Cranes and Lifting March 2020

THE DEDICATED RESOURCE FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY / MARCH/APRIL 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE

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30

55

12 New TRT and Kobelco partnership What new distribution arrangements will mean to the market.

16 CICA’s President Report How CICA is managing industry initiatives and the impacts they are likely to have.

19 CICA Tech Corner The CICA Technical Committee provides advice on different lifting techniques.

22 CICA Member Profile Myaree Cranes discusses the evolution of the family business.

24 CICA WA Chairman’s report CICA WA Chair, Anthony Grosser, discusses the challenges facing the WA sector and what to expect from this year’s CICA Conference and Exhibition.

26 CICA Trainee Program NSW Trainee of the Year highlights his reasons for wanting a career in the industry.

29 Providing Team New Zealand a lift Liebherr Tower Crane plays a vital role in America’s Cup challenge.

30 Borger Cranes strengthen fleet Borger Cranes recently took delivery of its Liebherr 750t. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

33 Big year ahead With a new business development manager and product releases planned, it will be a big year for Tutt Bryant.

36 Financing environment still difficult With banks still reeling from the Royal Commission, Finlease explains how crane businesses need to prepare for finance applications.

38 Evolution passes Sydney Metro test Melrose Cranes completes complex lift with latest addition.

40 New rough terrains Tadano launch new rough terrain models.

42 TIDD to Tier Ones Northern Territory crane hirer takes delivery of new TIDDs.

50 3D planning software solves complex lift Steel erector uses A1A software for safe installation.

52 Real risk of a cyber-attack How do crane businesses insure against a cyber-attack.

55 Partnering through thick and thin

McKay United discusses.

58 Solely focused on service SuperService is taking service and support to a new level.

44 Sennebogens into hire fleet New Sennebogen crawlers added to Alfasi Hire fleet.

62 TIDD to Broken Hill Baden Davis Crane Connection delivers a TIDD PC28 to Broken Hill fabricator.

46 New tower crane models launched Comansa announces release of new models.

66 New Manitowoc crawler

Launch of smaller capacity crawler model.

48 Franna appoints new sales director New sales director brings an international focus.

68 CICA Lift of the Year 69 Link Belt down under Strong currency is not helping US-based crane manufacturers.

March 2020 CAL / 3

FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM Published by:

WELCOME TO THE MARCH/APRIL 2020 ISSUE THE CRANE INDUSTRY continues to face many challenges, not least the ability to keep pace with the demands of the construction sector. We are seeing modular construction techniques as the fastest growing practice used in infrastructure projects. Many infrastructure companies are taking advantage of the ability to construct large components and bring them to site rather than build them in situ.

This approach can greatly improve the efficiencies of a project and minimise the overall disruption to vital infrastructure hubs. As these modular components get larger, so do the demands on the equipment needed to lift them. In this issue we take a look at how crane hire businesses are addressing the demands for increased lifting capacities.

The industry continues to explore ways to address the ageing demographic issue. In this edition of the magazine we speak to participants in the CICA Trainee Program, discussing the reasons why they chose the industry and encouraging crane businesses to embrace the program and give youth an opportunity.

If you think cyberattacks are something you read about but will never happen to you,

think again. Attacks are random, nobody is immune, and the consequences to a business can be devastating.

We continue to reflect on the efforts made by the articulated pick and carry manufacturers to address the safety concerns of the construction sector, and it appears significant inroads are being made.

There’s been a significant change to the way a major brand is now going to market and we report on this in some detail. Financing crane purchases is still an issue, with banks continuing to deal with the aftermath of the Banking Royal Commission. We include tips on how to be best prepared if you are considering a new purchase or an upgrade to your fleet.

CICA continues to drive initiatives throughout the industry and, as always, we are pleased to report on these.

On behalf of the Cranes and Lifting team, we hope you enjoy the contents of this issue.

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

Simon Gould Editor, Cranes and Lifting The 21LC1400 model will come in two versions, with maximum load capacities of 50t or 66t

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, Jo De Bono 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.

4 / CAL March 2020

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ALL NEW MODEL!

INDUSTRY NEWS POTAIN LAUNCHES MRH 175 The new Potain MRH 175 tower crane, a new hydraulic luffing jib crane designed for easier transport and assembly, as well as improved on-site productivity made its debut at CONEXPO 2020.

Thibaut Le Besnerais, vice president of global products for tower cranes at Manitowoc, said the MRH 17 feature designs that give users capabilities not available with other cranes.

“In recent years under ‘The Manitowoc Way’ operating system our product development has accelerated and what’s exciting about this is not only the number of new cranes we’re introducing, but the innovation they bring to market,” he said.

“The MRH 175 has our latest hydraulic luffing technology – a design we’ve been championing for the past two years.”

The MRH 175 is the latest release in Potain’s line of hydraulic luffing jib cranes, a product line the company has continuously developed since unveiling the MRH 125 a year ago. Manitowoc leads this category of cranes, with dozens of models already delivered to a range of markets. Combining the advantages of Potain’s MR luffing jib cranes and MDT topless cranes, contractors find them particularly straightforward to assemble and disassemble on congested sites, making them ideal for urban projects, high-rise construction or job sites where space is limited.

VICTORIAN LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL PROJECT ON TRACK The $2.8 billion, Level Crossing Removal Project is a program of the Victorian government to remove 75 level crossings in Melbourne. Removing the dangerous and congested level crossings is the largest project of its kind in Victorian history and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The project is designed to significantly improve safety for road users and pedestrians.

• Improve travel around the city for public transport users, pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

• Create thousands of jobs www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The maximum capacity for the MRH 175 is 10t, while the maximum jib length is 55 m. Tip capacity is 1.65 is 1.5t when working with the full 55 m of jib, or 3 2.7t if fitted with 50 m of jib. Maximum line speed is 215 m/min when working with the high-performance 90HPL25 hoist.

The crane’s unique design, with its fixed counter jib and topless structure, facilitates its trademark fast erection and dismantling, as well as making it more compact for transport, needing only four standard containers. The elements weigh under 8.5-7.7 t, and there is a single counter-jib/jib foot package. The topless design also means less space is needed on sites where multiple cranes overfly the job site and the hydraulic design means no wire rope installation is needed.

It also means a smaller assist crane is needed for erection as there is no cathead to assemble.

Potain’s hydraulic luffing design features a shorter counter-jib and out-of-service radius than rope-luffing alternatives. This frees up valuable space on job sites, with the MRH 175 delivering an out-of-service radius of only 10.2m, regardless of jib length.

Freestanding heights of up to 62.8 m are available with the (2m K-mast sections, and the crane is also compatible with 1.6 m K-mast sections. On the hoisting drum, up to 956 m of rope is available with the 90HPL25 winch,

allowing users to choose either 478m in a two-fall configuration with a 5t maximum capacity or 239m in a four-fall configuration with an 10t maximum capacity. Luffing the crane from the horizontal to vertical is efficient, taking less than two minutes, delivering optimum productivity on the job site.

“Hydraulic luffing topless cranes have a very strong future in our industry, and we’ve been pleased with the uptake over the past two years,” said Le Besnerais.

“Potain customers have seen the advantages these new cranes deliver and how they help them achieve a stronger return on investment on their projects.

We have a strong technical training program to accompany our new MRH cranes, and the feedback from the market has been very positive.”

during construction.

• Help people get home safer and faster.

Thirty-four dangerous and congested level crossings on the Victorian Government’s hit list of 75 have been removed. The latest removal took place on High Street in Reservoir, freeing up one of the busiest intersections in Melbourne’s north.

Trains now run on a new kilometrelong rail bridge over High Street.

Previously, six boom gates closed the intersection for up to 24 minutes in the two-hour morning peak, delaying the 36,000 vehicles that use it each day.

Three collisions, one fatality and 26 near misses were recorded at the crossing

prior to its removal. The project’s opening was preceded by a two-week construction blitz, where 250 workers worked around-the-clock to complete the bridge, install signalling equipment and finish the station canopy.

Works on the project will continue into 2020, including installing permanent stairs and lifts at the station and planting more than 300 trees and 60,000 shrubs and grasses around the station precinct.

The removal is located on the Mernda line which is used by 33,000 passengers each weekday. A further four crossings will be removed on the Mernda line and new stations will be built at Bell and Preston.

The Potain MRH 175 was shown for the first time at CONEXPO 2020

March 2020 CAL / 7

INDUSTRY NEWS 3D Lift Vision enables crane crews to work together in a virtual environment

3D LIFT VISION MAKES DEBUT During the recent ConEXPO, A1A Software LLC, introduced the industry’s first Virtual Reality (VR) Simulator for lift planning.

According to President of A1A Software, Tawnia Weiss, 3D Lift Vision enables users to execute a 3D Lift Plan in VR Mode using a virtual reality headset and controls.

“Each simulation is as unique as the lift plan that it is based on, there is no better way to visualize the outcome of a lift than to allow the crane operator and other team members to simulate it in a virtual environment,” she said.

There is no limit to the number of people who can engage in 3D Lift Vision, which allows the entire crane and rigging crew to see and practice a lift in the virtual environment, including the crane operator, riggers, signal person, and tagline holders.

“3D Lift Vision extends the ability of 3D Lift Plan to be used as a communication and risk mitigation tool,” Weiss said.

Crane rental sales teams can use it to demonstrate to the customer where cranes and personnel will be placed, as well as their ability to make the lift according to the proposed lift plan.

Practicing a 3D Lift Plan in VR Mode from the operators perspective.

8 / CAL March 2020

For risk mitigation, the operator and entire crane and rigging crew can practice the lift before arriving on site, allowing them to assess equipment and personnel placement, whether anything has changed in the job site environment that will impact the lift, and for the operator to practice the load’s travel route. It also improves communication with lift directors, safety directors, and other contractors or trades.

Because the simulations are based on 3D Lift Plans, employers can use 3D Lift Vision to evaluate and qualify operators for the crane and application. It’s also a great training tool for operators who need to practice.

3D Lift Vision is an add-on license to 3D Lift Plan subscriptions. Each license comes with one headset. The hardware is compact, portable, and wireless, making it easy to deploy anywhere. Communication through the headset allows individuals in different locations to simultaneously engage in the same 3D Lift Vision simulation. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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NEW GMK3060L • Capacity: 60 t • Main boom: 48 m • Maximum jib: 15 m (0°-40° luff) • Maximum tip height: 65 m • Engine: Cummins QSL9-C350 Manitowoc Australia Tel: 02 8822 4000; infoANZ@Manitowoc.com www.manitowoc.com Western & South Australia WATM Crane Sales & Service Tel: 13WATM (13 92 86); info@watm.com.au Queensland TRT Australia Tel: 07 3890 8800 trt@trtaust.com.au

New Zealand TRT NZ Tel: +64 7 849 4839 trt@trt.co.nz

INDUSTRY NEWS COMANSA LAUNCH NEW MODELS AND TECHNOLOGIES AT CONEXPO Visitors to the Comansa stand were able to find out about the LCL310 luffing-jib crane, specifically its 18t maximum load version, exhibited during the show. Its maximum jib length is 60 metres, and the different configurations allow for maximum jib steps every 5m. This luffing-jib crane, with its compact design and reduced out of service radius, is ideal for use in cities or congested building sites.

Comansa also exhibited the CUBE which comes as standard in most of Comansa’s cranes. It combines a new design, comfort and maximum productivity, as well as innovative advantages in terms of ergonomics and features.

Comansa also promoted the latest versions of its cranes developed over the last year, especially its new 21LC1050 and 21LC1400 models, with

Comansa promoted its latest cranes over the last year.

maximum load capacities of up to 50 and 66 tonnes respectively, which will improve productivity and enhance options in a market that is focussed on large flat-top tower cranes.

The new Quick Set system was also launched. This is a new technology designed to simplify the commissioning of cranes. With Quick Set, the set up and calibration times

have been significantly reduced using a system that leads to easier, safer and more intuitive adjustments, achieving faster and less labour-intensive calibration. This smart development is the result of so much experience gained over the years and is readily available across the entire 21LC range and, during 2020, it will be expanded to the 11LC and 16LC ranges.

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UP FRONT / TRT AND KOBELCO

REINVIGORATING THE CRAWLERS With the appointment of TRT as its new distribution partner, Kobelco crawler cranes are set for a renewed approach to the market. Cranes and Lifting reports.

KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION Machinery Co. Ltd recently announced the appointment of Tidd Ross Todd Ltd and TRT (Aust) PTY Ltd (“TRT”) as its new distributor covering Kobelco-branded cranes in New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and Fiji.

Robert Carden, executive director, TRT explains what the appointment will mean to TRT and what the Australian and New Zealand crane sectors can expect to see from the new relationship.

Although sections of the market may not be fully aware, TRT has a long-standing relationship with Kobelco product.

“As the industry is well aware, TRT has been the New Zealand regional dealer for Manitowoc for many years

and Queensland for the past four years.

As their dealer we have been selling the Kobelco crawler cranes branded as Manitowoc product. The 80t, 100t and 110t Manitowoc crawlers were actually the Kobelco product painted red and ‘badge sold’.

“Manitowoc had an arrangement with Kobelco for many years and in 2019 the relationship came to an end and with it went the opportunity for TRT to sell the smaller crawlers. We began looking at what options there were. Manitowoc

manufacture their crawlers in the US, and this makes them a very different specification when compared to the Japanese manufacturers,” said Carden.

According to Carden, the TRT team then examined whether Kobelco might provide an opportunity for TRT to work with them.

“We had heard a few rumours that Kobelco weren’t 100 per cent happy with their existing distribution arrangement in the Oceania region and so we made an approach to Kobelco. The conversations continued until both parties were happy and we made the announcement in January this year,” he said.

Carden explains “An arrangement like this with a strong crane brand

The new CKE3000G and CKS3000 hydraulic crawler cranes have a maximum lifting capacity of 300t for the standard crane and 350t with an SHL specification.

12 / CAL March 2020

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

like Kobelco was also fitting of TRT’s continued product development and strategic growth initiatives, but to also continue to reinforce TRT’s full, long term commitment in the Australian market.”

“Running two product lines isn’t as complicated as it might seem,” Carden said. He added that it will be the customer who benefits with more options in terms of the range of crawler cranes on offer.

“When you look at the product lines and the smaller end of the crawlers, our main offering is going to be Kobelco.

When we get to 300t and above we’ll be offering both the Manitowoc’s larger crawlers and Kobelco as an option in NZ and Queensland, and Kobelco throughout the other regions of Australia,” he said.

“The larger Manitowoc crawlers haver some special features that differ to the Kobelco product. The variable position counterweight (VPC) product from Manitowoc caters for a particular market, so we see this distribution arrangement with Kobelco as simply, giving customers more choice. So, for the 300t and 650t range customers can have either a standard style of crawler from Kobelco or the VPC style crawler from Manitowoc,” said Carden.

Carden goes on to explain what the change will mean to existing Kobelco crane customers and new customers in terms of product support and service.

“We’ll be providing the same level of service and support that we’ve been providing for the Manitowoc and the TIDD pick and carry cranes. This means having parts in stock and being able to supply technicians as required. Spare parts will come directly out of the Kobelco factory or from our own stock, with our crane parts warehouses located in Brisbane, Australia and Hamilton, New Zealand.”

“Another major advantage is that Kobelco has a substantial and well stocked warehouse in Singapore, so getting parts and components out quickly is much easier and much faster to this part of the world,” he said.

Currently, TRT has a distribution network for the TIDD and Manitowoc www.cranesandlifting.com.au

products. Carden explains how they will manage the distribution of the Kobelco range.

“We have a significant operation in Brisbane, therefore we’ll be managing the Kobelco product and parts supply from there, Australia wide, with systems and processes already in place. In terms of service, we currently fly our technicians all over QLD, NT and into PNG. Our 20 plus crane technicians will support the Kobelco product across Australia. We will be focused on developing this regional service support framework over the next 12 months,” he said.

“We are also building a specialist TRT team around the Kobelco product. We already have a number of key personnel with years of experience with the Kobelco crane product, which is a great building block” says Carden.

“One of TRT’s advantages is the experience of Troy Hand, based in Brisbane. In 2017, TRT purchased B&N Cranes Pty Ltd from Troy, at that time, B&N Cranes was a certified Kobelco service agent. As a result, we already have a number of technicians who are Kobelco experts (that moved with the business) and are fully trained in the product. We see ourselves being in a really strong position to be able to utilise that expertise and offer customers a great service and to get to any site, if they need us to, and solve any issues that arise.”

“Part of starting up over the Christmas period enabled us to invite a service technician from Kobelco, Japan

over to New Zealand and Australia for two weeks at each of the TRT sites for product training - to start as we mean to continue in supporting the product and Kobelco crane customers. With the inherent technical background that we have, we believe we are able to offer Kobelco customers a stronger value proposition than they had before Christmas,” said Carden.

“The Japanese manufactured Kobelco crane brand has a reputation that is recognised as having traditional engineering and manufacturing values, with quality being a major focus for the products”, says Carden.

“Kobelco has always had a really strong reputation for quality and because of this, in our opinion, we will never profit from warranty or service repairs on Kobelco cranes, because there are so few issues with them. We know this from past experience with the three smaller crawler models we’ve been selling into the market for a long time now under the Manitowoc brand. The warranty side and the performance side of the crawlers is second to none, so it’s mainly rebuilds, servicing or accident repairs that we’ll be carrying out on the range of crawlers,” he said.

“Kobelco has worked hard on updating the new 300t G series crawler model (CKE3000G-2) and as a result, we will be focused on bringing this top performing product to the Region.

They’ve done a great job of upgrading the engines for the G Series range of cranes, they are more economical to run, more

KCM and TRT Sign Kobelco Distribution Agreement. From the left: Lawrence Baker, Bruce Carden and Robert Carden from TRT and Takeshi Miyashita, Soichiro Kadomura and So Yamanobe from Kobelco.

March 2020 CAL / 13

UP FRONT / TRT AND KOBELCO

The cabin has an operator-friendly environment taking into consideration comfort, ease of operation and safety.

environmentally friendly. But they have also focussed on reducing the transport costs from set up to breakdown and the transport from site to site through a number of very clever features.

Over the years we have seen that it takes a while for Kobelco to make changes, but each time they do, the changes add to an already top-class product. This new range has a good life cycle, with very low running costs,” Carden said.

The new hydraulic crawler cranes have a maximum lifting capacity of 300t for the standard crane and 350t with an SHL specification. The models are CKE3000G and CKS3000.

The CKE3000G and CKS3000 debut as the largest models of Kobelco’s multipurpose crawler crane CK/CKE/CKS series which have been best sellers in the market for many years. The basic concept of this new model is based on versatility and being an ‘all-rounder’.

Along with the recent increase in weights and dimensions of construction materials and heights of high-rise buildings, mobile cranes are required to have a higher lifting capacity as well as improved productivity and safety. In order to respond to such needs, Kobelco’s has developed these “all rounder” cranes to handle a wide variety of applications in different jobsites.

Various kinds of attachments are available ranging from standard crane configuration, including fixed jib, heavy fixed jib and luffing jib, which are most 14 / CAL March 2020

suitable for multipurpose works, to the super heavy lift configuration, including luffing jib, for the heaviest lifts. These attachments make it possible to provide the most suitable solutions in accordance with the individual jobsite requirements.

Kobelco designed these cranes taking into consideration maximum compatibility, such as jibs and pallet weights, with their other models.

After in-depth marketing research on the 300t crane market, Kobelco have positioned these models to provide superior lifting capacity. As an example, when compared to the best-selling model CKE2500G-2 (250t), the load moment in the standard crane specification is 40 per cent higher and in the standard luffing configuration it is 60 per cent higher.

The Super Heavy Lift (SH) specification can compete with the 400t-500t classes.

In order to achieve maximum ease of operation, the specifications are optimised for the actual jobsite environment. The performance of the undercarriage has been enhanced to operate on rough ground jobsites, with high ground clearance and outstanding propelling performance, while minimising the overall footprint.

The models inherit the reliable Kobelco hydraulic control system, which has achieved a superior reputation for many years. In order to comply with specific jobsite requirements. A free-fall winch is also available as an optional extra.

The cabin has an operator-friendly

environment taking into consideration comfort, ease of operation and safety.

The extra-wide windows and tilt mechanism offer excellent visibility.

An intuitive-designed moment limiter monitor makes it simple for anyone to quickly master the operation with easily understandable pictograms and a touch screen panel. As an added safety function, a working range limiter assists the operator in preventing collisions.

In our pursuit of ease of transportability these cranes conform to local transport regulations.

Transport width is less than three metres for all components and main machine weights that can be adjusted in order to meet transport restrictions.

A self-assembly system is available for crawlers, lower boom, car body weights and counterweights.

Carden explains what the market can expect to see from the TRT and Kobelco relationship.

“It’s all about a partnership and from a TRT point of view the relationship is following our “One Team” principles. We will be working very closely with Kobelco service technicians and engineers to supply information and to really get the Kobelco brand to where it was a few years ago.

“We’ve found a few customers unhappy with the lack of service that was available to them, particularly over the past six months, and we are really putting the effort in to helping them out with any outstanding issues. So if customers do have any issues, then we want them to contact us to work with TRT and Kobelco to get their machine back to the standard they expect it to be,” he said.

“We know it will take a few months for everything to settle, it’s been a quick transition for TRT with the dealership changing hands very quickly. We really encourage any Kobelco customers to get in touch for a chat, no matter the age of your crane. It’s an exciting time for TRT and Kobelco. We’re in this for the long haul and we look forward to working with Kobelco to reinvigorate the Kobelco brand across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region,” said Carden. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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CICA PRESIDENT’S REPORT INDUSTRY NEWS / PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CHANGE ABOUNDS, BUT IS IT IN THE RIGHT AREAS? Driving the need for high-risk licensing change and skills development needs to be a priority for CICA and the industry at large.

THE ISSUE OF licensing and skill development is ongoing and CICA continues to be front and centre in the push for changes in the High-Risk license system, along with supporting all states and territories on their quest for permanent, annual trainee or apprenticeship structures and intakes.

Safe Work Australia has recently recommended a review of the national Workplace Health and Safety Laws and specifically refers to a review of the HighRisk license structure. With this review to commence later in 2020, CICA is poised to be heavily involved in making recommendations in the CN, C2, C6, C1 and CO categories. This allows us firsthand access to influence tighter scrutiny in the issuing of a High-Risk license along with specific assessment criteria for each endorsement.

I can’t help but express my disdain with the High-Risk License system. A system which offers a dogging license (DG) in two weeks, teaches totally new concepts to candidates during this time; and then assesses their practical and theoretical application in an environment where it’s impossible to fail. This then places the burden on small/medium businesses to verify the candidates’ competence before they perform any activity they were just assessed as competent to receive their High-Risk license in the first place.

We have all witnessed the rapid change in our industry in recent years. Levels of compliance which were in previous years 16 / CAL March 2020

isolated to “Tier One” contractors are noticeably being adopted deeper into our client bases. Those who opt to compete in these markets need to come to terms with this momentum and adapt their internal cultures to match, or fear losing their competitive advantage. But we need our workforces adequately equipped to take this journey with us.

As we strive to modernise our businesses with the latest machinery acquisitions, the best IT systems along with automated timekeeping and invoicing programs, we are still unable to progress in the area of licensing and skill development at the pace required to keep up with current industry expectations.

Through many hundreds of hours of volunteering from our members and continuous effort by our permanent CICA staff, we are only part of the way toward successfully nurturing a traineeship or apprenticeship in all states and territories.

Trainee or apprentice programs are not yet consistently running across all states and territories, however in Victoria, 2019 saw the first 8 trainees in almost twenty years, with a further 10 to commence in February 2020 and plans for a third intake in mid-2020 for another 10. In NSW, where the traineeship has now been underway for several years, has delivered 13 TAFE graduates, has 22 students currently studying and is set to commence a further 11 trainees in the months ahead.

For a number of reasons, it is CICA’s position that the current High-Risk Licensing system is grossly inadequate

CICA president Tom Smith.

in delivering to industry the correct level of skills. Through the formalised structured learning applied in a traineeship/apprenticeship environment, candidates must log hours, they must demonstrate their competence and they must attain endorsements progressively, throughout their training period. This is the only logical path which will deliver a workforce adequately prepared to perform high-risk activities.

With our movement toward a structured system of some form, whether it be a traineeship or apprenticeship in each state, we have chosen to support differences in each precinct due to varying localised idiosyncrasies. The most important outcome however, is the pleasing result that we have now gained a consensus with all industry stakeholders, nationwide, that the issues particular to our industry ranging from age demographic through to new entrant skill deficiencies undoubtedly require a structured training system in the form of a traineeship or apprenticeship to enable the progression our sector needs.

Skill deficiency issues that arise through a High-Risk license system are well noted. The age demographic and our construction industries’ ageing workforce continues to attract attention as the attrition rate of mature/experienced workers is not being adequately replenished with the skills required from new entrants. It is now an accepted fact that parts of our industry are witnessing a www.cranesandlifting.com.au

growing percentage of its workforce in the 55-year plus category at levels far greater than other segments of the economy.

Specifically, in the construction industry, according to the National Law Review, the shift has moved relatively quickly in the last decade, now with more than 22 per cent in the 55 year plus category, up from 17 per cent in 2011, and this continues to climb rapidly.

So, our dilemma is immediate. On one hand, our crane hirers are experiencing an aging workforce who hold high levels of skill and experience, but who may find adapting to the rapid progress and pace of our market changes difficult.

Whereas, on the other hand, we are not yet able to inject the volume of younger entrants with the correct skill development to replace those retiring.

We all must be mindful of the impact an ageing workforce will have on our hire businesses. The basic question is; can we teach our old dogs some new tricks? The short answer is, we must; at least until we have a system capable of supplementing our workforces with new, skilled workers.

From all of us at CICA, I can assure industry that we are committed to pursuing improvement in this space with vigour and your association will not stop until we have regular, annual trainee or apprentice intakes in all states and territories. We are grateful for the exceptional efforts of many who have helped us deliver the training structures we now have, but we are also mindful we are only a small portion of the way to deliver a permanent, nationwide industry solution on this very important issue.

Please take the time, if possible, to attend your state branch meeting to keep in touch with local issues and developments, and be sure to save the dates this coming October for our annual conference to be held in the newly developed Perth Convention Centre, our premium annual event for information sharing and networking.

Tom Smith CICA President Managing Director – McKay United 0439 130 567

CICA BOARD Tom Smith – President Geoff Bevan – Vice President Andrew Esquilant – Director Danny Black – Director John Gillespie – Director Bart Sutherland – Director Marcus Ferrari – Director Ben Pieyre – 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 John Humphries VIC/TAS Liaison Officer 03 8320 0433 0439 556 867 john@cica.com.au

Damien Hense Road Safety Liaison Officer 03 8320 0460 0488 007 575 damien@cica.com.au Andy Chambers Crane Traineeship Coordinator 03 8320 0420 0477 577 667 andy@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

Alice Edwards, Project Engineer 03 8320 0440 alice@cica.com.au

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

Patrick Cran Plant & Operator Assessment Officer 0488 004 274 pat@cranesafe.com.au

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.

March 2020 CAL / 17

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CICA TECH CORNER

CICA GUIDANCE NOTE SINGLE CRANE DUAL HOOK OPERATION The CICA technical committee has developed a guidance note on single crane multi-hook lifting to address key risks with planning and conducting lifting operations with a single crane and dual hook.

IST MAIN HO 9T FR 4.6

MASS 10 TONNES

FR 5.34 T

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Operation for concrete panel rotation The example drawing shows the load share for the main and the auxiliary hook when the panel is rotated at 63 degrees. Refer to the guidance note* for detailed calculation on the whole panel rotation process and detailed calculation for rotating a slender shape load.

AUXILIARY HOIST

THIS GUIDANCE NOTE provides further guidance and position for the industry where current guidance material is either conflicting, silent or has multiple references. Considerations in this guidance note include manufacturer’s requirements, applicable standards and industry regulations and requirements.

Single crane dual hook lifts are those that use both the main and the auxiliary hooks of a single mobile crane to simultaneously lift a load and in general rotate to a different orientation to the initial lift. These are similar to multicrane tailing lifts but have additional unique considerations which should be factored in during the planning stages.

“Single crane dual hook” operations must be undertaken in accordance with instructions found in the crane operators manual developed by the OEM. Not all cranes are designed for single crane dual hook operations. In the absence of OEM manual coverage of single crane dual hook operation, guidance can be sought from the OEM, or a designed lift – which considers the crane design limitations in the lifting operations – shall be planned for the specific lifting operation.

Specific manufacturer’s instructions should be addressed during the planning stages. The main and auxiliary hook controls should be operated independently. The load on the main and auxiliary hooks should ideally be monitored separately to ensure no overloading of either winch arrangement, hook, rigging and load. In practice, many cranes will not have independent hook load monitoring. Risk control measures should be in place (i.e. load share calculations). It is recommended that Flow Chart 1 be adopted by the industry for the lift planning.

FV 4.67 T

FV 5.32 T FH 0.47 T

FH 0.47 T

REFERENCE LINE OF INTERSECTION

In basic terms: • If the entire weight of the load and deductibles is lifted within the minimum rated capacity of both the main and the auxiliary hook in configuration, load share calculations are not required for the lift plan.

However, a lift procedure is still required, and the lift procedure should specify the risk management process of the entire operation.

• If the entire weight of the load to be lifted exceeds either the minimum rated capacity of the main or the auxiliary hook, the lift should be treated as a Designed Lift. Risks mentioned in this guidance note should be considered as

part the lift plan.

Single crane two hooks lifts must be performed in accordance with AS 2550.1:2011 and AS2550.5:2016. If there is any doubt as to the capabilities of the crane or conformity of the lift planning in relation to applicable standards, then the lift planning should be considered as a designed lift.

CICA technical committee* has developed a guidance note on single crane multi-hook lifting to address key risks with planning and conducting lifting operations with a single crane and dual hook. This guidance note also provides further guidance and position for the industry where current guidance material March 2020 CAL / 19

CICA TECH CORNER

is either conflicting, silent or has multiple references. Considerations in this guidance note include manufacturer’s requirements, applicable standards and industry regulations and requirements The following topics were discussed in the guidance note to identify risks that should be considered as part of the lift plan if a Designed Lift is needed for the single crane multi-hook operation: • Physics and geometry: the lift plan should consider aspects including off-lead and side-lead effects, the importance of centre of gravity, inplan (recommended) and out-of-plan lifts (should be avoided), stability during the lift process, the influence of keeper pins/minimum radius/ geometry and the influence of wind.

• Crane structure considerations: the lift plan should consider crane capacity ratings and crane line pulls, in plane angle limitation, and the load effects on crane structures caused by rigging arrangements (main hook erection rigging vs auxiliary hook erection rigging).

• Crane features: this part discussed the features that the crane should have for the single crane multi-hook operation. Simultaneous use of both main and aux hooks should only be done in accordance with instructions provided by the crane manufacturer.

Cranes that are not designed for simultaneous hoist operations should not be used (unless performed as designed lift).

• Rigging design and load design: the lift plan should consider how the lift operation can be safely performed by riggers and doggers on site. There are many sling types available for lifting jobs, select the right sling for the job based on load capacity, frequency of use, mass of rigging gear, head room and site limitations, cost versus efficiency and environment factors.

• Planning considerations: single crane multi-hook operation can be complicated; a number of planning considerations are required. Lift engineers should be clear on why you choose to have multi-cane or multihook operation, when you would 20 / CAL March 2020

Dual hook single crane, lift planning workflow

START

Is the load designed for single crane two hook lifting?

(Load/ lift points structurally adequate)

NO

Cease lifting or refer to a Temporary Works Engineer

YES Has the crane been designed for single crane two hook lifting?

Cease lifting, seek an alternative arrangement or refer to a Temporary Works Engineer.

NO

YES NO

Is the load stable at all stages of rotation during the lifting operation YES

Proceed to a documented lifting procedure which includes load share calculation, assesses load stability at all stages of rotation and OEM manual requirements. (Method 1)

YES

Does the crane have independent load monitoring on each hook?

NO

NO Can the gross load, including deductibles, be supported on the tailing hook*1 (in configuration)?

NO

YES Proceed to a documented lifting procedure which includes entire load supported on tailing hook, assesses load stability and OEM manual requirements. (Method 2) *2

Proceed to ‘Designed Lift’*3.

(Method 3)

The tailing hook can either be the main or auxiliary hook i.e. can the entire load plus deductibles be supported by either main or auxiliary. *2 When using Method 2, the 1.2 factor from AS 2550.5 (2016) applied to the distributed load is not required to be applied. *3 For guidance on designed lifts, please refer to the full CICA Guidance Note and Australian Standard 2550.1. *1

choose single crane dual hook over two crane lifts and when you would choose a dual crane lift, these matters are all discussed in this part. Other planning considerations may include, for example, at the planning stage, consider whether the design of the load (e.g. lift point locations in precast) allows the selected crane to perform a clean lift from the delivery vehicle.

Load share between the main and the auxiliary hook is an important factor that can assist the risk control process. Forces from load rotation need to be carefully considered at all stages of the lifting operations. Particular consideration is required for loads that are relatively slender in nature with significant differences between main and auxiliary lift points, where operational

percentage of hoist line system would be drastically increase after initial pick position.

In the guidance note, sample calculations on main and auxiliary hook load share during the entire lift operation were given to assist the load share monitoring. On the previous page is an example of a lift operation for concrete panel rotation. The drawing shows the load share for the main and the auxiliary hook when the panel is rotated at 63 degrees. Refer to the guidance note for detailed calculation on the whole panel rotation process and detailed calculation for rotating a slender shape load.

The full “Guidance Note for a Multi-Hook Lift” is available to CICA members. Contact alice@cica.com for more information. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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CICA MEMBER PROFILE

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY Myaree Cranes has helped build the suburbs of Perth for over 35 years. The family business is now planning for a generational change.

MYAREE CRANES is a family business with father Darryl Stoddart and sons Justin and Shane at the helm. Both sons are tradesmen, Justin is a cabinet maker by trade, and he joined the business in 1997. Shane is a plumber and joined in 2005. Both came into the family business to learn about it in preparation for the generational change.

In the early 70s, Darryl started work as a truck driver and mechanic with a transport company called Rinaldi and Patroni Crane and Transport Hire which was a state-wide crane and transport company.

“They had cranes there as well and they started off with an old Blitz Crane which I started driving around in the yard, loading trucks. They moved up from there and bought a 6t JEC and an 8t BHB, they then bought a 20t Kato and a 41t Grove and I moved up to operating these. After this I moved into the office in a supervising role as a workshop foreman. The company got

into some difficulties where a few things happened in the business, and I had the opportunity to move out and start out on my own,” Darryl said.

In 1984, Darryl teamed up with his mate and business partner Graham DeMamiel and they bought the 6t and 8t cranes and started Myaree Crane Hire Services. The business worked throughout the metro area including Fremantle and Perth and mainly concentrated on the housing construction boom.

Justin said that the business concentrated on small jobs due to the size of the cranes. Darryl and DeMamiel bought a new 10t BHB, when they were still making tractor cranes, and they bought their first Franna in the late 80s when pick and carries were first introduced. They began to update the fleet and replaced the tractor cranes which had served the company well and for a long time.

“Graham (DeMamiel) left the

business and Dad took it over with Mum. Working in the housing construction market a lot of the sites were quite tight, especially when you had to get around the back of houses. We upgraded the fleet with a small Komatsu slewing crane. We were happy with the performance of the first one, so we bought a 12t Tadano and now we have four, they’re such a versatile crane and ideal for the housing industry.

They are pretty much flat out all the time,” Justin said.

“We also service the marine industry in Perth and we’ve developed a good reputation for lifting boats, boat motors, masts, yachts and lifts like that. We have good relationships with all of the yacht clubs in the area. We’ve also done a lot of work for the government including Main Roads where we erect light poles on freeways which has kept us busy for a long time,” he said.

The Stoddarts have steadily expanded their crane fleet which now includes three 15t Frannas, two 20t Frannas, a 25t

Dual lift of Rosco McGlashan’s Aussie Invader with an 8T BHB and 12T Franna.

22 / CAL March 2020

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

The Myaree Cranes fleet has evolved to meet the demands of the industry over the years.

Franna, a 12t, 13t a 16t and a 20t Tadano and a 55t Demag.

“The fleet has really evolved to meet the demands of our business and the smaller cranes are obviously tailored for the construction sector which is a major focus. We also have three women in the office who run the administration for the business and manage the crane bookings,” Justin said.

“I’m starting to get myself into the office a bit more to help manage the direction and the growth of the business.

We’ve also got six drivers out on the road the whole time and they’ve been with us for a while, two of the drivers have been with us for over 25 years” he said.

Justin discusses the importance of CICA to the business and to the crane sector in general.

He said that Darryl was a member of the Crane Association of Western Australia (CAWA) and a lifetime member for over 30 years, before The Crane Industry Council became a national body. Darryl always attended the CAWA meetings and it’s been the same since it became CICA. “I personally would like to thank CAWA for their massive contribution to our industry in WA in previous years, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

especially Allan McPherson for his knowledge and advice,” Justin said.

“As a business, we feel it’s important to be a member of CICA and be able to access the services it provides. They help us to work with government departments and they’ve also worked with Main Roads in terms of helping to move our cranes around. Compared to the other states, I think we are in a good position with roadability, especially for the larger cranes. We think it’s important that CICA is now a national body, it provides the ability to examine issues that will impact the industry on both a state and national level,” he added.

According to Justin, most crane businesses face the same challenges regardless of the companies size and complying with paperwork relating to occupational health and safety compliance is a major issue across the industry.

“I read an article in the magazine written by Paul Churchill from Melrose Cranes and he spoke about the onerous nature of complying with safety regulations and the amount of paperwork this now involves. He was spot on with his comments.

“We work in a high-risk environment and it’s become a massive undertaking

to manage all the related paperwork.

Obviously, it’s critical that we focus on the safety aspect of our industry and the more we develop a culture of safety the better off we will all be,” he said.

“The more we talk to employees about safety the more it is on their minds and the more likely they are to adhere to safe work practices. The other point Paul raised are the costs involved in terms of keeping the machinery up to date to service our customers and how some operators work by dropping prices to try and get work. We spend a lot of money on our equipment and staff and we should be able to charge accordingly.

Customers should be prepared to pay for that too, as this shouldn’t be an industry where companies are under cutting each other. It’s unsustainable and something will have to give. As an industry, we can’t afford for ‘that give’ to be a commitment to safe work practices,” Justin said.

“We’re also on board with the CICA Traineeship Program, we think it’s a great idea. We find there are very few people, especially in the younger generations who are considering getting into the crane industry. We’re right behind a program which proactively attracts new blood to the sector,” he said.

March 2020 CAL / 23

CICA STATE CHAIR REPORT

CICA WEST AUSTRALIAN CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman of the Western Australian branch of The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), Anthony Grosser, examines the key issues facing WA over the coming year.

ANTHONY GROSSER has been the CICA WA Chairman for seven years. During his tenure, the role of CICA has evolved.

The requirements from members has steadily increased as they keep pace with the demands from the industries, they are servicing.

“As a council, we’ve been focused

on introducing initiatives designed to engage all levels of the membership.

A key focus has been the creation of a more social atmosphere around the regular meetings as opposed to sterile environments in a ‘back room location.’

“We’ve hosted meetings at members facilities for example, and these have

been really popular. Liebherr hosted a meeting last year, releasing a new machine, and Tadano and Terex have also been hosts. We are mixing it up a little and trying to make meetings more informative,” Grosser said.

“To achieve this, we’re inviting speakers who will educate our members.

This especially applies to the smaller companies who might not have time to consider the topics during their busy, day to day business activities. We’re inviting the likes of insurance companies,

“As a council, we’ve been focused on introducing initiatives designed to engage all levels of the membership. A key focus has been the creation of a more social atmosphere around the regular meetings as opposed to sterile environments in a ‘back room location.”

Chairman of the WA branch of CICA, Anthony Grosser.

24 / CAL March 2020

finance brokers and sales specialists who the smaller members don’t necessarily get a chance to speak to. For example, our next meeting will see Mrs Libby Mettam, Shadow Transport Minister attend and speak to us about what the Liberal government will do, if elected, to assist the crane sector in WA. You don’t get that kind of opportunity every day,” he said.

2020 will see a strong focus on addressing the ageing demographic across www.cranesandlifting.com.au

the crane sector in WA, Grosser says.

“We’ll see a major focus on training, the upskilling of our existing work force where possible and attracting more youth into the industry. Our members have identified the work force and skilled labour matters as their highest risk and the hardest issues to tackle, especially in WA. We’re planning a number of initiatives in terms of attracting more youth into the industry, but it’s just a bit too early to provide the full details.

As soon as we can, we’ll be making some major announcements,” he said.

According to Grosser, CICA WA is in a strong position when it comes to interacting with the various authorities, government departments and industry groups involved with the crane sector.

“We have very workable road rules and great relationships with authorities like Main Roads, Work Safe and the Mines Department. When it comes to issues around cranes, we are the first point of contact and with our policies and procedures in place, we’re focused on maintaining, developing and improving the relationships with the various authorities wherever we can,” he said.

Western Australia will be hosting The CICA Annual Conference and Exhibition this year. Grosser is excited about the prospect and The Next Generation theme.

“The Next Generation (theme) will encompass topics designed to prepare the industry for what we think will be a generational change. I’ve touched on the traineeship and apprenticeship programs which are providing frameworks for this change. We’re also seeing sons taking over the family business from their fathers and older business owners selling up. The conference will examine how the industry might look in 20 years,” Grosser said.

Topics will focus on helping members manage this transitional period says Grosser.

“Today, OH&S requirements have greatly increased leading to high levels of safety compliance and safety initiatives being introduced across the industry.

Existing and new initiatives will be www.cranesandlifting.com.au

explored during the conference.

“Discussions will also focus on what businesses need to do in 2020 to remain relevant and still be in business for the next 20 years. We are in the middle of a major transitional period, both locally and globally, and the conference will provide a great environment to examine the future. We will look at the next generation of cranes including robotic and remote-control operations, we will also examine how cranes are becoming more complex and what new engine emission targets might mean to the sector,” Grosser said.

“Discussions will also focus on what businesses need to do in 2020 to remain relevant and still be in business for the next 20 years.

“We’ve changed venues for this year and moved the event to Elizabeth Quay, an exciting new waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River. We’re going to use a similar template to the Melbourne conference with the exhibition under the same roof as the conference sessions. We’re also working on hosting a high-profile event during the conference,” he said.

Grosser explains why Tadano is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s conference.

“Tadano has not been elevated to the position of Platinum Sponsor before, but we thought it was appropriate this year.

Given last year’s purchase of Demag and with the conference being held in Perth, a large and key market for Tadano, it made sense. The sponsorship is all part of our continued investment and development of the industry in Australia and it’s also a show of strength and stability in the Tadano brand,” he said.

Grosser goes on to discuss the Western Australian economy and how various markets are performing.

“The WA economy is seeing a lot of demand from the resources sector, particularly in the North West of the state. There has been a return of investment in large scale projects in the region and we haven’t seen this in a number of years.

“We had the ‘once in a generation’ boom which was simply out of control and unsustainable. I’d say the crane sector has been fairly steady over the last few years but now we are getting back to being busy and we are seeing a lot of cranes headed to the North West as a result,” he said.

“There are a couple of lithium plants being constructed in the South and the local construction market has remained steady throughout. Local confidence appears to be very high and all indicators point to a positive year. This confidence is reflected in the CICA WA membership which remains solid and our meetings are always well attended,” said Grosser.

Ensuring members receive the right level of service and developing a sense of community within the industry, are also key roles for CICA Grosser says.

“We have CICA Life Member, Allan McPherson as our consultant and he’s helping members with a range of issues. He’s always answering questions ranging from Main Roads enquiries to registration, lifting or site compliance issues. ‘Macca’ has been in the industry for 55 years and there isn’t anything he doesn’t know. He really is our go-toguy for everything “Developing a sense of community within the crane industry is also important. We had a Family Fun Day at the end of last year which over 150 people attended. As the chairman, I’ve always encouraged the networking side of the association. It’s important that people talk to each other and learn from each other, so we’ve developed a strong focus on networking. This year, we’re planning some major social events to bring the members together and we’re booking interesting speakers and venues.

All in all, I’d say CICA is in a good place and doing really well in Western Australia,” he said.

March 2020 CAL / 25

CICA TRAINEE PROGRAM

Chris Hull, Fuller Mobile Cranes, CICA NSW Trainee of the Year.

CICA NSW TRAINEE OF THE YEAR With 22 trainees enrolled, the 2019 NSW CICA Traineeship program was the most successful yet.

DURING DECEMBER’S CICA NSW Awards Night, chairman, Jeff Wilson had this to say about the Trainee of the Year.

“Our winner is gaining the fundamentals and understanding of how a crane operates and how real-life work sites function to ensure he is maintaining the best possible safety for himself and others around him.

“He now visually identifies all rigging components and superstructure components of our cranes. He demonstrates dogging duties including hand signals, whistles and two-way radio communications and has an understanding of procedures in setting up and packing up the cranes on site.

Cranes and Lifting magazine spoke to 26 / CAL March 2020

NSW Trainee of the Year, Fullers Mobile Cranes’ Christopher Hull.

“I’ve always had an interest in big machines. As a little boy, I’d make my mum pull the car over so I could watch a construction site in action. I loved watching the various types of construction equipment, including the cranes, do their thing.

“When I finished year 12, a friend of the family, was working for a crane company and she thought I’d suit the industry. She introduced me to Larry Fuller, and it all happened from there and I moved straight into the apprenticeship,” Hull said.

“It’s hands on. I’m on site and in the yards learning from experienced

colleagues who keep an eye on my work and give me tips all the time. I work on different job sites, on different cranes and with different people. It’s challenging but that’s how you learn.

Then once every two months, I go to TAFE to study for a week where I study for my tickets,” he said.

From Hull’s first day, Larry and Kane Fuller have encouraged the hands-on approach.

“They sent me straight to site with a good man called Paul Didovitch who started teaching me ‘right off the bat’. I was very green and new to everything, and it took a while to get used to the various terms, but I’m here today knowing what I know, and I’m grateful for it. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“I’m excited about the cranes and the crazy lifts we do with them. I love getting to site and seeing what has to be lifted and work out how we’re going to lift it to where the client wants. We’re always moving around with work and no two days are the same., which I like.

I enjoy learning about the different cranes and what they can do, there’s so much variation in the work and I love it,” Hull said.

In the yard, Hull helps with maintenance, cleaning up, making sure the cranes are clean and tidy and booms greased. All the basic tasks which help an apprentice learn about the business from the bottom up. Safety is the key focus in everything Hull is taught.

“I realise that cranes are massive and expensive pieces of equipment and there are no short cuts in terms of safety. I’ve been in trouble a of couple of times and on both occasions, it was my fault. My colleagues corrected me and there was no harm done but it reinforced the need to do the basics right. Now I always wear a hard hat, high vis long pants and longsleeved shirt, safety glasses and gloves and I always have a whistle around my neck. They might be little things, but they make all the big difference,” he said.

The traineeship also provides for studying at TAFE for various tickets which isn’t too arduous says Hull.

“With my dogging ticket, I received all the booklets and studied the week before the exam. I then went to TAFE where we studied some more which included practical training and on the last day, we sat the exam. The next exam will be rigging, and I’ll go through the same process and after that, it’s C6 for Cranes and crane operation which will be terrific “Right now, I’m happy with dogging, I love the variable nature of the work and being outside on site. I do jump in the crane now and again but I’m young and I like to move around, so dogging is perfect for me right now,” he said.

According to Hull, the mentoring from colleagues has been really important and in return he’s prepared to give 100 per cent effort.

“The Fullers team is a lot older than www.cranesandlifting.com.au

me and they’ve been in most situations many times over. For them to go out of their way to teach and mentor me helps so much and they’re helping to build and mould me which is amazing. They don’t accept laziness; they don’t accept slacking off on the job and they don’t accept a 50 per cent attitude, they expect a 100 per cent all of the time. If I’m tying a sling, they don’t want me to cut corners, they want it tied the way they’ve showed me and of course, I’m going to do that,” he said.

Hull reflects on his generation and explains why the crane industry should work harder to attract youngsters like him.

“In my opinion, the problem with many in my generation is they’ve switched off, they want to do halfhearted stuff like focusing on social media, PlayStation and cutting corners for easy outcomes. My mum was very

strict with me and I have the mindset of wanting to achieve and do well. I’m not interested in the drug culture, which is so prevalent, it doesn’t get you anywhere.

I’m watching friends go down the hill whilst I’m working hard to get up it; it’s a very different mindset,” he said.

“But there are plenty of motivated people my age who would thrive in the industry and I think it’s a case of crane companies continuing to look and be prepared to give the right person a chance. I’m so grateful to Larry and Kane for this opportunity. They’ve been really hard on me, but I’ve never taken it to heart and I’ve always seen it as them wanting to mould me into an asset for their business, not a liability. On the day I started, they wanted to see me go home safe and sound every day and for that to happen I have to be switched on,” Hull said.

Christopher Hull, Fullers Mobile Cranes with Larry Fuller

March 2020 CAL / 27

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IN FOCUS / TOWER CRANES

LIEBHERR’S PART IN THE RACE TO SUCCESS A Liebherr 285 EC-B Tower Crane has been entrusted with the delicate role of lifting Team New Zealand’s prized race boat in and out of its harbour base. Cranes and Lifting explains.

NEW ZEALAND CRANE HIRE, New Zealand’s leading mobile crane company, is on board as an official Team New Zealand supplier. NZ Cranes is responsible for lifting the team’s race boat in and out of the water at its Viaduct Harbour base.

The new 75-foot AC75 foiling monohull, named Te Aihe, was lifted into the water for the first time in September 2019 with NZ Crane Hire’s Demag AC 250 all-terrain mobile crane.

NZ Crane Hire’s managing director, Deane Manley, says the company has done thousands of large-scale lifts in its 60-year history but there was added pressure with many eyes watching the launch.

“This boat is precious cargo and carries the hopes of a nation so it is a little different. But essentially cranes are based on simple geometry, so it comes down to careful planning and a high level of skill from our crane drivers to get the job done well,” Manley said.

The crane which is supplied by New Zealand Crane Hire is a Liebherr 285 EC-B tower crane, a 12t litronic crane, on a static base, with a short jib with 34.7m and a hook height of 39.9m.

This configuration was made especially for this job. The 285 EC-B has the micromove function for very precise and smooth crane operations. This makes the machine perfect for such jobs.

“The team and I are also looking forward to playing a small part in helping the team defend the Cup in 2021,” Manley said.

According to Manley the company will have a crane based permanently at the New Zealand syndicate in the lead up to and during the Cup in 2021. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“It’s going to be a regular job on a tight and busy site so the crane we have down there on an on-going basis will be set up for Team New Zealand’s specific requirements,” he said.

Grant Dalton, CEO Team New Zealand, says the build-up to the America’s Cup would not be possible without NZ Crane Hire.

“The boat weighs 6.5 tonnes and there are some very interesting winds around

the Viaduct so getting the boat in and out of the water as safely and efficiently as possible on a regular basis is key. That’s where NZ Crane’s expertise come in.”

The 36th America’s Cup is returning to Auckland’s waterfront in 2021 after Emirates Team New Zealand won the Cup in Bermuda in 2017.

The racing period will take place from March 6 – March 21. It will be a bestof-13, first-to-seven-points series.

Liebherr 285 EC-B Tower Crane gives Team New Zealand a lift.

March 2020 CAL / 29

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT

BIG YEAR WITH BIG RELEASES With new product launches planned and a new business development manager on board, Tutt Bryant is excited about the year ahead.

TUTT BRYANT HAS BEEN the distributor and service provider for Kato and HSC Cranes (Sumitomo Cranes) for many years. Recently appointed Tutt Bryant business development manager cranes, Peter Lawgall, explains a bit about his new role and what customers can expect to see from each of the brands over the coming 18 months.

“Having spent a large part of my career in and around the crane sector, I’ve known some of the team at Tutt Bryant for a while and when I heard my predecessor was retiring after a welldeserved 26 years in the position, I went through the interview process and was delighted to secure the job. I’m now the national business development manager for Kato and HSC Cranes (Sumitomo Cranes) which means I look after crane

sales nationally. My family were involved in mining some 60-70 years ago and used to purchase equipment from Tutt Bryant back in the day so it’s a pleasure to become a part of that history” Lawgall said.

“My role includes sales as well as the overseeing of servicing, product support and back up which means coordinating with our national service and support channels.

“There are some major developments happening this year, but the market will have to wait for the detailed announcements. I am predicting that within 18-24 months Tutt Bryant will have additional crane sales and service staff across the states, supporting our growing customer base locally. These are very exciting times for both Tutt Bryant and our business partners,” Lawgall said.

According to Lawgall, the Tutt Bryant business has been synonymous with cranes and construction equipment for many years.

“The Tutt Bryant Group, Tutt Bryant Equipment, Tutt Bryant Hire and Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift & Shift.

All the divisions are separate but work collaboratively under the one banner. I operate under Tutt Bryant Equipment and report directly to our general manager, Simon Davies. We are very proud to be the importer and dealer for two of Australia’s most trusted and widely used crane brands in Kato for mobile cranes and HSC for crawler cranes.

“We’ve got Tutt Bryant Equipment branches in every state and our business is growing very nicely. We have recently opened a Tutt Bryant Branch

The CR-250Rv is the first 25t city class crane to be exported out of Japan. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

March 2020 CAL / 33

IN FOCUS / TUTT BRYANT

Peter Lawgall, Tutt Bryant, business development manager, cranes.

“The CR-250Rv is going to be totally unique because it’s the first 25t city class crane to be exported out of Japan, Design Registration Approval is near complete and a major product launch will soon be announced.” in Launceston Tasmania; this will be another avenue to support our customers nationally. I deal individually with all of the state managers, service managers including parts support. Right now, it’s a very exciting time and I am happy to be surrounded by colleagues who have the same direction and desire to increase market share and continue with a very high level of support to our customers,” Lawgall said.

There are new product releases planned for both brands this year. The first is the Kato CR-250Rv 25t city-class crane, according to Lawgall.

“The CR-250Rv is going to be totally unique because it’s the first 25t city class crane to be exported out of Japan, Design Registration Approval is near complete and a major product launch will soon be announced. This is going to be a very big day for Tutt Bryant and the eagerly awaiting customers.

“The 25t model fits nicely in between the 20t city class crane, also from Kato (the CR-200Rf) and the 40t all terrains.

34 / CAL March 2020

“A couple of the crane’s biggest features will include a hydraulic luffing and telescoping fly which takes one operator 10 minutes to ‘swing’.

Ordinarily you are looking at two workers for a great deal longer to swing a standard luffing fly because everything is manual. The 360-degree camera angle with movement sensors will detect anyone within the proximity of the out riggers and an audible to alert the operator. The screen is massive giving the operator terrific all-round vision of the site. In my opinion, this crane really is the next level for the city class cranes, as most models haven’t changed in such a long time, but this really is a quantum leap forward in terms of operator confidence and safety.” Lawgall said.

The CR-250Rv features a 29m of boom with 8.2m hydraulic Luffing and Telescoping fly and Lawgall describes it as a big step ahead in city class cranes with excellent charts. This is a completely new model engineered from the ground up, not just an upgraded chart

from a smaller model.

“The interest has been phenomenal.

To date, we have received over 40 enquiries and we haven’t really started marketing the crane yet. We’ve generated the interest by getting back to the basics, being on the road, saying g’day to people and making the personal connection face to face. Once it’s on the road, we’ll be looking at importing a lot of these cranes. I’m working very closely with the design department at Kato trying to eventually have all the modifications for Australian roadability done at the factory.” he said.

“Because of the Australian road rules, I can put 16s on this crane for Victoria and New South Wales but not for Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Therefore, we’re going to go with 20.5s across the range unless specifically requested by the customer. It’s an exciting time and I believe we are going to be very successful with this crane. In my opinion it is an obvious choice for customers looking to step up from the 20t range of city cranes,” Lawgall said.

Lagwell said that Kato is also launching the KA-1100RX a 4 axle 110t all-terrain crane.

“Simon and I went to the factory late last year and inspected the crane and were more than impressed. I’ve had a lot to do with all terrains, and the quality on these cranes equals or surpasses just about anything I’ve seen on the market.

Kato in Japan commands approximately 85 per cent of the all-terrain market and that’s why they are keen to have a look at opportunities in exporting to overseas markets. The full specification of the KA-1100RX shall be announced shortly” he said.

Kato cranes are popular for the simplicity of its computer/operating control systems. When you look at some of the other brands, particularly the European products, they feature complicated operating systems, the thing operators love about the Kato is it’s easy to navigate. With other brands, you need be constantly be going back to the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

manual checking all setting are correct, especially for some older operators.

This can lead to operators lacking confidence,” Lawgall said.

Excellent operability is also a hallmark of HSC Cranes, which is also from Japan.

Over the last year, an all-new SCX-3 range has been progressively released by the manufacturer.

Following the arrival of the SCX1000A-3 (100t capacity) and SCX1500A-3 (150t capacity), HSC recently released the much-anticipated SCX2800A-3 (275t capacity) which replaces the long-running and highly successful SCX2800A-2. This year will see the release of the SCX1800A-3 (180t) to complete the SCX-3 range.

HSC Cranes are renowned for their reliability, performance and classleading features. Further advances in all the models of the SCX-3 range

include backward compatibility on basic components such as boom insert sections, enhancements in transportability, assembly and disassembly, and improved operational safety. Crane operators will benefit from a simple and intuitive interface, with productivity assisted by fine speed control dials ergonomically positioned for ease of access and flexibility.

The SCX-3 crane models also introduce a range of optional extras such the reduction counterweight and swing restriction systems. The reduction counterweight system enables the crane to operate at up to five different capacities, thus enabling a perfect balance between capacities and ground pressures throughout the model range. Meanwhile the swing restriction system can be used to limit the range of slew to pre-set working zones, perfect

for tight constrained sites.

“The four crane models in the SCX-3 range bring into the play the economies of scale, we’ll have less model in the range, more sales leading to more competitive pricing. There are some really interesting developments with this side of the business and there will be more announcements to come regarding larger capacity and telescopic boom crawlers as well.

“Tutt Bryant has employed me to ensure our continued growth in the Australian crane marketplace, we will achieve this with the continued support from Kato and HSC Cranes. We have a very heavy schedule planned for service training and hands on operational training being carried out on a national basis. This is only one part of the expansion in the crane sales division for Tutt Bryant,” Lawgall said.

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IN FOCUS / CRANE FINANCING

TOUGH FINANCING ENVIRONMENT CONTINUES Banks are still being difficult when it comes to the financing of crane deals. Jeff Wilson, senior partner Equipment Finance for Finlease, discusses ways crane companies can still have financing approved quickly. Cranes and Lifting finds out more.

THE ROYAL COMMISSION into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Service Industry was a tough examination for Australia’s banks, insurers and financial services companies.

A year since the commissioner, Kenneth Hayne, announced recommendations to fix the industry, there has been immense upheaval with billions of dollars of stolen money being returned to customers and multiple court cases underway.

Jeff Wilson, senior partner, Equipment Finance for Finlease provides insights into how financial institutions are viewing the crane sector.

“From my perspective, the banks are still being difficult when it comes to the financing of crane deals. The primary lenders are being challenging and problematic and a number of primary lenders have culled staff which is affecting turnaround times and the speed in which they can deliver approvals.

The current situation is a combination of a number of factors. A couple of the major banks recently retrenched a stack of people in their sales areas, including business development managers and their assistants,” Wilson said.

“Typically, Finlease used to deal with a

36 / CAL March 2020

business banking centre that would have had up to seven business bankers and we’d be able to call about a commercial loan or financing enquiry. Those seven bankers would have had an assistant who managed the paperwork and back office work relating to the enquiry.

This allowed the business development manager to get on with the role of selling financial packages.

“Today, these banks have retrenched two or three sales staff and also removed their assistants. They’ve also reduced a lot of the bonuses and incentives from the staff and this is negatively affecting the mood and moral of the remaining team. In turn, the remaining bankers have little incentive to work the extra hours they used to, they’re becoming more nine to five bankers,” he said.

Wilson can understand why morale is currently low within these banking teams.

“It’s understandably frustrating for the teams who must be thinking they weren’t the ones that created the mess that led to the Banking Royal Commission. Their business units and their customers continue to perform really well, and they are still reaching budgets and targets and yet they’ve seen

Jeff Wilson, Finlease, senior partner Equipment Finance.

staff taken, workloads increased and bonuses taken away. Who wouldn’t feel disillusioned?” he said.

“In a roundabout way this situation opens the door further for a business like Finlease. We are dealing with specialised departments we’re not dealing with the day to day bankers in a business banking centre and because we retain the resources ,and we will always will, we are able to put together applications in the complete format and present it to the bank with all the required information. This makes it a whole lot easier for them to make the decision to approve the finance. In effect, we are presenting a completed package rather than the bankers having to source the required paperwork try and formulate the package. We are now in a role where we are streamlining the application process for both our customer and the bank,” Wilson said.

Wilson suggests that by using the

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

resources in a company like Finlease, a crane hire business will see an application processed in half the time compared to dealing directly with the bank.

“In today’s lending environment, if a crane hire business came to Finlease with an application for finance, we would be able to deliver in half the time compared to if they had gone directly to the bank.

That timing can make a lot of difference.

“The information prepared by Finlease is enough for the bank to make a decision to approve the finance or not. We go to greater lengths to ensure the bank has everything required for its justification process. We prepare everything on behalf of the customer and from my perspective, with 26 years experience in the industry, we know the criteria, we know exactly what the

exchange rates at the moment, especially around the Euro. Crane prices are relative to exchange rates and the Euro impacts on a lot of crane sales due to number of the crane brands sold out of Europe. In early February, we saw the Euro crash a little, probably as a result in a lack of confidence around Brexit and maybe the coronavirus. Once the markets see that everything is going to be OK, I think things will get back to normal.

I can also see a construction boom on the horizon. Following the devastation from recent natural disasters, there is going to be a need for a major rebuilding program,” he said.

Recently, the industry has seen an interesting development with crane hire companies bringing in massive sized, second hand cranes. Wilson explains how

“In my experience, all the indicators show we are looking at the prospect of a mini boom for the cranes sector, and I would say to crane businesses, if you are ready to purchase make sure you keep all your financial records up to date and accessible.”

banks require and the questions they are going to ask,” he said.

The pipeline of work is building for the crane sector. The construction of massive infrastructure projects continues in most states, Western Australia is seeing a resources sector resurgence and wind farm construction is booming in every state. Wilson examines the current lending environment and what crane hire businesses need to be aware of when financing fleet upgrades or purchasing new machines.

“There is a little uncertainty with

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

the finance on used cranes compared to new works.

“Finance on used cranes doesn’t really differ too much. The criteria we look at is around the age of the crane and confirmation that it has the correct certifications in place. If you bring in a three year old machine there won’t be a problem. If you’re bringing in a 12-yearold machine, then a few more questions will be asked around what the owner intends to do to bring the machine up to compliance levels, so it won’t be quite so straightforward with the older machines.

According to Wilson, the overall message to the market is to be prepared for a busy period and if you think you will be in the market for new or used cranes, keep your financial records as up to date as possible.

“In my experience, all the indicators show we are looking at the prospect of a mini boom for the cranes sector, and I would say to crane businesses, if you are ready to purchase make sure you keep all your financial records up to date and accessible.

“With the way the banks are operating at the moment there could be delays in sourcing finance so if you are going to be in the frame to expand your fleet or replace machines, you should plan ahead, but keeping your financial information totally up to date puts you in a better position for a quicker turn around in terms of approvals,” he said.

“This is something Finlease can help with. We continue conversations with accountants and working with the customer to ensure they’ve got their financials in order. Right at the moment, I’m working on a deal and the customer is looking at buying a reasonably sized crane.

“I told them we would definitely need the 2019 financials, which we already have on file, and we are also going to require the year to date financials, up to at least the end of December.

Within half an hour that information was sent together with their portals and everything else. This clearly shows the business is performing well and it indicates to the finance company that by keeping good up to date records, you are managing the business, the cash flow within the business and the general affairs of the business,” Wilson said.

March 2020 CAL / 37

IN FOCUS / LIEBHERR USED CRANES

MELROSE EVOLUTION PASSES SYDNEY METRO TEST Melrose Cranes and Rigging successfully deploys new LTM 1500 for major lifts at Sydenham Station in Sydney.

SYDNEY METRO is Australia’s biggest public transport project. By 2024, Sydney will have 32 metro railway stations and a 66km standalone metro railway system – the biggest urban rail project in Australian history.

The heaviest canopy section went over the lift shafts at a 35m radius and it weighed almost 25 tonnes.

38 / CAL March 2020

The NSW Government is delivering a $300 plus million contract for major railway work at Sydenham as part of Sydney Metro, including the upgrade of Sydenham Station. The Sydenham Metro Upgrade contract was awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd. Melrose Cranes and Rigging deployed its newly arrived Liebherr LTM 15008.1 all terrain to lift into place major canopies for the new station. Senior project manager, Dave Weldon was responsible for the project.

“The project is called the SSJ which is the Sydenham Station upgrade. It’s a massive project with major works being carried out throughout the station including the aqueduct, there’s also a lot of rail infrastructure being changed, new signal systems, power lines being relocated, it would be one of the larger projects going around at the moment,” Weldon said.

“To date, Melrose has managed the lifts relating to the station works which started about 18 months ago when the piling first started. Since then we’ve installed lift shafts and large precast panels and we’ve had various cranes involved for the different elements of the project.

The 500t was deployed over the Christmas period to lift a series of canopies into place. There were several major issues to be considered including the fact the crane would be operating directly under the flight path of Sydney Airport. Also, the station had to remain operational for trains which meant planning had to be meticulous with time frames incredibly tight.

Planning for the lifts began in mid 2019 when Weldon met with the SSJ team and came up with a plan to build the canopies in large modules. Initially, the design was for the canopies to be www.cranesandlifting.com.au

manufactured in six smaller modules and lifted into place. It was decided this would have been too time consuming and the time frames would not have been met. It was decided to construct the six small modules into one large module on site.

“There were a number of meetings involving the 3rd party engineer, Greg from Steel Fabrications and myself and it was decided that reinforcing and strengthening the structures was required before the finished products were certified and signed off.

“Our 400t crane went in first and completed the first lot of lifts for platform six. We did this first because they couldn’t get power out until the Christmas period when they shut down the whole Metro line. This happened about a week prior to the 500t going in,” he said.

As soon as the lifts for platform six were completed work started on building platforms four and five. The site was surveyed and marked out to ensure everything was in the right position to enable the 500t to set up. The minimum and maximum radiuses were all set out ready for the lifts.

“The 500t was floated in which made everything a lot easier for its first job.

We reversed in and started setting up with a 130t assist crane which helped build it. Due to all the power lines and the location of the canopy modules, we couldn’t actually get the semi-trailers carrying the counterweights close enough to the crane so the 130t was there to help build it and put the fly on,” Weldon said.

“The boys then went home and got back to site on the night of Christmas Eve for the first big lift. The canopies had to be lifted in sequence with the northern most canopy first. We then worked our way south towards the existing station.

The heaviest canopy section went over the lift shafts at a 35m radius and it weighed almost 25t. All up with the rigging it was a 29t lift which meant we were at 84 per cent capacity for a 35m radius.

“This was the first canopy lifted and the following canopies were closer www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Peter Rust, crane operator and Dave Weldon, senior project manager, Melrose Cranes.

and lighter. The lift plans illustrate how everything had to be built and positioned to suit the cranes minimum and maximum radius. As I’ve said, it was a very detailed planning process and it was a complex lift. Everything went really well the client was happy and Sydney Metro was happy,” he said.

The time frame was very tight due to the close proximity to the airport and because the crane was above the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) for all of the lifts. The only time Melrose Cranes could lift was between 11pm and 5am the next day.

“There were also other works going on including upgrading of signals, so there were a lot of different crews all working in with each other. We worked Christmas Eve into Christmas morning for the first lift and the crew were then back on Boxing Day evening to complete the next lift, then back the night of December 27.

In all, the lifts were completed within four nights,” Weldon said.

As this was the first job for the new crane and considering the complexity and timeframe constraints, Liebherr generously supplied a technician for the duration of the lifts.

“The Liebherr technician was there every night the crane operated. Talking to the operator, there were no issues whatsoever and the crane performed really well and to our expectations.

We are very thankful to Liebherr for providing all parties ‘peace of mind’.

“I recently spoke to the senior

engineer at SSJ about the project and asked him how he thought it went and what was important. He thought the major achievements were managing the lifts in the time frames between the airport and all the other works being carried out. He also thought the various parties coming together to get the canopies reengineered and certified to lift in one big piece was another achievement,” Weldon said.

According to Weldon, the lift would not have been possible without the Liebherr LTM1500 8.1.

“Without the 500t, that lift would not have been possible, and it getting it here involved very tight time frames for Liebherr and Melrose Cranes as well. The pressure was on from the time the crane was shipped from the UK to arriving in the country to getting it ready to our specification to be ready for this project,” he said.

“I thought everyone involved did an excellent job. Liebherr delivered on their promise to have the crane ready and our crew did an excellent job, there were no hiccups at all. The 500t puts us in the market for these bigger lifts.

Everything is being built bigger and heavier. Bridge and precast components are modularised, constructed on the ground and lifted in one hit, meaning bigger cranes for heavier lifts are going to be required. The 500t opens up a whole lot more opportunity for Melrose Cranes as these major infrastructure projects come online,” Weldon said.

March 2020 CAL / 39

IN FOCUS / TADANO ROUGH TERRAINS The GR-1000EX-4 has a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes and features a multi-telescoping cylinder 51m boom.

GETTING ROUGH AND SUSTAINABLE Tadano has released a new line of next generation rough terrain cranes internationally that are designed to increase safety, comfort, performance. With the latest engine technology, it reduces emissions – meeting the latest environmental standards. Cranes and Lifting explains.

TADANO OCEANIA will launch three models into the Australian market over this year including the GR-1000EX-4, GR-900EX-4, and GR-700EX-4. These models mark a full model upgrade of the rough terrain cranes in the 70t to 100t lifting class.

Tadano’s rough terrain cranes are flagship products for the company and lead the global rough terrain market. The new next-generation rough terrain models feature improved lifting capacity to meet the demands of a growing market.

The GR-1000EX-4: Developed as Tadano’s first model for the international rough terrain market has a lifting capacity of 100t. The multi-telescoping cylinder boom features a 51m boom 40 / CAL March 2020

which is the longest boom in its class. It has a gross vehicle weight of 45t for easy transportability.

The GR-900EX-4 is a newly developed 90t lifting capacity model. The GR900EX-4 is a highly competitive product, even among its own class.

The GR-700EX-4: With a 70t lifting capacity this model features a 47m boom, again the longest in its class. It has an allrounder stronger chart making it one of the most versatile and well-balanced rough terrain cranes in the industry.

The cab design and fittings have been remodelled to improve work efficiency, operability, and visibility. The new and large, multi-function colour touch panel display is 26centimetres in size

and contains crane work information and operation settings which will help to increase work efficiency. It is also a pressure-sensitive touch panel, so it can be operated while using gloves.

The cab instrument panel shape, height, and angle of the glass face have also been modified, improving visibility from the driver’s seat. The new models also use the 20° cab tilt function which helps to reduce operator fatigue when operating the crane for long periods of time.

The GR-1000EX-4 is the first Tadano rough terrain to feature the “Smart Counterweight” system, which enables the counterweight to have two mounting positions. This feature provides www.cranesandlifting.com.au

emissions, improving fuel consumption, and reducing noise.

Tadano’s Hello-Net telematics information service is included as a standard feature. This function ascertains the crane’s operation status using mobile and satellite communications and supports the checking of positional information via GPS and maintenance information on a website. The new models also feature six speed transmission powered by a dual compliant Cummins EPA Tier IV B 6.7/EU Stage V engine generating 280hp (209kW).

According to Anthony Grosser, managing director of Tadano Oceania, the new models set new standards for the rough terrain market.

improved stability which can increase by up to 22 per cent.

Tadano has also incorporated the proprietary “Smart Chart” enabling work performance to be maximised from the crane.

Other technology on board includes the Tadano View System, as well as a winch drum monitoring camera that checks the winding state of the wire rope when the crane is in operation. Cameras are on the right-front and rear of the crane to aid visibility while driving.

The newly developed pump disconnect function automatically stops operation of the crane’s hydraulic pump if the crane is not operated for a certain period of time, contributing to a reduction in fuel consumption.

The models are also equipped with functions such as the fuel monitoring system, eco-mode, and positive control that support environmentally friendly operations by reducing CO2 www.cranesandlifting.com.au

“As the leader in the rough terrain market, Tadano is constantly evolving the product to deliver an unparalleled user experience. With the heavy demand in Australia for rough terrains, particularly with the significant increase in activity within the mining and construction sectors, these new models will continue to outperform in the harshest of working environments. We are proud to lead the next evolution of rough terrains into the future,” Grosser said.

The GR-700EX-4 features a 70t lifting capacity and a 47m boom – the longest in its class.

The GR-900EX-4 is a newly developed 90t lifting capacity model.

March 2020 CAL / 41

IN FOCUS / TIDD PICK AND CARRIES AM Cranes take devivery of two TIDD PC28s.

TAKING TIDDS TO TIER ONES Northern Territory crane hire business purchases two TIDD PC28 pick and carries

with Tier One customers in mind. Cranes and Lifting reports.

AM CRANES OPERATES across the northern most part of Australia offering a range of lifting, rigging and transport services. With yards in Darwin, Katherine and Kingaroy in Queensland, AM Cranes operates a diverse fleet which now includes two new TIDD PC 28s. Adam Murrihy started AM Cranes in 2008.

“It was really a case of starting the business because Darwin required a few more cranes and I wanted to work for myself. The company has grown over the last decade or so. Due to the nature of our work and our customer’s requirements the fleet has had a fairly strong focus on pick and carry cranes.

We had 16 in the fleet at one stage, in various shapes and sizes,” he said.

“We work from northern Western 42 / CAL March 2020

Australia right across to our branch in Kingaroy in Queensland with another yard down in Katherine. We are pretty much servicing the whole of the Northern Territory and northern most parts of Australia really. We’re running 12 pick and carries and we also have 16 slew cranes in the fleet. Our smallest slew crane is a Liebherr LTC1045, which is a nice little compact machine and then we go up to a 400t Liebherr which is the largest in the fleet.

“Our client base reaches across the usual industry sectors and includes construction, mining, oil and gas We also do a lot of demolition work on old redundant sites with the larger cranes.

A lot of the work, especially for the bigger cranes, is directly with Tier One

companies,” Murrihy said.

With pick and carries being an important element of the company’s fleet, Murrihy has been watching the evolution of the TIDD closely.

“We recently purchased two of the TIDD PC28s, the 28t pick and carries from TRT. I’d been keeping an eye on them over the years and watched TRT grow as a company. I actually visited the factory five years ago, which was back in the early days of the TIDD and I had a look at how they were making them, checked out their manufacturing facilities and we were impressed back then.

“We’ve watched the product grow over the years and we’re now happy to jump on board and support them.

We think TRT are very proactive www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Adam and Stacey Murrihy with one of the new TIDD PC28s.

rather than reactive with their design, engineering and manufacturing approach,” Murrihy said.

“Working with Tier One clients, we are obviously aware of the focus on pick and carries in general and the concerns around their safety specifically. One of the biggest drivers around the purchase is the fact and it’s simple stuff. You can take the machines to Tier One customers and demonstrate the risk mitigation of the PC28 with the safety features such as slew safe and additional load charts for static lifts and the other safety features which put the TIDD out in front in the pick and carry race at the moment,” he said.

The TIDD PC28 features improved operational function designed to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on construction sites and also on the road. Increased lift capacity and greater maneuverability, in smaller work areas, are key benefits of the new www.cranesandlifting.com.au

crane. The TIDD PC28 is constructed using the highest quality components with safety a major focus with every element of its design.

Safety features include the Dynamic LMI with a deadlock switch inside the cabin and the LMI bridging switch outside the cabin. Slew Safe is an optional safety addition for the TIDD PC28, and has been included on every new crane unit manufactured to date, with only one exception.

Slew Safe (patented: 741038) is designed to prevent rollovers and works with a number of features including audible alarms, LMI warnings and power steering is restricted to 15 per cent to reduce further slewing. Slew Safe cannot be over-ridden but will operate normally in the safe direction.

The new 18.65m high tensile full power boom features a 75 per cent stationary chart for the heavy lifts and 66 per cent pick and carry chart. The boom’s telescope Sections 1 and 2 are fully synchronised and provide hook compensation. Telescope Section 3 is independently operated with its own hydraulic cylinder.

The TIDD PC28 features a 28t maximum lift on the lug and 27.6t on the hook block, delivering lifting capacities for improved efficiency and greater lift options and setting a new benchmark in the industry.

“We took delivery of the cranes in November of last year and the guys from TRT were very hands on and supportive throughout the process. We had an open day and we invited a lot of our clients to go through the features and benefits of the cranes. They each had five minutes in the ‘hot seat’ to see what the crane will and won’t let you do,” Murrihy said.

“TRT had a technician and two of their sales staff on hand to answer questions about the machines. A couple of the guys at the function had come off sites where pick and carries were strictly taboo at the time, so we able to demonstrate that the industry is developing and trying to remove the concerns about operator override and the general safety of the machines.

“As far as the safety aspects of the TIDD are concerned, in our opinion they are ahead of the opposition. As a company, we didn’t need to add more cranes to our fleet we’ve but made the investment in the TIDDs. We’ve seen them come along in leaps and bounds and the features in these particular units give us a significant point of difference when we are talking to our customers,” he said.

Our customers have received the new TIDDs really well and the pair are certainly getting attention as they get around the place,” Murrihy said.

March 2020 CAL / 43

IN FOCUS / EQUIPMENT HIRE

SENNEBOGENS JOIN MAJOR HIRER’S FLEET Alfasi Hire recently added to its fleet, two Sennebogen crawler cranes supplied by Pace Cranes and the latest additions will be supporting the six Maeda mini crawlers already operating in the fleet. Cranes and Lifting explains.

OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS, the Alfasi Hire business has evolved to deliver a diversified range of services to the construction, mining, energy and engineering industries in Australia and across the globe.

According to Simon Berridge, Alfasi Hire, Major Projects, the composition of the hire business allows it to best utilise the services and expertise of the various business units to deliver a range of project solutions.

Alfasi Hire operates four branches along the east coast and has equipment on hire in every mainland state and territory. 16 years ago, it established the elevated work platform (EWP) business in Melbourne and since then has expanded its range of products to include cranes, telehandlers, lighting towers and a range of specialist equipment hires throughout Australia.

“In order for us to remain at the forefront of our industry, Alfasi Hire is committed to continual improvement and reinvestment. This goes well beyond simply purchasing the best equipment but includes such things as continual modification of our machines to the latest mine specifications including MDG15 and BMA. This applies across our fleet,” Berridge said.

“As well as continuous improvement of our Quality Assurance, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental 44 / CAL March 2020

The Alfasi Hire fleet includes EWPs of various capacities.

systems, we are investing in the latest technology to provide the most effective and efficient customer service. Similarly, our staff and service teams are constantly undergoing continual training, not only in the latest equipment but also for Occupational Health and Safety and various other training courses,” he said.

Alfasi Hire employs 110 plus personnel across its operations and typically it targets Tier one builders and their subcontractors across the resources, energy and construction and infrastructure sectors. It offers dry hire daily, weekly and monthly, through to long term hire and future purchase agreements.

“Needless to say, our broad range of clients, across a variety of industries, enjoys exceptional 24 hour/seven day service. We only invest in the latest hire equipment and provide additional services such as project solutions, onsite refuelling, training, servicing and licensing. We provide our equipment across Australia (WA, NT and more) on a project driven basis for many of our clients,” through our innovative “project

solutions” division were we induct technical and service staff onto the project support our equipment,” Berridge said.

“Starting with a small fleet, originally used for our own construction projects, Alfasi Hire has rapidly grown into a leading industry player in the crane and elevated work platform hire industry.

Today, we boast over 3,000 pieces of equipment including elevating work platforms, telehandlers, forklifts, crawler cranes, rough terrain and Franna cranes, all for dry hire,” he said.

According to Berridge, a major point of difference for Alfasi Hire is having one of the industry’s newest fleets featuring the best machines with the highest standard safety features from leading manufacturers, as well as advanced IT solutions offered to clients.

“Now, with over 3,000 pieces in the fleet including ewps, forklifts, telehandlers and various other hire equipment, Alfasi Hire has one of the most comprehensive and modern fleets of this type of equipment in Australia.

Our crane fleet has capacities from 5t to 300t and includes Sennebogen, Liebherr, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Tadano and Maeda, Manitowoc and Terex along with JLG, Genie, Haulotte EWP’ss with Manitou and JCB telehandlers.

“This fleet is supported by staff, service technicians and branches in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. We have had some very longstanding clients, with some being with us since we started. The continued growth of Alfasi Hire is a result of always trying to improve our offering based on the feedback we receive from our clients and employees,” he said.

Alfasi Hire has been working with Pace Cranes for approximately six years and in that time, it has added six Maeda mini cranes and more recently two Sennebogen 643E cranes to the fleet. The Sennebogen 643E telescopic crane comes as both a mobile version and with a crawler chassis. With a 40t load capacity and the tried-and-tested Full-Power

Boom, the telescopic crane now comes with a redesigned cab and engines that comply with Tier 4 emissions standards.

“The Sennbogens are ideally suited for applications in piling, foundation work and for infrastructure projects.

They complement the crane models on our fleet including the Maeda models, the LC785M-8 & with 5t capacity, two LC1385M-8B & with 6t capacity and three CC985S-1 with 5t capacity. We find the Maedas suit general construction, road building and façade work,” Berridge said.

“We’ve worked closely with Pace Cranes for the last six years. When it comes to product support and service levels we’ve found them to be very responsive, with good technical back up. The Maedas and Sennebogens have proved to be valued models in our fleet and are popular with our customers,” he said.

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Alfasi Hire recently added two Sennebogen crawler cranes to its fleet.

IN FOCUS / TOWER CRANES

NEW RELEASES FOR ASIA COMANSA announced the addition of new models to the range and a new manufacturing project designed to cope with the increased demand from Asian markets. Cranes and Lifting reports.

COMANSA RECENTLY released its new 21LC1400 model: a new large-capacity Flat-Top crane. It also released the 21CM750, the largest manufactured at its Chinese plant in Hangzhou.

The 21LC1400 model will come in two versions, with maximum load capacities of 50t or 66t.

The new model comes in two versions with maximum load capacities of 50t and 66t and is a valued addition to COMANSA’s extensive range of largecapacity Flat-Top cranes.

The 21LC1400 is expected to be used mainly in infrastructure and PPVC (Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction) projects, but this new model will also provide an enhanced performance in any other project which involves lifting very heavy loads,

such as in shipyards, mining and other industrial sectors.

Like COMANSA’s most recent developments in the 21LC family, the 21LC1400 will feature a modular design counter jib to significantly reduce the operating radius in small sites. A new single and highly compact trolley-hook has also been designed for the 21LC1400 instead of COMANSA’s single-double trolley system, standard in its other models, as this new crane will work mainly in projects in which maximum load capacity is required for almost every lift.

This model has an 85m jib as standard, extendable up to 90 metres and a new cage, designed as an extension of the range that includes the latest upgrades of cages previously available only for smaller cranes.

In addition, COMANSA announces the addition of “Quick Set”: an electronic limitation system that reduces the set-up time of the cranes from 3 hours to 45 minutes. This technology will also reduce the number of staff required during this operation.

This new model comes with the CUBE cab as standard. CUBE Cab offers not only an innovative aesthetic design but also a completely renewed user experience. Its design offers ample space and great comfort, productivity and new features, earning it the IF design award, one of the most prestigious international awards in the industrial sector. The release of a new sized CUBE Cabin (M) is planned for the 11LC and 16LC series.

The 21CM750 model is the largest manufactured at its plant in Hangzhou The 21LC1400 model will come in two versions, with maximum load capacities of 50t or 66t

46 / CAL March 2020

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

and includes a 37.5t and a 50t capacity option. The 21CM75 is manufactured to the highest European standards whilst taking advantage of the cost savings being manufactured in China.

Comansa started manufacturing this model at its factory in China, mainly to meet the needs of the Asian market, which increasingly demand heavier load cranes.

More than one hundred guests attended the event, including the leader of the Xiaoshan District, the President of the Comansa Group, the manager of Comansa in China, the main rental companies, the Tower Crane Industry Association and end customers, both domestic and from overseas.

Comansa is taking an important step in technological innovation and product development, making a significant contribution to the construction

®

industry by developing solutions to adapt the products to the market demand in China and other countries in the region.

Among the main technical features of this crane are: • Flat-Top, modular crane model; • Two maximum load versions: 37.5t and 50t; • designed following the European safety standard EN14439; • automatic changing double trolley to optimise the load chart; • the lifting speed is faster than for cranes of the same capacity made by other local manufacturers; • interchangeable: these models share several jib sections with the 2100 series.

• thanks to the modular design, the jib and counter-jib sections have six different configurations to enable

the adaption do different jobsite conditions; • Optimised design in the jib and counter-jib connection for faster and safer assembly and disassembly; • system also allows great modularity between the two versions: the 37.5 t model can load 50 t by changing the front trolley and hooks; • Incorporates the Cube Cabin: the design of the cabin won the iF Design Award 2018. It is more spacious, comfortable and increases the capacity of the cabin to implement the new crane function for future needs.

The 21CM750 can be used for prefabricated construction, construction of power plants, mining, bridges and other large-scale infrastructures.

It has the approval of the Chinese National Type and the TüV Süd certification from Germany.

IN FOCUS / FRANNA

NEW ROLE WITH AN EXPANDED VISION Mark Lock, sales director, Franna, recently took time to speak to Cranes and Lifting, sharing his reasons for joining the company and provided insights into Franna’s global product vision.

FRANNA, A TEREX BRAND, recently appointed Mark Lock to the position of sales director. Lock joins the Franna team with an extensive background in sales, marketing, operations and general management within the industrial services and heavy equipment sector.

“It’s a very exciting time for Franna and I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team,” explained Lock.

“Since the early stages of my career I have had exposure to the fantastic Franna product and my strong affinity to the brand is what ultimately drew me to this role.”

“As a proud Queenslander it really is great to be working with one of Australia’s most prestigious manufacturers. In my new role I will be responsible for domestic and international sales and I’d like to give our customers an insight to the key elements of our global product vision,” he said.

SAFETY FIRST Since joining Franna Lock has been very impressed with the emphasis placed on safety, both in the workplace and out in the field.

“Safety is paramount in the heavy equipment sector and as a subsidiary of Terex, we are committed to the ‘Zero Harm’ safety vision shared by the entire company. This helps us strive towards a safer working environment for our team 48 / CAL March 2020

Mark Lock, Franna’s new sales director.

members and also to create safer products for our valued customers,” he said.

INNOVATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Franna has a rich heritage of innovation that dates all the way back to the 70s when the legendary Dave Francis developed the first pick and carry crane from truck components. While the original concept remains much the

same, the Franna team have built on this success through engineering excellence and by incorporating new technologies into the design of the cranes – the recent AT 40 model is a prime example of this. In addition to new products and innovation, the Franna team endeavour to continuously improve existing product lines through safety enhancements, serviceability and ease of use.

The AT 40 is the largest Franna built www.cranesandlifting.com.au

by TEREX and is the first three-axle crane with a pick-and-carry capacity of 40t. Powered by a Mercedes OM 906 205kW diesel and Allison automatic transmission used on the popular 25t MAC 25, the AT 40 has a four-section 19.8m full-power boom offering 19m maximum hook height. On site the rear (third) axle is raised on its hydropneumatic suspension when lifting and on the highway the crane has maximum rated travel speed of 80km/h.

According to Lock the AT 40 is the result of a collaborative, Terex-wide design project and incorporates the latest technology with engineering excellence.

“This articulated crane boasts 44 per cent more load moment capacity than the Franna MAC 25. The 3-axle design eliminates the need for a removable counterweight and the third axle control system raises axle 3 when operating on a work site, providing similar turning circle as the MAC 25. Additional features include a full width isolated cabin, articulating counterweight and increased cabin storage. Customers have been asking for a higher capacity crane and the AT 40 is our solution” he said.

Borger Cranes was the first crane hire business in New South Wales to take delivery of the Franna AT 40. Shawn Borger, general manager, Borger Cranes and explains the reasons behind the purchase.

“Because we offer small, medium and large cranes, a crane for every application, Borger cranes are operating somewhere in NSW every day in sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy mining and general construction.

“We work hard to provide the customer with the right crane for the job, and the purchase of the Franna AT 40 is an example of how we provide this service. At Borger Cranes, we try to implement the newest and latest technology with our cranes to make improvements for our drivers, so they are more aware of the site and more aware of assessing and managing risk,” he said.

The AT 40 features the zero- to fivedegree side slope which de-rates as well other safety features which makes it a www.cranesandlifting.com.au

great ‘all-rounder’,” Borger said.

“The market has been asking for this sized Franna and now we have it. We are very safety focused and offer additional OH&S/EHS to our clients. If you are operating 20-year-old technology, this isn’t always possible and it is more likely incidents will occur, so we’re certainly keen to embrace new technology, like the AT 40, to make operations safer.

“This Franna is ideal for lifting heavy machinery and I reckon it can do the job of three cranes. It’s also perfect for general lifting in construction like tilt

“This articulated crane boasts 44 per cent more load moment capacity than the Franna MAC 25. The 3-axle design eliminates the need for a removable counterweight and the third axle control system raises axle 3 when operating on a work site, providing similar turning circle as the MAC 25.”

up panels. From an operational aspect, there’s an extra meter in the boom and the joystick controls make everything more sensitive to control. Operators can bring the winch down millimetres at a time which is really good for site work and the steering has been brought back from 40 degrees to 35 which makes driving much easier,” Borger said.

INTERNATIONAL SALES According the Lock, International sales and exporting is a great opportunity for Franna and he is looking forward to this element of his new role.

“Whilst the pick and carry concept is predominantly utilised in Australia, people may find it surprising that the Franna product has been directly exported to 30 plus countries to date.

We look forward to growing this as we continue to promote the pick and carry concept and Franna product globally.

This year we are attending CONEXPOCON/AGG in Las Vegas for the very first time which we feel is an excellent opportunity to showcase Franna to international delegates,” Lock said.

For more information on Franna pick and carry cranes, visit www.terex.com/franna or email franna@terex.com

The Franna AT 40 features a four-section 19.8m fullpower boom offering 19m maximum hook height.

March 2020 CAL / 49

IN FOCUS / 3D LIFT PLANNING

GETTING THE RIGHT PICTURE 3D Lift plan helps structural steel erection company plan a complex lift and chose the right crane for the job. Cranes and Lifting explains.

BRENT GENSEKE, project manager for Rockford, Illinois based Area Erectors was awarded second place in the 2018 Lift Plan of the Year competition for his use of 3D Lift Plan to select the right crane for the job. He explains that the structural steel and precast concrete erection company uses 3D Lift Plan in a variety of ways. “It starts in visual sequencing, identifying the heaviest/ longest reach lifts, and ends in the transfer of information to the operator and field foreman. Genseke’s winning

lift plan was for the construction of Kishwaukee Health & Wellness Center.

Genseke says A1A Software’s 3D Lift Plan program proved to be a “very good visual tool” in the tricky placement of an ornamental staircase inside a building.

“In this scenario, the miscellaneous metals scope was delayed in fabrication, so we had to come up with a creative way to set the stair,” said Genseke. After considering and eliminating several other options, the only plan that remained was to scope the crane boom through a

A1A Software’s 3D Lift Plan program proved to be a “very good visual tool” in the tricky placement of an ornamental staircase inside a building.

50 / CAL March 2020

window opening. The challenge became finding a crane with necessary capacity and reach to work in the confined space and deliver precise load handling.

“Using 3D Lift Plan in conjunction with erection drawings and actual field measurements, gave me the tool to see if the Grove TMS500E-2 could handle the job,” Genseke said.

“Since we were not able to get a crane inside the building with enough capacity, and the engineer of record would not give the approval to rig to the roof steel, our only option was to locate the crane outside the building and extend the boom into the structure. This plan had to work,” Genseke recalled.

“Knowing that I had to get the boom angles correct, I met with the crane operator to discuss where he’d set up. With the help of 3D Lift Plan, we identified a location outside of the building,” explains Genseke. “We had to cross the Ts, dot the Is, and make sure the center point was where we needed it to be, make sure the rigging was right.

If anything was off, then the lift plan is invalid. This program proved useful as a layout planning visual tool to make sure everything worked with the boom angles and capacity to get into the building,” he adds.

The next challenge was meeting owner requirements of a Department of Labor Certified Crane Inspection.

Genseke had to find a vendor with an available crane that was certified, but that could also produce the results the team was after.

“Our Terex T340-1 had the certification, but in an offsite trial run it could not handle the weight,” he said. Area Erectors turned to O’Donnell Crane Services, DeKalb, Ill., to supply a Grove TM500E-2 with a DOL Certified Crane Inspection. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

After considering and eliminating several other options, the only plan that remained was to scope the crane boom through a window opening.

To verify that the new crane could do the job, Genseke used 3D Lift Plan in conjunction with erection drawings and actual field measurements. He created the rotunda and window opening in the lift planning software, then tested whether the crew could scope the crane boom through the window to pick up the prefab stairs for installation.

“Field measurements of elevations were critical. If the boom hinge point was off even just six inches, the angle could

cripple the project,” he said.

“We had used 3D Lift Plan on a previous two-crane lift, so the general contractor and the owner’s safety representative understood the value it brought to the table,” Genseke explained.

The day of the lift, his crew had an onsite meeting with all parties involved.

“As a team we reviewed the drawings, the steps involved, as well as the precise placement of the equipment,” he said.

The estimated weight of the stairs was

1,700-1,800 kgs. But the fabricator had to put additional steel inside the stringers to hold the rolled staircase stringers, so they didn’t spring back. Additional steel increased the weight of the stairs to 8,000 lbs. To determine the exact weight of the stairs, the crew lifted the stairs and set them on a trailer and used a trailer scale to get the actual piece weight.

“We were still at only 35-40 per cent of crane capacity. And it wouldn’t have been considered a critical lift, so the use of 3D Lift Plan was more about the accuracy of getting inside the building to make the lift,” he said.

“The plan came to fruition, and with little room to spare. 3D Lift Plan was a great visual tool to sit down with the project owners and their safety representative, and explain how we were going to do this, to show it would work.

That ability to provide a visual was a huge benefit,” Genseke added.

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P.A Construction Equipment Pty Ltd 5-7 Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210 Tel: 02 9533 5411 sales@pacecranes.com.au www.pacecranes.com.au

IN FOCUS / INSURANCE

INSURED AGAINST CYBER-CRIME? The frequency of cyber-crime events is growing exponentially, year on year and it and it is a fallacy for crane hire companies to think they are immune to a cyber-attack.

Cranes and Lifting reports.

CYBER CRIMINALS are preying on Australian businesses and individuals, with research showing there were 13,000 reports of cyber-crime from individuals and businesses to the Australian Cyber Security Centre over a threemonth period in 2109. The Morrison government estimates cyber security incidents cost Australian businesses $29 billion a year.

According to Troy Filipcevic, managing director of Emergence Insurance – if you think your business is immune to a cyber-attack, think again.

“Emergence Insurance is the only underwriting insurance company in Australia 100 per cent focused on cyber risks for business. Cyber insurance helps protect businesses against all forms of cyberattacks,” he said.

Emergence Insurance and Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) work closely together to service the crane industry. Both are part owned by the same parent company Steadfast Group.

“We’re both leaders in our respective industries with UAA specialising in mobile equipment including cranes and construction machinery, and Emergence experts in cyberattack and we think the partnership between the two will bring benefit to UAA’s customers. I work very closely with Michael ‘Murf’ Murphy, George Grasso and their team and spend two days a week in their office,” Filipcevic said.

The message Emergence Insurance wants to get out there is that people tend not to think about these sorts of issues because they think it won’t happen to them. Cyber-attacks have been increasing exponentially, year on year for a number of years, according to Filipcevic. The company works closely with UAA and a number of their customers are already on 52 / CAL March 2020

board or they are examining these sorts of policies. UAA has joined forces with Emergence to provide cover for cyberattacks and very soon all policy renewals will cover for this risk.

Cyber-attacks can come in all forms and cause businesses untold damage.

Attacks can include ransom ware where people will hack into a business’s IT systems and lock down all the files so they can’t be accessed. The perpetrator then demands payment for the release of these files.

Filipcevic explained that a cyberattack can also come in the form of Malicious Software or Malware, which is basically when someone in the office clicks on an email or clicks on a link that’s come from a hacker, that releases a virus into their computer systems. Once the perpetrator is in the system, they can steal files, steal information and try to embezzle money.

“If a business suffers a cyber event, we’ll cover the costs your IT system and get you back up and running. If a crane hire business is down for a certain amount of time and they don’t know where and when appointments are, where their cranes need to go, what cranes are in the field and who’s doing what and they lose revenue as a result, then the policy will replace the revenue lost by the business,” Filipcevic said.

The vast majority of cyber-attacks are a result of human error and the crane sector is not immune to this threat.

Attacks occur as a result of people clicking on links that they shouldn’t, people leaving computers on and not backing up. According to Filipcevic, the crane industry is just as vulnerable to cyber-attacks as any other.

In the crane industry a lot of the cranes and the lifting components are all reliant on computer technology in

Troy Filipcevic, managing director of Emergence Insurance

some way, shape or form. This means not only is the business and the computer system which runs the business at risk, the equipment which relies on the technology to perform its role is equally at risk.

“If I think about those businesses, they are exposed in terms of being heavily reliant on technology to perform their tasks which means a hacker can access the technology on the crane and immobilise it. He could jam the computer in the crane and play around with the calculations relating to lifts which could cause damage to property or they could suspend all the functions and make the crane redundant,” he said.

In Filipcevic’s experience, a typical crane hire business can take a number of measures to prevent cyber-attacks.

“There are a number of precautions that crane companies can take to counter cyberattacks. This can be as simple as staff having strong passwords. This increases the difficulty of a hacker accessing the system. Implementing two factor authentication means that employees have to authenticate www.cranesandlifting.com.au

themselves to actually gain access to systems and that’s starting to become a core component of people’s security within the business.

Filipcevic said implementing patching software when patches are released is also important. He said if Microsoft releases a patch to update the software within the business, they should be updating the patch very quickly thereafter. This is because Microsoft is providing patches since they are finding vulnerabilities in their systems and they are fixing them.

They are then sending that out to users to implement as well. Installing these patches as soon as possible is key.

“The other main component is backing up information and backing up data for the business because if they do suffer a cyber event, they have back ups of their information and they can respond and get up and running quickly. Another issue is the training of staff, making them more vigilant and making them aware of the dangers because as I’ve said previously most attacks are as a result of human error,” said Filipcevic.

Emergence Insurance insures all businesses whether they are owner operators with one machine all the way up to multinational businesses with fleets of cranes in the market, says Filipcevic.

“Not only do they get access to an insurance policy and the reassurance that if they do suffer an attack the insurance company will pay; we also have access to global ‘soft security vendors’ as part of our offering so if the business doesn’t have an IT Consultant or a Soft Security Consultant we will help provide these services as part of their claim. It’s not only about the insurance coverage and the money the policy provides, it’s the additional services and the experts we bring along for the ride as well,” he said.

The insurance isn’t expensive with premiums for the smaller businesses starting from around $500 to $1000 per annum and up from there. The threat is real, says Filipcevic “We’ve had a number of crane companies that have experienced attacks. Cyber-attacks are not industry agnostic or size of organisation www.cranesandlifting.com.au

agnostic. A lot of the time the perpetrator doesn’t know who they are targeting and doesn’t care, they just happen to find a vulnerability on a system, and they exploit it.

“The misconception in the market, and this is a big issue, is that a lot of businesses think that it won’t happen to them because they are either too small or they’re not in a high-tech industry.

In reality it’s quite the reverse. The smaller players tend to think they will be immune but, in fact, they are the ones in the firing line, essentially because they don’t have an army of technology people internally working on IT security. They’re busy working on the business, servicing clients and too busy to think about cyber security. This leaves them regarded as ‘low hanging fruit’ and in the firing line of these hackers,” he said.

“Another misconception is that perpetrators are only after the big guys and it won’t happen to us because we’re small. But it’s equally detrimental to small business. If they can’t get cranes out into the field or they can’t get them working, then they are not getting paid.

If they are not getting paid, it’s impacting their livelihoods and those of everyone involved with the business.

“I would suggest that they to need consider taking out insurance to protect their livelihood from a cyberattack. If they are on a paper booking system for example and they suffer an event they probably going to fine.

They know they’ve got a crane in the field and it’s working etc. but if I’m fully technology compliant and I can’t access my booking systems, I can’t access my crane and I don’t know where it is, that’s going to be a major issue,” said Filipcevic.

March 2020 CAL / 53

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IN FOCUS / GROVE CRANES

ON THE FLY AND HIGH WITH GROVE Victorian crane hire business McKay United has a long-standing relationship with Grove all terrain cranes and recently added new models to its fleet. The new models include a 250t class GMK5250L and the 400t GMK 6400. Cranes and Lifting explains.

THE HERITAGE OF Mckay United dates back to 1987 when Gilbert McKay founded Williamstown Crane Hire in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

Managing director, Tom Smith, joined the organisation in 2001.

“We were the typical suburban crane company. We were very much a supplier to the manufacturing and industrial sectors in Melbourne, which were predominantly situated on the western side of the city.

Clients included the ports, factories and petrochemical companies.

“Whether it was the motor industry or the big chemical players, over time and as a result of international competition these companies moved on and the factories have gone. We still supply some of the Tier One industrial sectors on that side of town, but we needed to expand and get into other markets because our traditional client base was naturally declining,” Smith said.

Williamstown acquired Geelong-based, Eastside Crane Hire in 2007, and in 2010 it had some surplus equipment that was moved to Hobart.

According to Smith, previously there was an old company called Elliott’s Crane Hire, which had decided to exit the crane hire market after the global financial crisis. McKay United jumped in with one of their employees and continued on with that business utilising some of their excess equipment from the Melbourne operation.

“Today, we have three depots, Melbourne, Geelong and Hobart and four or five years ago, we rebranded the businesses McKay United to enable us to trade under the one parent company.

The name McKay United came from the original founder and also the uniting of the three entities,” he said.

McKay United’s customer profile is orientated towards Tier One companies www.cranesandlifting.com.au

MegaDrive provides the GMK6400 with traditional and hydrostatic drive capabilities.

across all industry sectors, said Smith.

“Whichever industry sector we are in, we target Tier One organisations.

Exxon Mobil is an example of a Tier One petrochemical company that we supply to and we also supply to Tier One ports and services companies and Tier One civil construction company such as Lend Lease.

Whether it be in construction, industrial, ports, petrochemical, or whatever industry it is, we resonate towards those bluechip customers.

“We really don’t have a lot of customers at the smaller end. Put plainly and simply, you can’t put in place the health and safety regimes you need to supply Tier One businesses and then drive out of the yard tomorrow and supply a builder who wants you to do pretty much anything,” Smith said.

The Grove 450t is the largest hydraulic mobile in the McKay fleet along with Demag 350t Super Lift crawlers, which

are all based in Melbourne. There’s a step down in capacity to the smaller city cranes including the 13t Kato, which is their smallest machine in Melbourne.

Then there are all terrains and Frannas in between. McKay is running approximately 30 cranes out of Melbourne, another eight from Geelong and 12 out of Hobart. The largest crane in the Hobart fleet is a 220t hydraulic mobile and then a full range down to a 12t city crane.

Smith explains the ups and downs of the long-standing relationship with Grove.The relationship with Grove started back in 2000 when they took delivery of the first Australasian GMK5100, Grove’s five axle 100t all-terrain which had a very strong lifting chart, Smith describes it as almost like a 120t machine at some points on the chart. They put that into their fleet in 2000 and followed it with a GMK4075. Both of those cranes are still in the Hobart fleet.

March 2020 CAL / 55

IN FOCUS / GROVE CRANES

The 400t capacity GMK6400 is one of the strongest cranes available on six axles and features a range of unique design elements that set it apart from other cranes in this class.

“We then took delivery of a new 200t machine in 2005 and at the same time we took a second-hand crane out of Germany, which was the same model crane, so at the time we were predominantly a Grove company, and this was the case up until around 2007/2008,” he said.

After the GFC, Grove changed direction in terms of service and support, which went on for a while, but according to Smith the relationship got back on track with a renewed focus on product support in Victoria, and McKay United started to renew its fleet again.

“Our relationship was really reinvigorated when we purchased a five-year-old, 450t mobile from General Cranes in Victoria two years ago. This purchase put us back in touch with Grove in terms of looking for support and at that time they changed their approach to maintenance in Victoria. They added 56 / CAL March 2020

local people to their team, who we knew, and who were already servicing, our cranes,” he said.

“We felt more comfortable about product back up and support, which gave us confidence. We then had some good product feedback on the 250t class crane, the GMK5250L, which we took delivery of last February and then in August we took delivery of the GMK 6400, which is the 400t hydraulic mobile. At the moment, across our fleet, we run the 450t, the 400t, 250t two 200t, a 100t, a 75t and a 55t. We’ve also got a 100t Manitowoc crawler crane and we’ve just ordered a GMK5250XL, which is the 78.5m live boom machine,” Smith said.

According to John Stewart, vice president and GM, Manitowoc Cranes ANZ, the relationship with McKay United dates back 20 years.

“I was involved with the sale of the first GMK5100 way back in 2000. It is

great to see the growth and expansion of customers over the years and to watch our products make their contribution.

All relationships go through their ups and downs, so it’s especially satisfying to regain our relationship with Tom and the Mckay United team and to know the first crane is still making them money after 20 years in the field,” he said.

According to Smith, the relationship is right back on track.

“Now, we’ve got good communication with the Grove representatives, especially Andrew Gray. They now use JDM Diesel Services in Victoria for the servicing and we get good service from John Mahoney and his team. The reliability on the new machines has meant we haven’t required continuous support, which is obviously a good thing with the older machines, we’ve learned how to deal with them in house. However, when you commit to new products and new release machines, www.cranesandlifting.com.au

you’re not completely sure how they are going to perform and you need to feel confident that if you need to contact somebody you are going to get a result.

Over the last two years, we’ve renewed and modernised our Grove fleet and we’ve had a really good result with the machines and also the back up and support,” he said.

Andrew Gray, sales manager Manitowoc Cranes, had this to say about Smith and his team.

“Tom and his team are great to deal with, very professional and very thoughtful about what they do. They know their business and understand the demands their customers face. Every crane in the fleet has been carefully selected to suit particular applications and industry sectors. It is testament to their service and maintenance program that some of their earliest purchases are operating perfectly in the fleet, 20 years later,” said Gray.

McKay United will buy the best machines for the company’s service mix and it’s important to have some diversity in the fleet said Smith.

“The different manufacturers are pitching in slightly different areas. For example, the equivalent 250t in other brands is a stronger machine down low, in a shorter boom configuration for heavy lifting, but the Grove is a stronger machine on the fly and up high.

Different brands offer different options and solutions.

“We have customers requiring wind farm maintenance and the Grove is a better option for this type of application.

When we’re lifting structural beams for example, other brands are a better option. Future additions to the fleet are dependent on what markets we’re trying to push into next. Currently, we feel we have enough infrastructure machinery and some of the Grove options we have now suit where we want to go to next,” he said.

According to Smith, both the Victorian and Tasmanian markets are busy with healthy pipelines of work.

“In Victoria, in the third quarter, January through to March 2020, will probably be our biggest quarter three www.cranesandlifting.com.au

in our history and this quarter normally comes with bit of a Christmas hangover.

This year we were back to work on January 6th for construction work and we go through a rail occupation in February, plus we’ve got plenty of allied type works running alongside it. The rest of the year looks very strong as well,” he said.

“We run a 60-40 split on our revenue streams with 60 per cent on industrial and ports and 40 per cent on construction. Our crews are different for both sides of the business. The health and safety systems and productivity expectations are different in each area, which makes it very difficult to cross the crews over. We try and run specialised crews on the heavy hydraulics and crawler cranes which are mainly in construction and we’ve got a core group operating in in the petrochemical and ports division,” said Smith.

The ageing demographic is also an industry-wide issue and according to Smith, McKay United is no different in terms of needing to address the issue.

“We’ve got a trainee who is 12 months in, and we started a new trainee in February, and he is part of the second Victorian wave. Victoria’s traineeship

options have just gone into its second round and he’s a candidate from this.

Everyone is struggling with the ageing workforce issue.

“As the client base and some of the technology has evolved, whether it’s something as basic as introducing IT products or the need for better interaction with the men on site through technology, some of the older crews have found it difficult to adapt compared to the younger guys. It’s the same with the software in the new cranes. We see the younger guys taking to it much quicker than the older ones,” he said.

Smith said that trying to get quality people through to replace or replenish the work force is usually hard. However, companies like McKay United that supply to major projects are running fairly long workdays, which deliver good wages to their crews.

“Consequently, we will often find an operator with a suburban crane company keen to shift into this project work, so we don’t really have difficulty attracting workers to the business during this time.

That may be good for our business, but that’s not really helping the available pool of labour is it?” said Smith.

Tom Smith, managing director, McKay United.

March 2020 CAL / 57

IN FOCUS / SERVICE Tibor Nemeth, national operations manager and Jason Powter, general manager SuperService.

SUPER FOCUS ON SERVICE With service and product support becoming increasingly critical to the efficiency and productivity of crane and equipment fleets, SuperService is taking its focus to another level.

LAUNCHING IN 2017, SuperService has established itself as a dedicated heavy equipment servicing business undertaking major servicing, repairing and inspections of cranes, elevated work platforms and specialised handling equipment.

SuperService general manager, Jason Powter, leads the impressive team with passion and commitment for the industry. Having an extensive career in operations, manufacturing, quality control and heavy machinery industries, Powter believes customer service and having the right team is the key to successfully managing crane and equipment fleets.

“When I joined SuperService three years ago, my first objective was to grow a team of specialist mechanics capable of servicing a range of heavy machinery including cranes, elevated work platforms and materials handling equipment. We’ve been successful in building that team in our primary facility here in Brisbane and are now developing 58 / CAL March 2020

a similar approach to our depots in Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.

“Our strategic approach has largely been focused on delivering a niche team of mechanics and technicians who are diverse in experience to the broader market. We are prepared to expand our equipment portfolio to provide flexibility and longevity for our business so if one element of the market is quiet, we have other offerings to take to a customer.

To date, we have not lost a customer, which I attribute to the capacity and commitment of our technicians to do good, quality work. Very rarely do you get a second chance in business, especially when it comes to the service and repair industry,” Powter said.

With its major focus on service, the business is attracting customers from different and unexpected industries, said Powter.

“SuperService can do everything from off-hire inspections, repairs and insurance work, through to major inspections and we can do this across

our three core product ranges – cranes, ewps and materials handling. We have also branched into Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for airports and we’re currently working on our third cargo loader. Our customer is very happy with our service and we hope this opportunity could develop further along the east coast and into the other two branches,” he said.

According to Powter, the business doesn’t have a typical customer profile in mind, it caters to all sizes of business.

He also confirms the experience within the team is a major point of difference for the business.

“Our customer profile consists of single crane operators right through to organisation with large fleets of equipment. These organisations know and trust our people thanks to relationships that have formed and been fostered over many years.

Powter said that their customers are very comfortable with the amount of knowledge that their team has about the www.cranesandlifting.com.au

equipment that they work on and trust the job will be done correctly.

“We recently appointed Tibor Nemeth as national operations manager, bringing a wealth of hands-on leadership and experience in national and international cranes and heavy equipment.

Additionally, we have appointed Kerry Fullbrook as our national business development manager. He is very experienced and extremely well known through out the crane industry and if he hasn’t met someone while predelivering, training, selling or repairing their crane they probably haven’t been around very long. In addition, he is very well established, well-known, well-liked and respected. He travels throughout our major depot areas to let people know where he is and who he is working with and what we can deliver,” Powter said.

The SuperService team were chosen for their specific skillsets allowing them to work on equipment ranging from heavy

diesel, prime movers, cranes, EWPs, heavy handling equipment and now airport ground support equipment and scrap metal equipment; hence their tagline “The heavy equipment specialists”.

“To ensure the business has longevity, we have made a commitment to employing and fostering apprentices. We want to grow and generate good skills across the business. It is really rewarding to see young people learning from seasoned professionals with decades of stories and experience to share. Every year we want to be putting on a firstor second-year apprentice to keep our succession plan strong,” Powter said.

The Brisbane facility is impressive boasting 1,000 sq m2 of undercover shed, four work bays and a fifth work bay with a 40-foot service pit and over head cranes to ensure strip downs and assemblies are relatively easy. In addition to the notable workshop facilities, Powter explained that the mobility of Superservice has

SuperService is focused on delivering a niche team of mechanics and technicians with diverse experience to the broader market.

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

been successful in attracting customers away from more traditional service providers like crane dealerships.

“Customer feedback clearly highlights our reactiveness as a major benefit. When they call, we jump to have somebody there as fast as possible. Whether it’s early morning, during the day, evening, night or weekends, we want to make sure their machines are back up and running as quickly as possible. We are aware their gear is their livelihood and machinery not in use is detrimental to their business. We are more than prepared to undertake work within customer’s facilities if needed, which provides a high level of transparency with the customer.

They also get to meet the technician and form a relationship based on work ethic and trust. Quite often a customer will ask for a specific technician to work on their equipment. I’m proud of my team for being dedicated, highly skilled and most importantly, likeable,” Powter said.

He went on to explain that in this industry, where they don’t have a product alignment, they are labour critical, which means that their key revenue is having happy customers.

“Repeat work with our technicians doing what they do best is the ingredients for success. When we see a good technician become available, we will take them on board and generally find customers start calling to ask if he can come down and repair their crane.

The quality of the technician is what the customer wants to see,” Powter said.

Powter and his team’s passion and professionalism have all it takes to make SuperService a national success. He explained how he plans to replicate this in the interstate facilities as the business and brand grows.

“The Brisbane operation is our piece of clay and we are developing this depot to have the right software in place to manage the customer’s fleet. We have put in service alerts, so everything is at the fingertips of both us and the customer if they request it.

“Everything we do successfully here we will slowly roll out in the other March 2020 CAL / 59

IN FOCUS / SERVICE

states, where we’ve got some very committed colleagues who are just as passionate about making this business successful,” he said.

“The more people we have contributing to the common goal the better the business will become. The incentive is for the established guys to work hard and possibly move into a leadership type role, or a coordinators role, and grow with the business.

It’s about understanding people, what they really want to do and what contribution they want to make. We understand it’s not your standard type of work, you’ve got to be prepared to take the phone calls early or late, deal with an unhappy customer who has just had a breakdown and wants someone there two hours ago. To have the right business culture you need

the right people to make it a success,” Powter said.

Powter goes on to explain how the business provides mobile service capabilities.

“The key to our mobile service is the way the vans are fitted out; they are as good as you will see anywhere. Recently, we undertook a 10-year inspection on a 50t crane on the customer’s site out of the back of one of our service vehicles.

Anyone will tell you what a massive effort this took from our technician, but the vans are set out in a way that they can get onto mine sites or Tier One building sites and the technician is confident he has everything he needs at his fingertips. The technicians take a lot of pride in their tooling, they spend a lot time with them and we get a good result from them,” he said.

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Powter explained the SuperService business plan is ahead of where it was expected it to be.

“We are ahead in our growth timeline allowing us to accelerate our growth sooner than expected. By the end of 2020, we see ourselves replicating this Brisbane facility in the other states. The biggest issue we see is the shortage of tradespeople across Australia. However we have strategies to address this.

“We have ambitious plans for the business, and we won’t shy away from that. If you don’t have a goal you will never get there. As we grow, we’ll expand our footprint and we want to do this in every state. We want to provide full turn-key services from start to finish and it will be a long haul to get there, but we believe we’ve got the passion and the expertise to do it,” Powter said.

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IN FOCUS / CRANE CONNECTION AND TIDD

CHOOSING A TIDD FOR MINING APPLICATIONS Lawrence Engineering recently chose a TIDD PC28 for working on mining shutdowns and its fabrication business in Broken Hill. Cranes and Lifting explains.

Lawrence Engineering saw the TIDD PC 28 at the Ben Davis Crane Connection yard and decided to purchase it right there and then.

LAWRENCE ENGINEERING is an engineering company located in Broken Hill serving the mining industry, water infrastructure, wind energy and the rural sector with a range of services and a strong focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. The company recently took delivery of a new TIDD PC28 to support its work in the local mines.

Nigel Lawrence, owner and managing director of Lawrence Engineering confirms the business is predominantly a steel fabrication business with the added ability of machining, fitting, mechanical services, surface protection including blasting and painting.

“A big part of the business is maintenance including mine shutdowns and almost anything across the engineering sector. Our customers are mainly in the mining sector and recently we’ve been involved in some water infrastructure projects and we’re looking to ramp up that area with water being such a critical commodity these days.

“We run three cranes with the TIDD 62 / CAL March 2020

PC28 being the latest addition, we’ve also got a Franna AT 18, an 18t machine and a Tadano GT600 truck crane. The cranes are really there to support our engineering sector, we’re not really a general crane hire business although we do offer that service on occasions and there is quite a bit of that work, but first and foremost our cranes are there to support our engineering capabilities,” Lawrence said.

“Our business is a combination of projects commissioned by our customers and also maintenance which covers all aspects of steel fabrication including hoppers, conveyors also a lot of guards and handrailing and also repair and maintenance because some of these areas in mining are high corrosive areas and we conduct structural steel replacement and repairs. We also service the underground sector of mining as well,” he said.

Lawrence explains the background that led to the addition of the TIDD PC 28.

“Mine shutdowns like changing out liners, wear liners are a fairly big part of

what we do and around all this work we conduct there’s a lot of crane work. We recognised the business was in a position where we could justify two pick and carry cranes and we’d decided we needed something bigger than the existing crane.

“We were looking at the 25t Franna as well as the 35t Humma and at the time we were also looking at the 25t TIDD and also mini cranes as an option.

Working through this assessment process, we’d received some quotes and decided a trip to examine these cranes, in both Melbourne and Sydney, would be beneficial. During the planning we were advised the TIDD PC 28 was going to be released and for us, this raised the stakes even higher. I was leaning towards the TIDD anyway because I was especially impressed with all aspects of its design and capabilities and when they announced the release of a 28t machine it closed that gap further,” he said.

“We still went on the road and we test drove the Humma, we’d already had a look at the 25t Franna beforehand, and then we went to the launch of the TIDD PC 28 at the Baden Davis Crane Connection yard in Sydney in May last year. We saw that machine unveiled and went back the next day to look at it up close and personal and actually operated it, it was a no brainer, we decided right there and then that we’d purchase it,” Lawrence said.

The TIDD PC28 features improved operational function designed to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on construction sites and also on the road. Increased lift capacity and greater manoeuvrability, in smaller work areas, are key benefits of the new www.cranesandlifting.com.au

Safety features include the Dynamic LMI with a deadlock switch inside the cabin and the LMI bridging switch outside the cabin. Slew Safe is an optional safety addition for the TIDD PC28, and has been included on Lawrence Engineering’s new crane.

crane. The TIDD PC28 is constructed using the highest quality components with safety a major focus with every element of its design.

Safety features include the Dynamic LMI with a deadlock switch inside the cabin and the LMI bridging switch outside the cabin. Slew Safe is an optional safety addition for the TIDD PC28, and has been included on Lawrence Engineering’s new crane.

Slew Safe is designed to prevent rollovers and works with a number of features including audible alarms, LMI warnings and power steering is restricted to 15 per cent to reduce further slewing.

Slew Safe cannot be over-ridden but will operate normally in the safe direction.

According to Stephen Dance, TRT’s country manager in Australia, the TIDD PC28 is the only pick and carry crane with this level of safety.

The TIDD PC28 has also been designed with operator comfort in mind.

Many of the key features have been designed based on industry feedback during the TIDD PC28’s development.

These features include: • European standard automotive finish; • shortest forward projection in its class; • an outstanding turning radius, articulating 44° on either side; • 2.3t roadable counterweight; • Mercedes Benz DM906 six-cylinder, turbo charged intercooled 205kW diesel engine; • 6.12-18.65 high tensile boom; www.cranesandlifting.com.au

• Allison 3000 series automatic transmission, 6 speeds forward; • Kessler high-speed planetary axles with diff lock on front axle; • Meritor transfer case; • two stage engine and exhaust brake; • 410 litre tank with locking cap; • automatically activated emergency hydraulic steering; • dual line airbrakes on all wheels with ABS; • pneumatically released spring applied emergency/park brake on all wheels; • Ergonomic ROPs cabin; • 150kg rated suspension seats; • 3 point integrated safety belts.

The optional features include: • Slew Safe; • traction air tyre pressure management – maintaining 130 PSI at all times; • 1.1t superlift counterweight.

The new 18.65m high tensile full power boom features a 75 per cent stationary chart for the heavy lifts and 66 per cent pick and carry chart. The boom’s telescope Sections 1 and 2 are fully synchronised and provide hook compensation.

Telescope Section 3 is independently operated with its own hydraulic cylinder.

The TIDD PC28 features a 28t maximum lift on the lug and 27.6t on the hook block, delivering lifting capacities for improved efficiency and greater lift Increased lift capacity and greater manoeuvrability, in smaller work areas, are key benefits of the new crane. options and setting a new benchmark in the industry.

The TIDD PC28 features improved operational functions, designed to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on construction sites and also on the road. Increased lift capacity and greater manoeuvrability, in smaller work areas, are key benefits of the new crane.

Moving from the stationary chart to the pick and carry chart is as simple as turning off the hold brake.

“We took delivery of our machine in mid-August. It then had to go through the process of being accredited for the mine sites and gain site approvals, we also had it painted in our company colours, stickers made, and it was ready to go. Training was also a big part of it.

The support from the Baden David Crane Connection has been fantastic.

Anthony Davis has been really good he rings just to see how the machine is operating and performing. He’s a good bloke and good to deal with and hopefully we’ll get to deal with him again in the future,” said Lawrence.

Lawrence mentioned that the Slew Safe system was a decision on their end as well given that the TIDD PC28 will spend a lot of time operating on mine sites.

“We see this is going to provide a big advantage as we are the only company in this region to have the safest pick and carry crane on the market and probably the world, and we knew the mining industry will find this very attractive. In promoting the machine to our customers, we’ve really promoted the Slew Safe technology as a feature, and the response has been terrific.

It’s worked really well, and the mines understand that with the TIDD the chances of incidents, compared to other pick and carries on the market, are minimal,” he said.

March 2020 CAL / 63

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IN FOCUS / MANITOWOC

MANITOWOC LAUNCH NEW MLC150-1 CRAWLER CRANE New Manitowoc crawler crane continues the momentum of its popular predecessor, the MLC100-1, increasing the capacity to 150t and adding a host of new features.

The MLC150-1 has new features that make it easier to transport to the job site and quicker to assemble than its crawler-crane predecessors.

66 / CAL March 2020

www.cranesandlifting.com.au

MANITOWOC UNVEILS its latest crawler crane: the Manitowoc MLC150-1. It is the latest in a line of crawler cranes that have been very successful in North America, especially for their competitive load charts and job site manoeuvrability. It was on display at CONEXPO 2020 in March, and it’s one of six brand-new cranes that the company is showing this year, along with several others making their North American debuts.

The new crawler crane continues the momentum of its popular predecessor, the MLC100-1, increasing the capacity to 150 t and adding a host of several new features. It was designed to meet the needs of customers that desire a compact, manoeuvrable crawler crane with a strong load chart and easy transport.

“A big component of ‘The

Manitowoc Way’ is listening to exactly what our customers need and want in their cranes,” said Brennan Seeliger, product manager at Manitowoc Cranes.

“We have had great feedback on the MLC100-1, so we based the new MLC150-1 on that model, but boosted the capacity for the 165-150tclass.”

The MLC150-1 features a 150t base capacity and a maximum boom length of 78m. A fixed jib of 24 m with a 27t capacity is available for the crane, and a 52m luffing jib with a capacity of 46t is another strong option for the job site.

This new crane features quicker assembly than previous models, too.

The boom butt mounted sheave enables self-assembly without the boom top, it features a button style rope termination, and a gantry-raised counterweight reduces components.

The boom cap, jib butt and struts

ship as a single package for fewer connections. It’s also easier to transport. An increased hook height enables self-assembly with various trailer heights, and the crane is designed to be transported with minimal permitted loads.

Operators will particularly enjoy using Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), which can be found across Manitowoc’s crane ranges and provides commonality in operation and maintenance. Additionally, the left side console rotates for improved egress inside the cab.

“Users will really like the upgrades to the cab in the MLC150-1,” Seeliger said.

“While this crane has great capacity and reach for the 150 USt class, improved transport and erection efficiencies are always something users like to see.”

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Ph: (02) 9679 8333 | 43 Holbeche Road, Arndell Park 2148

MOBILE CRANE REPAIRS Mechanical (in house fitters) Structural (in house boilermakers) Painting (in house painters) Machining and line boring (in house fitter and turner) Engine and transmission overhauls CASAR wire rope distributor Wide selection of new and used parts both locally and ex Europe

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.

IN FOCUS / LINK BELT

LINK-BELT CRANES DOWN UNDER Manufactured to cope with rugged and remote conditions, Link-Belt Cranes are ideally suited for the Australian market. However, the strength of the US dollar is proving to be still a challenge.

Cranes and Lifting explains.

DURING LAST YEAR’S CICA Conference and Exhibition, Cranes and Lifting magazine discussed various topics with two of the global leaders from Link-Belt Cranes; Roy Burger managerinternational sales and Bill Stramer, senior vice president marketing sales and customer support.

According to Burger, Link-Belt Cranes have been well received locally and excel in the varied and rugged conditions.

“Link-Belt Cranes have been operating in Australia for about 10 years now. We started out by bringing in truck cranes, rough terrain and telescopic crawler cranes. They’ve been purchased by various

Link-Belt’s new 90t rough terrain the 100|RT comes with the longest, full-power boom available in its tonnage class. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

customers in different areas of the country and all seem to be working well. The Link-Belt truck crane is probably one of the better ones on the market and the telescopic crawlers and the larger rough terrain cranes seem to fit the Australian conditions very well,” he said.

“From a global perspective, we’ve certainly noticed a slow down with the global economy in the last 18 months and with our products being US dollarbased, our competitive position based on currency has deteriorated. This has made our task a little more difficult outside of North America. As far as the Australian market is concerned, we’ve seen New South Wales come back nicely in the past five years, and it’s still very active, but the US currency has been an issue.

“Telecrawlers have been a competitive product for us, and we can see plenty of opportunity in Australia with the resources sector coming back strongly.

There’s a major pipeline of infrastructure projects across most of the states, so there’s plenty of opportunity for the placement of cranes. But we have to be realistic about the currency and it is going to continue to be a challenge. We can only try to make the most of opportunities as they come up,” Burger said.

According to Stramer, Link-Belt has plenty of new products relevant to the local market; there just hasn’t been the opportunity to bring them in to Australia.

“At this year’s bauma, we introduced a few new products but, again, we haven’t had an opportunity to bring any of the newly introduced products to the Australian market due to the currency situation. But I think we’ve positioned ourselves well with a 150t all-terrain (175|AT) and a 230t telescopic crawler (TCC-2500), along with improvements on our larger rough terrains, which now March 2020 CAL / 69

IN FOCUS / LINK BELT

Bill Stramer, International Sales Link-Belt, Anthony Davis, Baden Davis Crane Connection, Roy Burger, marketing sales and customer support manager, Link Belt and Ben Baden.

feature longer booms.

“The operator has been one of the consistent focuses with our product development. We focus on operator and personnel safety and try to mitigate any issues with working at height on all of our new products. We have utilised our patented interlock on our fly mechanism for one man fly erections, again to minimise working at height and to eliminate the number of climbs in and out of the operator’s cab. The fly mechanism eliminates the use of a second person.

That’s been a major focus on our new products,” Stramer said.

“A year ago, we introduced three new models at a crane event in our factory, and at Bauma we introduced a fourth machine.

We’re very proud that all four models are now in production. As a manufacturer you sometimes introduce a new product which takes a while to get into production, but these products are in full production and doing very well,” he said.

Link-Belt’s new 90t rough terrain the 100|RT was first unveiled in late 2018. It comes with the longest full-power boom available in its tonnage class and delivers outstanding reach with a five-section 12.3-47.2m full-power formed boom. An available two-piece on-board off-settable fly provides greater flexibility and range, and manually offsets at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees. A 4.9m lattice insert extension provides a maximum tip height of 72.2m.

The 100|RT is the first Link-Belt 70 / CAL March 2020

rough terrain crane to utilise the new fly erection technology from Link-Belt’s telescopic truck and telescopic crawler cranes. A fly assist cylinder makes erecting and stowing the fly a one-person operation and minimises work at height.

Boom head speed screws and numbered spring-loaded latches provide intuitive assembly. Given the natural elevation of a rough terrain crane boom, Link-Belt has simplified fly assembly with new ground level carrier controls. One control raises and lowers boom angle from 10 to -3 degrees, and another control is used for the fly assist cylinder.

The 100|RT’s six-speed transmission is powered by a dual compliant Cummins Stage V/Tier IV QSB 6.7L 173 kW (232hp), and also available is a Cummins Tier III QSB 6.7L 179 kW (240 hp) diesel engine. Four 29.5x25 tires mounted on axles affixed to the carrier via greaseless 4-link suspension, thereby eliminating 10 previous grease points.

Centralised electrical locations, remote mounted filters, and easy-access fluid checks make routine service a breeze.

The 100|RT also features Link-Belt’s V-CALC (Variable Confined Area Lifting Capacities) system features 81 different outrigger configurations with real time 360° charts.

Stramer explains how telematics help with monitoring Link-Belt Cranes operating in remote areas.

“Australia is a large continent and

Link-Belt Cranes are operating in remote and difficult terrains particularly in the mining and resources sectors. For this reason, we have telematics on all our cranes which helps our distributors with long distance diagnostics and troubleshooting.

“With telematics, a lot of data is being captured for our customers. The data is live and can be accessed by the owner and the distributor, even the Link-Belt factory, wherever the machine is operating. On our Pulse System, our operating system for our cranes, we’ve evolved to a Pulse 2.0 system with telematics which not only allows you to understand what the crane is doing, but we have the ability to send software updates to the crane remotely.

We can send an update to a crane working in Western Australia from Lexington, Kentucky, US,” he said.

Burger explains a bit more about LinkBelt’s engineering philosophy.

“For Link-Belt, telematics isn’t just tracking information and helping with the predictive maintenance, it is also being used for trouble shooting and even helping with repairs remotely. Robustness is engineered into Link-Belt products. The telecrawler is a good example of a product that wants to work.

“We design and engineer them with the customer in mind. In many instances, they are bought for rental work and probably won’t be maintained very well so we try to eliminate the requirement for daily maintenance. To minimise that, we build all our products for the long term. We build with strong high-level componentry which means durability and performance is built into every machine,” he said.

“Prior to our engagement with Baden Davis Crane Connection, Link-Belt hadn’t been in Australia for a very long time. The last new crane sold would have been back in the early 80s. So, our cranes hadn’t been here for a very long time and we feel fortunate to have an agreement to work with this company which is well respected for its technical abilities and service capabilities, and Ben and Anthony represent our business extremely well,” Burger said. www.cranesandlifting.com.au

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