculation of rated capacity taking into account boom configuration, as well as chassis articulation, pitch and roll, enabling continual assessment of structural limitations, forward stability and side stability. Increased resolution of rated capacity is made possible by finer measurement of articulation pitch and roll angles, allowing for improved machine capability compared to previous generation LMI systems. When operated on a jobsite over undulating terrain, the rated capacity will be updated continually, providing instantaneous information on the
percentage utilisation of the machine (0-100% of available capacity). When operating on a side slope or undulating terrain, operators are no longer required to manually calculate a reduction of rated capacity; the Franna Dynamic LMI does that. Other operational aids include: • Automatic counterweight detection • Operator settable maximum working height • Maximum working radius • Maximum front axle weight • Rigging limits • Percentage of rated capacity These features further enhance the safe operation of the machine when site conditions get tough and are available in retrofit form for all Mercedes powered Franna cranes. The Franna MAC 25s performed extremely well, particularly as they were fitted with the Superlift. They were operating well within their capacities as was the AC 40. We have seven Terex Frannas in our fleet, and they are the only pick and carrys we use. The MAC 25 is a great all-rounder as far as we are concerned, and they made light work of this sensitive lift,” said Vermey.
The environmentally sensitive lift meant there was no chance of oil spillage or contaminants entering the creek and polluting the system. January 2021 CAL / 51
IN FOCUS / E.P.O.S. DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
E.P.O.S. DEPLOYS CENTURY CRANES Equipment Planning and Organisation Software (E.P.O.S.) a deployment, planning and organisation system has helped to pave the way for Century Cranes, a North Queensland crane hire company, to become leaders in their local industry. PROVIDING TAILOR MADE SOLUTIONS to customers, Century Cranes takes a consultative approach to each specific project. With this “hands on” approach to service, it can best assist clients to get the right lifting solutions at the best price, says general manager Bianca Wilson. The business roots for Century Cranes date back to the mid 1980’s when Mel Yelaska invested in a couple of cranes to assist in his steel fabrication business, now called CSF Industries. Yelaska is now retired but with his niece Wilson at the helm as general manager and her husband Scott working alongside her as fleet controller, Century Cranes has grown to be the major crane force in and around Cairns. Although construction has been part of her families DNA, it wasn’t always the Century Cranes invest in the right equipment to ensure the fleet is contemporary with assets fully utilised as possible.
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case for Wilson. “I actually started work in the tourism industry working in sales and marketing for a helicopter business so yes, I went from pilots and Jet A1 fuel to crane operators and diesel,” she said. The Century Cranes fleet features 22 all terrains, a hydraulic crawler and Frannas, with the capacity of the machines ranging from 2.9t to 250t. Wilson explains how the work the company does determines the make-up of the fleet. “We invest in the right equipment to be able to meet the demands of our clients and we are always looking to ensure the fleet is contemporary with assets fully utilised as possible. We are not just about a nice paint job with our fleet, we are continually researching new and improved
products from the OEM market and we are always looking for more compact machines with greater lifting capabilities. We have run a number of brands including Liebherr, Demag, Franna and Unic but we don’t operate truck mounted cranes. The volume of rain in the wet season doesn’t suit that type of crane,” she said. Support from suppliers is a determining factor in what cranes Wilson buys for the business. Support from our suppliers and partners is of the upmost of importance. It’s one thing to produce a good product but if there is no product support you can be left in situations where it can be dangerous for crew or you are simply letting your clients down. Neither option is acceptable for our business,” she said. Typically, Century Cranes mainly focuses on general crane hire explains Wilson. “With general crane hire, there is never a dull moment. Our day changes each time the phone rings which is what I love most about the job. Obviously, we work on major construction sites, infrastructure projects and we have also worked on a few turbine projects over the years. Variety is the spice of life they say, and we definitely don’t lack that around here,” she said. “It isn’t possible to ‘pigeon-hole’ our customers, they are all so different. We can find ourselves helping Grandma, who needs to move the caravan without destroying her rose bush, to the Tier 1 engineer and SME’s,” said Wilson. “I have been working in the business for almost 20 years and it’s safe to say the majority of our clients have been with us for most of that time and for some they have been with us for all of that time. Individuals might not be working for the same company but as they have moved on to other businesses and organisations www.cranesandlifting.com.au
One of the key features that attracted Century Cranes to E.P.O.S. was how simple it is to operate.
they have taken us with them for all their lifting needs,” she said. According to Wilson, the majority of work for Century Cranes is in North Queensland however there have been dry hire contracts in Papua New Guinea and work across most states of Australia. “We are willing to go wherever we are required by our clients. Coming from a sales and marketing background, customers are very important to me and the team at Century Cranes and we’ll do whatever it takes to generate positive outcomes. That’s the main reason we have many long-term clients. Wilson goes on to discuss the measures which are in-place to ensure lifts are conducted safely. “We have lift software so we can produce accurate computer-generated lift plans. We ensure our team not only licensed but also competent and this is one of the reasons we started our own RTO Century Training back in 2015. “As an employer it amazed me how many applicants had so many High Risk Tickets and couldn’t answer simple questions relating to the job they were applying for. It was very obvious they had spent little to no time in machines and yet they were licensed to operate,” she said. “Not every job requires a site visit prior to the lift, just those that are considered higher risk or where site conditions are not ideal. This is determined at the www.cranesandlifting.com.au
enquiry point by our operations team who know the right questions to ask. “There seems to more time spent on lift planning than actually lifting nowadays, the industry certainly has changed a lot over the last 20 years. Obviously, with the bigger machines more planning is required and ensuring the rigging gear is right is one of the most important parts of any lift planning,” said Wilson. Equipment Planning and Organisation Software (E.P.O.S.) is the deployment, planning and organisation system designed by Matusch GmbH, one of the leading software providers in the heavy lift heavy haulage industry. It is designed to digitise businesses by automating processes and procedures and eliminating the need for paper-based systems. Following a recommendation from an industry colleague, who was already operating the system, Wilson implemented E.P.O.S in 2008. Wilson explains how the system has benefitted Century Cranes. “Like most crane hire companies we started running crane and equipment allocations from a diary and as we grew the diary system wasn’t coping, so we created an excel spreadsheet. But we recognised that once we had got to a certain size, to maintain efficiencies, we needed to implement some kind of logistics software which could help
manage our planning, deployment and general business organisation. “An industry colleague had already implemented the E.P.O.S and recommended I take a look at it, and I’m glad they did. E.P.O.S has made my life so much easier and allowed me to give access to others to assist with bookings and invoicing. “One of the key features that attracted me to this program was how simple it was. In order to work within our environment, people from varying backgrounds needed to be able to use the system and E.P.O.S definitely allows that,” said Wilson. E.P.O.S. features a graphic scheduling plan as the central working tool. From this central plan, movements relating to equipment such as cranes, transport vehicles, haulage units, and support staff such as drivers and fitters are controlled. As well as managing the scheduling of work, E.P.O.S. also automates processes relating to, quotes, inquiries, external orders, approval applications etc. and these can be created directly from the system. After the orders have been completed and processed, E.P.O.S. generates invoices automatically. The E.P.O.S. system also has the ability to manage the generation of partial invoices for situations where a job or project has not been completed and is still open. The subsequent administration of these open items and the transfer of the information relating to them into financial accounting systems is automatically supported by E.P.O.S. Wilson explains how simple E.P.O.S made the implementation process? “Australian representative for E.P.O.S Martina Maslen, made the implementation process very simple. It involved a Saturday and Sunday of implementing and training and its was fully operational for Monday morning. “We are in the middle of implementing the online paperless version of EPOS now and I can’t wait. Initially I was concerned with the fact that the support was primarily based in Germany but they have been fantastic. Whilst we sleep upgrades are added to with no disruption to the business,” said Wilson. January 2021 CAL / 53
Terex® Tower Cranes
Terex® Rough Terrain Cranes Franna® Pick & Carry Cranes
3 CRANES 1 FAMILY For more information about our products or services: Email: franna@terex.com
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Email: mktg.cranes@terex.com
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IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR TOWER CRANES
The Liebherr 53K was used during the construction phase to help remove some of the tower crane components and scaffolding.
LIEBHERR FIRSTS IN AUCKLAND LANDMARK Liebherr tower cranes were used to construct a landmark tower development in Auckland which includes a self-erector replacing a typical Building Maintenance Unit. PWC TOWER IS A NEW NZ $850 MILLION, landmark 39 storey tower development within the Commercial Bay precinct transforming Auckland’s CBD and waterfront – bringing together world class commercial space, international quality retails public spaces and hospitality environments. The design of Commercial Bay’s tower includes a unique feature at the top of the tower where the foil façade’s supporting structures sail past the roof. The tower’s builder, Fletcher Construction had to come up with a way of replacing glass anywhere on the tower should glass break during construction or into the future. A concept had to be designed that would service everything from the roof and below including the facade and other areas of the building all the way www.cranesandlifting.com.au
down to street level. The design also had to include the seismic requirements for New Zealand, this was also another first for the project as the application was complex and had not been done before. Four concepts were considered for the Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) but none of them could deal with the replacement of glass panel at the top of the foil. A number of the BMU options were a larger and heavier than the selferecting crane which meant the structure of the building at the roof level would have to be beefed up to accommodate the BMU. And it wasn’t going to be able to manage all of the requirements for the tower. So, the planning had to involve getting a hook up higher than the tower basically to manage future building maintenance and replacements.
The Liebherr 53 K self-erector is now permanently on level 40 which is the roof level and is designed to have a highlevel maintenance regime to ensure it is operable throughout the years to come. The connection point detail between the building and the crane base is the critical point and had to be designed to withstand an earth quake and high wind loads taken from NZS1170 series. Liebherr basically took a 53 K and had their engineers in the German factory, redesign and rebuild it. Self-erectors are bottom slewing cranes, usually on the ground and so the hoist rope lengths and hoist rope drum and counterweights are for dealing with a hoist rope suitable for the height of the self-erector. For this project, the crane is on top of a 170m tower which meant a lot of re-engineering, January 2021 CAL / 55
IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR TOWER CRANES
including redesign of the hoist gearbox, hoist drum, reeving system, and a special split type, steel counterweight, which allows the crane to erect and dismantle without the time-consuming need to remove and reinstall the counterweight each time. The Liebherr engineers were excited to produce a custom engineered one off for the project. The radius of the self-erector can reach two streets on the block. The hook can get all the way down to street level to pick up loads of up to 1,000kg from delivery trucks etc. and it was actually used during the construction phase to help remove some of the tower crane components and scaffolding, and it has also been involved in reglazing of the façade when panels were broken during the construction phase. So, it has already
proven it’s abilities on site. The design of the 50-metre class crane is based on the successful K series concept and closes the gap between the 42 K.1 and the 65 K. The new fast-erecting crane with a truss construction and improved erection kinematics delivers more power, variability and safety on site. The standard 53 K achieves a maximum hook height of 31m which is the top value in the 50mt crane class. With the rapid climbing system, up to three complete tower sections can be inserted practically and safely. This means that the hook height can be adjusted to suit the site situation. With the 20° jib luffed position, the maximum hook height can also be increased to 43.1m. With a horizontal jib, the 53 K can be configured with seven different hook The Liebherr 53K can service everything from the roof and below including the facade and other areas of the building all the way down to street level.
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heights between 15.8m and 31m. This makes the basic model of the new K crane ideal for use on multi- occupancy residential buildings with up to eight storeys. At the maximum radius of 40.0m, the 53 K can hoist 1,100kg in 2-line mode and 1,000kg in 2/4-line mode. The maximum lifting capacity at the tip can be increased to 2,000kg by simply reducing the length of the jib to 28m. The 53 K is extremely flexible with its four possible jib lengths of 28m, 34m, 37m and 40m. With its maximum lifting capacity of 4,200kg, this crane was designed for classic construction work. Its 2/4-line automatic reeving system makes it possible to select the perfect reeving for maximum hoist speeds. Innovative, low cost solutions for crane transport mean that the 53 K can be moved to the site in full, including ballast, by just two trucks. Its short wheelbase of 6m and compact slewing platform design with a short overhang enables the crane to be manoeuvred easily in constricted sites. The new 53 K really comes to the fore in densely built-up areas with limited space. The crane can also be erected close to existing buildings on constricted sites and around obstacles using its high jib erection in the air feature. The low support width of 4. m x 4.2m is perfectly coordinated to the compact slewing radius of 2.50m ensuring very few adverse effects for traffic, particularly for jobs on inner city sites. The new 53 K features Liebherr’s successful drive and controller technology. Its infinitely adjustable, energy-efficient frequency converter drive units coupled with the current collector which allows unrestricted slewing also make a valuable contribution to ensuring that loads can be handled economically. It also features MICROMOVE fine positioning mode which can be activated at the touch of a button. This enables heavy loads to be positioned sensitively and with millimetre precision without engaging the hoist unit brake. In turn this ensures loads can be manoeuvred carefully and very safely. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
During the construction process there were four other Liebherr tower cranes on site, two for the retail area of the project and two for the tower. Mark Clayton is Tower Crane and Hoist Manager for Fletcher Construction and he was responsible for the deployment of the new Liebherr 357 HC-L luffing tower crane. When the crane was first erected it stood at 97m to the tip of the jib and as the tower was constructed the crane followed it in seven different increments of climbing. At each of these increments of climbing, it was secured back to the building which kept the structure as rigid as possible. The crane was fitted with a 45m boom which meant the crane required 38t of counterweight. The Liebherr 357 HC-L was fitted with a special hook which meant it could be used as a single line or double line on the hook which provides either 18t or 32t capacity and this project it was used in its 32t capacity configuration. This meant it needed a hoist rope of 550m and the hoist rope alone weighed 2.5t. the hook required specialised chains and rigging. The crane was one of four cranes used on the Commercial Bay project and this with another crane was climbing with the tower. The Liebherr 357 HC-L luffing crane went on to be the tallest crane in New Zealand at 225m in height to the tip of the jib. The cabin features the latest state of the art equipment including a hook camera system. The operator has a screen about the size of an iPad in the cabin and there is a camera attached to the crane hook and for every meter in height the operator can see a meter in width providing an excellent view of the project. The seat in the operator’s cabin provides over 40 adjustments because when they are operating the crane for eight to 10 hours the operator needs to be as comfortable as possible. The crane arrived on three different vessels which made life a little difficult getting the crane to the Fletcher Construction yard. The crane was pre-inspected, tested to ensure everything went together properly and all the decal and Fletcher branding was added. The Commercial Bay Precinct opened in early June and Fletcher Construction Chief Executive, Peter Reidy congratulated Precinct Properties on its investment in the city of Auckland. “This is so much more than a retail and hospitality precent. Commercial Bay is an ambitious development designed to transform Auckland’s CBD and waterfront returning the area to a centre of trade and activity in the city. “As many as 2000 people, including contractors, were working on the Commercial Bay project as its peak. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our people to be involved in such a challenging and transformational which will leave a huge legacy in this city. “I’m immensely proud of our team and what they have achieved. They showed true Fletcher spirit in completing this iconic project, which will have pride of place in the city for generations to come,” said Reidy. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
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Immediate scheduling of orders during customer calls Individually configurable scheduling plans, also available online while on the go. Advantage: quick overview of usage and double bookings Simple handling of complex projects with E.P.O.S. project management Digitised processes – paperless, continuous processing Online delivery notes/instructions for drivers and signed dockets E.P.O.S mobile apps for management, sales, drivers, mechanics and delivery jobs
IN FOCUS / GROVE CABS
GROVE PREPARES FOR COMFORT Manitowoc introduces state-of-the-art driver’s cab “cab2020” on Grove three-axle all terrain cranes.
The new Grove “cab2020” is the benchmark in design and meets the latest crash-test requirements in Europe and is ECE R29-3 approved.
DESIGNED WITH CUSTOMER NEEDS IN mind and a focus on the latest crash-test requirements in Europe, Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes now feature a spacious new carrier cab, known as cab2020. With the introduction of Manitowoc’s new carrier cabin, cab2020, Grove sets new standards in comfort and ergonomics for crane operators. In addition, the new cab2020 is not only the benchmark in design but also meets the latest crash-test requirements in Europe and is ECE R29-3 approved. The new cab2020 is now available on all Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes, the GMK3050-3, GMK3060-2 and GMK3060L-1. The cab2020 exterior shares the same compactness as the predecessor carrier cabins but has a dynamic new look. Operators will appreciate the enhanced interior, improved ergonomics and pleasant feeling of space, which promote greater comfort and ease of operation. Thanks to the “cab2020”, the exterior of the new three-axle cranes has a more dynamic look and comes closer to the design of their “bigger brothers” in the 58 / CAL January 2021
Grove all-terrain crane range. At the same time, Grove will continue manufacturing its all-terrain cranes with the extremely compact design the brand is known for. With a width of just 2.55m, access to confined jobsites is made as easy as possible. Space inside the cab2020 is used more efficiently. The sophisticated layout ensures ample room for the cab’s controls, which are clearly arranged. The crane controlsSystem (CCS) display is positioned slightly higher to ensure it is comfortably and conveniently within the operator’s sight and reach. Optimally laid out buttons and dials ensure that the crane can be handled easily and intuitively. The modern design of cab2020 comes with premium-quality surfaces that look and feel good. Overall, the result is an excellent, comfortable and user-friendly environment that helps the operator to focus on the task in hand. Instead of building on previous carrier cabs, the cab2020 designers established a new concept based on close involvement of end users and customers. The design, materials, space and ambiance fit
perfectly together and reflect the careful attention paid to operators’ everyday needs from their work environment during the multi-stage development process. Initially, Grove asked users about their personal requirements for a driver’s cab, including their priorities and preferences when driving to the job site. The result of this study led to a prototype model of the cab2020, which was shown on the Manitowoc booth at bauma 2019 in Munich. The allterrain product management team from Wilhelmshaven gathered further first-hand opinions from bauma visitors. The cab2020 prototype attracted lots of interested visitors, crane operators as well as customers, during the show. Many of them took the chance to sit in the prototype driver’s cab on the Manitowoc booth and gave their feedback – which was very positive overall. Afterwards, Grove took all feedback into account when refining the design. Furthermore, before the design was finalised, the cab2020 received thorough testing at the product verification centre (PVC) in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to ensure a superior driving experience. “It was important for us to retain what was deemed as perfect and tried and tested by crane operators. But by adding the extra bits and pieces, we have achieved real improvements in design and function, which resulted in our new cab2020 becoming the new carrier cab for the smaller range of our Grove allterrain cranes,” said Andreas Cremer, vice president product management Mobile Cranes at Manitowoc. Getting to a jobsite is now even more comfortable with the GMK30503, GMK3060-2 and GMK3060L-1. Further GMK models will receive the cab2020 and a fresh new look over the coming months. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
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IN FOCUS / THE DIGITAL FUTURE OF LIFTING Mammoet’s CEO Paul van Gelder speaks about the digital future of the business.
TOWARDS A DIGITAL FUTURE Cranes and Lifting magazine speaks to Mammoet CEO Paul van Gelder about the power of digitisation to transform engineered heavy lifting – whether in the office, at the yard or on site. AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF FRESH restrictions imposed in his native Netherlands - and elsewhere in Europe – it’s no surprise to see the topic of COVID-19 and its effect on global business on the agenda. With characteristic optimism, Van Gelder sees the current climate not as something entirely unexpected, but a situation that was one day inevitable. “The coronavirus is not the main cause for certain changes”, he notes, “but it does accelerate them.” As markets in the OECD move more quickly away from oil and gas, Mammoet must continue its work there but also look for other sectors. This development has been anticipated for quite some time and is just the next step in a process that has seen the company support its customers in phasing out coal-fired facilities in the power sector and increasing brownfield development in the petrochemical industry, to name two recent examples. “The energy sector will always be important to us, and the Mammoet of www.cranesandlifting.com.au
the future will need to change the way it works, focusing on more innovation, and by concentrating local businesses on the segments they serve”. Clearly, digitisation will be key to this process, as it allows the company to act more responsively, more efficiently, and in a fashion better tailored to each customer than ever before. REMOTE CONTROL Van Gelder’s enthusiasm for the field possibilities is obvious. “Just this morning I was watching a video by Caterpillar, showing a shovel being operated by a guy 40 or 50 meters away from the excavator, operating it at safe distance with a remote control attached to his waist. If this is possible at 40m, it’s in principle possible at 40km or 4,000km, or, let’s say, at some point in the future, from one of our regional headquarters.” It may sound somewhat far-fetched, but it’s a process Van Gelder has witnessed before.
“When I joined oil and gas in 2005, we had remotely monitored platforms, which still had local people at sea doing operations. Gradually, we were able to take these people out of the platforms to a centralised onshore location, working in shifts to manage everything offshore. At Mammoet, we are currently exploring the possibilities of remote operation. The change in heavy lifting can be just as profound, spending less time and carbon dioxide on traveling, and restoring certainty to projects by lessening the effects of border closures and social distancing measures.” Gelder says digitisation isn’t just about keeping the business going in times of travel restrictions – it has the power to transform work for the better. “In the future, customers will benefit by getting better quality data from Mammoet. For example, via the LIDAR scanning of routes or through analysis of exactly when and how cranes are used as to provide our customers with services in the most efficient and optimal ways.” January 2021 CAL / 61
IN FOCUS / THE DIGITAL FUTURE OF LIFTING
“What will be important in the future is the quality of information you can provide, how responsive you can be; ultimately – how well you understand your customer. We want to spot opportunities for them to get better at doing their work before even they do. Digitisation can unlock that for us. It allows us to give customers this insight without leaving the house – never mind the continent.” ONE ON ONE Interpersonal relationships are also undergoing a period of accelerated change. They were once forged face-toface, where “people could sense and smell each other”, but must now take place via camera and microphone. A difficult atmosphere in which to build trust you might say, but again Van Gelder sees it as a chance for Mammoet to instead communicate more clearly and broadly. “The old way of doing business is gradually moving into the background, and new ways are entering our market and our organisation. The traveling businessperson, getting into a plane for one meeting – in all companies, I hear the same -people now think this process was ridiculous.”
“I was invited to go to Vancouver earlier this year for a conference because I was the CEO of a contractor. While I was grateful for the invitation, the whole process looks strange, this side of the pandemic. The flight would create a lot of greenhouse gases; because of flight scheduling I would need to stay three days for a one-day event; I would be offline for quite some time while not spending my time on the actual work for the customer. Everyone wants to be important, but people felt you had to do it – this just doesn’t make sense anymore.” “What will be important in the future is the quality of information you can provide; how responsive you can be; ultimately – how well you understand your customer. We want to spot
opportunities for them to get better at doing their work before even they do. Digitisation can unlock that for us. It allows us to give customers this insight without leaving the house – never mind the continent.” Which brings us to Mammoet’s key asset: its people. “We’ve always tried to put people at the forefront of what we do: the commitment and engagement of our staff. We try to give them a platform in our various publications, via interviews with all kinds of people who get the job done – CEO and frontline colleague, alike.” SHARING SKILLS Digitisation allows us to bring you closer to the people, methods, and technologies that make Mammoet successful, from colleagues mentally rehearsing the day’s lifts – their knowledge of the site making each lift go like clockwork, keeping the client’s project on schedule – to predicting the future of floating offshore wind maintenance. “We’d really like our customers to get to know our people as individuals; what makes them tick, what they’ve achieved, and to benefit from that directly”.
In the future, the quality of information provided and how responsive a business can be will be important. 62 / CAL January 2021
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IN FOCUS / PRESTON HIRE
The SuperGlassHandling range adds value to the services Preston Hire provides customers.
GLASS HANDLING, PRESTON HIRE STYLE Preston Hire introduced a specialist glass handling service 12 months ago. Today, it is a thriving business servicing the construction industry. COMMERCIAL GLAZING AND GLASS handling are specialist areas in the construction process. Preston Hire has expanded their offering to provide premium services and equipment to the glazing industry with a range of glass lifting rigs and accessories that complement their extensive range of mini cranes. “Our offering allows customers with glazing requirements to have a single hire solution working with a reputable, trusted and highly experienced team of professionals” explained Preston Hire general manager, Andrew Lambert. “Our mini crane fleet has been in operation 64 / CAL January 2021
for over 12 years whilst our glass lifting rigs were introduced 12 months ago when we recognised the opportunity and customer demand for this additional service,” he said. Lambert explains how this highly specialised service evolved. “We are always looking to expand our service offering for our customers and we are constantly listening to their needs. In the glazing space, we were crosshiring from other companies to meet our customer’s requests or we noticed customers were hiring a glass lifter from one provider and a mini crane from us to do the lifting.
“It seemed far more streamlined and beneficial for the customer to have a single point of contact and a single delivery/pickup charge. We pride ourselves on being customer-centric and this is yet another example of how you can count on us for your hire equipment needs,” he said. The Preston Hire team is on hand and ready to assist customers with any questions they might have in this area explains Lambert. “Our sales team is technically trained on all assets. We spend hours with our suppliers for operator familiarisation to ensure our team are experienced, www.cranesandlifting.com.au
knowledgeable and understand product updates and capabilities. One of our longest serving team members and our expert in mini cranes, completes regular 1:1 training with our team to ensure their knowledge of products features, benefits and key technical aspects is always front of mind when helping customers find the best solution for the job. “Our teams have a wide variety of technical skills with a number of staff having come directly from the glazing industry. skill and knowledge sharing across our business is exceptional and I always find it very humbling to see the growth of our staff across so many fields and services.” Preston Hire offers this service nationally, as they do with all equipment within their fleet, and will continue their recognisable marketing approach for this category. “We offer our products all over Australia. Much of the assets are easily portable and can be moved state to state based on customer needs. If a customer needs Preston Hire, we will get the gear to them no matter their location. All of our products fall within the Preston Hire product line-up, however like our other equipment, we’ll be using the “Super” tagline and promoting it as SuperGlassHandling,” he says. Lambert confirms other hire businesses offer equipment for the glass handling and glazing industries and explains how Preston Hire’s service differs. “We like to think we have the power of mass with the connectivity of niche. In other words, we are big enough to have a national footprint whilst small enough to remain focused on our customer’s needs and build meaningful relationships with them. When customers are installing glass, the crane is the central need with lifting rigs secondary. By packaging both the lifting rig and the crane in one simple transaction, we allow the customer to keep focused on the job at hand ensuring a safe and speedy outcome onsite,” he said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
“All of our equipment has been carefully selected based on its specialised nature. From our SuperDeck retractable loading platform system to our extensive fleet of cranes and EWPs, Preston Hire has always provided quality, specialist equipment to the industry designed to solve challenges and provide unique machine capabilities. Every unit in our fleet is relevant in allowing us to provide services and products that customers can count on. Our glass lifting products are a further extension of our commitment to specialised equipment,” said Lambert. Some of the innovative elements from the SuperGlassHandling range include: • Two independent vacuum circuits • Each vacuum circuit with a 2-fold safety and integrated vacuum reservoir • Flexible set up with crane arm: manual turning by 360°, in the 90°grid lockable, manual tilting by 90° • integrated vacuum gauges and charge meter to monitor the vacuum
function and energy supply • integrated energy saving function for reduced pump running times and maximised operating times of the device • visual and acoustic warning facilities signal deviation of the set condition Preston Hire is constantly examining new ways to add value to the services it is providing customers. It is no different with the SuperGlassHandling range, says Lambert. “As a National Australian-owned business, we believe we can offer greater flexibility to hold and move stock to meet customers’ needs city to city, while our sales team remain focused locally on working to provide solutions to our customer’s site requirements. “We are also focused on ensuring we provide the right solution and gear for the application. We have trialled a number of manufacturers of glass handling equipment and work primarily with the Oktopus brand for our
Preston Hire provides premium services and equipment for commercial glazing and glass handling.
January 2021 CAL / 65
IN FOCUS / PRESTON HIRE
SuperGlassHandling needs. “Oktopus equipment is designed and manufactured in Germany and renowned for its quality of construction, inherent reliability and superb safety standards. The equipment we have in stock today is capable of lifting loads from 300kg to 1000kg in both Inline and spider variations with options for larger lifts if required. We also offer labour for wet hire projects, and have done for over 10 years, as well as trolleys and skates,” he said. “We currently have a new product on trial that’s very unique. It’s the Hoeflon TC1 tracked carrier sold by Monitor Lifts. When a customer is on a boggy or rough terrain site and needs the glass delivery transported from the drop off point to another area of the site, the TC1 is loaded and drives via remote pendant over almost any terrain. With a 1200kg payload its proving to be a winner,”
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“As a National Australian owned business, we believe we can offer greater flexibility to hold and move stock to meet customers’ needs city to city, while our sales team remain focused locally on working to provide solutions to our customer’s site requirements.”
said Lambert. Lambert confirms the SuperGlassHandling business model follows the Preston Hire way of putting the right solution together for the right application. “We focus on hiring the safest, most efficient, glass handling equipment for our customers. This allows our teams to move swiftly to meet any customers need. Having such a large range of mini cranes in all shapes, sizes and
capacities, ensures that we can offer the best solution for each individual job, not just a single solution forced to work for your site. We work very closely with customers in other product portfolios in all manner of difficult situations and see this customised level of service as one of our key strengths. We will continue to go the extra mile and look forward to showing more customers in the glazing industry why they can COUNT ON US” said Lambert.
IN FOCUS / UAA
SPECIALISED INSURANCE FOR THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD Dennis Sanders is a senior broking manager and director of specialist award winning insurance brokerage Runacres Insurance. Runacres Insurance has been in business for 35 years. Its specialist team has a strong focus on the construction sector, including civil construction, construction equipment operators, and clients in mining, quarrying and crane hire. “IN TERMS OF SIZE, WE ARE IN THE TOP 10 of insurance brokers in New Zealand and our team totals 45 staff across three sites around New Zealand,” said Sanders. Sanders started in the underwriting side of the industry with IAG and then moved into broking. He worked for a number of broking companies, including international businesses, before joining Runacres three and a half years ago. Sanders says it resonates with him to work in a more local environment, without the politics which sometimes come with a more corporate environment. “Most of the clients managed by Runacres Insurance are mid to large sized commercial clients, including property owners through to manufacturers and exporters, as well as construction companies, civil construction companies and crane hire companies. We have a speciality in civil contractors and with crane operations as well,” said Sanders. “As far as the profile of customer goes, we are blessed to have long term clients at Runacres Insurance. As I’ve said, I’ve been here for three and a half years and most of the clients had already been with the business for a long time when I joined the team. “Because the business has been running for such a long time, our team has the expertise and experience to get very close to our clients and this is particularly relevant with those in the construction, civil construction and the crane hire industries,” said Sanders. “Getting to thoroughly know our www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Dennis Sanders, Runacres Insurance.
clients’ businesses has helped us to understand the various risk exposures that we wouldn’t necessarily see with clients in other industry sectors. A number of these clients are faced with specialised scenarios and unique insurance challenges, with different terms and issues in contracts that are out of the norm. “A lot of these companies are involved in several projects at any one time and often these are ‘one off’ projects. They can be resurfacing roads, building new highways and bridges or helping to construct wind farms. They can also be involved in building dams and irrigation lakes for hydro-power projects. It is a specialised industry sector and it presents a lot of unique risks that we are looking to insure,” he said. Sanders goes on to explain how
important a robust and proactive relationship is with the client to ensure they are adequately covered. “Usually, our clients are tendering for contracts and as part of the tender process they will look at insurance and how to cover this insurance as a potential cost of the project, so engagement with the client starts really early. “We are able to assist when the client is first considering the tender for the project, to help with questions such as what implications insurance will have, how we can deal with it and of course the cost involved - because the client wants to allow for that cost in the contract. “That’s when we start talking about what their risk exposures are, what they need to be aware of and the issues to look out for. We probably don’t go into too much depth until they win the contract, but we make sure there aren’t going to be any surprises when the contract is awarded. “ During this process it’s important to make sure everything is covered off properly, and that the client is confident they have access to the right level of coverage. We work through a risk profile with the client and a lot of this will be examining physical plant, which assets need to be insured, what type of terrain the equipment will be operating on, the general environment and of course the liability issues around these which are also very important. For example, all tower cranes in New Zealand have to meet NZS 1170.5:2004 Structural design actions - Part 5: January 2021 CAL / 67
IN FOCUS / UAA
During the New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards, Runacres Insurance was the winner of the 2019 Small-Medium Broking Company of The Year. The team also won awards in 2015 and 2016.
Earthquake actions - New Zealand. This standard is used by structural engineers to assess and calculate the forces and deformations from earthquakes acting on buildings and other structures. It helps engineers design structures that comply with the New Zealand Building Code’s earthquake resistance requirements. Sanders explains how Runacres Insurance provides cover for this type of natural disaster. “The crane operators need to operate within the guidelines that are set by the standards and by the industry. We operate on the basis that they are adhering to these standards and therefore it won’t be too much of an issue around insuring tower cranes for earthquakes. “We are talking about keeping tower cranes standing if there is an earthquake and they also need to be able to absorb wind loadings. Wellington for example, is a very windy city and if you are exposed there with a crane, you need to ensure you have the right foundations before you put the crane up,” he said. 68 / CAL January 2021
“All of this is set in the guidelines. Often the engineers will come in and they have to certify the construction of the tower, the base that it is sitting on etc. and ensure it is complaint in order
the business. They are excellent as an insurer for plant including construction equipment, civil construction equipment and cranes etc. - that’s what they are really good at.
“The crane operators need to operate within the guidelines that are set by the standards and by the industry. We operate on the basis that they are adhering to these standards and therefore it won’t be too much of an issue around insuring tower cranes for earthquakes. to support the crane in the environment it is in, whether it’s in a high risk earthquake area or wind loading zone. From an insurance perspective, I don’t need to look so much as it is a given that these compliances are adhered to in order for the crane company to be able to operate,” said Sanders. From the day UAA started working in New Zealand Runacres Insurance has been doing business with them, says Sanders. “We like the specialist nature of
“Their policy wordings are bespoke; they are very wide, and provide a lot of additional covers that normal insurance companies wouldn’t, so they are specifically tailored for the industries we are looking to insure. “They also have good backing with QBE Insurance sitting behind them and they have a good security rating. We like dealing with them, they settle claims quickly and they make it easy to do business with them,” said Sanders. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
The construction equipment and crane hire markets are very competitive. Businesses secure work without reading into the detail of the contract and the liabilities and implications involved. Sanders explains this is a similar issue across New Zealand. “There is an element of the New Zealand industry that will secure work at all costs and they can find themselves involved in situations where they are out of their depth, this happens but we really haven’t seen this as a broker. The clients we are dealing with are experienced operators and they have been around for a long time. They manage their businesses well and you can’t do this without knowing what you are doing,” he said. In addition to the types of insurance considerations mentioned above, Sanders also advises cyber security is an industry issue and it’s on the rise.
“We fully cater for this issue and we are seeing a marked increase in activity in this area, not just in New Zealand, it’s happening right around the world. Cyber criminals are targeting businesses in various ways,” he said. “It could be in order to hold the business at ransom, or they are Phishing which is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords. “They are trying to defraud the business and extract money out of them. We are seeing a lot more of this and we had an example not so long ago where a business paid a huge amount of money because the finance team thought their
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CEO had sent them an email with instructions to transfer a large amount of money. “In fact, the email had come from an Asian organised crime syndicate and that organisation paid US$100,000 to a wrong bank account. We will see more and more of this happening. Our clients are able to buy insurance cover for these types of losses. But what we do with our clients, is ensure they have good risk management procedures to minimise the risk of a loss in the first place which is a better way of managing the business. “Insurance has its place but with a little work you can minimise the risk up front and before you take out insurance. Insurance companies will expect you to do this anyway. We work with companies to ensure they adopt best practice as a risk management tool before they consider buying insurance cover,” said Sanders.
IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR ALL TERRAINS
A JEWEL FOR ANY FLEET Liebherr launches new 150t capacity all terrain. With new features and capacities, it comes with the slogan “The Jewel in your fleet”. THE NEW LIEBHERR LTM 1150-5.3 features increased hoist height and radius, outstanding, lifting capacities in steep positions and at large radii and 10 percent longer telescopic boom and an average of 15 per cent higher capacity. Following the successful launch of the LTM 1120-4.1 in March 2020, Liebherr recently unveiled the second new development in its all-terrain crane range – the LTM 1150-5.3 or “The jewel in your fleet”. Christoph Kleiner, Sales Director, explains the slogan. “A flexible all-rounder, the LTM 1150-5.3 will enhance any crane fleet like a jewel – It has the longest boom in this crane class at 66m and can compete with crane models in the 200t lifting capacity class. It delivers outstanding lifting capacities when fully raised and at large radii,” he said. After manufacturing around 1500 units, Liebherr recently unveiled the successor to its successful LTM 1130-5.1 – the LTM 1150-5.3. With a maximum lifting capacity of 150t and a 66m telescopic boom, it is also the perfect
addition to Liebherr’s crane range below the 180t capacity LTM 1160-5.2. LONG, POWERFUL TELESCOPIC BOOM Compared to its predecessor, the telescopic boom on the new LTM 11505.3 is 6m longer. At the same length of 60m, the new 5-axle crane can hoist 12t when fully raised – 1.5t more than its predecessor. When fully extended to 66m, the new crane has a lifting capacity of over 9t. That makes it perfect for erecting tower cranes and radio masts. Lattice extensions enables the new 150t crane to achieve hook heights of up to 92m and radii of up to 72m. For this, one 7m lattice section as boom extension and a 10.8 to 19m double folding jib are used. The latter can be adjusted hydraulically between 0° and 40°. A 2.9m erection jib and a runner, which can be swung to the side, round off the equipment list. Particularly economical – the lattice jibs are compatible for many crane models in the 100 to 180t class within the Liebherr portfolio.
ECONOMICAL DRIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH ECODRIVE AND ECOMODE The time-tested six-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine in the undercarriage provides all the drive power the LTM 1150-5.3 needs. It develops 400 kW / 544 bhp and a torque of a 2516 Nm. The engine satisfies the new stage V emissions directive and can also be configured to comply with the regulations which apply in countries outside of Europe, for example Tier 4 for the US or stage IIIA for low regulated countries. The ZF-TraXon gearbox is used to transfer the power to the crane’s axles. ECOdrive is particularly economical and convenient – the additional eco mode delivers enhanced drive properties which save fuel and reduce both noise and CO2 emissions. In addition, Hillstart Aid makes starting on gradients easier. Liebherr has continued its singleengine strategy on this crane with a mechanical drive unit for the superstructure. The weight reduction created by the elimination of the superstructure engine from the previous model is used to deliver a longer boom and more lifting capacity.
The new LTM 1150-5.3 features 150t lifting capacity and a 66m telescopic boom. 70 / CAL January 2021
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Tough Ones are in full control
Brilliant mounting solutions. The new EC-B. We have enhanced the practical design of the new EC-B series to ensure any necessary handling is easier and safer during assembly and transport. Reduction of the slewing platform and jib erection weight New LiConnect quick-assembly connectors for safe and easy installation Cost-saving transport through narrower jib design Optimised pickaback system: Fewer lifts by mobile crane required for counter-jib assembly
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IN FOCUS / SENNEBOGEN CRAWLER CRANES
GROWING WITH SENNEBOGENS In operation, there are different modes which allow the Sennebogen to work in really tight corridors.
72 / CAL January 2021
WGC Crane’s Project Division has steadily increased the number of Sennebogen crawler cranes in its fleet. The division’s manager, Glenn Dorrian explains why. THE PROJECTS DIVISION OF WGC CRANES has seen steady growth over the last decade. According to Glenn Dorrian, the division’s manager, the success of the business is in no small part due to the performance of the Sennebogens it operates in its crawler fleet. “We started out as the dry hire division of WGC Cranes and we dry hired our crawler cranes out to various clients and projects, but the need and demand for operators to work on these machines increased dramatically, we dropped the dry hire and we are now known as the Projects Division,” explained Dorrian. Dorrian started with WGC in 2013 as a rigger, progressing to operator, then as a supervisor assembling the cranes. As the division grew, there was a need for more capacity with the planning and background work and he stepped into his current role. “I was in the right position at the time and as the company grew very quickly, so did my role. We’ve managed to move other guys into my roles and they are doing an excellent job, we’ve got a good team and we work hard together. “We have a head office in Western Australia which manages the tendering of jobs and my role supports this process. My job is to explain more about our fleet and discuss our capabilities with the client at a technical level. I also work on the lift studies and the technical side of the business so I’m in a position to explain to the client that these cranes will safely manage your project and these are the reasons why. “Between our depots in Sydney and Melbourne, we have 30 crawler cranes working in the division on various projects in and around the cities. We www.cranesandlifting.com.au
have 40 plus guys in the team to manage as well. Fundamentally, my job is to keep the cranes busy and to manage the team. I work closely with the team here in Unanderra and we ensure the equipment is both mechanically and structurally compliant, so it is absolutely ready to go to site,” he said. Sennebogen crawlers make up the majority of WGC Projects Division’s fleet says Dorrian. “We are currently running 17 Sennebogen crawlers of varying capacities ranging from 15t to 80t and including 15t, 30t, 40t, 50t 70 and 80t capacity models. We also run a number of Manitowoc lattice jib crawlers, Kobelco and Liebherr lattice jib crawlers and the capacities for these go up to 280t. We manage these crawlers in our own fleet, but of course our parent company, Freo Group has larger cranes that we can access,” he said. The Sennebogens are extremely versatile machines which makes them very popular across the full spectrum of clients from Tier Ones down to the local builder, says Dorrian. “The Sennebogens are extremely versatile and they move around sites with relative ease. We will find them on a project that lasts for a week or one that lasts two years. They are ideally suited for infrastructure, foundation work as I’ve said, right down to local builders, they are terrific all-rounder. WGC bought the first Sennebogen in 2012, and the fleet has grown significantly since then says Dorrian. “Sennebogens are versatile and quite nimble. They are also extremely reliable and that’s why our client welcome them on their sites. The last thing they wants to see is a crane constantly breaking down and being fixed, there’s nothing worse, and this doesn’t happen with Sennebogens. They are easily transported compared to other cranes in the same class. “In operation, there are different modes which allow the Sennebogen to work in really tight corridors and they come into their own when working closely to train lines for example, where www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Glenn Dorrian, division manager, WGC Cranes Project Division.
“The Sennebogens are extremely versatile and move around sites with relative ease. We find they are ideally suited for infrastructure and foundation work.” there is no room,” he said. Dorrian goes on to explain more about the relationship between Sennebogen’s National Distributor, Pace Cranes and WGC. “Obviously we are a big customer of Pace Cranes and we’ve known Anthony Heeks, Michael Cawston, Greg Muller and the team personally for a number of years. They are really responsive to whatever we need. There are obviously servicing requirements for the fleet and this depends on the increments of 500, 1000 and 2000 hours service. On a project where they are working at full steam, most of the cranes are working 40 to 50 engine hours a week. When you look at those hours across the 17 cranes, there is a crane getting serviced on a weekly basis. “With the hours they are working, there is bound to be some wear and tear on the machines but as far as a heavy machine performing a lot of strenuously
work and pushing the crane to its safe working limits, the Sennebogens are the same as any quality machine. They all need care and attention and we keep our cranes at a very high standard. That’s why we have a lot of customers who continually utilise our service, they expect a high standard from us. So, we focus on maintaining our equipment to a high level and our clients know this,” said Dorrian. “Every time a crane comes off a site we ensure it is well and truly ready for the next job, rather than wait for it to develop a problem and fix it when it does we take a proactive approach to maintenance and we put a major emphasis on this. It costs us a lot more to do this, but we gain from the approach because our clients know our equipment is absolutely fit for purpose when it arrives on site. “We do have our own fitters and they manage the basic servicing, but with the number of cranes we have and they hours they operate, we use the Pace Cranes service team as well. This is mainly for spare parts on wear and tear items but when there is a more significant issue and a crane isn’t working, we call on Pace Cranes and they get things moving very quickly,” he said. According to Dorrian, the WGC Project division is busy working on a number of projects including infrastructure work in Sydney and Melbourne. “We find the Sennebogens don’t work on one particular facet of an infrastructure project. For example, the 15 tonners can be building a sound wall next to a moving freeway because there is so little tail swing on the crane. As I’ve said, the Sennebogens are very versatile and can work on different areas of a project not just one particular element of it,” said Dorrian. “Another advantage with the Sennebogens they are simple to operate and they are work well in the applications and the purposes they are designed for. I used to operate the cranes and it is very easy to demonstrate the operations of the crane to someone who is new to them,” he said. January 2021 CAL / 73
IN FOCUS / A1A SOFTWARE
ICRANETRAX NOW ALLOWS TELEMATICS FEEDS TO OTHER PROGRAMS A1A Software has expanded the capabilities of iCranetrax management software to include greater telematics functionality. ICRANETRAX, THE FLEET AND BUSINESS management software from A1A Software LLC, now enables telematics data points to feed other software programs. This includes standard data as defined by the AEMP Telematics Standard, ISO 15143-3, and customised data points selected by the user. “The benefit of sharing the telematics data feed is that it gives users control over the program they need or want to read the data in,” said Tawnia Weiss, President of A1A Software. This might be an OEM’s proprietary system or another off-the-shelf program that fleet managers or mechanics are already using for a mixed fleet environment. No additional programming is required for sharing the AEMP-defined data points if the program data is being imported to is already programmed to read those data points. Users who want to select custom telematics data will need to facilitate the necessary programming processes. iCraneTrax combines sales, dispatch, and fleet maintenance with telematics into one application to more efficiently manage rental company daily operations and increase revenue. It captures complex data from the most sophisticated crane and lifting equipment, then combines various business communications into one tool to improve coordination and communication between salespeople, dispatchers, operators, managers, and mechanics. Now, e-signatures can be saved utilizing DocuSign, capturing 74 / CAL January 2021
iCraneTrax now enables telematics data points to feed other software programs.
“The benefit of sharing the telematics data feed is that it gives users control over the program they need or want to read the data in.” documentation of rental equipment deliveries and returns in the field using the iTeleTrax mobile app, and storing it with the customer record in iCraneTrax. This development follows updates from 2020 and the addition of a new Telematics App to iCraneTrax, the fleet and personnel management software from A1A Software LLC. The updates are designed to make life easier for fleet managers and project managers. The fleet map feature provides, at a glance, a visual overview of the key service items for your fleet. Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red icons are a progressive display of the service intervals for each unit. In addition, with user permissions enabled, both Link-Belt and Manitowoc dealers can access the telematics interface to schedule maintenance intervals for their customers based on usage, a convenient option for fleet managers.
“With this feature, fleet managers at rental companies or dealers could set up maintenance schedules for internal teams or customers to remind them about upcoming service due items,” said Weiss. In addition, all documentation from iCraneTrax can now be saved as PDF files to provide cohesive document management related to employees, equipment, or customers. “Dispatch tickets and all other documentation connected to a specific project, can now be filed together in a convenient location,” she said. At the same time, Weiss first announced the release of A1A Software’s first mobile device application for users of iCraneTrax, the company’s fleet management software with CRM, Dispatch, and GPS capabilities. With the iTeleTrax app, customers can access six different information pages right from their Apple or Android www.cranesandlifting.com.au
“Dispatch tickets and all other documentation connected to a specific project, can now be filed together in a convenient location.”
iTeletrax adds to the suite of lift planning programs offered by A1A Software.
mobile device. This makes it easier for operators, technicians or fleet managers to access critical information while on the go or at the job site.
The iTeleTrax app includes a fleet map overview of key service items, engine hour and maintenance notifications, DMI engine codes, fleet
position for location tracking, and a summary page. Specific features and information displays vary depending on the OEM and telematics system used by your equipment. The app is available from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Users log in with their iCraneTrax credentials. “iTeleTrax app improves communication between job site personnel, dispatch, and service departments, increasing the opportunity for proactive maintenance,” said Weiss.
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IN FOCUS / UNIVERSAL CRANES The Universal Crane crawlers cranes, are up to 98 metres high and are the mega lifters of the project, lifting up to 120t.
UNIVERSAL CRANES AND JOHN HOLLAND KICK GOALS AT SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM Two large capacity crawlers have been supplied by Universal Cranes to help with the redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium. THE SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM IS AN iconic sporting centrepiece for the city . The NSW Government is redeveloping the Sydney Football Stadium into a modern, world-class venue, to ensure Sydney has a sporting and entertainment precinct of an international standard 76 / CAL January 2021
and that NSW remains the number one choice for sporting and entertainment events. John Holland was contracted to complete this project which had significant craneage and lift requirements. Conan Jenkins is the heavy lift
specialist from John Holland, who, along with Nick Hopkins is responsible for determining the lift requirements and developing a lift strategy. Early in the planning process, John Holland decided tendering for the specific requirements was the most efficient and cost-effective www.cranesandlifting.com.au
way to deliver outcomes for the client. “John Holland was excited to win the Sydney Football Stadium contract as the project allowed us to showcase the company’s abilities on the world stage, particularly around long span steel structures with highly technical detail,” Conan said. Being such a large-scale job, the sheer number of lifts required over the duration of the project, along with the radius and weights of the lifts, formed the backbone of the criteria and project scope. Operating inside a stadium with limited crane pad area was also heavily considered when developing the lift scope for the tender. Taking these factors into account, finding a provider who could offer specific configurations to operate within the stadium dimensions, who met all the needs of the job was going to be a challenge. As a trusted, well established organisation with one of the industry’s largest fleet of crawler cranes, Universal Cranes submitted the winning tender which included the dry hire of two 400t machines. The specific capabilities and unique configurations Universal could offer made them a perfect partner for this project. The type of crane Universal Cranes offered was a key choice in John Holland’s decision. “As we needed the flexibility to use the same crane for multiple lifting purposes throughout the duration of the project, we needed cranes that could adapt to these requirements. The cranes Universal proposed could change configuration as the project developed to cater to each different stage. As an example, we have started with a main boom and back mast configuration. On the next stage we will assemble a ballast wagon before moving into a luffing fly/back mast configuration with dual winches to put the roof trusses on and complete the diagrid infill,” explained Conan. “Universal Cranes can seamlessly provide multiple configuration set ups for our 400t crawler cranes including luffing fly and super lift which means the same crane can be used for multiple www.cranesandlifting.com.au
purposes. We offered the same machine to perform in multiple ways to meet the client requirements, presenting a more cost-effective solution to the client,” explains Andrew Pearce, term hire manager for Universal Cranes. Andrew has been with Universal Cranes for over 14 years and has extensive experience in finding the perfect technical set up of crawler cranes for heavy lift projects. Andrew’s expertise played a key role in planning the requirements behind the winning tender. The winning submittal proposed a solution for the project that included two Manitowoc M16000 400T crawler cranes which, over the duration of the project, would see lifts including: • Roof derricks – 112t total lift weight of a single crane with a radius of around 24m; • Lower bowl works – several lifts over 30t while maintaining “over and under” safety precautions; • the largest dual crane lift was a total of 127t; • furthest lift was 20t at 55m; and • all up, the project expects approximately 2,000 lifts of loads greater than 20t
configured several ways over the duration of the project, including both luffing fly and super lift set ups to provide the weight and radius capacities required while still being able to operate within the limited footprint of the stadium. Blair Toshach, the term hire operations supervisor at Universal Cranes, is behind the significant amount of planning required for the mobilisation of the cranes on this project. The provision of a comprehensive and extensive mobilisation and demobilisation plan is one of the reasons why Universal Cranes is recognised in the industry as a reputable, high quality service provider. During the mobilisation planning process, Blair ensured Sydney Football Stadium’s location within Sydney was accounted for. Additional steps needed to be considered for traffic control, stakeholder engagement, transportation of cranes to the stadium and interaction with other trades. The mobilisation process was the first hurdle and the following provisions were made to get the machinery into the stadium footprint: • Traffic Control was arranged for the day(s) of mobilisation to allow for
“Universal Cranes can seamlessly provide multiple configuration set ups for our 400t crawler cranes including luffing fly and super lift which means the same crane can be used for multiple purposes. We offered the same machine to perform in multiple ways to meet the client requirements, presenting a more costeffective solution to the client.” THE PROCESS BEGINS After the tender award, Conan and Andrew worked closely to further refine the project scope and engineer the lift plans to ensure lifts throughout each stage of the redevelopment would go as intended. The crane configuration regularly evolved during this process to refine and better suit the lifting schedule and scope. During this planning, both John Holland and Universal Cranes determined the 400t cranes would be
the trucks bringing in the cranes and equipment to access the stadium entry and exit points as required, without disrupting local traffic. • Date planning and scheduling to ensure no disruptions were had during possible event dates scheduled at the stadium. • Ensuring other trades performing works on the stadium during this time were informed of any impending impacts and clear access was available. January 2021 CAL / 77
IN FOCUS / UNIVERSAL CRANES
To ensure this process went to plan, communications between Universal Cranes, John Holland and transport provider Megatilt started early and happened often. • Communications started approximately three months out and included multiple site visits, conference calls, strategy meetings and planning. These all continued to happen despite having to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and border closures.
The two Manitowoc M16000 400T crawler cranes will conduct approximately 2,000 lifts of loads greater than 20t, throughout the duration of the project.
• Provision of a highly detailed component delivery schedule ensured all stakeholders had accurate information regarding the mobilisation and also supported Universal Cranes compliance with all chain of responsibility regulations. • Planning and strategic communications around the tricky access based on the size of the loads that needed to be brought into the stadium site.
• •Transport company Megatilt was granted early entry to the site to understand the layout and access points in order to plan the most efficient delivery path. THE IMPORTANCE OF CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS Forming a strong partnership between the two companies with consistent and open communication has been one of the key factors making this project so successful. After working together previously on jobs such as the Clarence Correctional Centre, Andrew Pearce and Conan Jenkins have nurtured a longterm professional relationship and have developed an understanding on the best way to work with each other. Having previous working experience between client and vendor doesn’t always happen, so it is important in the early stages of any project or job to establish clear expectations from both sides and foster open channels of communication from the start. Forming strong relationships within the industry often gets overlooked, pushed to the side or simply not allocated enough time. FUTURE FOCUSED The Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment will be completed in the time for the 2022 NRL Grand Final. The involvement of John Holland and Universal Cranes in the overall redevelopment is expected to last for approximately 15 months. There are eight cranes in total on the site. The six tower cranes are 115 metres high and will lift material up to 30t. The two crawler cranes, provided by Universal Cranes, are up to 98 metres high and are the mega lifters of the project, lifting up to 120t. The NSW Government are investing in the new, state-of-the-art Stadium at Moore Park with the vision to drive growth in the visitor economy, promote a strong cultural and sporting sector and make NSW more liveable.
78 / CAL January 2021
www.cranesandlifting.com.au
IN FOCUS / CRANE FIRES
CRANE FIRES – WHAT IS YOUR RISK MITIGATION? United Safety & Survivability Corporation installs and maintains fire suppressant systems throughout Australia and New Zealand. United Safety were responsible for the installation of the fire suppressant system which features on the new Zoomlion 150t all terrain crane, recently delivered to the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. IN TODAY’S DIGITAL AGE WITH VARIOUS social media platforms, crane incidents, especially crane fires make news headlines almost immediately. The perception that once these fires get started nothing can be done to stop them. The risks and related control measures around crane operations are well known, but in terms of risk assessment, a crane fire is not necessarily front of mind and can have catastrophic consequences. As seen in Sydney 2012, when a fire started on the machine deck of a diesel/hydraulic luffing crane, the fire caused the luff rope to fail resulting in the jib collapsing onto the worksite below. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, as the jib arm was suspended over the evacuated worksite, rather than the populated street below. Mobile equipment fire suppression systems provide early detection and allow extra time for the operator to safely evacuate in the event of a fire and help
to minimise damage to the asset. United Safety strongly urges mobile equipment owners and operators to adopt AS50622016 as best practice. The objective of the Australian standard is to formalise current good practice in reducing the incidence and severity of fires and to provide a consistent approach to fire risk mitigation to safeguard life, property and the environment against fire United Safety designs, installs and maintains fire suppression systems throughout Australia and NZ. Which includes an integrated network of fire suppression solutions for a wide range of applications including cranes, mining and heavy industry, transport, ports, construction, recycling, trucks, tunnelling and forestry sectors. Recently United Safety were tasked with finding a solution to mitigate fire risk to a Zoomlion ZAT 1500T mobile crane. The crane was earmarked for United Safety mitigated fire risks by installing two independent Fogmaker Fire Suppression Systems, ensuring that if either engine bay is operating it is constantly monitored and protected.
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one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects. With the combination of heat, flammable liquids, turbochargers, hot exhaust, electrical components, and high-pressure systems in an enclosed engine compartment putting cranes at a high potential risk of a devastating and costly fire. United Safety took a wholistic approach and identified two separate risk areas, the drive engine bay as well as the crane operating engine bay. United Safety mitigated these risks by installing two independent Fogmaker Fire Suppression Systems, ensuring that if either engine bay is operating it is constantly monitored and protected. The Fogmaker Fire Suppression system was the ideal option for their client as it ticked all the boxes applicable to the risk and application: • Automatically detects fire, if the temperature in either engine compartments reaches 180C the system automatically functions, system is fail to safe. • The compact nature and versatility of the piston accumulator (Generally 1/10th size and weight of conventional foam systems) • Efficiency and performance – 1Ltr of Agent creates 1,700Ltr Steam. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, the Fogmaker system cools it from 850C down to 75C within 15 seconds – nothing cools like water mist. United Safety offers a range of vehicle fire suppression systems and inspection services. For more information visit www.unitedsafetycorporation.com.au or call 1800 424 889 January 2021 CAL / 79
Australia’s Most Respected & Reliable Crane Dealer The Gleason name has been operating in Australia for over 40 years. Our experience and knowledge ensures that you receive quality new and used cranes for sale at an affordable price.
New and Used Cranes Gleason is a new crane dealer that has been steadily building its range of new cranes and equipment for the Australian marketplace. We are proud to sell the following global brands here in Australia: Zoomlion, XCMG, Ormig, Galizia and Beta. Gleason is also a used crane dealer that holds the title of being the largest specialised marketplace for used cranes in Australia. Let us help you through this important decision. We understand how difficult it can be to sell your equipment, especially when there are other tasks that need your attention. List your crane with us and we will find you a buyer.
Imported Cranes Gleason has a solid and well-earned reputation for sourcing high quality, late model used cranes worldwide, then importing them, repairing, servicing and bringing them to Australian Standards and site requirements. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, which is why every imported crane is backed by a full parts and labour warranty to ensure your peace of mind.
Service, Repair and Major Inspections Gleason is capable of managing all of your service, repair and major inspection work with our dedicated workshop and trained technicians. The major inspection process can be complicated and expensive, however with our experience and expertise we are able to get your cranes certified for continued safe operation in the most cost effective and efficient way.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
MANAGING THE RISK OF FALLS IN THE WORKPLACE The Working at Height Association provides generic advice on inspection regimes for fall arrest equipment. It incorporates energy-absorbing lanyards and harnesses made from webbing and various attachment fittings, providing protection against equipment failure in falls from height. INSPECTING CRANES MAY REQUIRE visual inspection and often measurements as necessary of structural components, brakes, pins, wire ropes, fasteners, sheaves locking devices and electrical. Such work is often carried out at height which always presents fall safety challenges requiring a wide range of experience, skill and knowledge and further enhancement of risk due to such personal having to work at height. Employers and users who have responsibility for the maintenance of their equipment also have the added responsibility of any fall arrest equipment used and are responsible for its maintenance. There is a need for these persons to have skill and competency in and recognising the faults, that if not detected can and would directly affect the safety of the user who would be wearing the fall arrest equipment when working at height. FALL ARREST LANYARD An energy-absorbing lanyard as described in Australian Standards AS 1891.5 refers to a line of either fixed or adjustable length, and components which will enable a connection between a harness and an anchorage, the intent of which is to limit the deceleration during the arrest of a fall. A component of the lanyard is the energy absorber or device which by design limits the deceleration during the arrest of a fall and can assist in the work positioning of a worker. Many of these Lanyard Assemblies are manufactured from Synthetic www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Fibre webbing and Rope which are often subject to damage through mis use, general wear and tear, dirt’s, cuts, surface damage, chemical damage, light degradation (Ultraviolet Light) or other which can reduce the service life of a lanyard assembly. The lanyard assemblies have attachment fittings to enable the lanyards to attach to a harness and an anchorage, these fittings are also subject to wear and tear, distortion, mechanical damage that can compromise the latch movements and oxidisation which when in Contact with the webbing or rope may cause abrasion and wear along with possible cutting of the lanyard webbing or rope. FALL ARREST HARNESSES A fall arrest harness as described in Australian Standards AS/NZS1891.4 refers to a harness being a single assembly of interconnecting shoulder
and leg straps which may incorporate a waist or other straps designed to increase the bearing area on the body and prevent the wearer falling out of the harness during a fall A fall arrest harness would have a fall arrest lanyard or some other device attached at the time of use to restrict the possible fall there by limiting the potential for the user to fall. Fall arrest harnesses assemblies are manufactured usually from synthetic fibre webbing often subject to damage through mis use, general wear and tear, dirt’s, cuts, surface damage, chemical damage, light degradation (ultraviolet light) or other which can reduce the useable life of the harness assembly. The harness assemblies have attachment rings, adjuster buckles and other fittings to enable the harness to be fitted and worn correctly by the user and provide an anchorage for the energy absorbing lanyard or other equipment Fall Protection is a major concern for anyone working at height, it is absolutely imperative to ensure your safety harness and its components are inspected before every use, without exception.
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WORKING AT HEIGHT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
the user is required to attach to. These fittings are also subject to wear and tear, distortion, mechanical damage that can compromise the latch movements and oxidisation which when in contact with the webbing may cause abrasion and wear along with possible cutting of the harness webbing. Australian Standard AS/NZS1891.4 Section 9 provides an equipment check list as should each of the manufactures of fall arrest equipment to which components of the assembly can be inspected and the conditions or faults are checked Safe Work NSW Code of practice “Managing The Risk of Falls at Workplaces” which may be found on web site (www.safeworkaustralia.gov. au), requires that fall arrest equipment system and its components be inspected by a competent person after it is installed but before it is used at regular intervals, and immediately after it has been used to arrest a fall. Inspection of components should be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the relevant standards reference AS/ NZS1891.4. If signs of excessive wear or other defects are found during the inspection of those components the lanyard or harness should be withdrawn from use. The Standard and Work practice document requires that all personal use equipment (harness, lanyard, connectors and fall arrest devices, etc) and common use equipment (ropes, slings, fall arrest devices and mobile attachment devices) are inspected by the competent person before and after each use. The competent person as shown in Australian Standards AS/NZS1891.4 and Work Health and Safety Regulation No 262 is considered to be a person who has through a combination of training, qualification and experience acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task. Further information and guidance providing general advice on the inspection and inspection bulletins related to Fall Arrest Equipment may be found on WAHA’s website (www.waha.org.au), along 82 / CAL January 2021
with recommendation that competent persons responsible for such inspections are trained to bring knowledge and skill required to such a task. The importance of ensuring that the competent person is able to carry out such inspections requires the PCBU to be prove the competencies of those doing the inspections. Where the operator is not competent (for example, during operator training), these inspections should be carried out by an operator who is competent or by a height safety supervisor. The standard defines the following: Competent person A person who, through a combination of training, knowledge and experience, has acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task. Height safety operator A person who is able to perform harness-based work at heights under the direct supervision of a height safety supervisor. Height safety supervisor A person who is competent in the skills needed to perform harnessbased work at heights, to supervise other operators including those at entry level and to participate in first response rescue. Height safety manager A person who is competent in the selection, design, manufacture or installation of height safety systems or equipment, or the development of control measures or work practices. Height safety equipment inspector A person who is competent in the skills needed to detect faults in height safety equipment and determine remedial action Operators should be aware that their lives depend on the efficiency and durability of the equipment and proper inspection is their first line of defence against the hazards of faulty equipment. Training and assessment of operators shall include competency in carrying out the operator inspections. Inspections shall be by sight and touch and shall include the opening of
any equipment where access for daily inspection is provided to ensure that the internal components are in good condition. Where equipment is considered in any way doubtful by the competent person, it should be tagged out of service. A label should be attached to the equipment indicating the defect and referred to a height safety equipment inspector for further action. Listed here are a few examples of the defects and damage that may have detrimental effects on the fall arrest equipment. • Surface abrasion across the face of the webbing and at the webbing loops. • Abrasion on the edge of the webbing straps • Damage to stitching (example: cuts and abrasions) • A knot in the lanyard, other than those intended by the manufacture • Chemical attack which can result in local weakening and softening – often indicated by flaking of the surface. There may also be a change to the colour of the fibres. • Heat or friction damage indicated by fibres with a glazed appearance which may feel harder than surrounding fibres. • UV-degradation which is difficult to identify, particularly visually, but there may be some loss of colour and possibly a powdery surface. • Partially deployed energy absorber (example: short pull-out of tear webbing) • Contamination (for example, with dirt, grit, sand etc) which may result in internal or external abrasion. • Damaged or deformed fittings (example: karabiners, screw link connectors, scaffold hooks, Adjusters) • Damage to the sheath and core of a kernmantle rope (example: rucking of the core detected during tactile inspection) • Internal damage to a cable-laid rope. Harnesses and lanyards should be subjected to: • Pre use and after use inspections by the user www.cranesandlifting.com.au
Without a way to connect the worker to a fall protection system or anchorage point, the full body harness would be useless.
- These checks are essential and should be carried out each time, before the equipment is used and such inspections should be tactile and visual. The whole assembly should be subject to the check, by passing it slowly through the hands (for example to detect small cuts of 1 mm in the edges, softening or hardening of fibres, ingress of contaminants). A visual check should be undertaken in good light and will normally take a few minutes. • Six monthly detailed inspections by a competent person - These more formal, in-depth inspections should be carried out periodically at a minimum of 6 monthly intervals as specified in the employer’s inspection regime and Australian Standards AS/ NZS18912.4. - For frequently used Harnesses www.cranesandlifting.com.au
and lanyards it is suggested that consideration be given to reviewing the inspection time possibly to at least every three months, when the equipment is used in arduous environments (ego demolition, steel erection, scaffolding, steel skeletal masts/towers with edges and protrusions and chemicals) - Where the risk to equipment may be subjected to significant deterioration. • Record keeping A record card, history sheet or similar record should be kept for each item of equipment detailing the maintenance and inspection history of the item and entry into service. This documentation shall be freely available to the operator and users for at least the life of the equipment. Data to be maintained on equipment includes the following where appropriate: -
- manufacturer’s supplier’s or installer’s name and address; - manufacturer’s batch, serial or identifying number; - year of manufacture; - date of purchase; - date first put into service; - dates and details of inspections and services; - details of recommended connections to harnesses.; - type of anchorage to be used; and - suitability and limitations on various usages. Fall protection is a major concern for anyone working at height, it is absolutely imperative to ensure your safety harness and its components are inspected before every use, without exception. Employers and employees have to be educated on fall prevention and how to use and inspect fall arrest systems, without this knowledge how can you recognise the signs that your fall arrest equipment is safe or in fact not safe to use. Injuries and fatalities related to falls are often preventable with the correct use of well-maintained safety equipment. Crane Safety in Construction, research summary of March 2020 found between the years 2003 and 2015, 47 Australian workers were killed in incidents involving cranes (SafeWork Australia, 2016) not all related to falls, and on average, 240 serious injury claims arise from crane safety incidents every year (SafeWork Australia, 2019). The construction industry is of most concern, accounting for 22 crane related fatalities and continuously showing the highest rates of crane-related injuries (SafeWork Australia, 2016) The analysis of SafeWork NSW data and the consultations with industry subject through research with matter experts both identified competence of the workforce to be a critical issue. However, this was traced back to issues inherent to the training provided, which persons working at height should be trained to provide competence in aspects of height safety likely to affect them working on or around cranes and the assets that are attached or working around. January 2021CAL / 83
PLAN YOUR ENTRY The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) recognises excellence and innovation in the Australian crane industry with the CICA Lift Of The Year Awards. PROJECT OF THE YEAR INNOVATION OF THE YEAR LIFT OF THE YEAR - UNDER 20T LIFT OF THE YEAR - OVER 20T
cica.com.au/awards-lift-of-the-year
CICA PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2019 Winners: WALZ GROUP AND FIELD ENGINEERS BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) appointed Central Queensland business, Walz Group, for a $31m project to remove decommissioned marine infrastructure from the Hay Point Coal Terminal, south of Mackay.
CICA LIFT OF THE YEAR OVER 20 TONNES 2019 Winner: MAX CRANES Project: B3 Air Rotor changeout at Torrens Island Power Station for UGL on behalf of AGL won the Lift of the Year Award.
CICA AWARD INNOVATION OF THE YEAR 2019 A new lifting innovation, jointly developed by John Holland, Edwards Heavy Lift and RUD won the 2019 CICA Innovations Award.
LIFT OF THE MONTH PLEASE SEND YOUR LIFT OF THE MONTH ENTRIES TO SIMON.GOULD@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU
WHO: Century Cranes WHERE: Cairns LIFT: Assembling a Cimolai MBH, 1120t Mobile Boat Hoist for boat launching and dry-docking. This is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the 2nd largest built by Cimolai. CRANES: Liebherr LTM 1250-6.1. Demag AC200-1. Two x Demag AC100-4L used in the main assembly. Demag AC140 used for the top girders. COMPLICATING FACTORS: Rotating the main assembly 90°ensuring tailing cranes would not load up. HEAVIEST LIFT: 120t to a 30m hook height.
WHO: Johnson Young WHERE: Old Dandenong Rd Mordialloc CRANE: Liebherr LTM1400 LIFT: 80.9t at 15.5m radius 66t super T’s CONFIGURATION: 36m Boom with the Y-shaped guying system
WHO: Two Way Cranes WHERE: Glebe Island, Sydney. CRANES: Two Franna AT40s. LIFT: Dual lift to remove two 10t, 30-metre light towers.
WHO: The Men from Marrs WHERE: 1915 Canakkale Brdge, Turkey CRANE: Favelle Favco M2480 330t capacity luffing giant LIFT: Completed a record-breaking 155t lift
www.cranesandlifting.com.au
January 2021 CAL / 85
LIFT OF THE MONTH
WHO: Mid Coast Cranes WHERE: Crescent Head NSW foot bridge LIFT: 5t piling hammer to install timber piles for the new foot bridge CRANE: Tadano ATF220G-5, 220T all terrain. CONFIGURATION: 63.4m boom, 71t of counterweight and 55m radius.
WHO: Melrose Crane and Rigging WHERE: Kangaroo Valley, NSW. CRANE: First lift with the new Grove GMK5250 XL-1 LIFT: Refrigerated beer Pantech weighing approximately 23t. DIFFICULTIES WITH LIFT: Section of road was narrow and dangerous, with road cambers that added to the degree of difficulty for heavy vehicles.
WHO: Universal Cranes WHERE: The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD FOR WHOM: Rolls Royce Motor Cars Brisbane LIFT: Rolls Royce Ghost Extended ANYTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE LIFT: The Rolls Royce Ghost Extended was lifted onto the 7 story high rooftop. The car valued at $740,000 plus, was lifted with a 100t crane and was placed on the roof where the media showcase and launch and unveiling event of the car were held.
WHO: LCH WHERE: Central Queensland LIFT: Boom removal from a Dragline excavator WEIGHT: 225T. What cranes did you use? Hitachi Sumitomo SCX2800 and two Liebherr LTR1220. ANYTHING COMPLICATED: Due to limited room onsite, the boom had to be walked away from housing and relocated beside the dragline.
WHO: Xtreme Engineering WHERE: Gladstone CRANE: Tadano ATF-120-5.1 the first in the country. LIFT: New duct system. Crane was up at 18m and the duct weighed just over 7t. COMPLEXITIES OF LIFT: Incredibly tight tolerances with only 50mm of clearance on site.
WHO: Boom Logistics WHERE: Melbourne CBD LIFT: Dismantling tower crane with heaviest lift of 15.8t. CRANE: Liebherr LTM1750-9.1 CONFIGURATION: The Liebherr LTM1750 is equipped with a V2E 19m lattice extension on the main boom which allows the pivot point of the luffing fly to be placed 19m higher than usual.
86 / CAL January 2021
www.cranesandlifting.com.au
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5 9 8 5 9 8 0 130 .au m o c . e c i v sser
CR-250RV 25T CITYRANGE CRANE All New Model
HIGHEST LIFTING CAPACITY
L : 9,195mm W : 2,395mm H : 3,495mm
GENUINE 25 TONNE CHART
23,795kg
HYDRAULIC TELESCOPING AND LUFFING FLY
25t x 2.8m (6.7m Boom)
LARGEST 2 AXLE CRANE IN THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET
6.7 ≈ 29.0m (6 sections)
5.3m, 8.2m (2 sections) 7˚ ≈ 60˚ 6.0m (5 sections) 54km/h MS-2300 1.0m 2 positions (high/low)
brisbane | sydney | melbourne adelaide | perth For all sales enquiries:
Peter Lawgall
Peter.Lawgall@tuttbryant.com.au
0411 256 388
tuttbryant.com.au
1300 658 888