Cranes and Lifting August 2023

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IN THIS ISSUE

10 Tutt Bryant

33 Unilif t

A deep dive into the origins and operations of the Orange-based lifting and rigging specialists.

37 Bunzl

An analysis of the safety requirements around manual chain and lever blocks.

59 Baden Davis

The NSW-based TIDD distributors are sampling a try-before-you-buy policy.

62 DR A

Crane Lift Australia’s Greg Abboniz io discusses the Humma brand and how it’s helped expand his business.

65 Grove

Melrose Cranes have a new Grove All-Terrain crane and Business Development Manager.

67 Pickles Auctions

Examines the continued transition of the industry.

70 TRT

Neil Webb details all the New Zealand company is doing to ensure they get their customer service right.

74 Franna

14 CICA: President’s Report Brandon Hitch recaps a successful Victorian branch meeting.

16 CICA: Canberra and Sydney meeting Comprehensive road updates from the NSW and ACT sectors of the association.

18 Holding Redlich

40 Andromeda

Platforming the range of products and ser vices offered by the NSW engineering company.

43 RUD Chains

A look into the services offered by world-leading manufacturers RUD Chains.

47 Tutt Bryant

Tutt Bryant’s Heavy Lift & Shift program complete a big lift in Sydney.

51 XCMG

National dealers Ronco and D&D Diesel give their thoughts on XCMG’s reputation and their manufacturing capacity.

55 Boom Logistics

Sales Director Andrew Pritchard talks technology, safety, and Franna’s Australian expansion into the rough-terrain market.

78 UA A

UAA continues to insure against complex and emerging risks.

81 ICONExpo

The inaugural event of the Inside Construction Exposition is coming.

84 Gleason Cranes

Mirri Cranes & Rigging have purchased three new Zoomlions from Gleason Cranes. Owner Shane Golding tells us why.

88 Universal Cranes

Universal Cranes have teamed up with Tutt Bryant and Kato to bring a new 25-tonne crane to their fleet.

29 LEEA

A comprehensive recap of the inaugural LiftEx.

Operations Manager Rodney Welfare and HR Advisor Lisa McGregor talk about how Boom’s impact extends beyond just heavy lifts.

WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE OF CRANESANDLIFTING

THE SKILLS SHORTAGE CONTINUES. Results of a recent survey by recruitment and workforce specialists Hays confirmed 88 per cent of organisations in Australia are experiencing a skills shortage with 40 per cent saying the impact of skills shortages has intensified in the past 12 months.

Surveyed businesses said the impact will be greatest on productivity (63 per cent), increased workloads for existing staff (62 per cent), project delivery (59 per cent), growth and or expansion plans (49 per cent), employee engagement and morale (46 per cent), employee turnover (44 per cent), revenue and profit (41 per cent) and customer service (41 per cent.).

F urthermore, 40% of employers say the impact of skills shortages has intensified in the past 12 months.

The key drivers of the skills shortage, according to employers, are a lack of people with the necessary qualification/s or experience (77 per cent) and increased competition from other employers (64 per cent).

It is clear the Australian economy is heading for a skills recession as a shrinking talent pipeline threatens

the effective operation and growth plans of organisations. With the skills shortage predicted to last well into the 2030s, employers must guard against the long-term impact. Training and apprenticeship programs are a key element to attracting youth to the crane sector.

The Crane Industry Council of Australia’s (CICA) National Conference and Exhibition is rapidly approaching. With Perth hosting the event from October 26th to 28th the team at Cranes and Lifting is encouraging all CICA members to consider entering the CICA Lift of the Year and the CICA Photo of the Year awards. You will see profiles for both awards in this issue.

The Cranes and Lifting team has worked hard to bring you what we hope is informative and interesting reading material, and as always, we hope you enjoy the read.

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Cranes and Lifting

EC-B

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

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Tower Cranes

INDUSTRIES UNITE AGAINST GOVERNMENT PLANT & STRUCTURE REGULATION DELAYS

The Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) has joined forces with a number of industry groups expressing frustration at the New Zealand government’s Plant & Structures regulations.

Centring around the Plant, Structures and Hazardous Work regulations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, construction industry bosses are becoming frustrated at government delays for OH&S regulations pertaining to staff working in their sector.

Aligning with the industry associations for scaffolding, roofing, elevated work platforms, hire, and forklift hire, CANZ questioned the lack of transparency surrounding delays in releasing drafts of the regulations.

Scaffolding Access and Rigging Association chief executive officer Tina Wieczorek says the existing regulations are years out of date.

“This creates significant risks to anyone working in the crane,

scaffolding, roofing and elevated work platform sectors, as well as many others.”

She says the new regulations, designed to reduce work-related harm, were first drafted in mid-2019 but still haven’t been finalised.

“Meanwhile we have thousands of construction staff in cranes, up scaffolding, on roofs and using elevating work platforms every day,” she says, “all working in potentially risky environments and who deserve the most up to date regulations to ensure their safety.

“Government doesn’t seem in a rush to get the new safety regs in place.”

They all agree the new regulations need to be consulted on urgently and

gazetted as soon as possible to avoid any further undue risk to workers.

“But we’ve been told nothing’s likely to happen until at least March next year,” Wieczorek said. “Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, we don’t have an accident in the meantime that the new regs would have prevented.”

Despite submitting an Official Information Act (OIA), all the relevant associations are still in the dark regarding what changes are being made.

Once enacted, the new regulations will update the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to ensure its alignment with current industry practice and ensure safety procedures.

“They all agree the new regulations need to be consulted on urgently and gazetted as soon as possible to avoid any further undue risk to workers.”

Sarah Toase, CEO of The Cranes Association of New Zealand.

MAMMOET BRING 8,600 TONNES OF CRANE CAPACITY TO INDIAN ENERGY SECTOR

Global heavy lift and logistics specialists Mammoet have deployed three of the world’s largest ring cranes in India.

Packing a combined lifting capacity of 8,600 tonnes, the three ring cranes will be used in the country’s energy industry to combat that nation’s growth in energy demand, with Sales Director for Mammoet India Rahul Rathod labelling the feat as “extraordinary”.

“This monumental achievement underscores our commitment to serving India’s evolving energy landscape with efficient and integrated solutions across various sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, nuclear power, and offshore wind projects,” he said.

The three ring cranes in question are the mammoth 5,000 tonne PTC210-DS, the 1,600 tonne PTC35-

DS, and the 2,000 tonne PT50. Set to work in in Gujarat and Rajasthan respectively, all three cranes will contribute to the installation of heavy refinery components.

Designed to be simple to transport globally, Mammoet’s ring cranes possess containerised parts, resulting in increased cost-effectiveness during transportation between sites and countries.

Furthermore, the ring cranes allow for concurrent on-site work thanks to their compact base, which also leads to a reduction in costs through less overall construction time and labour expenses.

With future energy projects on the rise in India, Mammoet is already planning to bring in a further two cranes: the 4,300 tonne SK190, and the SK6000 – a whopping 6,000 tonne capacity crane that represents the next evolution of the SK series of super heavy-lift cranes.

According to the Dutch based company, these machines will play a pivotal role in the installation of multiple components during shutdown activities in the coming years, further bolstering efficiency and productivity across various projects in India.

Mammoet’s ring crane performing a heavy lift in the energy sector.

“Designed to be simple to transport globally, Mammoet’s ring cranes possess containerised parts, resulting in increased costeffectiveness during transportation between sites and countries.”

69m Boom!*

MAXbase Equipped

LEVEL ACCESS THE BENCMARK 150t HAS MORE REACH

The New GMK5150XL is the latest sibling of the GMK5150L-1, with longest boom (69m) and most versatile road weights in class

• Reach further with 69m boom and 30m hydraulic luffing fly

• 50t GVM with outriggers in situ for reduced cost legal travel in all Australian states and territories

• 10.2t counterweight in situ at 12t per axle

• Increased safety and flexibility with MAXbase variable outrigger positioning

• Faster, intuitive set-up with CCS (Crane Control System)

• Grove Connect Telematics

• Capacity: 150t

• Main boom: 68.7m pinned*

• Maximum Jib: 30.2m (40O hyd luff)

• Maximum tip height: 99m

New GMK5150XL

FIRST BATTERY ELECTRIC SANY ABOUT TO LAND

TUTT BRYANT’S BEYOND ZERO PROGRAM aims to leverage off the research and development work of its global partners and suppliers, including Sany, to bring to the market innovative and sustainable solutions from overseas, along with those that are developed locally using in-house capabilities.

Tutt Bryant is in discussions with a number of parties interested in taking on this new fully battery-powered electric crane.

Whilst not yet finalised, the Sany SCE800TB-EV is expected to be deployed within the metro area of a capital city, likely to be working on any one of the many infrastructure projects currently underway along the East Coast of Australia.

Both the convenience and versatility of a hydraulic telescopic boom crawler crane have been proven time and again on urban worksites where space comes at a premium.

Running on a Danfoss electric motor that is rated at 206kW of power and 1310Nm of torque, the SCE800TB-EV enables silent and emissions-free operation when compared to a traditional crane with a diesel engine.

These are significant advantages when working in confined spaces such as tunnels and where neighbouring residents and businesses can potentially be affected by noise and emissions.

The Sany SCE800TB-EV reflects Tutt Bryant’s and Sany’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

As a responsible, visionary and aspiring global enterprise, Sany supports the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In all decision-making processes, Sany takes global trends and challenges, international norms of responsible business behaviour and stakeholders’ expectations into consideration.

Against the backdrop of a low-carbon future featuring a carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality, Sany is now leading the wave of electrification in responding to the call for an electrical era that is widely echoed across the industry.

Sany has launched more than 30 new energy products, covering three major energy supplement routes of pure electricity, electricity exchange and hydrogen fuel.

Sany Renewable Energy explores the lowcarbon development of the manufacturing industry through developing intelligent, renewable-energy products including wind power products and photovoltaic power plants.

Tutt Bryant’s Beyond Zero program was recently launched in recognition of the role it can play in Australia’s decarbonisation journey. Tutt Bryant has identified in particular the internationally diverse expertise that can be accessed through its

The first unit from Sany is being imported by Tutt Bryant as a ground-breaking move to expand its portfolio of products and services, in order to align with community expectations that industry plays its part in decarbonising Australia’s economy.

Running on a Danfoss electric motor that is rated at 206kW of power and 1310Nm of torque, the SCE800TB-EV enables silent and emissions-free operation when compared to a traditional crane with a diesel engine.

In addition to leveraging off the technical advances and innovations from overseas, Tutt Bryant’s Beyond Zero program also seeks to build out its in-house capabilities as part of efforts to develop local skills and capacity in advanced manufacturing and services.

Sany puts research and development at the core of what it does, seeking out new and better ways to design and manufacture its products. In line with Industry 4.0, Sany is committed to developing intelligent manufacturing that links people, technology and adaptation to grow productivity and efficiency.

By investing between five to seven per cent of annual sales revenue in R&D each year, Sany constantly looks for ways to build

smarter machines, reduce its impact on the environment and increase sustainable performance. The continuous investment in its manufacturing process is demonstrated by the rollout of its lighthouse factories - which are known as the most advanced facilities in the world with advanced automation, human-machine collaboration, AI, machine learning and IoT integration.

The unrelenting drive to boost productivity and reduce production time contributes towards maximum sustainable performance with minimal wastage of materials and energy.

Renewable energy is used extensively in Sany’s manufacturing process, and it has gone even further by expanding to new

energy production with Sany Renewable Energy – an important business division of Sany that specialises in the research, manufacturing and sales of wind turbines and the design, construction and management of wind farms and photovoltaic power stations.

In addition to the initiatives already outlined, Sany is leading the electrification revolution on a number of fronts.

Key amongst them is the development and sales of Sany electric cranes, where more than 1000 sets were sold in 2022, representing a market share of nearly 90% in China.

Sany had also sold more than 1300 sets of electric mixers in the same year, winning half of the market share, while Sany electric

As a responsible, visionary and aspiring global enterprise, Sany supports the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

heavy trucks achieved their highest sales in their respective categories.

More recently, Sany opened its New Energy Engineering Vehicle Testing Centre in China to house an array of specialised testing equipment focussing on technologies including motors, batteries, electronic controls (HIL), hybrids, hydrogen fuel, battery cells and electric drive axles.

In Australia, Tutt Bryant is working with Sany and other partners to reduce their carbon footprint and widen the sustainable options available to customers through their Beyond Zero program.

Besides battery electric equipment, Tutt Bryant is also investigating new fuel options such as renewable diesel, ethanol and hydrogen. A hybrid prototype has also been developed to support on-site power needs.

Simple wins such as converting to more energy efficient alternatives (an example is installing workshop LED lighting) and solar PV on suitable Tutt Bryant facilities have already been implemented.

A continued program of waste minimisation and recycling is another important aspect of Tutt Bryant’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint.

The expectations of the community are clear, and one just has to look at the enthusiastic uptake of electric cars by everyday Australians in recent years to realise that the transition to a decarbonised society is well and truly underway.

Through the plethora of alternative technologies however, it is understood that

industry requires practical solutions that can be meaningfully implemented in a costeffective manner. This is particularly so given the relative lack of government support when compared to other jurisdictions.

The cost hurdle is diminishing by the day with technology and production advances, which in the case of the Sany SCE800TBEV is based on proven technology from the world’s largest battery maker, CATL, utilising its LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery that is cobalt-free.

In addition to the fuel savings, a fully battery-powered electric crane offers significant benefits on worksites in being free of emissions and generating very little noise. All these can be achieved with no loss of productivity when compared to a traditional crane operating on diesel.

Sany will also be introducing its proprietary power packs shortly to enhance and supplement the user experience with the SCE800TB-EV crane.

These power packs will allow charging from a variety of sources while the crane is working, to then deliver rapid charging to the crane when required.

The market reception to the SCE800TBEV is expected to be positive, especially within metro areas where charging infrastructure is more prevalent, and principal contractors are better able to design their worksites to accommodate battery electric equipment.

The Sany SCE800TB-EV is a telescopic crawler crane that is designed to work

predominantly on worksites with minimal travel. It will comfortably operate for a full day on a single charge.

The challenge for a fully battery-powered all terrain crane is the need to travel to worksites over long and short distances.

A significant portion of the battery charge will therefore need to be expended for road travel, especially given the extra weight of the battery.

Going to multiple locations also presents the difficulty of finding the necessary charging infrastructure when required. Depending on the distances travelled, it is unlikely that a fully battery-powered all terrain crane will be able to travel and operate for a full day before returning to its depot for charging.

By planning for and installing the charging infrastructure on a worksite, the on-site use of the SCE800TB-EV will be a lot more practical and useful.

This can be supplemented by the use of power packs to further minimise the charge time of the crane.

The enforcement of lower emissions in construction equipment by governmentsfederal and state - will assist and promote the rollout of battery electric and other new energy powered equipment.

Such policies will ascribe a higher value on equipment that is more efficient and cleaner than traditional diesel-fuelled machines. The effect is to ultimately sway the cost-benefit analysis towards low and zerocarbon alternatives.

In all decision making processes, Sany always considers global trends and challenges, international norms of responsible business behaviour and stakeholders’ expectations

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH COLLABORATION

CICA VIC/TAS HAS HAD A STRONG start to the year and our member events have been well attended. Recognising the importance of networking, the VIC /TAS Breakfast Meeting was held in May at The Teller in Lygon Street and was well attended by members.

The breakfast meeting provided an opportunity for members to connect with one another. Events like this highlight the importance of gathering to strengthen our association’s community and collaboration among members.

On 11 July 2023, the VIC/TAS

branch held the first CICA Business Essentials (CBE) event. This is a new initiative for supporting small to medium business owners in the Crane Industry. CICA has developed wet and dry hire documents with a contract lawyer, and these have been customised for each state. CICA is making these free for members, just get in touch with Paul or Justina if you would like a copy.

Ping Gangur from Level Playing Field Lawyers delivered a presentation on the importance of relevant and current wet/dry hire agreements. The risk and responsibility for cranes and equipment come down to the specific terms of the contract, so it is important to review these contracts carefully.

Ping stressed that wet/dry hire agreements are essential for establishing a clear and mutually beneficial relationship between the hiring party and the providing party. They help mitigate risks, define responsibilities and provide a framework for efficient and transparent collaboration. By clearly outlining the terms and conditions of the agreement, these agreements contribute to smoother operations, reduced disputes and enhanced

“CICA is working hard with VicRoads to progress the Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS) project, which uses telematic data and is a more accurate and contemporary approach to heavy vehicle access.”

Brent Young

CICA Victoria Branch Chair

professionalism in the crane and construction industries.

CICA is working hard with VicRoads to progress the Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS) project, which uses telematic data and is a more accurate and contemporary approach to heavy vehicle access. A pre-approved road network is something we envy in our Tasmanian counterparts. A system like Tasmania’s would greatly improve efficiency and productivity in Victoria.

We have a couple of great member events coming up in September that I hope you’ll take the time to be a part of. The VIC/TAS Regional Meeting in Traralgon is a picturesque setting with the nearby Strzelecki Ranges and the Latrobe Valley providing a scenic backdrop. Princes Highway passes through the town, providing easy road access from Melbourne and other major regional centres.

On 20 September 2023 we’ll hold our branch meeting alongside the Inside Construction Expo.

The 2022-23 Victorian Budget continues the State’s investment in a major pipeline of projects, with $85.3 billion in general government spending on infrastructure over the next four years.

However, the construction sector is facing significant challenges and Inside Construction Expo 2023 will look at the issues of skills shortage in the construction sector; digital transformation of the construction industry; and safety from a state perspective.

The branch meeting is an opportunity to stay up to date and network with others in the crane industry, the Inside Construction Expo will also be insightful, particularly for members who are involved in State Government projects. We’d love to see you there, if you have any questions please reach out to Paul, Justina or myself.

Brent

Young

CICA BOARD

Ben Pieyre – President

Marcus Ferrari – Vice President

Tom Smith – Director

Danny Adair – Director

Danny Black – Director

Andrew Esquilant – Director

David Solomon – Director

Karli Sutherland– Director

CICA OFFICE

Brandon Hitch Chief Executive Officer 03 8320 0444 0428 228 048 ceo@cica.com.au

Paul Arztenhofer Membership Engagement/ Business Development Specialist 04 9093 9274 paul@cica.com.au

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

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

Damien Hense CICA Road Policy Advisor 03 8320 0460 0488 007 575 damien@cica.com.au

Julie Turner CICA Executive Assistant / Office Manager 03 8320 0411 julie@cica.com.au

Kate Galloway Traineeship Coordinator 0491 047 118 Kate@cica.com.au

Ashleigh Gould Cranesafe and Crewsafe Administration Officer

Phone: 03 8320 0466

Email: ashleigh@cica.com.au

Michelle Verkerk Marketing Communications Officer 0404 938 714 michelle@cica.com.au

Justina Blackman

Member Events and Engagement 0403 717 626

justina@cica.com.au

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

Phone: 03 9501 0078

Fax: 03 9501 0083

Email: admin@cica.com.au

Website: www.cica.com.au

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

CICA ROAD UPDATE

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) chose Canberra as the venue for the NSW Regional meeting in Canberra and Tadano hosted the CICA Sydney meeting in May. Both provided an opportunity for comprehensive road updates.

THE NSW REGIONAL WAS AS INFORMATIVE as ever, with representatives from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRACA), Transport for NSW (TfNSW), and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator providing updates to members as part of the meeting. Damien Hense, CICA’s Road Policy Advisor then provided updates to the CICA Sydney meeting.

Graeme Evans (DITRACA) provided the latest updates on the ROVER system. This new system requires crane manufacturers and importers to demonstrate compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs.) This change brings SPVs into line with all other imported vehicles, including trucks across the Australian road network. As of July 1, 2023, all cranes (domestic and international) are required to demonstrate compliance with ADRs related to brakes, lights and mirrors. The second phase of the project involves demonstrating compliance to all relevant ADRs – which will be required as of July 1, 2024. CICA has been working closely with all manufacturers to ensure that the

market is ready for the changes, with many manufacturers having already demonstrated compliance, allowing for the smooth and timely movement of vehicles off the docks and into crane yards across the country.

TfNSW provided an update on the program of work which is primarily focused on improved access for cranes in both regional and metropolitan NSW. CICA and its members received an update on the new State Government Ministers following the recent election in NSW. CICA congratulates the new Ministers and is looking forward to improving road access across NSW with their assistance. The relevant ministers include:

• Jo Haylen – Minister for Transport

• John Graham – Minister for Roads

• Jenny Aitchison – Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

CICA was also updated on the flood recovery efforts, following the extensive damage experienced across NSW as part of the significant rain events of 2022. Many parts of the affected network are well on the way to being put back into service, while

resilience measures are being implemented to lessen the impact of future events. Work continues on the clarification of pilot and escort vehicles for crane and dolly configurations, as well as the implementation of increased tolerances for six axle cranes to allow them to operate under the notice. Crane owners in both the cities and the regions are still experiencing issues with access to third party structures (mainly rail infrastructure) remaining a challenge in some places. CICA has been working with TfNSW to streamline the relevant access requests and has asked for these structures to be assessed and added to the maps in line with other State based road assets. TfNSW also confirmed its plan to roll out the Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS) for PBS vehicles in December 2023. The HVAMS system is a source of great excitement for the crane industry as the system delivers instantaneous and certain road access outcomes for crane owners. The system allows crane owners to run alternate configurations of the same crane, depending on the job requirements. The SPV component of the NSW HVAMS system will be made available to the crane industry sometime in 2024.

It is important to note that the required telematics solution will change across NSW as part of the HVAMS rollout. The move from IAP to TMA will allow road managers to have increased levels of confidence that any conditions imposed on road access will be met by industry. As seen in Tasmania

Over 30 CICA members attended the Sydney meeting

and Victoria, the lower cost TMA platform also allows for in-cabin navigation to ensure that crane drivers always know the required route to be taken to site, as well as any speed or time of day conditions that may apply as a condition of access from the road manager.

The NHVR presented to NSW members on the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Program (SLGAAP), providing some insights into how it intends to assist local government in better understanding the condition of structural assets. The program recently received additional funding as part of the recent Federal budget and is being made available to Local Governments across the country. CICA still has some concerns on how the SLGAAP program will integrate with the HVAMS system and will continue to work with both the NHVR and the relevant state-based road managers to ensure that an ‘end to end’ access system – which includes both first and last mile considerations – is made available to industry.

Regarding the wider industry update, CICA has contributed to the Construction Logistics and Community Safety – Australia initiative.  (CLOCS-A) is a national best practice approach for managing the risks and impacts on community road safety brought about by the on-road transport and logistics activities associated with construction projects. It was developed to provide a consistent framework for industry to achieve a reduction in road trauma

associated with construction logistics. CICA’s primary motivation for participation was to ensure that safe and efficient road access for cranes is considered at the project design phase. All too often crane owners have been burdened with the task of arranging access to government projects in locations where safe and appropriate road access could have been arranged well ahead of time.

The final NSW road update was related to the national road pricing trial. The National Heavy Vehicle Charging Pilot (NHVCP) is exploring fairer ways to fund Australia’s roads in the future, with a series of on-road trials. The NHVCP aims to test alternative ways to charge heavy vehicles for their road

usage, based on the weight of the vehicle and distance travelled. Current charges are based on an annual registration fee and a fuel excise. The National Pilot is exploring two methods of Road User charges—one is a manual system using hub odometers and mock permits, the second system is an automated system using telematics and mock invoices.

The Government is co-designing the onroad trials with industry. This will provide a platform for industry to inform and shape future policy. It is important to note that no decisions have been made to change the way heavy vehicle road user charges are collected. Any decisions made by governments to move to a new way to charge heavy vehicles would be informed by the results of the trials and would be undertaken in consultation with industry. This is why it is essential that crane owners participate in the trial. CICA has been speaking to members across the country, emphasising the importance of this reform as it is likely that a mass / distance / location style of road pricing will be introduced across Australia in the coming years.

Participation is simple to arrange contact with the Department via email - National. Pilot@infrastructure.gov.au or via the sign up page https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/form/ sign-me-up

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/ default/files/documents/national-pilot-howthe-charging-model-works-in-phase-3-of-thetrials_0.pdf

The theme of the CICA Sydney meeting was Cranes and Classics.

Tadano’s Director - Sales, Marketing & Support James Greenwood is thanked by Stephan Becherand, CICA NSW Vice Chair.

CONSIDERING ENTERPRISE BARGAINING

ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL MINISTER

for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke, Australia’s enterprise bargaining system has not been working effectively for a long time.

To fix this, amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 were made on 6 June 2023 to make it easier for employers to bargain for a collective agreement and have it approved by the Fair Work Commission.

This change presents an opportunity for employers in the crane industry to consider enterprise agreements as a means to regulate employment in their businesses.

WHY MAKE AN ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT

Enterprise bargaining allows employers to tailor modern award conditions, to create a set of conditions that suit the particular requirements of their business and workforce. For crane industry employers, it would allow the awards covering its employees, like the Mobile Cranes Award, to be replaced by an instrument that makes more sense for the business and its workforce.

Once made, the agreement is there for all employees to see and reduces the need to enter into comprehensive individual employment agreements with new starters. During its life, the agreement buys the employer insurance against any industrial action because this is unlawful prior to the nominal expiry date of the agreement.

However, the rules regarding making an enterprise agreement have been very technical and, unless a union has been pushing you to make an agreement, a large number of employers have not attempted to

create their own.

The changes introduced on 6 June 2023 are designed to make it easier for the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to approve enterprise agreements and remove roadblocks and delays in bargaining. In this article, Holding Redlich looks at the changes to enterprise bargaining and the potential impact on industrial relations strategies for the crane industry.

NEW SINGLE-INTEREST BARGAINING STREAM

The new laws introduce single-interest employer agreement where two or more employers with a common interest can be covered by the same agreement. Either an employer or union can apply to the FWC to start bargaining for one of these agreements, although it will not impact small businesses (less than 15

OTHER STREAMS

There is a new Co-operative Workplaces Bargaining Stream which is open to employers of all sizes including smaller businesses in the crane industry. At least some of the employees involved in the bargaining process must be represented by a union and no party has a right to take industrial action of any kind.

Although unlikely to have an impact on the crane industry, the new laws have also relaxed the requirements to access the new Supported Bargaining Stream, which applies to employers with a common interest having regard to pay and conditions in the industry, including whether low rates of pay prevail and where at least some of the employees are represented by a union. The FWC now has the power to order employers to be covered by a proposed supported bargaining agreement more easily.

employees) or employers already covered by an enterprise agreement within its nominal life. The FWC has to be satisfied the majority of employees are in favour of the approach, the employers have common interests and it is in the public interest before authorising bargaining. The FWC can also issue an order to put the agreement to a vote whether or not all unions agree to do that.

Importantly, if your business operates only in the civil construction sector, this new single-interest employer stream does not apply.

National Commercial law firm Holding Redlich examines the changes made to the Fair Work Act 2009 including the impact on the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act and industrial strategy for the Crane Industry.

Holding Redlich lawyer

Julia Wyatt

“The changes introduced on 6 June 2023 are designed to make it easier for the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to approve enterprise agreements and remove roadblocks and delays in bargaining.”

Enterprise agreements are there for all employees to see and reduces the need to enter into comprehensive individual employment agreements with new starters.

Implications for crane industry employers and other organisations:

1. The new changes may prompt for the unions to seek a more formalised industry enterprise agreement involving multiple businesses in the crane industry. This approach may include employers covered by the Mobile Crane Hiring Award (2020) being required to take part in multienterprise bargaining.

2. L ittle will change if your business has a history of making single-enterprise collective agreements under the FW Act with union bargaining representatives. The prospect of being ‘roped-in’ to bargaining for a multiemployer agreement will be minimal if you engage with union bargaining representatives about a replacement agreement when your current agreement passes its nominal expiry date. This is one of many features of the new laws designed to prod employers to conclude an enterprise agreement.

EASIER FOR UNIONS TO START BARGAINING AND TO MAKE A COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

The new laws reduce barriers to commence bargaining by removing the requirement to obtain a majority support determination in the single-enterprise agreement stream. The better off overall test (BOOT) is also simplified and provides further certainty to employers including by applying a global test to a ‘reasonably foreseeable employee’.

A union bargaining representative can initiate bargaining by simply making a written request to the employer when employees are covered by an agreement that has passed its nominal expiry date within the last five years, and the scope of the proposed agreement is substantially similar to the expired agreement.

The FWC has been given discretion to work with the parties during the approval process in a constructive manner, to consider specific objections and to vary or excise terms that do not otherwise meet the BOOT.

The aim of this amendment is to limit undertakings given to the FWC and prevent delays in the agreement commencing. In the past, undertakings have sometimes made it harder for workers and managers to interpret the document and lead to future legal disputes if it is poorly drafted.

Implications for crane industry employers and other organisations:

1. The relaxation of the BOOT will make the approval process for enterprise agreements less onerous. The new laws however also empower the FWC to reassess the BOOT during the life of an enterprise agreement if there has been a material change in working arrangements or the relevant circumstances were not properly considered during the approval process. This may be concerning, given the key reason to make the agreement is to achieve certainty for pay and conditions.

2. I f your business has a history of making enterprise agreements with union bargaining representatives including for example, the CMFEU, you will need to engage in more preparation in the final weeks or months before the nominal expiry date passes, given the ease by which bargaining for a replacement can be triggered. You will no longer be able to force the union to test the support for bargaining amongst employees through the majority support determination process.

MORE PRESSURE ON EMPLOYERS AND UNIONS TO REACH AGREEMENT

The new laws broaden the FWC’s arbitration jurisdiction to assist parties who are bargaining for a new enterprise agreement to resolve disputes. After nine months have passed

from the nominal expiry date of the enterprise agreement or the commencement of bargaining (whichever is later), the FWC can now make ‘intractable bargaining declarations’ and ‘intractable bargaining workplace determinations’ to resolve bargaining issues that remain in dispute. The FWC will try conciliate first, but if this fails they can make binding determinations when it concludes there is no reasonable prospect of an agreement being reached by other means.

Implications for crane industry employers and other organisations: Employers will need to carefully consider their bargaining strategy in light of the expanded avenues for the FWC to apply pressure on industrial parties to make concessions in order to

to be resolved by agreement, in which case it will need to consider how it will convince the FWC not to impose the unwanted outcome by arbitration.

OTHER CHANGES

The new laws restrict protected action in some cases until 120 hours’ notice is given to the employer. If a protected action ballot order has been made the bargaining representatives must attend a compulsory conciliation conference before the FWC, in order to reduce the chance of industrial action.

Also, to reduce the bargaining strategy of terminating an existing expired agreement, the new laws provide that the FWC cannot terminate the agreement unless it is unfair to employees, does not cover any employees or would pose a threat to the viability of the business.

Finally, the new laws have put an expiry date on old ‘zombie’ agreements which will cease to have effect from December 2023 unless an application is made to the FWC. The FWC has also released the Statement of Principles on Genuine Agreement Instrument 2023 which the FWC must consider as part of its determination of an employee’s genuine agreement to an enterprise agreement – if that guide is not satisfied, the FWC may not approve the agreement.

The new laws introduce single-interest employer agreement where two or more employers with a common interest can be covered by the same agreement.

“Finally, the new laws have put an expiry date on old ‘zombie’ agreements which will cease to have effect from December 2023 unless an application is made to the FWC.”

Holding

Redlich partner

Michael Selinger

BORGER’S ON TRACK WITH HEAVY RAIL LIFT

Borger Crane Hire and Rigging recently deployed its Liebherr LR 1600/2 to complete a series of heavy lifts on the Botany Rail Duplication project.

THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS fully funding the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to deliver the $400 million Port Botany Rail Line Duplication project, which will deliver better access to global export markets via Port Botany, improve freight supply chains across New South Wales and help ease local road congestion.

ARTC has awarded the major contracts to John Holland to design and construct the Port Botany Rail Line Duplication project, while the contract to deliver the Cabramatta Loop has been awarded to Fulton Hogan.

Borger Crane Hire and Rigging’s Supervisor Nathan Borger explains his company’s work on the project.

“We deployed our Liebherr LR 1600/2 to Robey Street in Mascot for the Botany Rail Distribution Project which is being managed by our client John Holland on behalf of the ARTC. We were lifting a series of railway bridge sections, some weighing up to 200t,” he said.

“We decided on the Liebherr LR 1600/2 crawler crane because of its 600t lifting capacity and because of the 32 metre radius we were lifting at, it was

the obvious choice. We were operating with the 42m of main boom and Derrick Mast and the crane required the SuperLift.

“This made things more complex as the area we had to operate the crane in, was very tight,” said Nathan.

The LR 1600/2, one of Liebherr’s successful crawler cranes, was primarily designed and used for wind power jobs and the first one was delivered in summer 2008.

Along with the standard version, a version with narrow crawler track, known as the LR 1600/2-W, was also marketed successfully over ten years.

The main feature of this version was the fact that it could travel along narrow crawlers in wind farms considerably more easily than the standard version.

The narrow track version accounted for around one-quarter of all these cranes in worldwide use.

Initially, the LR 1600/2 was delivered in its SL4DFB configuration, designed for wind turbines with a hub height of 130 to 135 metres. In this configuration,

Borger Crane Hire and Rigging decided on the Liebherr LR 1600/2 crawler because of its 600t lifting capacity. It was operating with the 42m of main boom and Derrick Mast and the crane required the SuperLift.

the crane had a main boom of 138 metres and a fixed jib of 12 metres. This was the benchmark for turbines with a hub height of 135 metres.

Over the next few years, however, the size of wind turbines increased dramatically, up to hub heights of 150 metres or more.

This altered the criteria for the crane, which Liebherr’s designers followed.

The lifting capacities and hoisting heights of the boom systems were continuously modified with the SL10 and SL13 versions, which both became established on the market.

These booms enabled the crane to handle wind turbines with hub heights of 150 metres.

However, the LR 1600/2 was not just used for wind power, it was also used in industry and for infrastructure projects shortly after the first one was delivered.

Often equipped with either a ballast wagon or suspended ballast, the 600t capacity crane impressed users with its lifting ability.

Over the years, Liebherr unveiled more innovations for its crawler crane portfolio, such as the B2 guide and VarioTray for suspended ballast, which eliminates the complicated stacking and unstacking of ballast slabs by simply disconnecting a whole ballast pallet.

Nathan said there were some challenges in deploying a crane of that size to Mascot.

“Deliveries in and out of Mascot, in a live environment with airport traffic and permit hours, ensured we planned the job meticulously and involved all stakeholders as well as the community. 40 trucks, trailers and support vehicles were required for the project,” he said.

“There were also complications building the crane in terms of available space. It was all very tight, and we needed to build the crane in the correct order, otherwise it would have been easy to crowd the build area and get stuck with components in the wrong place and in the way.

“We deployed our 400t and 250t capacity Grove all terrains for the build of the LR 1600/2,” he said.

Planning for the lift started six months prior to the lift says Nathan.

“We had countless meetings and consultation with our client and engineers/consultants to plan the works and obtain all the required permits.

“There were significant considerations when planning the lift, including ground stability with the block wall beside us and major services that ran below the cranes’ location.

EXECUTING THE LIFT

It took Borger Crane Hire and Rigging seven nights to mobilise the LR 1600/2, complete the lifts and then demobilise the crane - with the works completed under an ARTC posession for 48 hours.

“As a result of the meticulous planning and the procedures we had in place, the lift went extremely well. The crane performed really well lifting at approximately 85% of its charts and we had no issues what so ever.”

“As a result of the meticulous planning and the procedures we had in place, the lift went extremely well,” Nathan said.

“The crane performed really well lifting at approximately 85% of its charts and we had no issues whatsoever.”

The project will help meet future demand at Port Botany, where the freight task is predicted to increase by 77 per cent by 2036.

“The Botany Rail Duplication will duplicate the remaining 2.9 kilometre section of single line track between Mascot and Botany.

“The 1.65km  Cabramatta Loop will allow freight trains up to 1,300-metres in length travelling in either direction

on the Southern Sydney Freight Line to pass each other,” he said.

ARTC chief executive Mark Campbell said the project would be transformative for the area.

“Not only will this increase freight capacity, it will also encourage more freight movements to be made by rail – helping to shift freight away from road transport and reduce the rate of growth in truck movements and traffic congestion,” he said.

Both projects will also provide a much-needed boost to the economy as the two major contractors as well as their subcontractors are anticipated to employ more than 620 personnel at peak construction period.

It took Borger Crane Hire and Rigging a total of seven nights to mobilise the LR 1600/2, complete the lifts and demobilise the crane.

As a result of the meticulous planning and the procedures Borger Crane Hire and Rigging had in place, the lift went extremely well. The crane performed well lifting at approximately 85% of its charts with issues.

TADANO’S OUT OF THIS WORLD PERFORMANCE

Cosmo Cranes recently took delivery of a Tadano AC 5.160-1, a five axle 160t capacity all terrain crane. It is the third large capacity crane supplied by Tadano in the fleet. Josh and John Handley explain the reasons for the purchase and Cosmo Cranes’ relationship with the team at Tadano.

“WE NEEDED MORE CAPACITY IN OUR FLEET both for the construction of our tower crane fleet and also for general crane hire. The 68 metres of main boom featured on the Tadano AC 5.160-1 fits our applications and what we do,” said Josh.

The Tadano AC 5.160-1 is the third Tadano to feature in the Cosmo Cranes fleet.

“We have been operating the Tadano AC 6.300-1 since early 2019. The 300t capacity all terrain joined our 130t capacity all terrain, the AC 5.130-1, which was purchased to celebrate our 15th birthday as a business. The purchase of the 160 celebrates our 20th,” said John.

“The majority of our fleet are Tadano all terrains, because we like the Tadano brand, and we have an excellent relationship with the team at Tadano.

“Our operators really enjoy jumping in the cranes because they are user friendly, they are used to the computer system, and they can easily move between the various capacities. Key parts of the cranes are interchangeable which is also a huge benefit, and if something happens, the support team at Tadano are quick to respond,” said John.

The Cosmo Cranes team is particularly impressed with the technological advantages that feature in the Tadano AC 5.160-1. High

among these is the innovative IC-1 Plus control system, which determines maximum lift capacity for any configuration based on main boom length/configuration, outrigger lengths, slew position and counterweight configuration.

In addition, it is the most compact crane of its class with a width of 2.75m and a total length of 14.5m. In combination with its 68m main boom, this makes it extremely versatile.

“The Tadano AC 5.160-1’s axle load contributes to this versatility as well, and we’ve had alloy rims fitted and this ensures the crane can travel on public roads below the 10t axle load limit even when it’s carrying a payload of 650 kilograms.

“One of the main reasons for choosing with the AC 5.160-1 was the capacity and boom length it offers without the need for a dolly. It also provides excellent charts for our type of work,” said Josh.

He goes on to explain how Cosmo Cranes works with Tadano in terms of product support and servicing.

“Russell Adams is the Product Support Engineer for Tadano here in NSW and he is excellent. Our boys have his direct number and if there are ever any issues, he always answers the call and is really responsive and quick to act.

Cosmo Cranes started the temple construction project with the AC 6.300-1, with some of the lifts requiring the luffing fly.

“We have a servicing agreement with Tadano, and their service team looks after the cranes, we don’t let anybody else touch them. We have an agreed schedule of services and the Tadano service teamwork around our workload ensuring we experience minimum downtime,” he said.

“We know what we are up for and when a more comprehensive service is due, we take the crane to Tadano’s yard in Penrith.”

Both the Tadano AC 5.160-1 and AC 6.300-1 have been working on the construction of the $41 million Hindu Temple project being built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) in Kemps Creek, NSW.

Matt Bickle is Cosmo Cranes’ Project Manager for the project. Matt started with Cosmo ‘on the tools’ five years ago and has recently progressed to PM. He explains the complexities of the build.

“With this project, they are building a Hindu Temple and some smaller buildings as part of the complex, and we are providing the cranage for the lifting, landing and installation of more than 800 precast panels, so there’s quite a few days of lifting involved.

“We started the project with the 300 and it’s been to site for approximately 10 visits. Some of the lifts required the luffing fly because we are lifting from around the perimeter of the site.”

The AC 6.300-1 combines long reach with a strong load chart to give operators the perfect fit for efficient work at height or on reach. The 80m main boom can perform jobs at heights up to 78m or 74m radius without rigging a jib. It is ideal for tower crane erection, with a class leading lifting capacity of 15 t on fully telescoped 80 m main boom.

Also, the Tadano Demag AC 6.300-1 is the smallest in the range that can be outfitted with a luffing jib for superior reach and fly-over capabilities, bringing the maximum system length to 119.9m when fitted with the 46m fly.

Packed with the latest innovations like the IC-1 Plus control system and a single engine concept with an intelligent motor management system, the AC 6.300-1 enhances productivity to help reduce operating costs. The IC-1 Plus control system provides real time calculation of the lifting capacities and supports operators in safe crane operation. It also allows asymmetric outrigger positioning. This also allows the crane to perform jobs usually reserved for larger machines.

The Tadano Demag AC 6.300-1 is fitted with a single engine, with start and stop function to reduce idle times and total engine hours, helping to reduce fuel costs and preserving the crane’s residual value.

The compact design of the all terrain crane features a carrier length of 15.3m and a width of 3m. The crane is easy to position on the job site, thanks to its active all-wheel steering that allows excellent manoeuvrability

On the road, the AC 6.300-1 crane meets 12t axle load limits and can travel up to 80km/h. It also has 800kg of extra payload capacity for carrying extra lifting accessories.

It includes an axle load monitor, displayed on the dashboard, to help customers drive within the road-legal weight. This model, like all Demag cranes in this product family, can be configured to comply with the variable axle weight limits in most states by connecting different types of boom dollies or

The Hindu Temple project is complicated and requires meticulous planning, says Matt.

“There are two stages to the build. Stage one is the construction of Temple and a couple of other buildings, and stage two is

“Because it a Temple, there are lots of curves and overhead panels in the design, so we created an installation procedure, because each panel has to go into the right position at the right time, otherwise the following panels won’t fit together,” he said.

“From a planning point of view, we had to get everything right which has meant a lot of lift studies and a significant amount of planning with the panel provider, Austral.

“We’ve provided Austral with a load sequence which starts at number one and works through to 800,”Matt said.

“We produce a lift study that suits the particular panels being lifted and we provide our operator with the lift sequences, and he knows where to lift and place each panel ready for installation.”

“We actually completed a curve job recently in Shell Cove, where the building was circular. The panels were curved and completed a whole circle which was very tricky. But our team works well together and the Tadano makes light work of projects like this,” he said.

the landscaping. It’s on 20 acres - so it’s a big project.

The Tadano AC 5.160-1 is the most compact crane of its class with a width of 2.75m and a total length of 14.5m. In combination with its 68m main boom, this makes it extremely versatile.

The Hindu Temple project is complicated and requires meticulous planning.

FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGGING AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT

SUSTAINABILITY, FUTURISM AND CERTFICATIONS – A LIFTEX REVIEW

After a few disrupted COVID-19 years, LEEA was finally presented with the opportunity to host LiftEx in Australia and New Zealand. Featuring an exhibition from key suppliers, a plethora of speeches on best-practice business and a major announcement regarding the Certificate IV course, hear from ANZ Regional Manager Justin Boehm on how the event

SITUATED NEXT TO THE DARLING HARBOUR

with the sun gleaming off the water, Sydney’s Maritime Museum plays host to a range of events. On the 24th of May, the Lighthouse Gallery was teeming with lifting, rigging and business professionals for the debut of LiftEx in Australia.

Run by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), the event sought to bring together and showcase those with a commitment to sustainability, best practice, and innovation in the lifting equipment industry. As LEEA’s Australia & New Zealand regional manager Justin Boehm says, “it was just awesome”.

“They’re a great team at the Maritime Museum, and it was the perfect location,” he says. “Sydney gave us perfect weather; the showcase was awesome; the venue was brilliant.”

As covered in last month’s edition of Cranes and Lifting, those in attendance were privy to a special announcement from LEEA’s regional manager: the announcement of the Certificate IV in lifting and equipment testing and inspection. Labelling it a “game changer” on the day, Justin noted the reception from LEEA’s membership base has been overwhelmingly positive with members holding a high interest in starting the course as soon as possible.

“The members are very keen to get their hands on it because it’s another path to recognition for our techs: the guys that make our industry what it is,” he says. “So, it’s an incredibly positive development for the industry.”

Justin also highlighted the influential role

Tasmania-based skill-services organisation Artibus played in in aiding the development of the Certificate IV course.

“They helped us over an 18-month period: with the set-up of the course, industry consultations, interviews, site visits – the lot,” he adds. “They helped us get letters of support from different bodies, they put us in touch with government departments; really, they made the entire process smooth.”

It wasn’t just the announcement of the Certificate IV course that stole the spotlight at LiftEx, however. With a range of speakers from different sectors of business and life being platformed at the conference, the event shed light on aspects of running and

conducting business in the lifting industry that may not have been entirely transparent otherwise.

At the forefront of those speeches was futurist Charles Brass, whose talk revolved around planning for an unpredictable future by factoring in as many variables over an extended period and planning accordingly.

“Charles encouraged people to sharpen their view back from a business plan for the next 10 years,” says Justin. “It was about helping businesses plan by using a futurist mentality, and plotting the variables on a chart by just asking if something might happen, and how big that impact may be.”

As well as engaging businesses on what their future might look like and how

Justin Boehm stands with Deputy LEEA CEO Andrew Wright, CANZ President Sarah Toase and LEEA CEO Ross Moloney out the front of the Lighthouse Gallery at the Sydney Maritime Museum.

to plan in an increasingly unpredictable environment, LiftEx also featured a range of speakers exploring success in business on different levels. Alison Earl, a mindset and behaviour expert, Brett Cowell, Founding Partner and Director at Cowell-Clark, and Federica Gargiuli from Talent Supply, covered staff satisfaction, cybersecurity, and finding the right person for the right job respectively.

“Alison broached businesses and the way they engaged with their staff and make sure that their staff are continually feeling appreciated and understood about how they work,” said Justin. “One of her more fascinating points was how the brain reacted to stress and anxiety – the fight or flight response, and the chemical reactions that occur in the brain.”

“Brett, on the other hand, discussed cybersecurity, and essentially it’s not a matter of if they have a cyber-attack, but when – therefore, it’s up to businesses to plan accordingly,” he continued. “One of his most interesting points was that, obviously, you’re trying to eliminate that risk; but, you need to be aware that it’s probably going to happen, given how much activity there is undertaken online.”

On Federica Gargiuli, Justin noted “a lot” of members share their concern about not being able to get the right people or finding staff, and the director at Talent Supply “highlighted” that people get pigeonholed in the recruitment process, resulting in tunnel vision when trying to find the right person.

“Essentially, she was encouraging attendees to not go and look for ‘the’ gun recruit, but instead find someone with transferrable skills working in a different industry – or even internally,” he said. “It was really good to have her up there exploring that issue.”

One of LEEA’s key pillars is its commitment to sustainability, as highlighted by a video posted on Earth Day (April 22) featuring Justin outlining several environmentally friendly initiatives by the association’s members. In line with this outlook, the Stewardship Council’s Centre of Excellence’s Rose Read also gave a speech to LEEA’s attending members surrounding sustainability, the reuse of discarded materials and reducing environmental waste.

“Rose encouraged us to talk about our options when it comes to reusing the materials we would otherwise throw away and consider how we could recycle them into something else,” says Justin. “I think a lot of the members have a good story that we just don’t tell it, right; we’ve got a lot of good initiatives happening with the recyclability of steel, but what we don’t have use for is all those products that are polyester or nylon base or have those materials in them, and that was why Rose’s speech was so enlightening.”

Justin says the quality of products showcased at the exhibit was equal to the quality of content coming from the speeches. Having sponsors including Blacksnake, Unilift, PIP Global Safety, Pacific Hoists and Andromeda Industries back in the room after a period away due to COVID-19

restrictions was not only great for attendees, but also a chance to showcase what LEEA does for its members, Justin added.

Looking to the future, Justin says LiftEx will be taking a more targeted approach.

“Next year’s LiftEx will be an exhibition lead event, which is different to this year,” he says.

“Oil & gas, mining, infrastructure, construction and ports will all be targeted in the next edition so those attending can witness first-hand the products, services and technologies that will influence their businesses.”

“Ultimately, for this year, we wanted to give members something really worthwhile to be a part of, and that was the thinking behind this conference; get all the members back in the room and show them that LEEA is really hitting the mark.”

The event featured a range of suppliers of lifting and rigging equipment, showcasing products designed to be durable and sustainable.

Paul Bozkurt, National Category Manager at LINQ Height Safety, a brand operating under PIP Global Safety – one of the exhibitors at LiftEx 2023

LOAD CELL RENTAL AUSTRALIA WIDE

TENSION AND COMPRESSION LOAD CELLS, NATA CALIBRATED READY FOR HIRE

Dynamic Rigging Hire carry a range of quality load cells for hire Australia wide, we stock quality brands such as Crosby Straightpoint and MSL Safe T Weigh that are all individually calibrated and issued with NATA endorsed reports.

• Tension load cells in sizes, 6.5t, 12t, 25t, 35t, 55t, 100t and 120t

• Load cell shackles

• Single compression load cells in 10t, 25t and 100t

• Four x 150t compression load cell system

• CoG measurement calculations

SPREADER BEAMS

MATERIALS CAGES

CRANE WORK BOXES

GENERAL RIGGING GEAR

CHAIN BLOCKS

AIR HOISTS

WINCHES

SOFT PRODUCTS, HARD QUALITY

BACK IN 2001, EDWIN SCOTT AND HIS SON Ben were opening a lifting and rigging equipment store to help supply the local mining, drilling and transport industries in Orange, NSW. Fast forward to 2023, Unilift has transformed from a small family business into a multi-disciplinary company that manufactures, tests and dispatches a complete range of heavy lift rigging from growing facilities in Orange and Perth and additional warehousing in Mackay, QLD. Operations extend across Australia and — in some cases —internationally, with a growing number of products and services hitting the shores of the USA, New Zealand, EMENA and parts of Asia.

Despite its significant growth, Unilift continues to uphold many of the attitudes, values and flexibility that make for a successful family-owned business. Top-tobottom familiarity with client needs and the company’s products and processes has allowed Unilift to fulfil its aim of remaining

in front of the curve every step of the way, according to General Manager Ben Scott.

“Everyone who works with us has been on the floor, has gone out on site, has installed rigging or spooled rope with clients to help meet their specialist needs,” he says. “So, what our team offers is more than just a product range, but support and advice to give people the best lifting results available through their knowledge of the industry and an understanding of what our customers need.” And, that induction to the company applies to everyone – regardless of their name.

As well as his father Edwin, Ben also works alongside brothers Caleb and Calvin, each of them have experienced the same induction into their roles at Unilift. “We’ve all done our time!” Ben laughs. “Working our way up through the ranks really helped us familiarise ourselves with the expectations at every level and develop a greater understanding of what it is we’re creating here.”

Having been at the company since its inception, Ben remains fully committed to the Unilift approach. Holding over 20 years of experience in the industry, Ben’s vision for the company is “strong growth through excellence”; a multi-faceted approach targeting excellence in product range, engineering know-how, and customer service.

“What we recognise is that industry experience is crucial; a lot of retailers, especially online, will happily sell you a product, but without really knowing the system required to make it work safely and efficiently.” he explains. “At Unilift, our emphasis is on customer service, supporting our customers out in the field, providing them with what they need, and knowing why they need it.”

When operating in such a vast arena, it’s evident why Unilift places such a high emphasis on ensuring the right person is talking to the right customer to ensure

Based in Orange, NSW, Unilift’s story has been unfolding for over two decades now. Specialising in lifting and rigging equipment, the company pushes itself to provide technical expertise and durable, sustainable, quality products to whoever seeks their services.

Every member of the Unilift team began their career working on the floor, giving them a top-to-bottom understanding of Unilift’s products and how they will impact the industries where they operate.

everyone walks away happy. With their products and services available in any industry that requires lifting and rigging equipment, Unilift products feature in the oil & gas, engineering, construction, shipping and transportation, renewable energy and mining and resources sectors.

But a key specialisation over the years and a key driver for the future of the company is specialised wire rope. Unilift is in the unique position of being exclusive Australian suppliers for the internationally acclaimed German rope manufacturer Diepa Special Wire Ropes. “These ropes really are the very best in the industry when it comes to specialised applications” says Ben. “In use these ropes are superior to any other rope that runs over a sheave or winch drum.”

“When you’re investing heavily in the very latest crane technology, it’s a false

economy to spool it with inferior rope” Ben cautions. “Not only are you risking the safety of those beneath the load, but you’re risking greater wear and tear on the crane workings. Due to their construction, the Diepa ropes we supply are maintenance free, requiring no external lubrication. Not only is this cleaner — keeping your pristine rig pristine — but has the added benefit of making visual inspection easier. Any obvious wear is clearly visible, and unlike most other ropes on the market, where the majority of damage can hide within the core, Diepa ropes wear from the outside-in due to the patented manufacturing process used in the construction of the core.”

To back up this range of premium rope products, Unilift also employs trained installation technicians, mechanical fabricators and NATA-accredited rigging

inspectors to refurbish, proof load test and certify ropes, crane blocks or other rig components, either in-house or on-site.

“Part of our system is being able to properly test and certify rigging even at the pointy end of heavy-lift, and our 45m x 1000 tonne test bed makes this possible,” says Ben. “Not only can we certify the new gear, we manufacture in-house, but we have customers who will send lifting gear from overseas just to have them tested here then returned — that’s just part of their regulation process. We’re in the position to offer that because we have the right facilities.”

In tandem with their importation of quality lifting components, Unilift also tailors complete complex lifting systems — from multi-leg wire-rope slings to modular engineered spreader bars — using only the very best hardware and engineering in their construction. As Ben says: “anyone could supply the world’s best wire rope or hook block, but it’s not a lot of use if it hasn’t been correctly prepared to suit the customer’s specific lift application.”

“In addition to Orange we’ve now got our Perth facility, and it’s growing to include additional manufacturing capabilities, which are desperately needed right across the country,” he continues.

“For example, while a retailer may have certain ropes on demand for whenever a customer calls, most of these ropes are not simply sold by the metre. They all need splicing for slings, or specific hooks or terminations fitted to suit various plant and equipment, or require installation. Products like these are almost never supplied off-the-shelf — they all need to be custom manufactured.”

“We can now offer that service quickly and relatively locally in both the Western and Eastern states, and business is booming. We know customers want their products back and in operation as soon as possible,” he says.

“So, it’s not just about selling them raw materials, but it’s about being able to provide what people need to keep their operations running with the barest minimum of downtime – especially in sectors like mining, drilling and offshore.”

“We’ve recently invested into a new 1500 tonne wire rope swaging press, a

“It’s not just a matter of one sling being $100 dollars, and ours being $500. With these products, you don’t need to replace them after one or two lifts; they are extremely hard-wearing, they can be repaired, and they work well for many, maxny years if looked after. That’s what we’re trying to tell people.”

Ben Scott, General Manager of Unilift and son of founder, Edwin.

10 tonne hi-speed automatic take-up spooler and a diesel-powered heavy-duty constant-tension compact spooler (capable of handling 30 tonne reels) which will be used by the Unilift installation team. These are the types of resources, combined with the expertise to use them well, that sets us apart.”

While highlighting mining and resources as a key component shaping Unilift’s success, Ben is also looking to establish the company’s reputation within the renewables market – in particular onshore and off-shore wind energy projects.

Discussing wind energy and its growth in Australia, Ben highlights the competitive advantage that UniLift has with their products, thanks in no small part to the countries from which they come. When it comes to wind energy, he highlights the quality of the Extreema soft slings, imported straight from the Netherlands, stating the Dutch-designed soft-slings are “products that anyone in the lifting industry needs to be looking at”.

“In Europe wind energy is huge. These wind tower guys are very, very fussy about protecting their assets,” he says. “They’re fragile and quite delicate, but also massive, and have similar lifting complexities as those found in oil & gas.”

“A lot of synthetic slings and complicated spreader bar type systems were, in a way, developed to protect fragile lifts like these. In wind tower lifts you’re talking about aluminium and fibreglass. You

can’t be just chucking a massive chain sling around that and hoping for the best.”

Citing the spread of wind energy in Europe, Ben is adamant that the international recognition of these products is testimony to their quality when it comes to working with delicate lifts, highlighting that if these slings have been manufactured for the vast projects in Europe and stood up to the test there, they are certain to achieve exceptional results in Australia too.

“Products such as Extreema slings and the new-to-Unilift Murlink synthetic chain have been designed and manufactured in countries investing lots in wind energy, and on a huge scale,” he says. “So, these products, some of which are rated to 4000 tonne capacity, are made for dealing with the massive offshore wind projects over in Scandinavia and the

Netherlands to name a few.”

However, as Ben notes, convincing businesses to make the substantial investment in products such as these can be a challenge. While admitting that they are on the more expensive side, he underscores Unilift’s philosophy; that the improved working-life, safety and usability of these products provide huge long-term benefits and, therefore, greater return on investment.

“We’re saying to people, for example, that rather than buying an unmanageable kit of 20-30 round slings, ranging from 1-20 tonne with all the associated hardware, you could simply buy a handful of 20-tonne Extreema slings with small body shackles to suit every lift under 20-tonne,” he says. “It really comes down to the durability and transportability of our products.”

“It’s not just a matter of one sling being $100 dollars, and ours being $500. With these products, you don’t need to replace them after one or two lifts; they are extremely hard-wearing, they can be repaired, and they work well for many, many years if looked after. That’s what we’re trying to tell people.”

And so, with 20 years of industry insights behind him, Ben sees a positive future for Unilift in an industry featuring heavy, bulkier lifts with a greater need for simpler, lighter and more friendly lifting and rigging gear.

“The boundaries will continue to be pushed, and that is where Unilift comes into its own,” he says. “Our team tends to think outside the square and we always come up with a solution.”

Unilift’s products can be seen in the shipping, mining, oil & gas, construction and renewable energy industries.

Unilift believes lifting and rigging products should be a durable and high-quality long-term investment, rather than a cheap discard to be viewed as an afterthought.

ENSURING SAFETY IN HEAVY LIFTING

UNDERSTANDING CHAIN AND LEVER BLOCKS

Manual chain and lever blocks are widely employed for heavy-duty lifting and materials handling operations. Lever hoists offer the advantage of lifting in various positions, including horizontal, while chain blocks are limited to vertical lifting only. Additionally, lever blocks can be utilised for tensioning, lifting and load pulling. It is crucial to match the load with the appropriate block, considering factors such as application, size, and the type of load being lifted whilst using in a straight line. Some hoists, like the Beaver Chain and Lever Blocks, even feature colour-coded options to enhance selection with capacity as per the international standard on synthetic slings. This helps identify the WLL of the block by colour – and the same holds true with the synthetic lifting slings.

Prioritising Inspections:

Neglecting to inspect chain or lever blocks before each use can pose potential risks, such as twisted chains or obvious external damage that could result in dropped loads. Regular inspections and servicing chain or lever blocks – both frequent and periodic –play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and reliability of these lifting tools.

Operators should conduct frequent inspections through a visual examination before every use, checking the load chain, hand chain, top and bottom hooks/latches, as well as the brake mechanism. This ensures any visible issues are promptly identified.

With periodic inspections, a certified, competent inspector should conduct a comprehensive check at least once every 12 months, following AS1418.2 guidelines. This certified inspection offers a higher level of scrutiny to guarantee compliance with safety standards.

Mitigating Common Risks:

In addition to proper inspection and usage, it is crucial to minimise other common risks associated with chain and lever blocks:

1. Avoid overloading or shocking the block by staying within the rated capacity. As mentioned before,

Within Australian workplaces, load failures and injuries caused by exceeding the rated capacity of chain and lever blocks are a significant concern – and the misuse of these versatile lifting tools adds to the risk. This article sheds light on the common issues surrounding manual chain and lever blocks, their proper usage and the essentiality of regular inspections to prevent accidents and ensure workplace safety.

Bunzl Safety & Lifting can supply leading brands of blocks and hoists including Beaver 3S Chain Blocks – which are colour coded to WLL’s for added safety and can include overload protection.

locks such as the Beaver 3S range are colour coded to match international WLL standards and include models with built in overload protection.

2. E nsure slings or attachments are correctly secured to prevent accidents.

3. Never run the hook assembly into the body of the block, as this can cause damage and compromise safety.

4. Avoid lifting loads over people and never leave a suspended load unattended, minimising the risk of injuries to personnel.

1800 967 573

bunzlsafety.com.au

To ensure the integrity of chain and lever blocks and other heavy lifting equipment, Bunzl Safety & Lifting offers a dedicated team of field testing and inspection officers. It provides on-site inspections and has NATAAccredited branches throughout Australia where lifting gear can be dropped off for testing and repairs. For comprehensive supply of lifting and rigging gear, including chain and lever blocks (with and without overload protection), as well as professional equipment inspections and testing, visit www.bunzlsafetyandlifting.com.au or call 1800 967 573.

For Safe

From head to toe protection, lifting equipment or working at heights, we protect you. For Safe Working Lives.

“To ensure the integrity of chain and lever blocks and other heavy lifting equipment, Bunzl Safety & Lifting offers a dedicated team of field testing and inspection officers.”

Bunzl possess a dedicated team committed to testing and inspecting lifting equipment.

Safe Working Lives.

FLEXING THEIR STRENGTH: ANDROMEDA INDUSTRIES

Andromeda Industries is a locally owned manufacturing company that develops and supplies a range of well-engineered products; the result of in-house research and development while investing in quality people, systems, and business practices. Its specialty? The design and manufacture of plaited and woven steel cable and terminal systems.

FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, ANDROMEDA Industries has been producing Superflex cable to solve rigging gear problems. Used in a wide variety of industries including civil construction, mining and by electricity providers, they are known as an innovator throughout the lifting and rigging industry.

Andromeda Industries is the only producer of Superflex steel cable and relishes the opportunity to continually improve and provide solutions to the lifting and rigging market both nationally and internationally –all while being conscious of sustainability. In a world of throw away products, Andromeda Industries’ range of plaited and woven steel slings and cables are not only made to last but are fully recyclable at the end of their lifting life. As Andromeda’s customer relationship manager Geoff Bower says: “to be sustainable and recyclable in today’s environment is fantastic.”

Andromeda Industries’ Superflex cable is a steel cable of plaited configuration, not

laid or twisted like wire rope. This gives Superflex its unique flexible and set resistant cable – the plaiting of the steel cords creates a very tough and set resistant cable composed of many more wires than is possible with laid wire rope.

As the name suggests, Superflex is a highly flexible steel cable, with the flexibility of synthetic but the durability of steel. “Superflex cable is really the best of both worlds and can solve a multitude of lifting problems and scenarios,” says Geoff.

Through years of research and development, Andromeda Industries has introduced innovative and unique slings to the market such as the Dean-0 Sling. This special sling is designed to be made very short and provide a single lifting point under a Ramshorn Hook on large cranes. This enables a single point of load to be attached and still maintain centreline loading on the cranes’ lower hoisting block assembly. With sizes ranging from 11 tonnes through to 165

Andromeda Industries has been supplying Superflex cable to provide rigging solutions for over 50 years.

The 4200 tonne Talurit press that Andromeda uses.

tonnes, the sling covers a plethora of lifting needs.

The Dean-0 sling is one of many different slings that Andromeda Industries produces. Other products produced by the NSW-based company are the Superflex Sling, Superflex Strop, Superflex Double-Ended Strop, Steel Flat Woven Slings in both Cradle Lift and Choker Lift configuration and cover all bases with slings ranging in size from 10mm ND through to 96mm ND.

Depending on the sling or strop required, the Superflex slings range has lifting capacity from 1 tonne in straight pull through to 168 tonnes for the Superflex Double-Ended Strop. Additionally, the sling can increase to 330 tonnes in cradle configuration and everything in between, allowing for vast coverage of various lifting applications.

Another standout product is Andromeda Industries’ Superflex strops which are used to choke around loads and, due to the great flexibility of the steel cable, holds immense gripping properties – allowing for safe lifting of slippery and greasy poles, used in an array of industries from electricity providers through to aluminium smelters.

Andromeda Industries has also developed its own unique all-steel termination systems for its Superflex steel cables. The Low

Deformation (LD) system was developed over a 15-year period and has been in full production now for over 10 years. The LD ferrule system allows for a ferrule that is 18 per cent smaller in diameter than equivalent aluminium ones, creates a sling made entirely of steel which allows for use in maritime, caustic and extreme heat environments and has a smooth tapered ferrule which neatly covers the wire ends, eliminating the chance of cutting your hand on sharp wire tails.

With NATA accreditation and full membership with LEEA, the quality of each sling in an industry where safety and quality are paramount is ensured through rigorous testing processes. With numerous swaging presses that include a 4,200 tonne Talurit press, and testing facilities that include a vertical 45 tonne test machine and a 300-tonne test bed, consumers are guaranteed the lifting equipment they receive from Andromeda Industries has gone through all the necessary checks and balances.

“As the name suggests, Superflex is a highly flexible steel cable, with the flexibility of synthetic but the durability of steel.”

Double-ended strops lifting a turbine.

Stainless steel flat-woven slings with copper ferrules.

RUD CHAIN LIFTING KIT FOR YOUR NEXT CRANE INVESTMENT

RUD is a world-leading manufacturer highly reputed for quality, ergonomics and safety in lifting technology and load securing for more than 35 years. Offering more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting points in load ranges up to 250 tonnes which meet maximum safety requirements in the crane industry, its lifting points are also integrated into the crane during the build process by leading crane manufacturers.

INVESTING IN RUD PRODUCTS ENSURES not just safety but also compliance with site specifications. As an example, the ICE Grade 120 chains are 30% lighter than the next nominal grade chain resulting in less weight when lifting loads. Additionally, VIP Maxi Construction Kit offers a WLL (Working Load Limit) of up to 126 tonnes when used with a combination of VIP chains in a double-strand configuration. With RUD, customers can be assured that their operations are safe on-site and for the crane operator, offering the following lifting solutions:

• Customised Lifting Kit: RUD can customise its lifting and lashing chains to offer the buyer a one-stop solution for their needs or site requirements.

On top of the aforementioned ICE Grade 120 chains, a RUD ICE 16 mm chain – when used with a balancer –can lift up to 48 tonnes, the highest in its class.

• Increased safety: Many crane manufacturers offer RUD points integrated into the crane during manufacture. RUD ICE and VIP chains meet the highest safety

standards, making them a safe and reliable choice for lifting heavy loads.

• Reduced downtime: RUD chains are designed to last for many years, which can help to reduce downtime and keep businesses efficient.

• Increased peace of mind: Knowing that you are using quality lifting chains can give you peace of mind when lifting heavy loads. RUD chains are manufactured from high-quality materials, and one can be confident that your loads are being lifted and moved safely.

RUD products are trusted by some of the biggest companies in the mining, construction, and quarry industries.

• Lashing Solutions: When transporting a crane, it is critical to ensure that the truck or the trailer has specified lashing points with the appropriate tensile force Lashing Capacity (LC). Many truck and trailer manufacturers integrate RUD lashing points during the fabrication of the chassis.

RUD SOLUTIONS FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY

RUD has been providing lifting and lashing solutions for the crane industry in Australia and around the world. RUD products are

trusted by some of the nation’s biggest companies in the mining, construction and quarry industries.

RUD Germany provided lifting solutions for the Filstal Bridges along the Stuttgart 21 on the Wendlingen-Ulm route in Germany. The Fistal Bridges are the third-highest railway bridges in Germany - made from pre-stressed concrete and measuring 485/472m long and 85 metres high at some points, hitting the bottom of the Fils Valley.

In 2022, RUD Germany lifted the largest and heaviest lattice cage in Berlin. The lattice cage, which was part of the infrastructure for a bridge pier in Berlin’s City Centre, was 25 metres long and weighed around 56 tonnes.

Furthermore, RUD also offers Philipps Pre-Cast Concrete Hoops to lift bridge girders: as an example, in 2022, RUD Australia supplied Philipps Pre-Cast Concrete Hoops to Universal Cranes to lift bridge girders on the Exit 41 M1 Pacific Highway Upgrade in Gold Coast. The span bridge consisted of 7 girders per span and

each girder was 85 tonnes with 14 girders in total.

Ultimately, safety is of critical importance in any industry. Accidents involving lifting and lashing points can have serious consequences, including injuries and fatalities. This is why it is very important to use high-quality lifting chains and lashing points that are designed to meet the highest safety standards. All RUD’s lifting and lashing products are specified to LEEA and NATA standards.

RUD lifting chains and lashing points are one of the safest choices in the market. All RUD products are made from highquality materials and are designed to perform to the highest safety standards. RUD lifting and lashing points are also available across many sizes, WLL and LC, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

For more details on how RUD can help with your crane requirements, call the company on 07 3809 1300 or visit its website at www.rud.com.au.

All RUD’s lifting and lashing products are specified to LEEA and NATA standards.

RUD has been providing lifting and lashing solutions for the crane industry in Australia and around the world.

SUPERF LE X STEEL SLINGS

Combining the reliability of steel for all lifting applications

Size range 10mm - 96mm

Capacity 1t - 168t

Flat Woven Slings

Size range 50mm - 250mm

Capacity 1t - 48t

24-0 Strops

Flat Woven Slings

Dean-0 Slings

TUTT BRYANT HL&S GET SAVVY WITH SANY

With only one 800-tonne class crane on the east coast, Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift & Shift (TBHLS) recently took delivery of a second Sany SCC8000A to further enhance its logistical and lifting capabilities. Following its commissioning, the 800t capacity lattice boom crawler was deployed to the Sydney Gateway Project for clients John Holland and Seymour Whyte. TBHLS’s Supervisor, Kyle Greenwood, elaborates on what sets this crane and the Sany product apart from others in the market.

A $2.6 BILLION PROJECT, FIVE STEEL BRIDGE beams, and a goal to reduce travel by 40 minutes from Western Sydney to the airport.

That is what awaits the latest addition to the fleet of Tutt Bryant’s Heavy Lift & Shift division’s (TBHLS): the Sany SCC8000A crawler crane.

Kyle acknowledges the quality of the product, stating that the technology is “right up there” in the market.

“I was working on a project in Townsville just a couple of months ago with a 400-tonne Sany, which is a 2014 model. The difference between the quality and the technology in that model and the 800 is massive. Sany’s technology is well and truly on par with the products you get in a German or American crane,” said Kyle.

The SCC8000A is the third 800-tonne crawler TBHLS has received from Sany, with the other two operating out of depots in Queensland and Western Australia. Such is their satisfaction with the quality of the product the WA depot is about to receive a fourth, further enhancing TBHLS’ logistical and lifting capabilities across the country.

And its satisfaction is not unfounded. Founded in 1986, the Chinese company has risen to become one of the largest

construction equipment manufacturers globally, ranking fourth in the KHL International Construction Yellow Table for 2022 and second for crane manufacturers. Appointing Tutt Bryant as its national distributor for all crane products in Australia back in February 2021, Sany’s machines regularly feature in TBHLS projects, with the latest being the Sydney Gateway project.

Being delivered by John Holland and Seymour Whyte, the $2.6 billion project is designed to cut 40 minutes of travelling time for motorists coming from Sydney’s west and ease transport congestion around Sydney Airport. It will feature five steel bridge beams lifted by the new Sany. One of the first lifts the crane will perform weighs in at 197 tonnes with a 56-metre radius, showcasing its lifting strength instantly.

Featuring a Cummins QSX15 engine and a maximum lifting moment of 12016 tonne-metres, Sany’s 800-tonne crawler crane’s safety measurements are also of note, featuring a completely automated load moment indicator, boom angle limit and closed-circuit monitoring system.

Commencing his role at TBHLS in April 2018, Kyle has been working in engineering and construction for 23 years. As the Heavy

The SCC8000A is the third 800-tonne crawler TBHLS has received from Sany, with the other two operating out of depots in Queensland and Western Australia.

Lift & Shift Supervisor, he has seen more than his fair share of heavy lift cranes and is very complimentary of the technical details in the new crawler crane, and says he was “really happy” with the crane’s “precision” in its initial tests.

“We put the crane together for the first time for the CraneSafe inspection. We completed some test lifts with a calibrated load cell in the line and the weights were reading spot on straight away.

“The radius indicators were also reading perfectly: as an example, we set the stinger to 18.3 metres on the computer. I went out and measured it and it was 18 metres, 200 mill and 90 millimeters,” said Kyle.

Also of note is a computer system which “tells you everything”, Kyle says, especially when it comes to tray height and weight, individual load cells on each side of the derrick and general information regarding overloading, overwork and unsafe lifts.

“You can keep your weight even between your pennant bars. It gives you absolutely everything now. You get a stinger radius, a derrick radius, a main boom radius, auxiliary radius, hook heights,” he continues.

“If you’re lifting something at a set position and you know you need to come up two metres, you can set it so you can then just come up two meters and walk it out or whatever you need to do.”

Kyle is also impressed with the Sany camera system, saying that “you can see

everything,” thanks to the 12 cameras capturing surrounding video of the machine at all times.

“All the winches possess their own individual camera and you’ve got a head camera so you can see straight down the rope line and see the load to make sure you’re directly over what you’re lifting. This will be a big help in making sure we get it right, every time,” he said.

One of the standout features of the SCC8000A is its flexibility relating to its boom. Displaying 99 metres of main boom on the standard crane, 111 metres of main boom with super lift attached, 123 metres of mixed (heavy and light) main boom in standard crane and 147 metres of mixed main boom and full super lift, the crane also comes with 168 metres of power boom which includes 3.5 metre sections which are fitted.

Also featuring a superpower boom made up of two booms side by side for a certain portion of the main boom, TBHLS purchased the crane with a short fixed –wind jib which can be used to install wind turbines weighing over 100 tonnes at a hook height of 175 metres.

It has a full luffing fly of 96 metres as well which can lift up to 68 tonnes at 194 metres hook height.

“We bought this in HBD mode, which is 42 metres of derrick, 390 tonnes of super lift weight and it comes with 108 metres of main boom,” says Kyle. “We purchased the full kit

for its sister crane in Queensland, so it has the power boom, which is the twin boom, the luff and fly, the fixed fly, the wind tip.

“Everything is interchangeable between the cranes, so, if we get a job with the luff and fly, we can transport the additional components from the Queensland crane and place them on this one.”

Completing its Cranesafe certification, finishing its commissioning and receiving its branded signwriting at the start of June in Newcastle, the crane is now going to be transported to the Sydney Gateway project. Speaking to the logistics of providing support vehicles and extra paraphernalia in order to move the crane from Newcastle to the city suburbs of Sydney, Kyle says it’s “a lot”, but is still manageable.

Kyle Greenwood, Tutt Bryant Hevay Lift & Shift Supervisor is impressed with the Sany SCC8000A.

Sany’s 800-tonne crawler crane’s safety measurements are also of note, featuring a completely automated load moment indicator, boom angle limit and closed-circuit monitoring system.

“All up, it’s about 63 or 64 loads,” he says. “To transport it, we split the car body down to bring it under 100 tonnes, whilst it also needs to be under four metres high.

“So, we’ve got to take the live mast out and strip it right back. With the live mast out of everything, it’s 39.90 so we can get it under that live mast,” he said.

“If we needed to, we could split the top, the super structure from the car body and get it even lower, but a lot of time is invested in that; generally, around three-to-four hours.”

With so much assembly required for the 800-tonner and performing a series of lifts so close to the airport, the Sydney Gateway lifts present a logistical challenge for the team at TBHLS – a scenario they have more than prepared for, says Kyle.

Outlining the problems, Kyle notes the difficulties of the time constraints they need to operate within.

“We have a 11:00 PM to 4.30 AM window to complete the lift which sounds like plenty of time, but during daytime hours, outside of 5:00 AM and before 11:00 PM we have to be under 19 metres from the position of the crane pad to the highest point on the crane,” he says.

“So, we’ve got to lay the 72 metres of boom down. Then we’ve got to disconnect the stinger and then roll the derrick over every shift, which is about 75 minutes to lay it over and then about 90 minutes to stand it back up.”

“We were aware of the time constraints and height requirements, however, and

“We put the crane together for the first time for the CraneSafe inspection. We completed test lifts with a calibrated load cell in the line and the weights were reading spot on straight away.”

we’ve completed time trials to ensure we could get the job done in time,” he continues.

“When we quoted the job, the time trials were done on the other crane in Queensland, and then we had an estimate of what we could do it in. Then, once this turned up, we’ve run the same trial five or six times to make sure we’re consistently getting the same figures.”

Responsible for the hiring of cranes and provision of haulage and specialised transport, including planning and support services to meet lift and shift requirements, the TBHLS fleet contains an array of heavylifting machines, including crawler cranes, mobile cranes, hydraulic jacking systems and SPMTs.

The TIDD Pick and Carry Crane, manufactured by TRT, prioritises safety and performance. Standard on all TIDD Cranes is the exclusive Slew Safe® system specifically designed to prevent rollovers. The TIDD Crane is Australia’s only pick and carry crane with this level of safety.

“NOTHING TO HIDE”

With a commitment to ensuring post-sales service through dealers such as D&D Diesel and Ronco Construction Equipment and Engineering, XCMG is determined to change its reputation down under. Owners of XCMG’s crane distributors in Australia David Kapahnke and Robert Smith open up on their recent trip to XCMG’s factory, the quality they saw, and why the brand is unfairly tarnished on Australian shores.

PARTIALLY GOVERNMENT-OWNED AND manufacturing heavy duty machinery from the Eastern part of the map, XCMG’s ambitions to expand into the Australian market was always going to be an uphill battle.

And so, when the company sold its first machine to Australia back in 2006, it appeared fortunes were shifting; there was now a pathway into the market.

But, as founder of Victorian based D&D Diesel David Kapahnke says, the companies that brought XCMG’s products into the country at that point in time “didn’t support the product correctly”.

“It was their biggest issue,” he says. “There weren’t enough parts brought in; there weren’t enough backup services provided.”

Owner of Western Australia’s Ronco Construction Equipment and Engineering, Robert Smith, concurs with David’s sentiments.

“It’s all about being there for your customer when they need you,” he says. “You can buy anything you want, but it’s up to how the company responds when you’re in need after the purchase that defines good service.”

However, as David points out, times have changed. Where once they fell short on delivering in post-sale servicing, parts are now in ample supply for both dealers to store and provide on short notice to anyone who goes through the XCMG brand, with both David and Robert saying they want to provide that service and backup support to deliver a good experience to customers.

“When Ronco sells a crane, we have a list of parts that we order for that particular crane to every crane we bring in, because we want to be able to support our customers,” he says. “We found the only way to do it is to have your own part store, not rely on others.”

With the two companies being the only distributors of XCMG’s crane-related products in Australia, both directors are eager to promote the message that the Chinese manufacturing company’s products and follow-up services have drastically changed from over a decade ago. Having just been overseas to visit one of their eight factories, the two are situated in a uniquely advantageous position to speak to the quality coming from the East.

“I was very impressed with the factory,” says David. “The way it’s set up, everything was absolutely spotless; the robots were fantastic, the production line from start to finish was fantastic.”

“I was completely blown away by the levels of efficiency there too – even down to the air filtering system they have in place, so they can reduce the amount of pollution released into the environment.”

As mentioned in last month’s edition of Cranes and Lifting, an increase in

Dealers of XCMG’s products David Kapahnke and Robert Smith were blown away by the magnitude of the facilities and stock at the XCMG factory they visited in China.

the quality and amount of automation is one of the latest features to come out of the XCMG factory visited by the two Australian dealers – and the modernisation of the factory since his last visit is a point Robert is keen to emphasise.

“I went to the factory back in 2006 and it was quite agricultural, to be honest,” he says. “This trip, however, there’s nobody hand welding. The robots doing all the welding robots are made in Japan: Nippon robots.”

“They’re using the same state of the art machines as everybody else; I showed my welder here the welds we saw in China, and he told me straight away: ‘that’s not a human weld. That’s a robot weld’,” he continues. “A human cannot get it that perfect.”

And, according to Robert, that’s what the world needs to “understand” when it comes to the technology coming out of the

of the operation coming from China for David and Robert.

“We couldn’t believe the number of cranes we were seeing in their yards. In some cases, it was in the hundreds,” says David. “We did ask the question with all those cranes there, how much of their stock was already sold, and it was around 70-80 per cent, meaning all the rest was stock in reserve for whenever they needed it.”

“Additionally, we’re only talking about how much cranes they got in stock; if you go into the mining sector, and you see a 700-tonne excavator sitting there,” he continues. “And then those five 560-tonne excavators are just sitting in a row in stock. And then you look around the corner and there’s 12 240-tonne dump trucks just sitting in a row.”

Supporting David’s example, Robert recollects the 4000-tonne capacity crawler cranes sitting in the factory’s yard, pointing out that any other manufacturer would only make those kinds of machines to order. It’s this kind of availability that operates in tandem with the improved quality in the factories and the volume that the company needs

“Say with their steel, for example: it’s not that the steel is of any poorer quality. It’s just cheaper, and they’re buying kilometres at a time of steel, not metres.”

XCMG factories; in his words, it’s “state of the art”.

And David echoes his sentiments, stating that what was occurring overseas was “incredible”, and that the “size” of everything was “just mind blowing”.

But it wasn’t just the quality of the technology and efficient working procedures that left the two dealers dumbfounded on their most recent visit. As the third largest construction manufacturing company in the world according to the KHL Yellow Table, XCMG manufacture a lot of heavy-duty machinery. Witnessing the amount firsthand, however, reinforced the magnitude

that allows XCMG’s products to be so competitively priced, he says.

“If I’m buying one thing at a time, it’s going to be more expensive for me than building thousands of cranes a month where I can buy all my raw materials in bulk and spend less,” he says. “I believe that’s where the perceived cheapness of the crane comes from: it actually comes from availability and mass orders.”

And, as David adds, overseas pricing factors need to be considered.

“Labour is cheaper over there, and items cost less,” he says. “Say with their steel, for example: it’s not that the steel is of any poorer quality. It’s just cheaper,

The automated welding processes at XCMG’s factory have resulted in perfectly crafted steel, Robert says.

and they’re buying kilometres at a time of steel, not metres.”

And it’s that resounding message of overall quality coming from the East that David says really needs to be driven home.

“People have listened to reports from 10-15 years ago about how the crane operates and feels, and they still judge it by those standards,” he says. “XCMG is still here after the same time period – they’ve just come on leaps and bounds in terms of improving their product and servicing.”

Speaking to the reception XCMG products now receive upon their initial handling, David notes the “surprise” people experience when they first operate the machines, as the brand’s previous reputation belies their experience.

“Once we get people in the seats, the product speaks for itself; we understand we have a few differences to other competition,” he says, “but we’re not hiding anything. The cranes are what they

Availability and manufacturing capabilities are

main drivers

products’ affordability –not a compromise on quality,

are, they’re a good crane, and they’re good value for money.”

“Whilst we were there, we were actively asked: ‘bring your customers to see us manufacturing, we want them to

see the quality and how they made’,” says Robert.

“XCMG is not scared of people going to its factory to see what it does and what it creates firsthand.”

CrewSafe is the standardised VOC assessment tool for the Australian crane industry.

CrewSafe provides machinespecific, impartial, peer assessment with documented evidence of competency.

the

of XCMG

Robert and David say.

Members of The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) are encouraged to submit photographs for the 2023 CICA Photo of the Year Competition. A maximum of two entries per member is allowed and photographs must have been taken during 2022 and 2023.

Sponsored by Cranes and Lifting magazine, the winning 2023 Photo of the Year will be the subject of an advertising campaign in the magazine and also via the website and digital channels. Entries can be made via the CICA website: https://www.cica.com.au/ photo-of-the-year-entry or you can contact the Cranes and Lifting team.

PLAN YOUR SUBMISSION FOR THE CICA PHOTO OF THE YEAR COMPETITION.

WINNER OF THE 2022 CICA PHOTO OF THE YEAR - was Crane Combined for this image of a dual crane lift on a major Tasmanian infrastructure project.

THE BOOMING LOGISTICS OF A RESPONSIBLE ORGANISATION

ASX listed company Boom Logistics is held in high regard when it comes to crane services and associated operations. As the business evolves, there is an increasing focus on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects. Boom Logistics National Operations Manager Rod Welfare and Senior Human Resources Advisor Lisa McGregor elaborate on the company’s initiatives to reduce emissions, promote diversity and inclusion and engage with local communities.

AS NATIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Rod Welfare says: “As an ASX listed company, governance has always been a part of Boom Logistics and as we move forward, ESG is certainly a priority.”

Operating in his current position for two years, Rod boasts a 16-year career in the crane industry, with all but 10 months spent at Boom Logistics, working his way up from Cranes and Rigging Supervisor back in 2007. Prompted by Boom’s recent

acquisition of the Tadano AC4.80-1 with an E-Pack – which featured in the May edition of Cranes and Lifting – Rod acknowledges that hybrid and electronic cranes are “certainly something we’re exploring at the moment”.

“There’s still work to be done before the crane industry can go fully electric in terms of logistics, availability, and technology,” he says. “We are going to stay at the forefront of these new

initiatives and keep ourselves open to employing them within our business.”

With environmental, social and governance policies driving value propositions, including prioritising safety and zero harm strategies within the business, Boom Logistics is exploring a plethora of different environmentallyfriendly initiatives including oil sampling and filtration, and the reuse of wire ropes.

Piloting the oil sampling program in

The Tadano AC4.80-1, purchased with an E-Pack by Boom Logistics – a symbol of their commitment to sustainable industrial operations.

Queensland, Boom Logistics is draining cranes of oil, putting it through filtration systems that clean it and then reusing it. As Rod says, it’s in line with the Three Rs: “reduce, reuse, recycle”.

“Hydraulic oil obviously plays an important role with the cranes and travel towers that we run, and the more we can reduce the consumption the more we’re helping the environment,” he says. “This is a strategy that’s really gathering traction now; we’ve seen a significant increase in hydraulic oil life because we’re able to polish the oil and reuse it safely.”

Another program Boom Logistics is closely examining is the reuse of wire ropes and how to optimise longevity before they are made redundant.

“We have a significant amount of wire rope that is made redundant on an ongoing basis. We are developing a non-destructive testing program where we x-ray the ropes and inject the right materials back into the wire ropes to extend their longevity. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s certainly the better one for the environment which can only help in the long run,” he says.

Further to its ongoing commitment to zero harm, Boom Logistics is committed to the development and implementation of

sustainable practices in an effort to meet its social responsibility obligations and continuously improve its sustainability performance.

One of the identified areas for improvement is the logistics involved in shifting cranes from job to job. After all, emissions can be reduced by operating a crane with e-packs, lower-emission fuels and more environmentally friendly engines but, as Rod underscores: “aside from the introduction of new technologies, we are able to make improvements to our sustainability efforts through good planning and optimising our current activities.”

“As an example, one of our clients in South Australia had a planned shutdown recently; we had equipment on site and we had people flying in and out. Through optimised scheduling and other practices, we were able to reduce the length of the shutdown, reduce the amount of travel, and ended up saving eight tonnes of carbon emissions,” he said.

Discussing Boom’s GPS systems and live telematics, he adds that the allocation, supervision, and management teams know exactly where every asset is at a point in time to optimise efficiency and

avoid travel duplication.

“We don’t want a scenario where one crane is going down a highway to finish a job, while another crane is coming back from site,” he says. “With fuel burn and other practices like reducing wear and tear on the equipment, it’s quite easy to quantify savings in our carbon footprint production,” he said.

And it’s not just cranes and equipment that Boom Logistics is targeting to enhance its environmental performance and reduce emissions. Other initiatives include plans to provide staff with E-vehicles and installing charging stations at facilities and, in an effort to think outside the box, using QR codes to replace physical business cards -- something Senior HR Advisor Lisa McGregor describes as a “small step”” but one that ultimately contributes to helping out across the board.

“The QR Codes hold all your business details and, when you’re out and about, others can scan the QR code rather than being handed a physical a business card,” she says. “It shows that we’re looking at those “one-percenters” at a depot level.”

In addition to enhancing their sustainability practices, Boom Logistics

Boom Logistics management and the Ghungalou crew in the Blackwater depot worked closely with local indigenous leaders and the Ghungalou Aboriginal Corporation.

is also committed to expanding its efforts when it comes to diversity in the crane industry. Having been in HR for nearly six years, Lisa knows the industry can improve on technical and holistic attitudes when it comes to promoting inclusion in the workforce and is committed to establishing Boom as an industry leader in the field.

Lisa says “meaningful changes” are being made at Boom Logistics to try and enact a more “inclusive and diverse workforce.”

“We’ve published updates to our recruitment policy,” she says. “Some of the key issues we’ve included pertain to guidelines around inclusive advertising. For example, some of our job advertisements used the term dogmen and we are now using the more inclusive term dogger.”

Acknowledging the gender disparity in the crane industry, Lisa is also keen

“In addition to enhancing their sustainability practices, Boom Logistics is also committed to expanding its efforts when it comes to diversity in the crane industry. Having been in HR for nearly six years, Lisa knows the industry can improve on technical and holistic attitudes when it comes to promoting inclusion in the workforce and is committed to establishing Boom as an industry leader in the field.”

to highlight Boom’s approach toward tackling the passive sexism some job adverts can contain, especially when it comes to working away from home and being away from family commitments.

“We’ve chosen to focus on the specific job requirement and leave it up to the applicants to decide if the job is a good fit for their lifestyle rather than make that decision for them,” she continues. “In our policy, we have guidelines around bias and selection bias for our recruiters so when they are working through the recruiting process, it will be more inclusive for everyone.”

But this push is not just confined to gender diversity. Boom’s ESG initiatives

also extend to the work it does with surrounding Indigenous communities. With some of its remote operations featuring higher representations of Indigenous employees, the company enacts several initiatives that emphasise meaningful action rather than just rhetoric displayed on a web page.

“When we started working on our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) it was important that it’s wasn’t just HR or managers saying, ‘Hey, this is what we’re going to do’. It was important to receive considered input from our teams and local Indigenous community members, so we can make decisions with meaning and with intention that have a

real impact,” she said.

Boom’s community outreach programs extend past their initiatives with Indigenous communities too. Immersing themselves in local sports clubs at a grassroots level. Rod states that Boom’s involvement is a “big thing” for both the company and the recipients. Currently sponsoring the Norths Rugby Union Club – both the men’s and women’s teams –in Brisbane, Rod says that sponsorship benefits exist outside of monetary value.

“We try and provide them with equipment and to aid their operations wherever we can. On top of that, we do provide monetary sponsorship and our assets are available to them for tasks such as television filming, etc.” he says.

“Additionally, we’ve organised a signed Dolphins jersey through the NRL and we’ll raffle this off during the mental health round in July, donating all proceeds to a mental health charity. “We like to think that being a good corporate citizen involves being a part of and giving back to the communities in which we operate.”

“We are engaged with local communities and rather than come in, do what we do, and leave, we want to be a part of the community,” he said.

(2020) Boom Logistics hosted a traditional welcome and smoking ceremony for the naming of an addition to its crane fleet.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

IF THE CUSTOMER IS IMPRESSED WITH THE TIDD’s performance and purchases one, the cost of the hire will be deducted from the sale price. Anthony Davis from The Baden Davis Crane Connection explains more.

“We’ve been working with TRT and the TIDD product for 10 years and customers that have purchased a TIDD have had nothing but positive things to say about their performance. We are seeing customers return to buy their second, third and fourth cranes and some are upgrading their PC25 to the PC28 which is always a positive sign.

“We want more customers to understand why the TIDD is the safest pick and carry crane on the market, and we thought by offering this ‘try before you buy’ hire opportunity, we would enable customers to have the ‘TIDD PC28 experience’ before committing to the purchase of the crane,” said Anthony.

“We’ll rent the crane to customers at a reduced rate for a couple of weeks which enables the operators to get a feel for the controls and capabilities of the crane. If the customer then goes onto purchase a unit, we’ll take the hire cost off the purchase price.

“For us, it’s about getting bums on seats. TIDD customers are extremely happy with the crane and we need to introduce more crane businesses to the capabilities of the TIDD. We think this is a good way to achieve this,” he said.

The TIDD PC28 boasts improved features designed to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on construction sites and on the road. Increased lift capacity and greater manoeuvrability in tight work areas, are the key benefits of the new crane. The TIDD PC28 is constructed using the highest quality components with safety a

major focus in every element of its design.

Safety features include Dynamic LMI with deadlock switch inside the cabin with LMI bridging switch outside the cabin. Slew Safe is a key safety feature and exclusive to the TIDD PC28.

TRT has developed a significant new safety feature called Slew Safe. It is designed to prevent rollovers and works with several features including audible alarms and LMI warnings while power steering is restricted to 15 per cent to prevent further precarious slewing.

The TIDD PC28 is the only pick and carry crane with this level of safety, with Slew Safe able to be retro fitted to all existing TIDD PC25s.

Slew Safe is an effective system to keep the driver from operating off the chart –

restricting steering in the unsafe direction when overloaded. With audible and visual alarms, Slew Safe cannot be over-ridden and will operate normally when moved in the safe direction.

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

The ergonomically designed forward mounted ROPS cabin, with two-door configuration and ducted air conditioning, has 150kg rated air suspension seats and 3-point safety belts – providing comfort over long hours and helping to reduce operator fatigue.

Many of the key features have been designed on industry feedback and include:

• European standard automotive finish.

• 75 per cent stationary lift chart

The Baden Davis Crane Connection, NSW distributor for TRT’s TIDD pick and carry range, is offering customers the opportunity to get up close and personal to a TIDD PC28 by hiring

The Baden Davis Crane Connection want more customers to understand why TIDD is the safest pick and carry crane on the market.

An outstanding turning radius, articulating 44 degrees either side.

• 2.3t roadable, front and rear counterweight.

• Mercedes Benz DM906 six-cylinder, turbo charged intercooled 205kW diesel engine.

• 6.12-18.64 high tensile steel boom with four telescopic sections.

• 28t capacity on fixed tug (stationary) 27.6t capacity on running rope.

• 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.

utomatically hydraulically activated emergency steering.

• Dual line airbrakes on all wheels with ABS.

• Pneumatically released spring applied emergency/park brake on all wheels.

The new 18.64m 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 and 4 are independently operated with its own hydraulic cylinder.

The TIDD PC28 features a 28t maximum lift lug and 27.6t on the hook

block, delivering lifting capacities for improved efficiency, while its greater lift options in turn set a new benchmark within the industry.

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

The Crane Connections’ TIDD is also being retrofitted with the latest PC28-2 software.

With the TIDD PC28-2 Pick and Carry Crane upgrade, the Robway TIDD Crane operating software has been upgraded with improved function, enabling faster processing and greater control responsiveness for the TIDD PC28-2 operator.

Leading from the front, TRT continues to enhance the overall TIDD Crane operator experience and performance. The upgrades to the newly named TIDD PC28-2, are driven through TRT’s focus on continuous improvement, with consideration of industry and operator feedback.

There are four key areas of improvement in the upgraded TIDD PC28-2. It features more powerful front suspension cylinders. This new

system offers a greater lift capacity when articulated and improving lift capacity by up to 17 per cent when working on side slopes.

New steps have also been added to improve lift control. An additional three steps on the TIDD PC28-2 load chart delivers significant improvement when the crane is articulating. For the operator this means that as the crane articulates, it reduces the rate of the load chart decrease.

TRT has always focused on the people when considering advances in technology for the TIDD Crane. With operator and dogman comfort central to the design of the TIDD Crane, the new model also features a re-engineered ROPS cabin. This has been tested with a measured reduction

“The roadability and drivability of the TIDD is continually mentioned in customer feedback and that’s in part due to the fact that it’s only 2.5m wide, meaning you don’t have to run the GPS tracking system.”

Anthony thinks the ‘try before you buy’ hire opportunity will provide customers with the TIDD PC28 experience.

in cabin noise levels by 8dBa at 80km/h when on the road.

As well as these considerable upgrades, TRT has been focused on ensuring that TIDD customers and operators are fully supported for the life of the crane, from onboarding of operators to parts and service support across Australia and New Zealand.

TRT has recently launched a new TIDD Crane Operator Familiarisation Program, including a video designed for experienced pick and carry crane operators to quickly and easily transition to TIDD Crane operations – giving 24/7 access to the functions and features of the crane.

“We are actually retrofitting the

recently released PC28-2 software to the crane,” said Anthony, “so customers hiring the TIDD will have the improved operator experience, increased lifting charts and ergonomically improved userfriendly cab.

“As I have said, the feed-back from our TIDD customers has been very positive. All Over Rigging (AOR) were the first in NSW to take delivery of the PC28, it was number four off the production line, and they have been extremely impressed by the crane’s performance and it’s utilisation.

“The roadability and drivability of the TIDD is continually mentioned in customer feedback and that’s in part due to the fact that it’s only 2.5m wide,

meaning you don’t have to run the GPS tracking system.

“The SlewSafe system makes it the safest pick and carry on the market, we are seeing some of the larger construction sites and major builders encouraging crane hire businesses to examine additional safety features and practices to help prevent accidents. The TIDD will help in this area,” Anthony said.

“We received the TIDD at the end of May and gave it a good service and then put the word out that we were offering this package. Almost immediately, we had a customer take the crane for two weeks and we’ve got several other customers interested, so it will be interesting to monitor their feedback.”

The TIDD PC28 boasts improved operational features designed to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on construction sites and on the road.

HUMMING ALONG AT A RAPID RATE

Owner of Melbourne-based Crane Lift Australia Greg Abbonizio has endured the oscillating nature of running a business for over a decade. However, with demand for

OPERATING OUT OF MELBOURNE’S western suburbs in Footscray, business has been fluctuating for craneindustry stalwart Greg Abbonizio. By his own admission business has been “challenging” since he first ventured into the world of business ownership over a decade ago.

“We launched Crane Lift Australia

running a crane hire business is no different; demand for our services occurs cyclically, and the pandemic enforced a slow down on business. Currently, however, we are in a busy cycle.”

Navigating fierce neighbouring competition, which involved many late nights, 24-hour availability across weekends and public holidays, Greg was

Not for nothing were his efforts though as, fast forward to today, Crane Lift Australia is now firmly established as a reliable mobile crane – wet or dry – hire company, also offering end to end project management services within Australia.

“Crane Lift Australia currently employs 35 people, and we specialise in projects pertaining to infrastructure, construction, and maintenance,” he says. “Our current fleet size is broad: we’re in possession of 12 mobile cranes that range from 16-tonne capacity all the way through to cranes with 220-tonne maximum lifting capacity. In addition, we also own four support vehicles.”

With demand for his company’s services escalating, Greg knew that he would need to expand his fleet.

Receiving an enquiry a couple of years ago for a Pick & Carry crane that could move concrete barriers in a tightly confined tunnel, the cranes in Greg’s fleet could not operate within the constraints required.

However, as luck would have it, at that time a crane capable of performing the exact task required was completing demonstrations in Melbourne; DRA’s Humma 35 Mk3.

“I contacted Peter Dalla Riva at Humma Cranes and he said there was a demonstrator Humma 35 in Melbourne that was available for the test,” says Greg. “The impact that it made on us is evident; we now own three Humma Pick & Carry cranes,” he says.

The Humma 35 Mk3, a highly versatile, high-capacity pick and carry crane, emphasises operator safety and comfort above all else, whilst still retaining its essence: a tough, flexible crane capable of working in mines or on

machines capable of working on civil construction projects rising, he knew he needed to expand his fleet – and DRA held just the answer.

The Mk3 in action for Greg on a project lifting slabs of concrete in tight spaces.

infrastructure. Additionally, the Mk3 possesses an advanced Load Moment Indicator consisting of Dynamic Load Charts. This system calculates the SWL for the operator for the exact boom and articulation angle which gives the operator their maximum capacity for each position – especially helpful for Greg when push came to shove.

“Since acquiring the crane, we’ve seen it excel in projects involving road barrier installation and other civil infrastructure projects,” said Greg. “Compared to other cranes in our fleet, the 35-tonne Humma’s capacity really made it stand out to us relative to its size,

while its four-part, 20.5 metre boom was another feature that caught our eye. It complements the rest of our fleet so well.”

With increased roadability and versatility thanks to its removable counterweights, the 35-tonne pick and carry also features airbag suspension and a fuel-efficient Cummins 8.3L engine with up to 25% fuel savings over similar cranes in its class – as demonstrated by Greg’s experiences in travelling to rural

Victoria to service long-standing clients.

After hearing from his drivers on a recent job at Geelong, he found they could drive at road speeds safely with low cabin noise and were able to reduce the normal job time by two hours.

When a job in rural Victoria came up, Greg decided to do it himself and drove to and from Glenrowan the same day with minimal fuss.

“They certainly are the ‘quiet performers’ and have really helped to

expand my business,” says Greg. “DRA was extremely helpful to work with.

“They would always provide easy access to the right person for the specific information we needed in making the choice to acquire the Humma 35 Mk3.

“In the process of purchasing the crane, we formed a great relationship with Peter Dalla Riva and the rest of the team at DRA,” Greg said.

They consistently provided us with poignant advice when we were making our decision.”

“We can’t fault the levels of product support and post-sale service from DRA – they were exceptional.

“There’s always technical support on the other end of the phone line should we need it, and DRA personalised the entire experience to ensure we received what we were looking for,” he said.

The Humma 35 Mk3, a crane that has allowed owner of Crane Lift Australia Greg Abbonizio to expand his work in the construction, infrastructure, and maintenance sectors.

Featuring a 35-tonne capacity, the Mk3 also provides a fuel-efficient option to crane operators thanks to its Cummins engine, versatility, and roadability.

“Compared to other cranes in our fleet, the 35-tonne Humma’s capacity really made it stand out to us relative to its size, whilst its four-part, 20.5 metre boom was another feature that caught our eye. It complements the rest of our fleet so well.”

EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Melrose Cranes & Rigging recently added a new Grove GMK 5150L-1 and announced the addition of prominent industry figure Kane Fuller as Business Development Manager. Cranes and Lifting magazine discussed the developments with Kane and General Manager Ryan Melrose.

THE NEW GROVE ARRIVED IN EARLY MAY AND is one of a pair now operating in the Melrose fleet, Ryan Melrose said.

“We have been operating our first Grove GMK 5150L since 2017. It was one of the first 150s manufactured by Grove and to my knowledge it was the first one in Australia. It’s been an excellent crane for the business and has performed well.

“The new model Grove GMK 5150L-1 is part of our ‘pairing strategy’ for our fleet. We aim to have a minimum of a ‘pair’ of any crane model; for some models we have three or four.

“We also find this strategy is excellent for driver familiarisation and streamlining repairs and maintenance. Adding to that everchanging client programs, along with the complexity of lift study and lift engineering processes requirements, this strategy is proving very successful,” he said.

Positioned as a great all-rounder crane, the Grove GMK 5150L is ideal for work sites with tight tolerances, boasting an impressive ability to manoeuvre and a high load capacity with

some of the strongest lifting charts in its class.

Its MegaTrak independent suspension system offers one of the best off-road drivelines available on the market today and allows the GMK 5150L to operate as a true all-terrain crane.

An all-wheel steer system means its wheels always remain on the ground, so stresses and weight are continually transferred between axles. Counterweight configurations enable setup from 1t counterweight to taxi configurations of 10t per axle in NSW and 12t per axle for other states – giving the unit greater roadability and transport savings.

The new single engine concept on the GMK5150L with the latest Tier 4 engine keeps fuel consumption low. An intelligent motor management system reduces operational cost and maintenance, while the ECOmode program makes it arguably the most fuel-efficient crane in its class.

The 60m main boom can be further extended with a 17.8m swingaway and one 8m boom extension and or one 8m jib insert to

Ryan, Mick and Gregg Melrose and Kane Fuller with the new Grove GMK5150-1.

a maximum length of 33.8m with up to 50 degree offset.

“Our first GMK 5150L was a good performer and popular with the team at Melrose Cranes & Rigging,” Ryan said.

“It was the highest capacity 5-axle crane that could be registered without a dolly in NSW when it was released. Knowing what the Grove 150 could do in terms of roadability and what I would get out of the crane, along with our pairing strategy, were major reasons for purchasing another Grove 150,” he added.

“Grove are logistically very close to us, just 10 minutes away, which means their technicians are always on hand if there is ever an issue. We also have long term relationships with their team, including Andrew Gray. Andrew worked here for a long time as our Heavy Lift Manager, so he knows how we like to work. Our relationship with Manitowoc and the Grove product prospered on the back of Andrew. We wish him all the very best in his well-earned recent retirement,” said Ryan.

Ryan goes on to introduce Kane and why he is happy to welcome him to Melrose Cranes & Rigging.

“Finding people to bring into the business with the amount of industry knowledge that Kane has can be difficult and obviously you don’t normally stand a chance of bringing someone in from an established family business.”

“The circumstances around the closing down of Fullers Mobile Cranes business are unfortunate, however, they have led to a positive outcome for this business. We have managed to recruit a very well performing General Manager from another business to hopefully help us improve our business, hence Kane’s role as Business Development Manager.

“It’s great to have a new approach to certain things and to discuss ideas on how we can improve aspects of the business, that’s one of the main reasons we were keen to recruit Kane. Although he now wears a Melrose shirt, he has already noted that his approach will be to treat this business like his own family business. We are looking forward to watching that progress,” said Ryan.

Kane explains what attracted him to the company.

“It being a family business was very appealing. There are plenty of businesses out there, but the Melrose business is about family and what you see is what you get. Gregg Melrose is like my father with his approach, so that is something I am very familiar with. Fifteen years at Fullers taught me how to deal with his generation, which is a good thing, you know with him it’s straight and direct. You thoroughly prepare your proposal, you head into his office, you state your case, you agree or not and you are out.

“With Ryan being younger, I have someone who is of similar thought. I didn’t want to work in a business where management is set in their ways and doesn’t want change. I’m all for development and improving business practices. With the direction in which our industry is heading, if you don’t continually strive to improve business practices, you will be left behind,” said Kane.

“That’s where we were successful at Fullers, we adapted well, we bought new

cranes, we kept pace with the changing requirements from our clients and I can see there is a commitment from the Melrose family to keep improving and grow this business,” he said.

Kane explains how his approach to managing a business will benefit Melrose Cranes & Rigging.

“In terms of work experience, Ryan and I are similar in that we’ve worked extensively within our respective family businesses Joining Melrose has been an eye-opener for me. I have been part of the decision-making processes for 15 years and I am confident this experience will add value to the Melrose business and with Ryan, I’ll have an opportunity to do just that,” said Kane.

Ryan and Kane go on to discuss what the role of Business Development Manager will mean from an external perspective and what clients can expect to see.

“The most important aspect of my role is to be that middle person where I can relay feedback from the clients to the teams and

Melrose Cranes & Rigging’s GMK5150L-1 completing its first job - lifting a sign bar on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge, as part of the Rozelle Interchange Project.

to Ryan. With the size of the company and with what he has on his plate, he can’t be everywhere... that’s the nature of the beast.

“I am going to be an extension of him, I’ll be able to let him know what’s going on in the core of the business, what’s happening with the crews, what the chat is in the yard and provide him with feedback from our clients,” said Kane.

Ryan explains how he sees Kane’s role.

“The most important part about the title Business Development Manager is not to associate the role as being a salesman. Across a lot of industries, Business Development is about bringing income and increasing sales.

“A component of what we’d like Kane to be able to bring is to keep and maintain customer relations. But development of the business happens internally as well, our approach to everything, our policies, our procedures, how we’re going to manage certain situations; that’s business development in itself,” said Ryan.

Kane has been impressed by the levels of experience Melrose Cranes has in Project Management.

“With Melrose Cranes &Rigging, I am surrounded by very experienced people, especially in the Project Management Team, headed by Projects Director, Mick Melrose. I didn’t really have that at Fullers, and I

wish I had someone like Mick to turn to. At Melrose, there’s a lot of experience in the room, and we lacked that,” he said.

Long-term relationships with clients and long-term project management are the key to success, says Ryan.

“For customers to keep coming back for our services you must have a level of prequalification and experience to get the chance to even tender for the project.

“If you don’t have the right amount of people in WHS, compliance and project management, you will struggle to be awarded the job. You might be awarded a project based on cost, but the bigger builders will quickly spit you out if you can’t keep up with their requirements. These requirements are intense and constantly changing,” he said.

“You need people that can adapt to accommodate these changes. Kane brings his own experience with the same customers. He can tell them what he’s experiencing within the business and hopefully continue his relationship with them, because we were on the same jobs. There are a few projects currently running where both Fullers and Melrose had contracts.

“As I have said, the day gets very busy for our Project Management Team. They will be attending meetings, dealing with specific lifts, dealing with day to day problems that

might pop up. The constant management of a site, especially with multiple cranes, or more permanent cranes can be very timeconsuming for them.

“Kane is introducing himself to our customers and he’s there to say ‘if you’re seeing issues across the Melrose business, I can help you resolve these as a I’m direct link to executive management.

“The customer will see we care. We are sending Kane to see how things are going, I think that kind of approach will benefit the business, and keep the customers happy,” said Ryan.

“Relationships and feedback are probably the biggest issues for me right now,” said Kane. “At the end of the day, you can be as cheap as you want, but if you can’t deliver the right levels of service, you won’t last long in this business. Customers will continue to return for the right levels of service and if the relationships are strong. That is why Melrose has long-term clients”.

“Customers keep coming back because they know that they are going to deal with very experienced PM’s, led by Mick.

“Add to this the fact that our allocations department is first class and customers can deal with Ryan, and now myself, on more strategic issues, this business is ticking all the right boxes,” said Kane.

For Ryan, the motivation is in exceeding customer expectations - a phrase the company utilises as a motto.

“We stand by the slogan ‘Exceeding your Expectations,’ but if you are not asking customers for their feedback you may not find out until it is too late,” said Ryan.

“A key part of Kane’s role will be asking for feedback, and to understand what we are doing well and where we could improve”.

“This feedback is very important, as it will help us improve aspects of our business, to build on our strengths but also work on our weaknesses and improve the overall service we provide our customers.”

“It’s important to me that they are not just words, the slogan dictates how our people should approach work. Close enough isn’t good enough, we are striving to be excellent in everything we do. ‘Exceeding your Expectations,’ is how we want our company to perform at all levels, all of the time,” said Ryan.

The new model Grove GMK 5150L-1 is part of Melrose Cranes & Rigging’s ‘pairing strategy’ for its fleet.

THE CONTINUED TRANSITIONING OF OUR INDUSTRY

“WE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR TREND A few years ago in the transport industry, where founders of family owned businesses reached the age of retirement and began examining the next stage in their lives. The decision was to sell the assets and retire comfortably.

“Over the couple of years, we have seen a similar trend emerge in the crane industry where the owners of a number of small and medium-sized crane companies have simply said, ‘You know what? We’ve been in the game for a long time, we love the industry, but we need to hang up our boots.’

“They’re making these decisions based on the back of strong asset prices. With the cost of new equipment increasing dramatically and with lead times blowing out, they know they are getting a good return if they’re selling now,” said James.

Pickles Auctions has handled a number of crane related auctions in the last few months.

“With the auctions completed recently including J&J Crane Services and TOLSAF, the owners tell the same story, they are looking for their next step in life. JJs wanted to spend more time with his family and mates as did TOLSAF.”

Rob Medill, was the owner of J&J Crane Services, he confirms his reason for closing the yard gates.

“It’s been a tough few years and while we’ve battled through it, the tipping point was a continued lack of quality staff.

“We couldn’t compete with the big companies poaching staff by offering above their worth.”

“Training is critical in this game and because staff shortages are so wide, it became obvious to me that filling a gap

had become more important to some than having qualified staff. That’s not how we wanted to do business.”

“I would have loved to have the J&J Crane name continue; but I didn’t have a succession plan as my boys had left the business.”

“Pickles understood how I was feeling about the business and the industry and helped me work through what my path to retirement could look like. Pickles was there at every step and made the sale so easy,” said Rob.

“The value Pickles provided went beyond delivering a sale price. They took the time to ensure I was across everything that was going on and why certain decisions were being made.  It felt like a true partnership.

“There comes a time when you need to bite your pride and say enough is enough.  Life’s too short to be battling the same battles year-on-year. We are in the thick of a national asset shortage,” he said.

“My advice to other owners is to speak with Pickles Auctions – they’ll help you realise what your future could look like,” he said.

James goes on to discuss his views on how the industry will accommodate these changes, with new companies emerging and existing players getting larger.

“It is obvious that some of the larger businesses are going to get bigger and there’s a new guard emerging including individuals who have been working for these family businesses and deciding now is a good time to back themselves.

The emerging trend of established family-owned crane companies closing the yard gates and selling their assets continues. James Chauncy, Pickles Auctions National Sales Manager, Trucks & Machinery has seen similar trends in other industries. He provides some insights.

Pickles has handled a number of auctions recently, including one for J&J Cranes

“We are seeing this change in other states and there seems to be a lot more happening on a regional basis.

“Industries need to go regenerate, it’s a process that provides opportunities for the younger generations as the older generations take a step back and away from the industry,” he said.

James adds the buyers of these assets are not necessarily crane hire companies.

“We are seeing a lot of the assets being purchased by engineering companies, mining services companies, heavy manufacturing companies and businesses in the quarrying sector,” he says.

“The buyer base is not what you would envisage from a selling perspective.

“The selling base is crane companies, but it’s not just crane businesses buying,” he says.

“This trend is probably as a result of businesses wanting to control their costs of hiring cranes in.

“The one-off investment in owning your pick and carry or all terrain, means they are not having to hire cranes in, and they’ve got the crane at their disposal, all of the time.

“It’s also about reliability too. Some of these businesses are working in remote areas and to hire a crane in is not easy.

“Due to inaccessible roads or bridges, you might have got to float the crane 500km and it’s just not worth it. Handling their cranage in house make total sense,” he said.

Even with his experience across many industries, James isn’t sure when this transitional period for the crane industry will end. He explains there are a number of factors at play.

“It is a difficult situation to judge because there are a number of factors influencing the industry. This transition will definitely slow and stop when asset prices stabilise, but I can’t see this happening over the next 12 months to 24 months and even beyond.

“When you consider the price of a new crane today, compared to two or

Pickles National Sales Manager, Trucks and Machinery, James Chauncy

Asset classes are really dependent upon what works are currently happening or in the pipeline for the industry.

three years ago, it is now 30% to 40% more expensive. That’s a huge increase and that’s having a massive impact on the used market.

“As long as people are ageing in this industry and they want to get out, the transition won’t stop for the next two, three or four years.

“We saw the same with the transport industry. It started with COVID when everything got tough for everyone. We are now three years since the start of COVID and the transition is just starting to slow down,” he said.

Pickles Auction has handled a number of large crane auctions in recent times.

“Over the last four to five we’ve had a lot to do with the crane including some big auctions like Fullers Mobile Cranes, Sergi and Wagga Mobile.

“We are good at finding buyers for the equipment we are auctioning. We operate active and targeted databases, we are regarded as a trustworthy marketplace, we provide the right advice based on our extensive experience and our ultimate goal is to get the best return for the vendor,” said James.

Pricing of assets is dependent on what type of equipment is in demand at any given time, he added.

“Asset classes are really dependent upon what works are currently happening or in the pipeline for the industry,” James said.

“For example, one month bidders will be aggressively chasing a 60 tonne capacity all terrain, and then two months later they’re ringing us for a 100 tonner. It’s about supply and demand and what used cranes are available in the market.

“Demand has been from all corners of Australia; Tasmania, WA, as well as the East Coast, and bidding is coming from a regional and also a city base. It seems the domestic market will happily pay more on them at the moment, due to the current lack of supply. With some of the older cranes, we’re seeing a fair bit of demand over in the UAE, India and even Egypt,” said James.

“We operate active and targeted databases, we are regarded as a trustworthy marketplace, we provide the right advice based on our ex tensive experience and our ultimate goal is to get the best return for the vendor.”

TRT’S SERVICE AND SUPPORT MAKES ANYTHING POSSIBLE

Neil Webb joined TRT Australia 18 months ago with a keen focus on customer service and ‘end to end’ product support. His strategies include recruiting experienced personnel and investing in service and support capabilities, ensuring the business maintains a path of sustainable growth. Today these strategies are paying dividends.

“RIGHT FROM THE START, OUR MAIN FOCUS was to get the basics right and this involved ensuring our levels of customer service are up to my expectations and standards - and that is to be at the highest levels in the industry. We believe this level of support will ensure our customers continue to buy our high quality products,” said Neil.

“At TRT, we prioritise our people and their development, making substantial investments in training programs over the last 18 months. This commitment has resulted in outstanding outcomes for our business, as our highly skilled service technicians provide exceptional support to both our brands and customers.

“Thank you to our Service team for their ongoing drive to advance their knowledge and support our customers. TRT is one team and without the support of all sectors from Parts, Service, Sales, and our staff, TRT would not be able to support our customers, as well as we do,” said Neil.

An example of recruiting experienced professionals to the support team is Peter

for Grove and Manitowoc products. He’s been with us from the start of the year and is proving to be a great addition.

“It is important to have a master technician in the workshop who knows the equipment inside and out and is willing to share his knowledge with the rest of the team,” said Neil.

There is plenty of experience in the TRT Australia team, including Neil himself.

“There’s no doubting that experience in the crane industry equates to credibility. Our customers are invested in TRT and know our advice ensures they receive the right crane for their particular purposes,” he said.

“Between Troy Hand, Cranes Sales and Pacific Island Manager, Brendan ‘Cooky’ Cook, Cranes Sales and myself, we have over 90 years of experience in the industry and that certainly reassures our customers and sees them come back and purchase from us time and time again.

“Cooky has been on board for 12 months and brings a wealth of experience in the pick and carry range of cranes. Troy is very experienced in every aspect of cranes. He is technically minded and experienced in crane service and repairs. This experience and ‘crane know how’ provides us with a deep understanding of what our customers require, they know and trust us which is exactly what we want,” said Neil.

“For the first time, we recently employed a full time Marketing Co-ordinator in Australia. Previously all our marketing was managed from New Zealand.

“Binita gives us a day-to-day focus on marketing, she visits customers with our sales team to get a better understanding of what’s required from a marketing perspective. Already she is proving to be a great addition to our team,” said Neil.

TRT’s investment isn’t just in personnel.

“Another example of our ongoing investment are the six new service vehicles we recently put on the road, and there are more to follow. The mix of vans and utes

Walz Groups’ Matthew Campiutti recently received a new Grove GMK5150L from TRTs’ Troy Hand

ensure we have the right equipment on hand depending on the role of the service technician,” said Neil.

Much of Neil’s approach to business is based on customer feedback. He ensures his team asks questions and listens to the answers and bases his business strategies on this feedback.

“The ‘customer experience’, positive or otherwise, is always received constructively. We work closely with customers and work hard to develop all aspects of our business to provide them with the best service.” Neil said.

An example of how this approach paid dividends occurred recently one Saturday.

“Our customer Walz was in the middle of shut down for Millennium Mine. I’m fishing 30km offshore when I get a phone call, fortunately I had reception. I answered the phone, but not only have I answered, a technician in PNG answered, and two technicians answered at home.

“With our technical support online, we got the crane operating quickly and within three hours we were able to fly a technician and the part out to site, replace the part and check the machine to ensure there wouldn’t be further problems,” said Neil.

The response from the customer, provided here, was very positive.

“The level of support and reaction time, getting a technician mobilised to the site was commendable. It’s comforting to know we can rely on TRT and the knowledge of your personnel. Thanks for the support Neil, and the TRT team.”

Neil says this is the service that TRT Australia prides itsself on.

“That’s an example of the experience from one customer which continues to buy equipment and the brands we deliver. Walz has ordered its fourth TIDD and they operate Groves and Kobelcos in their fleet.

“Our approach to support is paramount to the business and over the last six to eight months customers are really beginning to understand what this approach means.

“They can ring the GM on a Saturday or Sunday and he’ll pick up as will his service technicians and key sales personnel; they

know we are here to help and support our customers, that’s what we are about,” said Neil.

He moves on to discuss developments around the TIDD pick and carry range and how successful this has been with customers.

“The major positive we are seeing with the TIDD product is that each time a customer buys a crane, they will normally buy a second, third, fourth or up to their sixth TIDD.

“And we are seeing that once operators are in the TIDD, they enjoy the crane.

Management and crane owners understand the vital safety features to protect their assets whilst the operators enjoy all abilities of the crane - said to be the most manoeuvrable Pick and Carry crane in the market, while maintaining outstanding lifting performance with the PC28-2 and un-compromised roadability.

Plus, customers know when they are

The TIDD pick and carry is a game changer for Kings Cranes.

“There’s no doubting that experience in the crane industry equates to credibility. Our customers are invested in TRT and know our advice ensures they receive the right crane for their particular purposes.”

dealing with TRT and its dealership network, they will get second to none product support.

“Nothing is too big a task, we have the parts in stock around the country and in New Zealand and we have the service technicians to support the growing population. TRT carries a large array of spare parts for all our products, including TIDD, Grove, Manitowoc and Kobelco, and our technicians are factory trained and ready to go,” said Neil.

Company culture is a strong theme throughout the TRT New Zealand operation and Neil has been working hard to develop a similar culture locally.

“A key part of my role is to support each of our employees, to ensure they come to work in a positive frame of mind because they believe TRT is a great business. We celebrate our wins, and we work through our challenges. We are outwardly focused supporting our wide network of customers and inwardly focused on the growth of

owners from the upgrade. We found a solution which provided a upgrade to a more powerful front suspension cylinder providing the increase performance lifting upgrade.

“We’ve seen on average, a 17% greater lifting capacity in the load charts operating on articulated or side slope.

“In some areas it’s up to 44%, so it’s a really significant upgrade. And for the cost of the upgrade, it’s relatively small compared to the results customers are seeing. Currently, we are getting in front of PC28 customers to explain the upgrade, so they are able to experience the latest innovation and the same lifting capacity as our PC28-2,” said Neil.

The TRT distributor network is critical in terms of new cranes sales product, and after sales and service. Neil explains more.

“Obviously the Baden Davis Crane Connection has been fantastic for our products in New South Wales. We have a very close relationship with Anthony and Ben and Troy, Brendan and myself, visit

our staff. I like to think TRT is a great workplace,” he said.

Neil continues to discuss the development of the TIDD range in terms of addressing the changing Australian Design Rules (ADRs) relating to vehicle emissions.

“New emission standards will be here in 2024 which has meant our design and engineering teams have been seriously focused on engine change to meet the standards, and this is an exciting place for us. At the same time, they are adding other developments and innovations to our TIDD range which are based on customer feedback. These developments will ensure we continue delivering products specifically designed to meet the challenges our customers face daily,” he said.

The recent TIDD PC28-2 upgrade has been received positively by the industry.

“We released the PC28-2 upgrade earlier in the year which has been well received. The great thing including our existing PC28

“New emission standards will be here in 2024 which has meant our design and engineering teams have been seriously focused on engine change to meet the standards, and this is an exciting place for us.”

TRT Australia has secured significant orders for purpose built trailers which save time when the crane gets to site.

Customers such as Brisbane City Cranes continue to rely on TRT Australia for crane and trailer solutions.

their yard as often as we can.

“We have dealer meetings every month and everyone in our dealer network attends. We rely on dealer feedback because they’re listening to and supporting our customers every day,” said Neil.

“Dealer feedback from Ronco in WA, Complete Crane Solutions up in the top end WA, RMB Services is SA, and JDM in Melbourne is critical to ensuring our machines continue to grow and develop.”

“With the TIDD product, we are focused on providing our customers with a solution that delivers in their workplace. And at the end of the day, the PC28-2 is a fantastic machine. It features critical benefits through various TRT innovations, like the CTI and Slew Safe. It has a 28t lifting capacity with it’s narrower design and 44 degree articulation to get into tighter areas.

“The front suspension is more like an all terrain suspension cylinder providing additional advantages. King Cranes is a

TIDD customer and he’s about to take delivery of a third crane. He drove his first two cranes over 1,000km, from our TRT depot in Brisbane to his home base up to the Whitsundays, demonstrating the machines quality and how comfortable the ride is.

Over the last 12 months the Kobelco range, including telescopic crawlers, has proved very popular particularly within the construction sector.

“We’ve seen a real flurry of cranes being delivered into the foundation and piling sector. The Kobelco range of crawlers are based on traditional Japanese engineering and manufacturing and cope with the rugged nature of the piling industry. Kobelcos are operating on many of the infrastructure projects. We are also excited to see new orders from major crane hire companies as well,” said Neil.

TRT is also having significant success providing ‘turnkey solutions’ for customers.

“TRT is unique in that we design and

manufacture the TIDD pick and carry and we provide all terrain cranes with the Grove product, tele and lattice crawlers with Kobelco and large capacity lattice boom crawlers with Manitowoc. We also design and manufacture support equipment like counterweight trailers, platform trailers to carry all your equipment needs and crane pads to provide ‘turnkey solutions’ for our customers with nothing off limits.

“Recently, we successfully secured orders for a series of bespoke trailers for transport companies working in the renewable energy sector. We already have customers operating a significant number of purpose designed built trailers. Borger Crane Hire for example, operates upwards of 100 specifically designed TRT trailers and is about to receive a significant number of Kobelcos.

“We are working hard in a tough environment We want the industry to know, we are here to provide complete solutions for our customers,” said Neil.

CONQUERING NEW TERRAINS

Already owning over 90 per cent of the Pick and Carry market in Australia, Franna is looking to expand its operations with the Terex Rough Terrain series. Sales Director Andrew Pritchard discusses key points of difference within the Franna/ Terex brand – including new technology, international collaboration, and after-sale support.

COMMENCING ITS OPERATIONS IN THE 1970s, Franna is a well-known Australian brand and a dominant player in the Australian crane market.

On any given day, there are 10,000 cranes operating throughout Australia, and 5,000 of those are Franna cranes. With their articulated Pick & Carry comprising over 90 per cent of the market, every crane yard, operator, and distributor is familiar with the name that was conceived by Dave Francis and his wife Anna in 1978, as well as the capabilities of their machines.

However, as Andrew Pritchard, the Sales Director at the Queensland-based company, points out, they are now seeking to expand.

Considering that the Franna product already occupies a significant portion of the Pick & Carry market, one might wonder how they plan to achieve further expansion. The answer lies overseas.

Acquired by Terex, a global

manufacturer of heavy machinery based in the United States in 1999, Franna’s portfolio expanded to include the Terex Rough Terrain and Terex Tower Crane brands. It is within the rough terrain category that Andrew sees an opportunity to advance the Franna brand.

“We currently have 35-tonne, 65-tonne, 80-tonne, and 90-tonne rough terrain cranes,” he says. “Within the next 18 to 24 months, we will also acquire a 110-tonner.”

Andrew emphasises the importance of the 90-tonner due to the existing demand, but he also acknowledges that other companies are becoming competitors to Franna. He believes that the rough-terrain series from Terex provides an excellent opportunity to expand market share in Australia.

“We are refocusing attention on the rough terrains and utilising the Terex perspective,” he explains. “While these cranes have always been available, there

has been no specific focus on them within Australia, and that’s what we aim to tap into.”

As a fully qualified engineer now working in sales, Andrew is knowledgeable about Terex’s products and is determined to provide Franna’s customer base with quality equipment. He understands that customers may initially be sceptical of the rough-terrain cranes as they are relatively unknown in Australia. However, having witnessed their performance in the harsh environments of the Middle East, he is confident that they will thrive in Australia’s diverse operating climate, including mines, wharves and construction sites.

“In the Middle East, there are thousands of Terex rough terrain cranes,” he explains. “It’s an environment similar to Australia, with high temperatures, dust, wind, and challenging conditions.”

“We need to ensure that the product aligns with Australia’s requirements because we wouldn’t consider bringing it in otherwise.”

There’s no hesitation in discussing the relationship between Franna and the Terex Rough Terrain group, Andrew says, with all team members happy to have those challenging conversations about whether

a product will perform well in a given environment. He believes that the Rough Terrain series can help Franna expand its market share in Australia, but it also holds potential for success overseas. The key lies in upfront discussions with the right people who have the necessary experience to determine the market in which the product will excel.

“We have a close-knit group. Even before we decided to bring the product here, I was in regular contact with the Terex Rough Terrain team because we are considering forming a global network,” he says.

“Currently, the Franna brand is primarily known locally, but we aim to take it international, just as Terex Rough Terrain is undergoing the same process. For example, they hold over 80 per cent market share in Italy. We each have our strengths, and it makes sense for us to collaborate and leverage off each other.”

With his engineering background and experience in the crane industry, Andrew understands the functional requirements that crane operators have. He highlights two features of the Terex Rough Terrain series that he believes set it apart from other products in the market: TEOS (Terex Operating System) and the inbuilt telematics system.

TEOS is a 10-inch full-colour touch screen that provides intuitive icons and self-

Franna are collaborating with Terex to expand the Rough-Terrain series on Australian shores.

The 90-tonne Terex Rough Terrain possesses a main boom length of 47 metres.

According to Andrew Pritchard, technology needs to be kept practical to ensure the safe operation of a crane.

“Our goal is to make it user-friendly. With some of the latest cranes, you sit down and look at the technology within them, which is fantastic. However, understanding it quickly can be challenging for operators. We purposely simplified it.”

explanatory safety messages for the crane. It offers a complete 360-degree view of the crane at any time, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Andrew describes it as a system that operators can familiarise themselves with in just an hour.

“One of the main benefits of the Terex Rough Terrain series is its intuitiveness,” he explains. “Operators familiar with other Rough Terrains can easily jump into one of our cranes. They will grasp its operation within 30 minutes.”

Regarding the telematics system, known as the T-Link Platform, Andrew underscores the increasing role of technology in advancing cranes. The system provides real-time access to various data points, such as engine temperatures, oil pressures, and other performance indicators. This data enhances safety and productivity. Since a third party monitors any mechanical or technological issues remotely, the operator can focus solely

on operating the crane—a concept that Andrew sees as the future of technology: advanced, yet practical.

“Technology is one of the main ways OEMs can improve their cranes currently,” he notes. “Our goal is to make it userfriendly. With some of the latest cranes, you sit down and look at the technology within them, which is fantastic. However, understanding it quickly can be challenging for operators. We purposely simplified it.”

From Franna’s perspective, ensuring that there are not too many alarms and distractions for the operator is a key feature. Andrew highlights that Terex’s values are centred around safety, and its stance on technology is emblematic of that value.

Another significant selling point is Franna’s strong support infrastructure. With four storage, servicing and parts facilities in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as an expanded servicing and support team, Franna is committed to

providing excellent follow-up service and immediate access to any required parts. This commitment sets the company apart as they expand into the rough-terrain crane market.

“I can talk about simplicity, practicality, versatility, and other aspects,” he states. “But the real focus is on how we support the product once it enters the market.”

“We are the only pick & carry company with four dedicated facilities, not to mention our remote service fleet. From Franna’s perspective, we needed to ensure that the product can withstand the environment and that we can provide ongoing support.”

“If we didn’t believe that the Terex Rough Terrain series would meet our standards, we would not introduce it, as it could tarnish the Franna brand. However, we have done our due diligence, and we are confident that the Rough Terrain series will thrive in Australia.”

Having seen the Rough Terrain series stand up in the “harshest” of environments, Andrew is positive the cranes will endure Australian conditions

INSURING AGAINST COMPLEX AND EMERGING RISKS

Leading crane, plant and equipment insurer UAA continues to create new roles designed to generate greater efficiencies and more comprehensive cover for its customers. Jacinta Fryer was recently promoted Senior Technical Officer, a new position within UAA.

JACINTA BEGAN HER INSURANCE career straight after university on a graduate program with QBE. The program involved underwriting various insurance products and included time within the claims department, predominantly reviewing liability and personal injury claims. From there she specialised in underwriting Contract Works for a number of years.

After spending two years working in the London insurance market, Jacinta joined UAA in 2017 as an Underwriter in the company’s Melbourne office, and has been the Senior Underwriter for the Victorian and Tasmanian portfolio since 2019.

“In my new role as Senior Technical Officer, I will provide support to Jane King as Group Chief Underwriting Officer assisting with the management of our plant and machinery portfolio on a national level. Aspects of the role will involve analysing our risk appetite and pricing to ensure consistent and sustainable outcomes that benefit both our commercial partners and Insureds across UAA’s portfolio,” said Jacinta.

In addition to retaining and promoting experienced staff, with the merger with Mecon and growth of the portfolio, UAA has heavily invested in additional resources for the Underwriting and Claims teams across the country.

“Part of my role will be to continue that journey by providing ongoing training to our Underwriters and Business Development Managers

Jacinta Fryer, UAA’s Senior Technical Officer.

and to provide technical expertise and guidance for complex and emerging risks. Another aspect of the new role will be to streamline processes, implement smarter technologies and gain efficiencies for the group to allow underwriters to focus on assessing risks and providing insurance solutions to our customers,” said Jacinta.

Whilst every insured entity’s risk is different, whether it be geographical, involving different types of equipment, or levels of experience or claims history, there should always be a consistent approach to underwriting. At a Group level, the company is combining and enhancing the complementary strengths of MECON and UAA. These changes will create better visibility and the ability to be adaptable in an ever changing market.

“By understanding wellperforming aspects of the portfolio and identify adverse trends early, UAA can implement specific and targeted strategies for improvement, avoid broad-brush or knee-jerk reactions and work with industries to reduce these risks moving forward. By doing this we are then able to provide stable and consistent offerings on both pricing and coverage to the industry across a sustained period of time,” she said.

In Jacinta’s time at UAA she has been involved in significant projects and developments within the underwriting team, including the successful transfer and integration the MECON plant portfolio to UAA over the last 12 months.

“Alongside training and development, another part of my role will be to continually improve the efficiency of our internal processes and technologies to enable the underwriting team to fully focus on providing the best product and service to our broking partners and Insureds,” she said.

Jacinta goes on to explain how her new role will benefit customers.

“As a specialist plant and

machinery insurance agency, we work closely with our broking partners to understand our Insureds and their risks. With over 50 years’ experience providing insurance solutions, UAA know that no two businesses are the same. Our insurance products are designed to be tailored to the needs of our Insureds and my role will assist our underwriters in this endeavour,” she said.

Through data analysis and utilising its vast experience, UAA can provide valuable insights about insurance trends in the industry to broking partners and for the benefit of its Insureds, says Jacinta.

“UAA has always worked with industries to understand the risks our insureds face on a day to day basis, and by listening to the needs of our Insureds, we continue to provide market leading solutions.

extension under their own insurance policies,” she said.

Jacinta explains how this will effect insurance policies for crane customers.

“As a specialty insurance provider, through our BDMs and relationships in the market, we ensure our broking partners are aware of the additional coverages we can provide. In turn, brokers can discuss these coverages with their clients to determine what is needed for their insurance program,” she said.

“Insurers continue to be concerned with the increasing costs of worker to worker injury claims, with many markets already increasing excesses. Due to the lengthy nature of these claims, mitigating this risk will require ongoing discussion between industry and insurers for years to come.

“Over the last few years, we have seen more requests to increase certain limits, such as Damage to Lifted Goods, Recovery Costs and Expediting Costs, to ensure Insureds are adequately covered in the event of a claim.

“Additionally, more of our Insureds are acquiring financial protection cover, so that in the event of a claim, they can continue fulfilling jobs and meeting their lease obligations. From a Claims standpoint, we are seeing increases in overall costs due to inflationary pressures.

“Also owing to claims activity, we are seeing dry hire companies increasing their expectation that third-parties purchase their own insurance rather than including this

“Over the past few years, we have seen some other insurers reduce limits and restrict coverage extensions for crane businesses due to claims levels. This began with reductions in liability coverage for crane operators but has now extended to insurance for the equipment itself.

“Availability of cover has been reduced in part due to consolidation of specialty insurers but also though lack of long-term insurance capacity for perceived higher-risk occupations and equipment. By contrast, UAA has remained a consistent insurance provider for the industry for over 50 years and has the right structure in place to continue supporting the industry for another 50,” said Jacinta.

“Alongside training and development, another part of my role will be to continually improve the efficiency of our internal processes and technologies to enable the underwriting team to fully focus on providing the best product and service to our broking partners and Insureds.”

Platinum Sponsor:

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION EXPO SET TO BE LANDMARK EVENT

Melbourne’s premier construction and infrastructure event, Inside Construction Expo 2023, will amplify the transformation of the commercial and civil construction sectors. With excitement already brewing, it is time to plan your visit.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION EXPO, AN EVENT dedicated to major commercial and civil projects in the Australian construction industry, is being held from 20 to 21 September 2023 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With a strong conference program featuring top-level speakers, a world-class exhibition showcasing the latest equipment and technology and the Inside Construction Foundation Awards – celebrating the best the industry has to offer across a variety of categories – Inside Construction Expo 2023 is a must-attend event.

Set to connect constructors with OEMs, sub-contractors and operators, Show Director Lauren Winterbottom said the event will facilitate the successful delivery of projects in the pipeline.

“Inside Construction Expo was created to fill the gap in events targeted at major commercial and civil projects,” she said.

Among the OEMs featured at Inside Construction Expo will be global heavylifting and transport specialists Mammoet, represented by Sales Executive Manager of Australian branch Bjørn-Evert van Eck Rasmussen.

“We are truly excited about the incredible opportunity to engage with industry and customers at the Inside Construction Expo in Melbourne. This event provides us with a platform to forge meaningful connections, share expertise, and showcase Mammoet’s capabilities in delivering groundbreaking solutions for Australia’s most ambitious construction projects,” he said. “It reflects Mammoet’s commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and contributing to the progress of Australia’s construction industry.”

In the 2022-23 Federal Budget, the Government increased its 10-year

infrastructure investment pipeline to a record $120 billion, while the 2022-23 Victorian Budget outlines $85.3 billion in general government spending on infrastructure over the next four years.

A plethora of projects are planned nationwide over the next decade, but considerable industry challenges remain. Inside Construction Expo 2023 will provide a platform to canvass solutions to the issues confronting the commercial and civil construction sectors.

With multiple stages across the event focusing on Health, Safety and Wellbeing; Training, Education and Careers; Digital Transformation and Connectivity; and Construction Productivity, there will be a wealth of industry information and solutions.

“Throughout the conference, attendees can expect to hear from executive-level representatives from Australia’s major

ICON Expo will promote the technological, sustainable, and safer developments coming to the fore in the construction industry.

constructors and suppliers, alongside research and education bodies and government figures,” said Winterbottom. Speaking to the support received from sponsors, partners, and associations, Winterbottom said without them the event would not be possible.

“We’re pleased to partner with industry associations and peak bodies to bring Inside Construction Expo to life,” she said. “Specialist in assembly and fastening materials, Wurth Australia has come on as a supporting sponsor for the Expo.”

“We are thrilled to be part of the 2023 Inside Construction Expo, which promises to be a game-changer for the industry. This event will provide an unparalleled opportunity for us to showcase our latest products and innovations, as well as to connect with fellow professionals and share insights and expertise.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring event,” said Serge Oppedisano, CEO of Wurth Australia.

Winterbottom also pointed to intelligent positioning solutions provider Position Partners and manufacturer Komatsu as proud conference sponsors. In the lead-up to the event, over 19 industry-leading publications continue to cover the latest in Expo news extensively.

“We have seen coverage reach more than 80,000 decision-makers across multiple sectors,” a spokesperson said.

“We’re excited to connect with delegates at Inside Construction in Melbourne this year. Events are experiencing a resurgence post-lockdown, and nothing beats in-person conversations, especially when it comes to showcasing new technology!” said Gina Velde, Marketing and Communications Executive Manager of Position Partners.

Current association partners include The National Association of Women in Construction; The Working at Height Association of Australia; The Concrete Pumping Association of Australia; The Institute of Quarrying Australia; The Crane Industry Council of Australia; The Formwork Industry Association; Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers; and The Piling and Foundation Specialists Federation.

“From CICA’s point of view, Inside Construction Expo provides us with a chance to get together with our full spectrum of clients and customers to open a dialogue surrounding what everyone is doing in the construction industry,” said CICA CEO Brandon Hitch.

“The resurgence in events post-

lockdown provides a great opportunity for us to interact with members, workers, and the technologies that will shape the crane industry’s future.”

Furthermore, as part of this year’s Inside Construction Expo, the Foundation Awards will be held on 20 September 2023 to celebrate the individuals, businesses, and projects championing transformation in the construction industry. With a focus on showcasing the initiatives that seek to promote core standards around safety, diversity and environmental sustainability throughout major and local projects, the Foundation Awards will be a premier event on the construction industry calendar. The following awards will be given:

• The Rising Star of the Year

• The Industry Leader Award

• The Woman of the Year

• The Operational Excellence Award

• The Sustainability Initiative of the Year

• The Safety Program Award

• The Technology Solution Award

• The Major Project of the Year –Commercial category

• The Major Project of the Year –Government category

• The Local Government Project of the Year

Whether you’re a project manager, superintendent or an engineer, all professionals in the field of construction are invited to attend Inside Construction Expo 2023. Registration is free for both the exhibition and the conference. You’re welcome to come and go as you please and curate an experience that suits you.

As the construction industry continues to face ongoing challenges, from skills shortages and lack of digitisation to poor productivity and inadequate safety management – this year’s Inside Construction Expo will encourage transformation and a brighter future for the sector.

For more information, visit www.insideconstructionexpo.com.au

“The inaugural Foundation Awards will recognise individuals and organisations promoting the core standards of sustainability, safety, and diversity.”

FOCUS / GLEASON CRANES

OWNING THEIR HISTORY

Based in Coffs Harbour, Mirri Cranes and Rigging is setting its sights on expanding the business, following its 2022 rebrand. With its recent acquisition of three new Zoomlions through national dealer Gleason Cranes, Mirri feels it’s ready to do just that.

FATHER AND

Golding are proud Indigenous men. Residing in Coffs Harbour – Gumbaynggirr as it is called by the traditional custodians of the land – the pair want to immerse themselves as much as they can with their local community and heritage.

“We’re trying to work out how to give back to the local Indigenous community,” says Shane. “With us, it’s not all about money; it’s about everyone working together and facilitating a good environment with

Having reinvented the business in early 2022, Mirri Cranes is investing in the Zoomlion brand thanks to the cranes’ updated technology, practicality, and affordability.

SON DUO SHANE AND MICHAEL

Mirri Cranes and Rigging originally started its journey back in 2002, in the hands of Shane and his partner at the time. But its original iteration fell by the wayside as Shane says that he needed to “get out for a while”, closed the business and moved on.

But now, with Michael at his side, the two are ready to bring their services to wherever they’re required.

“Basically, we’ve just rebirthed ourselves,” says Shane. “Michael wanted to restart because we were sick of companies taking our work; so, Michael wanted to start us back up as a family company, and we’ve been kicking goals ever since.”

With most of the company being Indigenous, Mirri Cranes and Rigging is big on Aboriginal participation in local communities through employment, training and donations. When it comes to their work, the company possesses experience in steel work, general crane and equipment hire, civil construction, mining and stevedoring.

“We’re located in Coffs Harbour,” says Michael, “but we’re open to work anywhere really.”

“We do export work through the wharves in Brisbane, general steel erection through the local jobs in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour,” adds Shane. “We work anywhere, that’s the nature of the game. That’s the industry; we work wherever we’re needed.”

Adding that operations have been “going really well” since the company rebrand in early 2022, Mirri Cranes has also just purchased three new Zoomlion cranes through national distributor Gleason Cranes to aid in its future operations.

“We’ve just acquired a 25-tonne Zoomlion, and we’ve ordered a 35-tonne and 60-tonne crane to go with it,” says Shane. “We want to modernise our fleet to expand our operations, and those three new cranes should help us do exactly that.”

Speaking about what drew them to the Zoomlion brand, the owners at Mirri Cranes are steadfast in their view that the technology and performance from the Chinese-owned crane manufacturers has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years.

“One of my friends owned one, and with the right operator they were really good cranes,” says Shane. “You get really good value for money from the Zoomlions, and the short turnaround time from purchasing the crane to actually receiving it was another big selling point.”

Shane says the cranes should be considered as being “up there” with rival OEMs in terms of their technological capabilities and practicality, and that the service from Gleason Cranes was second to none.

“I’ve always thought they (Zoomlion) were good,” he continues. “It required some discussions internally but, as soon as we saw it, we were convinced to invest in three new ones. They’re readily available, the new technology is good, and they possess a very practical interface.”

Complimenting the “accessibility” of the Zoomlion brand, Shane says the crane’s safety features “tick all the boxes” whilst still allowing the operator to feel as though they’re driving the crane.

“It’s very accessible; it’s not fully automated, so you can really handle the crane – it’s very driver friendly,” he says. “We’re planning to put these to work on local highway jobs, the new city bypass, even steel jobs for warehouses in Sydney. These new cranes are allowing us to expand our business.”

Returning to his relationship with Gleason Cranes – which facilitated Mirri Cranes’ three new Zoomlions – Shane says that sales manager at the Melbourne-based distributor is “always wheeling and dealing and is a very helpful person”.

“Over the years, I had my own business for 12-14 years, and I’d work with Chris throughout. Even if I don’t buy anything off him, he’s always helping me out to get what I need,” he says.

“This is about the fourth or fifth crane I’ve gotten off him, and they’ve always been very reliable. Whenever I rang him, he’d always take my call to allow me to pick his brain for a bit, and he’d always come back with a very helpful suggestion.”

“I can’t fault him at all. I feel like I’ll have all the support available to me should I need it; accessibility has never been a problem with Gleason Cranes and Chris.”

good people and ensuring everyone’s happy when we work together.”

“You get really good value for money from the Zoomlions, and the short turnaround time from purchasing the crane to actually receiving it was another big selling point.”

PLAN YOUR ENTRY

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

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

LIFT OF THE YEAR –UNDER 20T

LIFT OF THE YEAR –OVER 20T

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

2020 LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - Universal Cranes for the Kettle Tub Replacement Project.

To enter the 2023 awards visit cica.com.au/awards-lift-of-the-year

WINNER - John Holland for the Sydney Football Stadium

2021 LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - Johnson and Young Cranes for the Hyde Street

Exit Ramp Span 31 Load Transfer Pass out project.

2022 LIFT OF THE YEAR LESS THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - Fullers Mobile cranes for their work on the White Bay Power Station.

2022 LIFT OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 20 TONNE WINNER - John Holland and Tutt Bryant for the Auchenflower Overpass Demolition Project.

THE BILL SHAW AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR THE OVERALL BEST LIFT was John Holland and Tutt Bryant for the Auchenflower Overpass Demolition Project.

THE INNOVATION AWARD went to John Holland and Edwards Heavy Lift for the Precast Concrete Trunnion.

KATO’S UNIVERSAL APPEAL

Universal Cranes recently took delivery of a 25t capacity Kato city crane from National Distributor Tutt Bryant Equipment. The addition of the 25t Kato to the Universal fleet enables the company to continue providing customers with the right crane for the job, whether that be a mini crane, large all-terrain or anything in between.

UNIVERSAL HAD A GAP IN THE BRISBANE

slew crane fleet between its 13t Kato city crane and 35t All Terrain. The 25t Kato was a perfect fit to fill this gap and complement the rest of the fleet. The crane is particularly well suited to limited spaces and constrained building and construction sites in the general hire market.

This is Universal Cranes’ first experience with Tutt Bryant Equipment as the National Distributor for Kato, and it proved to be a positive one during the sales process.

Tutt Bryant and crane sub-contractor MSCM worked together to prepare the crane to customer expectations – including the repainting of the Kato to reflect the Universal Cranes’ iconic yellow colour prior to delivery.

Its operators have given feedback that the new Kato CR250-RV has been performing exceptionally well – being very smooth to operate and equipped with great visibility, with its 360-degree surround view camera and detection assist.

The CR-250Rv is the flagship of the Kato city crane range, complementing the CR-200Ri and the CR-130Ri, and is the largest two axle city crane available on the Australian market.

Featuring several significant changes to meet Australian requirements (including EN13000), the new CR-250Rv is turning heads following its arrival Down Under, taking the Kato city crane range to a whole new level.

The focus with this model is on strength, technology, safety, speed of operation and ease of operation in small spaces.

The CR-250RV crane is supported with a full Kato factory warranty and national support through Tutt Bryant Equipment’s extensive service and spare parts network.

NEW JIBS

The CR-250Rv features a new boom and jib,

The CR-250Rv is the largest two axle city crane available on the Australian market and takes the Kato city crane range to a whole new level.

“EJIB” which is designed for deployment in very narrow spaces. It is the first CR model mobile crane equipped with the EJIB which is based on the Kato 4S concept.

A Kato Super Luffing Fly Jib has also been fitted as standard to the CR-250Rv, previously having only been available on the 35t city crane (Japanese domestic model).

Bringing the CR-250Rv’s maximum rated lifting height, boom plus jib, to 38.4m, the fly jib hydraulically telescopes from 5.3m to 8.2m and can be mounted within a 5.7m area from the slew centre.

It is fully powered and can telescope and offset under 100 per cent load.

The hydraulic luffing and telescoping fly takes a single operator 10 minutes to set up and another 10 to ‘swing’.

Ordinarily an operator would be looking at two workers for a great deal longer to swing a standard luffing fly because everything is manual.

ERGONOMIC CAB

The cab impresses with an all-round excellent field of view and provides outstanding operator comfort due to its hydro-pneumatic suspension. Furthermore, it has a built-in IC tag providing high-level security, therefore reducing the risk of crane theft.

There are a number of important safety features included on the CR-250Rv.

The Kato Automatic Crane System (ACS) is an automatic safety device feature that instantly responds to any direct changes in various operating configurations, with a range of limiting functions that increase safety during operation.

With its high-intensity colour LCD, the new ACS makes operations easier as it provides illustrated key switches, enabling quick identification of its functions for each operation.

The Kato CR-250Rv has several advanced safety features that enhance safety during driving or crane operation, thereby minimising the risk of incidents.

The touch-screen display and data logger provides a range of functions which include the ECO switch, which saves fuel by adjusting for optimum work engine speed during crane operation. During nonoperation, the hydraulic pump outlet and fuel consumption are also greatly reduced thanks to the Auto-Minimum-Control adoption.

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. The CR-250Rv

really is a quantum leap forward in terms of operator confidence, comfort and safety.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

The two positional offset Searcher Hook is a breakthrough feature for inserting operations. This feature performs best where the height is limited including applications featuring warehouses, balconies and soffits.

Other optional features include an anemometer, tyre pressure monitoring system, door visor, lunch table, resin/ aluminium outrigger plate and storage and remote-control camera cleaner.

Universal Cranes continues to upgrade and expand its fleet to meet the growing demands across all its branches. While the new 25t city crane fills a gap and complements the rest of the fleet, the company remains committed to investing in its fleet to provide its customers with the best crane for any lift, anywhere, any time.

Despite having only had the new Kato city crane for a short time, Universal Cranes has already planned several lifts that are particularly challenging and can only be accomplished using this crane.

These include lifts at space-limited construction sites in the city and mid-rise buildings in the inner suburbs. w

“The cab impresses with an all-round excellent field of view and provides outstanding operator comfort due to its hydro-pneumatic suspension. Furthermore, it has a built-in IC tag providing high-level security, therefore reducing the risk of crane theft.”

The CR-250Rv features a new boom and jib, “EJIB” which is designed for deployment in very narrow spaces. It is the first CR model mobile crane equipped with the EJIB, which is based on the Kato 4S concept.

Universal had a gap in the Brisbane slew crane fleet between its 13t Kato city crane and its 35t All Terrain. The 25t Kato was a perfect fit to fill this gap and complement the rest of the fleet.

Built Australian – Built Tough

 The only Australian made range of Pick and Carry Cranes

 Fully fabricated in Australia using robotic welding

 Australian owned by the DRA Group established in 1971

 Field proven lowest operating costs of all Pick and Carry Cranes

 Field proven highest level of safety with class leading innovation

 2 year/2,000 hours warranty, 15 year/15,000 hours to major inspection based on established historic data

 Fully powered and compensated boom to 20.7m – longest in its class

 Humma 35 UG series – the only Pick and Carry approved meeting underground specifications

 HUMMA 25 – HUMMA 35 – HUMMA 55

YOU START SAVING MONEY THE DAY YOU BUY A HUMMA

The quiet performer