TRT and Max Cranes discuss strategic relationship

WORKING TIDDS TO THE MAX

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

MAX CRANES WAS FOUNDED IN 2002

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

“We run pick and carry cranes which start at 15t up to the 28t capacity with the TIDD PC28. We operate 60t truck cranes and we operate various capacities in our all terrain fleet, right up to our flag ship all terrain, the Liebherr LTM 112009.1,” said Kuhn.

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

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

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

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

Pick and carry cranes are an important component of all crane fleets. Kuhn discusses the reasons why Max Cranes has gradually migrated to TRT’s TIDD pick and carry range.

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

“Max Cranes works closely with TRT and this closeness stems from my relationship with the Carden brothers, Bruce and Robert. I respect their ingenuity and approach to the market. However, I didn’t envy their timing around the launch of the TIDD product. No sooner were the models available, the Global Financial Crisis hit and with it came the massive economic downturn. None the less they have persevered, and the TIDD product is excellent.

“Our relationship has flourished over the ensuing years and there is an increasing amount of mutual respect between our organisations. During the last 12 months we have purchased four new TIDDs which shows we are committed to the product and to TRT.

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

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

“There are a number of Tier One contractors across the country that don’t want to know anything about pick and carries. This is because of their history and the culture that goes with that. Certainly, our customers, especially in mining and Tier One construction companies who we have introduced to the TIDD, appreciate the inherent safety systems engineered into the TIDD.

The TIDD PC28 features improved operational features to help operators work more efficiently and comfortably on the road or at a work site. One new safety feature included is called Slew Safe, which is designed to prevent rollovers. It uses a number of audible alarms, engine

TRT’s 8 Line ESS Modular Platform Tralier with LTM 11200-9.1 T7 Boom.

control unit warnings and an engine derating to prevent further slewing.

The system aims to restrict the driver from operating off the chart by using audible and visual alarms and steering restriction. Slew Safe cannot be overridden but will allow operations to resume when the load is back in the green.

The TIDD PC28 crane aims to maximise safety and minimise risks on the road and on the job.

Slew Safe is a real game changer for the industry. It delivers peace of mind for operators, dogman, crane owners, site managers and site owners by improving safety, reducing risk and improving duty of care.

The TIDD PC28 also comes equipped with a Mercedes Benz DM906 sixcylinder, turbo charged intercooled 205kW diesel engine, a 28t maximum lift on the lug and a 27.6t on the hook block to deliver improved efficiencies and greater lift options. Its 18.64 metres high tensile full power boom features a 75 per cent stationary chart for heavy lifts and a 66 per cent pick and carry chart. The boom’s telescopic sections one and two are fully synchronised and provide hook compensation. Telescope section three is independently controlled with its own hydraulic cylinder.

Max Cranes values TRT as a supplier says Kuhn.

“We have been working closely with TRT on the specialist trailers we have in our fleet. Our relationship with TRT trailers also dates back to 2014. We have two trailers which feature four rows of eight with dollies.

“When we bought the Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1, we turned to TRT to solve some of our issues relating to transporting the boom. The solution was one TRT’s electronic steering, eight row platforms.

“It was a bit of journey to get this trailer to a point where it works for us. But we couldn’t be happier with what the trailer brings to our operation along with the other TRT transport equipment we have in our fleet,” he said.

Robert and Bruce Carden are extremely approachable and keen to find the right solution for their customers says Kuhn.

“In my opinion TRT is a wonderful company, driven by the positive and ‘can do’ approach of the Carden family. For a start, they listen to their customers. When we purchased the Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 we saw there would be a great advantage if we could move it quickly to solve heavy lift issue across the country. To do that we needed a trailer that could carry the boom and come in under the statutory weight limit. This meant we wouldn’t need to be applying for permits and get bogged down with a 28 day permit turn around.

“Alan Jarman, our Technical Manager, flew with me to New Zealand on a couple of occasions to meet with the TRT engineering team to discuss our requirements. It took a while to get to the point where we ordered the trailer, but throughout the process, the TRT team kept us informed of developments and refined the trailer concept until we were happy. TRT’s response times and what they bring to the table is rare in my experience, it is not often seen in our industry. They deliver on their promise.

“Everybody suppling machinery will have issues. It doesn’t matter if you are a small operator or a global corporation like Liebherr, there will be issues with machines. I always judge companies on how they respond to the issue and the levels of respect they display to a customer. TRT are right at the top of their game when it comes to customer support and service, and this is well known throughout the industry. If they have an issue with a trailer or a crane, they get onto it quickly and get it back out and working as soon as possible. That’s why Max Cranes will continue to work with TRT well into the future,” said Kuhn.