New SPT mini crane models are on the way.

SPT MINI CRAWLER CRANES GETTING BIGGER

The SPT mini-crawler range continues to gain momentum in the market with interest in the range growing and orders increasing.

MID-YEAR, JONES EQUIPMENT SALES

announced it had agreed to become the National Distributor for SPT mini crawler cranes and the response from the market has been quick and positive.

Michael Khamas, associate director of National Distributor, Jones Equipment Sales explains more.

“Over the last few months, we have continued to generate plenty of interest in the SPT range of mini cranes. Despite the challenges we all face, we are seeing increases in the number of orders received and the level of enquiries is increasing all the time. We will generate more interest as we introduce more models and see more product out and in the market,” said Khamas.

The full range of SPT cranes is now available through Jones Equipment Sales.

“We are bringing in the full range with capacities starting at two tonne with the SPT 199 ranging and up to 10 tonne capacity with the SPT 1009. There are three models in between. The SPT 199 is only 600mm wide and will fit through a standard doorway. It has a lifting capacity of 2t at 2.0m and a maximum working radius of 5.9m. The SPT 1009 has now been released with a lifting capacity of 10t at 2.5m and a maximum lifting height of 20.2m and a working radius of 19m. You can also increase the reach with a jib and fly,” said Khamas.

“The big news is we are just about to receive the first fully electric powered battery-operated crane from SPT. With the push towards sustainability and environmentally friendly workplaces including construction sites, we can see electric powered cranes becoming increasingly popular. There are numerous applications where zero emission electric cranes will be welcomed. We’ll have more to say about the crane when it arrives and we are able to put it through its paces,” said Khamas.

Khamas has been impressed with the market’s response and there has been a high level of interest in the SPT range of mini crawlers.

“We have been discussing the quality of the SPT range with a number of customers and it is obvious they understand mini cranes. They want to be sure the SPT product is right for them and that the right levels of product support and service is available. The SPT range of crawler cranes is a high quality product, engineered and manufactured to worlds best standards.

“The range features world leading componentry and each machine comes with a full two-year warranty. We continue

Michael Khamas and Mitch Jones, Jones Equipment Sales

Remote control comes standard on all models.

to have discussions relating to our distribution channels and there are a number of businesses keen to work us,” he said.

Khamas explains more about the features and benefits of the SPT range.

“The SPT mini crawler is a quality machine featuring world class components with a number of features which will appeal to the local market. The crane has two operational modes, manual and full wireless remote control.

“Manual operation is self-explanatory but each crane is equipped with intelligent wireless remote control which manages the engine start and stop, walking, turning, outriggers and lifting function. The crane is designed to work and function stably in a safe way under complex and dangerous working conditions.

“The cranes are equipped with a safety torque intelligent controller. A colour display screen assists with safe lifting and helps to control all operating conditions by displaying the real-time status of the crane,” he said.

The controller also intelligently monitors the operating mode, oil temperature and water temperature, electricity, fuel, pressure, function realisation status providing feedback to the operator through the colour display. The safety alarm ensures the crane can only move to the ‘safe side’. These features will greatly enhance the safe operation of the crane on a construction site for example.

SPT has designed three safety modes for the crane. These ensure safe operation with the outriggers have been deployed, when the operator is walking the crane and when the crane is lifting. Accidents caused by operator error or mis-operation can be completely avoided as a result of these safety modes.

The outriggers can only be retracted after the crane senses the boom has fully returned. The crane will ensure the operator has retracted and rotated the boom to a designated safe position before the outriggers can be retracted. This enables the operator to avoid the danger of overturning the crane by operating the outrigger without retracting the boom.

There is an alarm safety function for lowering three turns of the hoist which ensures the wire rope on the hoist is guaranteed to keep more than three turns. The crane will stop, and an alarm will sound to ensure the wire rope won’t fall off the winch.

The SPT mini crawler range automatically detects the different extension positions of the outriggers which ensures they are either in the full extension or half extension positions when lifting. The outriggers are automatically monitored when working in narrow spaces for example and the lifting weight data of each outrigger position is also automatically. This feature ensures the outriggers are automatically in the right position to manage the load correctly and safely.

If for some reason the outriggers are not supporting the crane correctly the boom’s movement is restricted. This ensures the operator can’t mistakenly operate the boom before operating the outriggers. If the crane realises an outrigger is off the ground, an alarm function will sound and the whole machine will automatically stop and will not overturn. This ensures the personal safety of the operators.

Khamas explains more about the ‘smart functions’ built into the crane which are designed to make operations safer and simpler for the operator.

“The bulk of incidents are as a result of operator error or operational negligence. SPT has noted this and built into each crane voice prompted functions. This means that when the operator selects different operating conditions and modes the crane will provide voice prompts to ensure safe operations,’ he said.

“The cranes also feature an automatic hook retracting function. After the equipment has been used, the hook is automatically tightened which prevents the hook banging on the crane body and avoids the hook shaking when the crane is walking.

“The standard intelligent controller of the crane cooperates with the intelligent detection sensor and all function information and maintenance requirements are sent back to the intelligent display screen through the integrated controller. The user can see how the crane is operating at a glance which helps with fixed-point maintenance and repair, and regular maintenance of the entire crane. The system can also diagnose the fault and find it quickly and accurately to avoid downtime.

“We are obviously impressed with the quality of the cranes. Pre-delivery is being conducted on everything and they have been CraneSafe approved to ensure they meet Australian and also EN 13000 standards. Nuts and bolt are tagged to confirm they have been checked and every machine is tested by the crane inspectors. And each crane comes with a two year warranty,” said Khamas.