Cranes and Lifting September 2023

SENNEBOGEN EXPANDS CRAWLER RANGE

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IN THIS ISSUE

6 Industry News

News from Mammoet and Boom Logistics.

10 Pace Cranes

Sennebogen expands its telecrawler range.

14 CICA President’s Report

16 CICA Diversity Network Launch

19 CICA Member Profile Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire.

22 CICA Business Essentials

Wet and dry hire agreements in the crane industry.

24 National Precast Concrete Association of Australia

Sarah Bachmann elaborates on what to expect from the NPCAA in Cranes and Lifting.

29 Tadano

GM Crane Hire has purchased a new AC 4.080-1.

33 Inside Construction Expo

CICA board member Karli

Sutherland discusses her upcoming appearance on the event’s diversity panel.

EWP Section

36 MCT Equipment

MCT Equipment has partnered with Italian manufacturer Cimolai.

38 AlmaCrawler

AlmaCrawler continues to assert its lof ty position in the industry.

41 Haulotte

Clennett Hire’s Saar Alfasi discusses Haulotte’s products and service.

44 Skyjack

The UK-based access equipment manufacturer has released a new telematics system.

47 LiuGong

LiuGong has a new Australian PDC to solidify its relationship with customers down under.

50 Sinoboom

Uphire’s Nigel McKinley discusses all things Sinoboom and East-Asian manufacturing.

53 Empire Cranes

Pace Cranes has sold a new Maeda mini crawler to Empire Cranes.

56 Marr Contracting

Marr Contracting is using innovation to improve its services.

58 Gleason Cranes

Sales Director Chris Logan discusses what stock is soon to be available at Gleason Cranes.

62 UA A

Michelle Morrissey and George Grasso provide an insight into insurance claims processes.

66 McMahon Ser vices

The Adelaide-based company has a new TIDD P&C.

68 Grove

Manitowoc reveal who has replaced Andrew Gray as Sales Manager.

72 Verton Founder Stan Thomson discusses his company’s point of difference in lifting technologies.

75 Sany

Sany recently introduced the new C6 Crawler Crane Cab for its telescopic crawler range.

78 Comansa

The Spanish manufacturers reveal a new range of tower cranes.

80 Manitowoc

A recap of the Manitowoc dealers’ ‘meet and greet’ in Singapore.

83 Kobelco

Sydney’s Australian Piling Group recently took delivery of a 100t capacity Kobelco CKE 900G-3.

87 Franna Engineer Jamie Monaghan elaborates on the Franna crane’s efficacy in the mining industry.

FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF CRANESANDLIFTING

INTEREST RATES ON HOLD

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently made the decision to again hold the cash rate at the current level of 4.10%. A better-than-expected inflation rate over the June quarter, as well as slowing retail sales growth points to cooling economic conditions. And while the unemployment rate is still at record low levels, the forward indicators of employment conditions all point to a much tighter jobs market going forward.

These forward indicators include SEEK jobs vacancy data for June 2023, which are down 22.1% compared to the year prior. In addition, NAB’s Monthly Business survey shows capacity utilisation is down to 83.5%, which is the lowest read since April 2022. Capacity utilisation is a very good leading indicator of the unemployment rate, and falling utilisation typically means a higher unemployment rate in three to six months’ time.

Looking forward, it is likely we will see upwards movement in the unemployment rate over the second half of the year, which will further reduce inflationary and wages pressure.

Kennards Hire’s second annual ‘Construction Confidence Check’, surveyed over 500 of Australia’s business leaders in the construction industry with 20+ employees. This year’s results found that:

At the C-suite level, almost 9 in 10 (87%) agree that the industry is ‘stable’ and able to withstand pressures to continue growing. 56% of business leaders say rising costs of materials is their top issue impacting confidence in the industry, followed by skilled labour shortages (51%) and supply chain issues (45%).

Compared to last year, while overall confidence in Australia’s construction industry has improved, this year’s

survey results indicate a sentiment shift based on business size and location:

In smaller businesses (20-99 employees), confidence increased (86% in 2023 vs. 74% in 2022).

In larger businesses (100+ employees), confidence declined (80% in 2023 vs. 92% in 2022).

Cranes and Lifting attended the Crane Association of New Zealand’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Christchurch. It was great to see so many industry leaders attend and the response to our regular NZ features was extremely positive.

The deadlines for the CICA Lift of the Year and Photograph of the year are fast approaching, so please jump onto the CICA website and complete your submissions.

As always, the team at Cranes and Lifting has worked hard to bring you a strong mix of content and we hope you enjoy the read.

Published by:

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Precise Swing Operation

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Ben Pieyre

BOOM

INTERIM CEO BEN PIEYRE AS CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Boom Logistics Limited has announced the appointment of its Interim CEO Ben Pieyre as CEO and Managing Director effective immediately.

Pieyre’s performance as Interim CEO since his appointment to the position on February 14, 2023, has resulted in him being awarded the position after a wide internal and external search.

Chair of the ASX-listed company Melanie Allibon said she was pleased with the appointment, pointing to his skills being “invaluable” as they look to “grow the company”.

“We are delighted to appoint Ben to the CEO and Managing Director role. Ben joined Boom in 2019 and was most recently the Company’s COO prior to being appointed Interim CEO,” said Allibon. “The Board has been particularly impressed with Ben’s leadership through this period in which he has demonstrated excellent management skills, future planning capabilities,

effective decision making, adaptability, and most importantly, a clear vision for our business.”

Joining Boom Logistics in September 2019 and with a career in the crane hire industry dating back to 2006, Pieyre holds extensive operational experience in civil construction, industrial services, maintenance sectors, human resources, industrial relations, and engineering.

Currently holding the position of President of the CICA Board, Pieyre spoke about how “proud” he was to add the position as Boom’s CEO and Managing Director to his portfolio.

“During my time at Boom, I have been working with an extremely

talented and dedicated group of people and look forward to continuing working with them as we shape the Company’s future progress and development,” he said.

“Our recent tender wins, coupled with strong activity across our core markets, a healthy balance sheet and optimised assets, means we are in a strong position to drive growth as well as enhanced and sustained returns for our shareholders.”

Other role changes at Boom include Non-Executive Director Kieran Pryke’s increased involvement at the company revert back to what it was before the transition period commencing on 14 February 2023.

APPOINTS

“Our recent tender wins, coupled with strong activity across our core markets, a healthy balance sheet and optimised assets, means we are in a strong position to drive growth as well as enhanced and sustained returns for our shareholders.”

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ENGINEERING EXPERTISE SHORTENS METRO TUNNEL PROJECT

The Cross River Rail project aimed to alleviate congestion in Brisbane’s metro transport system and improve transportation for the growing population. However, the project faced numerous obstacles due to limited space - the site is incredibly confined and congested and the construction sequencing was complex with the need for precision, efficiency, and safety.

Civil engineering contractor Kenny Constructions needed to install 59 concrete trusses, weighing up to 70 tonnes each, deep within the underground station cavern. Overcoming challenges such as restricted headroom and having a few millimetres of clearance on either side of the trusses was critical, not to mention doing so while completing the process in the shortest possible time and with minimum disruptions for the wider site.

The use of cranes at the project site was not feasible, so Mammoet embraced the challenge by devising an ingenious solution with precision and efficiency. The company proposed a custom packing structure positioned on Selfpropelled Modular Trailers (SPMTs), which enabled the transportation and installation of up to four trusses simultaneously, significantly accelerating the overall process.

To validate the solution, the team assembled the packing structure and transport configuration in its nearby yard, conducting a series of dry runs. After thorough preparation and onsite rehearsals, the actual operations commenced.

The customer’s tower crane lowered the trusses onto the packing structure, before they were delicately manoeuvred through the confined cavern. The hydraulic suspension and electrical multi-steering system of the SPMTs enabled them to carefully position the trusses on their designated positions.

The operation’s most challenging aspect was the limited clearance available. Each of the trusses had a span

of 17.6m, leaving just 100mm on either side – a little more than the width of a credit card.

Yet the first set of trusses, with a combined weight of 193t, had to travel to the very far end of the station cavern, a distance of 150m – the length of three Olympic sized swimming pools.

In the first phase, 55 trusses, weighing 48.3t each, were installed, followed by

went according to plan. Working with the Mammoet team was a pleasure. We made the right choice.”

The safe and efficient completion of the scope has made a significant contribution to the A$5.4 billion Cross River Rail project.

The addition of four new underground stations, more than 10km of new rail line and 5.9km of twin

four extra-large trusses weighing 70t each in the second phase. Yet, as part of operation pre-planning Mammoet ensured that the same configuration could be used for both phases, bringing further time savings – ultimately totalling 15 iterations, with each journey transporting and installing up to four trusses.

Thanks to the meticulous planning, specialised equipment and expert execution, the entire operation proceeded smoothly. Fergus McHugh, Project Manager at Kenny Constructions, praised Mammoet, stating, “This was a challenging scope of works, yet everything

tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and the central business district will reduce peak hour travel times by 24 per cent and accommodate 9,000 additional passengers daily.

By employing its expertise and innovative solutions, Mammoet helped unlock a bottleneck in the city’s transport network and contributed to the region’s economic growth.

This infrastructure development supports the projected 40 per cent population growth in South East Queensland, providing a substantial boost to the regional economy.

Custom packing structure positioned on SPMTs, that enabled the transportation and installation of up to four trusses simultaneously

“This was a challenging scope of works, yet everything went according to plan. Working with the Mammoet team was a pleasure. We made the right choice.”

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

SENNEBOGEN EXPANDS CRAWLER RANGE

Sennebogen continues to expand its range of telescopic crawlers with the release of the new 683 E. The 683 E series replaces the 683 D Series model and has a lifting capacity of 80t. Also, new to the range is the 6103 E with 100t lifting capacity. Both models fit into the manufacturer’s medium-size class.

ESTABLISHED IN 1952, SENNEBOGEN HAS been manufacturing telescopic crawler cranes for more than 30 years, and it has successfully established this flexible crane concept in international markets.

With its load capacity of 80t and 42m of main boom, the Sennebogen 683 E is the ninth model in the series and fits perfectly into the gap between the existing 673 E and the 6103 E. It boasts impressive flexibility and a robust design that qualifies it for a wide range of applications and uses.

According to National Sales Manager Michael Cawston of Pace Cranes, the National Distributor for Sennebogen, the 683 E is well suited for a wide range of applications – with its heavy-duty Full Power boom and its powerful travel and winch motors. Sennebogen has updated the operating systems, assembly and disassembly process and transport configurations, in addition to the improved capacities and capabilities from the original D series crane.

“The 683 E is well-suited for building and below ground construction, bridge construction, pile driving during sheet pile installation, and as an agile auxiliary service

crane,” Michael said.

“With its particularly robust design, it demonstrates its strength during heavy-duty use on rough construction sites, where it easily handles pick-and-carry tasks as well as lifting operations on a 4-degree incline.

“We have a large population of Sennebogens locally and customers always comment on how strong and wellengineered they are, and with the amount of infrastructure projects planned for the next decade or so, we are seeing increased demand for these larger capacity machines,” he said.

The 80t tele crane is powered by a 186 kW Cummins engine with Stage V exhaust gas treatment. The main and auxiliary winches are driven by a high-pressure piston engine, which provides a considerable tractive force of 72 kN each and cable speeds of up to 120m/min. The individually configurable equipment can be supplemented by a wide range of attachments, options and additional features such as a programmable working range limiter and safety and low-temperature packages, thus appealing to users in specialised civil engineering and hydraulic engineering sectors, among others.

Flexible on the ground and at heights:

The 4-section Full Power-Boom, which can telescope to a length of 42m in the standard configuration, offers a decisive time advantage, especially in complex operations with changing boom lengths. Thanks to multi-cylinder technology, the maintenancefree boom control system provides variable telescoping and is always force-locking. This

means that any desired boom length can be reached quickly and easily, and the best payloads are always achieved automatically. As an option, the reach can be further extended to up to 57m with a double folding jib that can be angled, making it particularly attractive for structural engineering. Operation is simple and intuitive via joystick movement.

The 683 E is well-suited for building and below ground construction, bridge construction, pile driving during sheet pile installation, and as an agile auxiliary service crane.

Sennebogen has been manufacturing telescopic crawler cranes for more than 30 years, and it has successfully established this flexible crane concept in international markets.

The telescopic crawler undercarriage of the 683 E has a maximum track width of 4.2m. Depending on requirements, this can be reduced symmetrically or asymmetrically to as little as 2.68m, with the load charts being automatically adapted to the respective track width. Timeconsuming positioning of the machine can be eliminated thanks to the robust design of the undercarriage, which is particularly beneficial when working on inclines and for pick-andcarry tasks. The 80-tonner not only boasts impressive load values at inclinations of up to 4 degrees but can even travel with 100 per cent of the specified load on the hook. The standard 800mm triple grouser shoes installed provide a high degree of stability while reducing floor pressure to a minimum.

The 683 E can unload itself from a truck and with the aid of the radio remote control it is completely self-assembling. With crawler tracks attached, it has a transport width of only 3.5m. After simple disassembly of the crawler, not only is the transport weight reduced by almost 20t: the transport width also contracts to 3m.

In the comfortable Maxcab cabin, machine operators appreciate the ergonomic advantages of what Sennenbogen says is a particularly spacious cab. For a comfortable view of even distant loads, the cab has a possible standard tilt of 20 degrees.

Optionally, the crane can also be equipped with a hydraulically elevating cab that can be tilted 30 degrees at an eye level of 5.55m. Largearea window elements provide an optimal view of the entire safety and work area. In addition, the machine can be operated from outside the cabin via a radio remote control. Cameras and a large monitor extend the operator’s field of vision to the rear and right side and can also be used to monitor the winches.

The electric dual-axis control system features joystick control buttons for optional attachments and the graphically displayed load moment limiter. The system provides an audio-visual warning and locks the control lever when the load limits are reached or exceeded. The intuitive Sencon control system provides important diagnostics as well as valuable data on payloads, boom angle, boom length and radius, thus supporting the operator in his work with the machine - for maximum availability.

The Sennebogen 683 E also proves to be highly advantageous in terms of service friendliness. A central lubrication point for the

boom base axle, luffing cylinder and slewing ring greatly reduces operator maintenance. Optimum access to the service points and clear identification of the components also saves valuable time in daily operation.

The Sennebogen 6103 E, 100t capacity telescopic crawler, is the ‘top of the range’ model and impresses with 100t capacity, long reach and flexibility.

With its current product portfolio of telescopic cranes from 16t to 130t load capacity, Sennebogen covers a wide range of applications, where the telescopic crawler cranes in particular offer many advantages when lifting, moving and positioning large loads. The Sennebogen 6103 E is a telescopic crawler with a load capacity of 100t and a maximum boom length of up to 62m, specially designed for demanding Pick and Carry applications.

The 6103 E is equipped with a 186 kW diesel engine of emissions stage V, which also hydraulically drives the powerful crawler drive of the 100t machine as well

The Sennebogen 6103 E has a load capacity of 100t, a maximum boom length of up to 62m, and is specially designed for demanding Pick and Carry applications.

as main and auxiliary winches with 100 kN tractive force each – while also allowing cable speeds of 125m/min. Thanks to a wide range of equipment solutions, the machine can also be configured to meet a variety of customer-specific requirements in special civil engineering or hydraulic engineering, for example with working area limitation, safety and low-temperature packages or for operation with organic oils.

The 5-section pin boom of the new 6103 E has a maximum length of 46.8m for the driver in standard configuration. The reach can be optionally optimised up to 62m with the fly jib and extension. The boom system thus enables comfortable working heights of up to 50m. Operation is carried out simply and intuitively via joystick movement.

Like all Sennebogen telescopic crawler cranes, the 100t machine also allows you to work on rough terrain. Thanks to the robust, telescoping crawler undercarriage with a

maximum track width of 4.2m, there is no need for time-consuming positioning or supporting the machine.

The crawler undercarriage is also stable and secure during crane operation. The extremely robust design of the entire machine, as well as the boom, is particularly noticeable when working at inclines of up to four degrees and with high load capacities. The 6103 E sets an impressive standard in its performance class here. As a Pick and Carry crane, the telescopic crawler crane can also be moved with up to 100 per cent load on the hook and thus offers a wide range of applications, particularly in prefabricated part and component assembly and on large construction sites.

In addition to the tried-and-tested equipment features, the spacious Maxcab offers operators even more options for making every-day work particularly comfortable and safe. The telescopic crane

has a cab that can tilt 20 degrees as standard. As an option, the cab can be hydraulically elevated to an eye level of 5.6m. Large-scale window elements and the tried-and-tested access area with sliding door leave nothing to be desired and provide an optimal workplace for the driver. There is also the option of operating the crane from outside the cab via radio remote control, which offers added precision and safety for operators and crew in many applications.

For contractors and rental companies alike, transport costs and set-up times are key criteria for efficient crane use. The new Sennebogen 6103 E telescopic crawler crane offers two major advantages here.

Additionally, the machine can be transported completely in one piece. For this, only the ballast must be removed to achieve a transport weight of around 61t and a width of 3.48m.

The crane weighs less than 40t and is therefore even easier to transport by low loader, when the crawler tracks are removed beforehand. The highlight with the 6103 E telescopic crawler crane is that all assembly steps can be carried out by the machine itself. Auxiliary cranes are not required thanks to the Sennebogen self-assembly system.

“The Sennebogen 6103 E, 100t capacity telescopic crawler, is the ‘top of the range’ model and impresses with 100t capacity, long reach and flexibility.”

NSW BRANCH CHAIR UPDATE

THE CRANE INDUSTRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES continues to thrive, playing a crucial role in supporting various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, logistics, and manufacturing. Our region’s strong economic performance, coupled with increased government investments in major projects, has created a steady demand for crane services.

Our branch continues to grow and look for new ways to cater for our members. Most recently, a river cruise on Sydney Harbour saw CICA N.S.W. members celebrate ‘Christmas in July’ in a very memorable way. The river cruise provided the perfect setting for networking in a relaxed setting, away from the usual work environment. As the cruise continued into the evening, a sumptuous dinner was served, featuring a delectable array of gourmet delights. Thank you, Justina and Paul, for your help in organising this enjoyable night for our members.

The Canberra regional meeting was another great event held this year. We honoured John Farrier and Anthony Davis with an award for their hard work and dedication to the Crane Industry. Simon Gould, editor of Cranes and Lifting magazine hosted the manufacturer’s panel and the representatives provided us with some useful insights.

There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the crane industry in New South Wales. Companies are exploring eco-friendly options, such as electric and hybrid cranes, to reduce carbon footprints and comply with environmental regulations. As our cities grow, the limited availability of space for crane setups in dense urban areas poses logistical challenges, so we’re working closely with local authorities to find innovative solutions that ensure seamless crane operations without compromising on public safety.

Amidst the challenges, there are several opportunities that we can harness to further strengthen our industry’s position.

Diversity Network Breakfast Launch: Held in early August, the CICA Diversity

“As our cities grow, the limited availability of space for crane setups in dense urban areas poses logistical challenges, so we’re working closely with local authorities to find innovative solutions that ensure seamless crane operations without compromising on public safety.”

sharing their experiences, insights, and knowledge on how, in an increasingly interconnected world, diversity can foster innovation and thinking ‘outside the square’. They challenged the audience to see diversity as not just a buzzword but as an opportunity.

Collaboration with Government: Engaging with government bodies allows us to influence policies, regulations, and

represented effectively.

Road Manager Engagement: By collaborating with road managers CICA has been working to improve road access across the state. TfNSW is working on the delivery of a new Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS) for cranes which will result in far more efficient and flexible road access across NSW.

Managing regulatory change: As of the first of July, all crane manufacturers are now

Anthony Heeks

required to comply with a number Federal ADR requirements, with full compliance to all relevant ADR’s needed by 1st July 2024. CICA has been collaborating with the Federal department and all crane manufacturers to ensure that the transition to the new ROVER system is seamless for companies in the market for a new crane.

Education and Awareness: By actively promoting the benefits and opportunities within the crane industry, we can attract young talent and diversify our workforce. Emphasising the rewarding and lucrative career paths available will help address the labour shortage. As our industry evolves, the need for a skilled and qualified workforce becomes paramount. Training and development are essential to ensure that operators possess the necessary expertise to handle modern crane technologies safely.

TAFE started the year with an intake of 25 trainees and we are expecting another 12 to start late in August 2023. We will be holding a traineeship information evening in early September for prospective employers and trainees to learn more about the benefits of the traineeship.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank former chair Jeff Wilson. Jeff has continued to provide me with ongoing support and guidance over the past 12 months which is greatly appreciated.

I would also like to thank the Vice Chair Stefan Becherand for his support and acknowledge our steering committee, Paul Churchill, Anthony Davis, Ari Debner, John Farrier, Kane Fuller, Grant Gjessing, Jay Gower, Neil Hollingshead, Adam Little and Emma Makinson who have volunteered their valuable time working to develop and implement initiatives with the hope to improve and raise the standards of our industry.

Thank you to all our members for your ongoing dedication and commitment to our industry’s growth, and I look forward to working together to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities in the year ahead.

Anthony Heeks

NSW / ACT Branch Chair

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 OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES

IN A BOLD AND FORWARD-THINKING

move, the crane industry is breaking down barriers and embracing the power of diversity with the launch of the CICA Diversity Network a ground-breaking initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and driving positive change.

To address what is probably the most pressing issue in the industry, the aging demographic, the CICA Diversity Network has been tasked with ensuring the crane sector is seen as the industry of choice for diverse groups, especially young women.

With Karli Sutherland from Quicklift Crane Hire in the Chair, the Diversity Network Committee Members are mainly women representing various areas of the industry, including crane owners and engineers.

The launch included a panel of industry leaders who emphasised how diversity and inclusivity in the

workplace should be a priority for every company. Building teams from varying backgrounds not only improves the employee experience, but how it also enhances productivity and the decisionmaking process, was the overall theme of the launch.

The panel included Sarah Toase, CEO of Crane Association of New Zealand, Colleen Lindores, Owner/Director Lincoln Hire and Sales, Danny Black, General Manager Terex Australia, Melissa Barry, Director Border Crane Consultants, Kate Halpin, Director Employ for Ability and Ben Pieyre, Chief Executive Officer, Boom Logistics and National President of CICA.

The panel agreed it’s not enough to just talk about change, action needs to be taken to effect change. The crane industry needs to build inclusive organisations by design, not default. Recruitment was a key theme with all

agreeing that decisions should be based on data and facts, not long-held bias. The crane sector and the construction industry in general, need to hire and nurture inclusive leaders who can bring together diverse knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.

Uniting the strengths of diversity and inclusion will help build performance and can help unite everyone behind the one vision and with the right team mindset and behaviours, combined with the right structure and processes, change will happen. Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace is a journey and the panel agreed this journey can only start with an organisation understanding what they want to achieve in terms of DE&I.

Tadano was a major sponsor of the launch and Tadano Oceania’s and Marketing Manager, Genevieve

The panel included Danny Black, Terex Australia, Melissa Barry, Border Crane Consultants, Sarah Toase, CANZ , Kate Halpin, Employ for Ability, Ben Pieyre, Boom Logistics and National President of CICA and Colleen Lindores, Lincoln Hire and Sales.

Mustafa spoke of her experience as a young, Asian female and the barriers to entry she has faced during her career.

Kate Halpin, Director, Neurodiversity spoke about Employ for Ability, an innovative social business focused on helping organisations understand the benefits of hiring neurodivergent people as part of their social inclusion and diversity programs.

Neurodiversity is the concept, that neurological differences like Autism Spectrum Disorder are part of the normal variation of the human population. It is a component of the social model of disability in comparison

to a medical model where we need to find a cure.

Autism is characterised by difficulty in social communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests. Neurodivergent people are also hard working, loyal, direct, problem solvers, unique thinkers and honest to name a few qualities. Hiring people who can solve problems and think differently provides advantages to organisations. Cranes and Lifting will actively work with the CICA Diversity Network Committee and provide updates as they happen.

“The crane sector and the construction industry in general, need to hire and nurture inclusive leaders who can bring together diverse knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.”

The Diversity Network Committee.

Tadano Oceania’s Gen Mustafa spoke about her expereince as a young Asian woman and the entry barriers she has experienced during her career

Engineered for the future, built on experience

LTM 1110-5.2 with LICCON3

The LTM 1110-5.2 with 3 new core features: the crane control system, the driver’s cab and the gearbox. The new LICCON3 crane control system comes with large touch displays and is prepared for fleet management and telematics. The ZF TraXon gearbox with DynamicPerform offers wear-free manoeuvring. Plus a modern crane design – the future of the all-terrain series. www.liebherr.com

Mobile and crawler cranes

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

GREG BUCHANAN, THE FOUNDER OF Buchanan Mobile Cranes, has a boilermaking background and the crane side of the business evolved out of the need to install or erect the steelwork that he fabricated. While the crane work is now a significant business in its own right, steel fabrication and engineering complement the crane business and there are many niche projects that require both areas of expertise.

Buchanan Crane Hire started as Buchanan Welding, with a highly skilled team of boilermaker/welders and fitter and turners. It had its beginnings in a factory in Mornington primarily fabricating steel for small factories and select home builders. The business initially purchased a second

hand 9-tonne Coles crane, then a 13-17T Coles truck crane and then progressed to a 40T capacity P&H truck crane. After that, the business added a 12T capacity Franna. Steel fabrication, installation and crane hire were very complementary, and the multiskilled team grew quickly. They enjoyed the crane work, maintaining the crane fleet and taking on more general crane hire work across the Mornington Peninsula.

Greg’s son James Buchanan developed an early interest in cranes, from around the age of eight as he recalls. With the business and family home co-located on acreage at Moorooduc, it was easy for James to help out after school and on weekends. It was a great learning environment: nothing was forced but neither was anything sugar-

coated. As James says: “Every day was a school day.”

James’ learning covered both sides of the business and, when he left school, he took on an apprenticeship to become a fitter and turner with Jack Thompson Engineering in Hastings, Victoria. After spending four years in the mining industry in WA as a FIFO worker, James decided that it was time to return home and come back to the family business. Greg and Melanie happily embraced this decision.

James takes up the story.

“As the has business grown, so has the number of team members and we are proud that many of the team have been with us for over 20 years. They have adapted as changes and challenges have emerged and upskilled

With a carefully selected fleet of cranes, Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire has been servicing Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, and surrounds, for over 30 years.

Buchanan Mobile Crane’s fleet is consistent with the businesses position in the market, and that’s being diverse and capable.

and grown with the business,” he says.

“As demand for our skilled services has increased, we have extended the fleet which now includes crawler cranes, crane trucks and larger capacity Franna pick and carry cranes and our most recent addition, our new Grove GMK 3060L 2023 model.

“The progression and continued renewal of our crane fleet has been driven by the diverse requirements of our clients,” says James.

James goes on to examine the evolution of the Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire fleet.

“We have predominately built our business on pick and carry cranes and small slewing cranes,” he says.

“With the Peninsula growing rapidly and with work sites getting smaller and harder to access I could see there was going to be a growing demand for this type of crane, and we would need to pitch our services at this market. I realised we needed a crane that would set up in a 6 metre by 6.5 metre square.

“In 2019 the business purchased an

older Kato 22H so we could utilise the versatility of an all-terrain crane and provide our clients with better outcomes on site and get a feel for the prospective market share of the larger capacity cranes,” James says.

“Today, our 20 tonne Franna and 25 tonne Franna are the bread and butter of our business. They are heavily utilised because they are suited to so many applications.”

“The Kato proved the point that a greater capacity crane with a small footprint was needed in the marketplace, and this led to the purchase of the Grove GMK 3060L this year. The Grove complements the cranes already in the fleet and we can now use the Frannas to set up the larger jobs that require the Grove,” he adds.

James says the new purchase is a key part of meeting client needs within Buchanan’s own fleet, rather than relying on other crane companies to supply a larger capacity crane.

“We now mitigate the frustration of

involving another business that doesn’t have the same level of attention to our clients as we have,” he says.

“We now run a small crane truck and a Maeda 355C. We have Frannas, an AT 20 and MAC 25SL and of course our star performer the Grove GMK 3060L. Our fleet is consistent with our position in the market, and that’s being diverse and capable. This is where our passion lies, we love a challenge and we have lift solutions for every problem.”

Buchanan’s is also a proactive member of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) – the accredited body representing the industry, and which provides the CraneSafe certification process which all its cranes undergo on an annual basis, James says.

“We then provide our clients with this accreditation which gives them the confidence that Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire complies with the National Standards of safety in our industry,” he says.

“CICA also is our first point of contact

The new Grove GMK 3060L complements the cranes already in the Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire fleet.

for advice and the annual conferences and workshops CICA provides gives us the opportunity to stay abreast of new technologies, information and network opportunities in our industry.”

BUCHANAN MOBILE CRANE HIRE PHILOSOPHY

The family business has thrived despite having to navigate some very uncertain economic times. This has been due largely to the family’s love and commitment to the industry and the dedication and expertise of the team.

“Our operators, our operational crew and backroom staff have a strong commitment to each other, and they are focused on the success of the company,” James says.

“Our business philosophy is one of commitment to the highest levels of service in the industry and this commitment is evident in the feedback we receive from our clients.

“We strive to meet the needs and requirements of all our clients, and we are focused on achieving excellence in everything we do. This benefits our clients, our business and the community.”

James adds that Buchanan’s mobile crane operators regularly provide a service that goes above and beyond client expectations.

“Our current operators come from a very extensive and skilled mechanical background with a wide knowledge base,” he says.

“Mitch ‘The Crane Doctor’ has years of experience in the crane industry and is passionate about cranes. We also have eager young operators and riggers keen to have the opportunity to grow their knowledge base through the guidance of our experienced team.”

James adds that the company’s larger client base means Buchanan’s Mobile Crane Hire often finds itself conducting specialised and diverse lifts requiring a high level of problem solving and lateral thinking.

“Our clients have high expectations, and our team approaches every job with the same level of enthusiasm and care providing the extra 1 percenters,” James says.

“This approach has given us our point of

difference in the crane hire market, which has led to many of our clients remaining loyal to our Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire for the 30 plus years we have been in business.

“Many clients have become personal friends and we are proud to have such a long association with many of them.”

Buchanan’s also works to serve the Mornington Peninsula community, actively

they are dealing with a considered and professional business,” James says.

“Our processes are focused on the safety and care when our operational staff are on site, and we are committed to providing the latest model machinery and technologies. Through the dedication of our team members, we have built a reputation for providing a reliable and high-quality service.

supporting local organisations, sporting clubs and local facilities, he says.

“Our commitment to serving our community has led to the company being held in high regard and our expertise and business ethics are readily acknowledged. We value our relationship with the local community greatly,” James says.

That said, James adds that establishing and maintaining client confidence in company processes and services is crucial.

“From the initial phone call clients know

“Our team is crucial to the success of the business, and we listen to their feedback relating to recent lifts and projects,” James adds.

“We then initiate staff participation in safety and quality improvement processes which continually drive improvements throughout the business. Transparent communication with our clients helps generate mutual respect and integrity with all our actions contributes to a healthy and happy workplace for all.”

“Buchanan’s is also a proactive member of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) – the accredited body representing the industry, and which provides the CraneSafe certification process which all its cranes undergo on an annual basis.”

Today, Buchanan Mobile Crane Hire’s 20 tonne Franna and 25 tonne Franna are the bread and butter of the business.

LIFTING SUCCESS: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RELEVANT AND CURRENT WET/DRY HIRE AGREEMENTS IN THE CRANE INDUSTRY

CICA UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES faced by small/medium business owners, which is why Paul and Justina CICA’s Membership Engagement Team have curated a series of interactive and comprehensive workshops to cover a range of vital topics, empowering small/medium businesses to navigate the dynamic business landscape with confidence.

These workshops will delve into various aspects critical to small/medium business growth, such as business strategies, financial management, customer relationship management, and effective leadership. Each workshop is designed to be highly engaging and incorporate group discussions, case studies, and real-life scenarios.

On 11 July 2023, CICA hosted its first ‘CICA Business Essentials’ (CBE) event at the Quest in Preston, Victoria - this was also live-streamed, so that members could gain from the content. Ping Gangur from Level Playing Field Lawyers delivered a presentation on the importance of relevant and current wet/ dry hire agreements. Ping highlighted that 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.

Ambiguity and misunderstandings can lead to disputes that can be both costly and time-consuming. A comprehensive wet/dry hire agreement serves as a roadmap, clearly defining the terms and conditions of the contract, such as payment terms, duration of hire, equipment specifications, and termination clauses. Clarity on these aspects fosters trust and prevents potential conflicts.

A well-drafted agreement can protect all parties from financial risks. For crane owners, it ensures that they receive

timely and fair compensation for their equipment and services. On the other hand, clients can rest assured that they will not be held liable for unforeseen damages or accidents if the crane and personnel are hired under the right terms and conditions.

Mutually beneficial relationships are the cornerstone of success in any industry. By having relevant and current wet/dry hire agreements, all parties demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and accountability. This

fosters trust and strengthens business relationships, encouraging repeat collaborations and positive word-ofmouth referrals.

CICA has developed wet and dry hire documents with a contract lawyer, and these have been customised for each State. CICA is currently working on a cross-hire agreement. CICA members can access these through the CICA Member Portal. If you have any queries, reach out to Paul Arztenhofer (paul@cica.com.au).

CICA’s Membership Engagement Team have curated a series of interactive and comprehensive workshops to cover a range of vital topics.

CRANES AND LIFTING PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL PRECAST ASSOCIATION

In an exciting development, Cranes and Lifting magazine and the National Precast Association

“The crane industry has an integral role to play in precast installation and it’s important we work together to raise the bar through appropriate standards and work practices. We are delighted to partner with Cranes and Lifting magazine as a way of sharing information with the crane industry.”

Cranes and Lifting magazine recognises the important role the National Precast Association holds within the construction sector, with almost every precast concrete construction project involving cranes in one way or another.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the precast industry. The crane industry works very closely with precast concrete manufacturers, especially on major infrastructure projects and it makes total sense to reflect the activities of the association and its members in the magazine,” said business development manager, Emily Schlegel.

With the relationship, members of the association will receive a copy of Cranes and Lifting and the weekly newsletter, with regular editorial contributions featuring association news and member

projects in both

“The overarching aim of the relationship is to create more awareness of the challenges facing both the precast industry and the crane sector and help develop more communication and understanding between the two industry groups,” said Emily.

“The crane industry has an integral role to play in precast installation and it’s important we work together to raise the bar through appropriate standards and work practices.”

Core Concrete was engaged by project builder Kapitol Group to supply a set of long-span load-bearing beams to make the $85 million project a reality. The innovative long span precast concrete beams reduce the requirements of vertical structure, and in turn frees the data center’s floorplates. A carefully designed system of super tee beams maximises server rack density by relocating vertical members to the building’s edges. Each load-bearing beam was designed to withstand a 15kPa (1.5 tonne/m2) load over a 20-metre clear-span.

As precast concrete is manufactured offsite in a factory-controlled environment, Hollow Core Concrete, like all National Precast Master Precasters, was able to deliver a consistently high-quality finish throughout all precast elements across the project. Furthermore, the offsite manufacturing process greatly reduces congestion of trades and materials’ delivers on the construction site.

The $85 million Next DC M2 project has been predicted to provide 300 new employment opportunities in both the Melbourne region and throughout the broader supply chain, this achievement has been driven by an innovative use of precast concrete.

PROJECT: NextDC M2 Tier IV Datacentre

LOCATION: Tullamarine, Victoria

MASTER PRECASTER: Hollow Core Concrete

CLIENT: NextDC

BUILDER: Kapitol Group

INNOVATING TO IMPROVE SAFETY

One National Precast Industry Partner is bringing innovation to the table. It’s a new panel connection system and it promises

safety while making precast installation even more cost effective and speedy.

ACCORDING TO NATIONAL PRECAST’S CEO

Sarah Bachmann, Partner Hagane Systems set out to overcome not only workingfrom-heights challenges during precast installation, but to also reduce the need for patching, hiring time for plant and props, and site welding traditional cast-in plateswhich are commonly used in the industry.

Traditional panel connections using cast-in plates require plates to be castin during the manufacturing process, at precise locations, so that when erected on site, the two plates marry. Threaded bolts are then used to connect the ‘stitch plate’ to the two cast-in plates, connections are welded and voids are patched. The panel joint is then able to be caulked.

Precast already offers construction a massive opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency, and Bachmann says this new system could be a game changer.

“Awareness is key and anything that can improve safety and speed of construction is something we need to help promote.”

WHAT IS THE NEW SYSTEM?

As with traditional cast-in plates, Hagane panel connectors are also cast-in during manufactrure. The difference is that these connectors are always located in the top corner of panels, which minimises installation difficulties.

During installation, grout tubes are filled with specified non-shrink grout, then pins are aligned as the connector is dropped into place. According to the company, the connection takes two minutes instead of the traditional forty-five to ninety minutes needed for

traditional connectors. No welding or patching are needed.

IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

Sarah says Hagane’s new system has the potential to increase the number of connections an installer can install up to one hundred in a day!

“That’s an impressive productivity improvement,” she said.

Extensively tested – with test results readily available - the new system provides engineers with client solutions that are structurally sound, cost effective and efficient.

HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Director at Matrix Consulting Engineers

Ray Buttigieg, says the system offers clients a way to save money and reduce construction time.

“After grasping the engineering concepts behind the system, which closely resemble our current design methods, it becomes relatively easy to present our clients the benefits and then impact it can have on their panel projects. Our team will be introducing and implementing Hagane panel connectors to all of our clients as ‘the new normal’ when it comes to future projects,” he remarks.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Canzoneri, Director at C3 Construction Group, says that the system has allowed his company to save money on plant and labour, with installers connecting panels in minutes, while eliminating welding and patching.

“And now our finished panels look cleaner than ever before,” he comments.

The Hagane Systems team will be travelling the country over the next couple of months to meet with builders, engineers and precasters to further discuss the systems, and offering complimentary re-designs for those who are interested in using the system on their next panel project.

For more information on when they are in your state, email Steven Adamic directly on steve@hagane.com.au.

to improve

“Awareness is key and anything that can improve safety and speed of construction is something we need to help promote.”

HISTORY, TECHNOLOGY, SERVICE

WHILE TODAY GM CRANE HIRE HAS its feet firmly planted in the South Australian market, Yani Mihos admits to a few early doubts in 2016, when he was just venturing into the world of crane hire company ownership.

“When GM Crane Hire first started, we completed a host of projects on wind farms with our old 60-tonne Demag,” he reflects. “Initially it was a struggle; there wasn’t much work for us, and I really needed to think about the future of the business.”

Having started his career as an open ticket operator with Nick’s Crane Services in 2007, Yani had nearly 10 years of experience behind him, as well as a commitment to providing a standout service when he started the business. Fast forward seven years, and GM Crane Hire is now an established company undertaking services in residential and commercial construction as well as general crane hire services from its base in Adelaide, South Australia.

“We’ve now got five cranes in our fleet, and all our operations remain close to home,” says Yani. “I want to stay in the city because there’s so much work here, and I want to come home to my family at a reasonable time.”

A family-owned business –underlined by the ‘GM’ in the company’s name being a testimony to Yani’s late father George Mihos – the company is capable of completing big, heavy lifts, in tandem with small, dexterous lifts.

Today, with over 16 years of experience in the industry, Yani says he’s seen lots of changes over his time in and around cranes.

“Personally, the main thing that’s changed is the way technology has evolved in cranes,” he says. “Everything

is getting more and more advanced, and it’s all about enhancing safety and improving our ability to perform a lift.”

And, that’s never been more visible to Yani than in his company’s latest acquisition: a Tadano AC 3.060-1.

With the relationship between GM Crane Hire and Tadano inadvertently beginning when the Japanese manufacturers acquired the Demag brand back in 2019, the Adelaide-based crane hire company’s first experience with Tadano was back in 2022, when the company brought the first AC 4.080 to Australian shores. Having made the decision to purchase the crane in 2021, Yani’s 80-tonne all-terrain crane came

custom-painted in a two-tone grey livery and went straight to work in the local building and construction industries.

“Our first crane was a Demag, and all the old technicians there went to Tadano (after the acquisition),” says Yani. “I’m only a small operator in Adelaide, but every single one of them went out of their way to make sure I felt valued even though I was a nobody.”

“A crane is a crane, but what makes people feel valued is that post-product support service,” he continues. “I didn’t feel the need to look anywhere else because of that foundational relationship.”

When Yani’s original AC 60 tonne

Yani Mihos started Adelaide-based GM Crane Hire with one Demag Crane and a commitment to quality service. He talks his career, the evolution of the crane industry and his ongoing relationship with Tadano, seven years on.

Owner of family business GM Crane Hire Yani Mihos stands in front of his new Tadano AC 3.060 with his two children.

crane was decommissioned in late 2022, GM Crane Hire turned to Tadano for a replacement, a three-axle, 60-tonne capacity all-terrain crane delivered in early 2023. Yani highlighted the interchangeability of accessories between the two models as a key reason to stick with the Tadano brand.

“Extra accessories are expensive, and with a business like mine, we want to save money where we can,” he explains. “That’s one of the reasons we stayed with the Tadano brand; the fly extension, hooks, the lot really – it’s all just very interchangeable between machines, which helps us a lot.”

With a main boom length of up to 50 metres, with a further 16 metre extension on standby, the AC 3.060-1 thrives in high lifts in confined spaces. Due to its Flex Base system that allows less outrigger positioning, the all-terrain crane excels in spaces where versatility and manoeuvrability are required.

“Purchasing the 60-tonne crane

“We can place the outriggers wherever we want, which makes working in compact spaces so much easier – we’ve never worked with a crane that does that.”

allowed us to continue our work in general building lifts, formwork and steelwork,” says Yani. “It’s the area that we want to continue targeting, and our new all-terrain crane facilitates that.”

Powered by a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine, the crane complies with EU Stage V/Tier 4 emission restrictions and carries an AdBlue fuel tank –another option for reducing emissions through the treatment of exhaust gasses, catalysing the nitrous oxide and transforming it into nitrogen and water.

The AC 3.060-1 holds a maximum counterweight of 12.1 tonnes with the rigging system for the counterweights able to be set up outside of the cab via remote control. It can be operated by

just one person, with Yani labelling the crane as “very practical”.

“We can place the outriggers wherever we want, which makes working in compact spaces so much easier – we’ve never worked with a crane that does that,” he says. “Additionally, the computer system built within the Tadano ensures no matter where the outriggers are placed, we’ll be able to lift safely at maximum capacity.”

Yani is very complimentary of the Tadano’s capacity to enact lift plans onsite before operations begin, saying the data that it displays is “everything” he needs to know facilitate a safe lift.

“Back in the old days, nothing would stop us if something were to potentially

One of the key selling points for Yani was the interchangeability between the features of his Tadano cranes.

go wrong,” he says. “With the new technology in these new ones, you can’t do that; there’s too many fail-safes, which is only a good thing.”

A key feature of operations at GM Crane Hire is safety. Underscoring its view that safety is paramount and something the company takes “very seriously”, the Adelaide company prepares Job Safety Analysis Reports and detailed lift studies prior to all its lifts, which it makes readily available to anyone engaging its services.

“We make sure we take everything into consideration,” says Yani. “Any potential hazard, anything that could potentially be unsafe – we want to make sure we’re covering all bases when we’re lifting something because we want everyone to go home safely.”

“Ultimately, our new Tadano helps us do exactly that.”

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Platinum Sponsor:

The 60-tonne all-terrain crane’s counterweight system can be set up outside the superstructure via remote control.

DIVERSITY IN CONSTRUCTION AT INSIDE CONSTRUCTION EXPO

From September 20-21, Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre will be bustling with a range of key construction industry stakeholders.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION EXPO, AN event dedicated to major commercial and civil projects in the Australian construction industry, aims to shine a spotlight on key industry issues such as skills shortages, automation and other digitisation, safety, and diversity in the industry.

Featuring a range of top-level speakers to address these issues, the event will tackle diversity in construction head on as it provides a platform for women who have made it in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

According to the Australian Government’s labour market insights published in June last year, 1,322,100 people were employed in the construction sector at that time. Of that total, only 13.3 per cent were

female, roughly totalling a miserly 176,000 workers. With a projected total of over 100,000 roles in construction currently going unfilled, according to a report from Arcadis Construction Costs, the time to address the gender diversity in the industry is now.“The crane industry’s average age is over 50 years old, and with that comes a lot of conservative attitudes on diversity and inclusivity in the workplace,” says co-owner and Business Manager of Quicklift Crane and Access Hire Karli Sutherland. “Women in the construction industry is one issue, but women in the crane industry is a topic in its own right; Inside Construction Expo will be a good forum to platform these ideas and challenge the preexisting norms.”

Set to speak on Inside Construction

Expo’s Women in Construction panel, Karli is a Board Director of The Crane Industry Council of Australia where she actively advocates for supporting women in non-traditional roles in the male-dominated industry.

“Inside Construction Expo will give us a chance to increase the visibility of diversity in the industry,” said Karli. “One part of the issue is for women to be supporting women, but it’s also up to our male counterparts to be champions for change in our industry. Everyone has a role to play in creating an inclusive culture.”

Her sentiments are echoed by the Australian Constructors Association’s CEO Jon Davies, who highlighted the need for change in cultural attitudes in the construction industry to attract a more gender-diverse workforce.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is also set to feature at the event. Formed in 1995, the not-for-profit organisation aims to help champion and empower women in the construction (and other adjacent) industries across a global network spanning the US, New Zealand, and Canada.

With a core policy of achieving a minimum of 25% per cent female participation across all construction by the end of 2025, NAWIC is attempting to achieve this by addressing pay disparities and improving workplace inclusion and safety to arrive at its ultimate objective: equity in female participation.

However, as Karli notes, gender disparity is only one part of the equation when it comes to tackling diversity in the construction industry. With other facets including

multiculturalism, accessibility and general inclusivity, Karli believes the more diverse a business’ profile is, the more chance it holds of bucking the norm and incorporating new ideas toward progress. According to a recent report by report by global management consultants McKinsey, companies are likely to be more profitable if they display a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce.

“Inside Construction Expo will give us a chance to send that message that everyone in the industry holds the capacity to make construction and the crane industry a more welcoming place,” she said.

“Every worker, manager, business owner can contribute toward diversifying the workforce and fostering new ideas of progress, and that’s what we want to discuss on the Women in Industry panel.”

FINALISTS OF THE AWARDS: Prime Creative Media, in partnership with a range of titles, will be hosting the inaugural Inside Construction Foundation Awards on September 20.

Set to take place at the Melbourne at Showtime Events Centre, at South Wharf in Docklands, the cocktailthemed evening will run from 7pm until late at night. The event will recognise and celebrate the construction industry, and the individuals working in the sector.

The awards will promote major construction and civil infrastructure contributions, with innovative major and local projects promoting standards pertaining to safety and environmental sustainability to be honoured.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS IN THE LIFTING SECTOR

CUTTING-EDGE LIFTING SOLUTIONS WITH MCT AND CIMOLAI

With a new facility in Henderson, WA, and a new partnership with Italian manufacturers Cimolai, MCT Equipment is ready to tackle the lifting industry head on.

AS THE AUSTRALIAN SUPPLIER OF Italian based Cimolai Technology, MCT Equipment proudly offers an extensive range of alternative lifting solutions that is set to redefine the local market.

With its expertise in providing solutions for large-scale construction, mining and infrastructure projects, it is committed to delivering equipment that prioritises safety, efficiency, and reliability.

“Partnering with Cimolai Technology has been a game-changer for MCT Equipment,” says Anthony Grosser, Managing Director at MCT Equipment. “With Cimolai’s expertise and our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we can tailor solutions that suit the unique needs of our clients. We are changing the way heavy materials are handled and transported, empowering our clients to achieve unparalleled success.”

Cimolai Technology’s Rubber Tyre/Rail Gantry Crane range has become an industry

staple in large-scale construction projects. These cranes feature suspended beams and play a crucial role in handling existing structures and precisely placing new beams during in-situ construction. With an unwavering focus on safety and accuracy, these gantries provide the necessary lifting capabilities for demanding projects.

The Flat Bed Trolleys are designed for the convenient transportation of steel and concrete beams within and between construction sites. With a strong emphasis on reliability and efficiency, these flatbed trolleys offer an optimal solution for moving heavy materials, ensuring smooth operations and increased productivity.

The Self-Propelled Transporters are specifically designed for handling and transporting precast or reinforced blocks and beams. These transporters provide flexibility and manoeuvrability, enabling efficient movement of heavy materials within construction sites. With their

state-of-the-art design, these transporters streamline operations and contribute to overall project efficiency.

“We are thrilled to venture into the dynamic Australian market, hand in hand with our valued partner, MCT Equipment,” says Alberto Rosin, Sales Engineer at Cimolai Technology. “Bringing our state-of-the-art cranes, gantries, and lifting solutions to Australia represents a significant milestone for us.

“We are confident that our advanced technologies, combined with MCT Equipment’s deep understanding of the local industry, will empower Australian businesses to take on ambitious projects,” he adds.

“Together, we are eagerly embracing this new chapter, where innovation and collaboration will undoubtedly shape the future of market sectors in Australia.”

Visit mctequip.com.au to find out more.

Rubber Tyre Gantry Crane utilised on prominent project in Western Australia.

DESIGNED FOR RENTAL

Skyjack’s vertical mast lifts with AC electric drive offer a quiet and versatile package with zero emissions.

PRIME POSITION

AlmaCrawler continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, with its JIBBI 1890 PRiMO now recognised as the Hire and Rental Industry Association’s (HRIA) HIRE23Best New Product for Access Equipment.

THE AWARD, PRESENTED TO GENERAL Manager Bob Mules and CEO Andrea Artoni earlier this year, recognises true excellence and innovation. It focuses on new offerings across the industry with regards to modernising and enhancing technology, safety and performance.

Judged by an expert panel and voted on by HRIA members attending HIRE23, this accolade highlights the strengths of Almac’s strategic approach to research and development in order to lead the advancement of access equipment.

“Our customer-centric approach ensures that our equipment is engineered based on real-world scenarios. Our customers provide us with invaluable knowledge for product and design innovation and it is their feedback that ensures our machines are exceptional in functionality, reliability and

durability across diverse environments”, said Bob Mules, general manager, Almac Pacific.

Using 100 per cent Italian materials and technology, Almac stands true to its reputation for producing world-class access equipment that exceeds the required Australian and New Zealand standards. All machines are produced using Italian materials, in Italy, at Almac’s Viadana facilities in the province of Mantua. Constant research into new technologies and functions allows Almac to surge forward with exclusively unique and highperformance machines for the industry.

The JIBBI 1890 PRiMO (PRiMO) is a significant milestone for Almac as it introduces its first fully electric, selflevelling, tracked telescopic boom with electric drive. This innovative addition to

AlmaCrawler’s JIBBI 1890 PRiMO was recently recognised as the Hire and Rental Industry Association’s (HRIA) HIRE23 - Best New Product for Access Equipment.

its product range was unveiled at the Hire and Rental Industry Association’s HIRE23 event in Sydney in May and represents the evolution of its renowned JT-Line.

Crafted to meet the demanding requirements of complex worksites, the PRiMO showcases an impressive 18-metre working height, enabling safe driving and automatic levelling at 14m on 15 degree lateral and longitudinal inclinations. What sets this telescopic boom apart is its exceptional versatility, allowing it to operate effectively on heavy, sloping and slippery terrains. With a total weight of 5,900kg, it holds the distinction of being the lightest 18m telescopic boom in the market. This remarkable feat is made possible by its design, which allows levelling of the chassis up to 15 degrees laterally and longitudinally without the use of outriggers. Moreover, the PRiMO features a generous 38cm ground clearance and low ground pressure, further enhancing its adaptability. The track width of 2.20m allows the machine to navigate with ease in narrow workspaces, providing flexibility in diverse work environments.

The PRiMO comes equipped with a 1.8m wide basket as a standard feature, which can rotate plus or minus 70 degrees, offering a maximum capacity of 250 kg. It presents two reach options: 9.9m in the 140kg working diagram and 8.3m in the 250kg working diagram. These capabilities enable

efficient and precise execution of tasks at varying heights and weight requirements.

Safety is a paramount concern at any worksite, and the PRiMO addresses this with its advanced safety features. The AntiEntrapment System is designed to prevent serious injuries by automatically stopping the machine and initiating a reverse trajectory for 3-5 seconds when a crushing injury is imminent. This system acts as a crucial safeguard, providing vital protection for operators and other personnel. In addition, Ultrasonic Anti-Collision Sensors are strategically placed to monitor the area above and below the basket, as well as the front and back of the tracks and the tail swing. This comprehensive sensor system ensures collisions are prevented, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

The PRiMO offers three battery pack options, which are entirely removable and replaceable. These options include the ELC (Lead Acid 420Ah 48V), LTH 330 (Lithium 330Ah 48V), and LTH 440 (Lithium 440Ah 48V). This flexibility allows users to select the battery pack that best suits their specific needs and operational requirements.

To cater to evolving industry demands, the PRiMO features a redesigned controller with an Anti-Entrapment bar and comfortable joysticks, enhancing the user experience. This controller streamlines operations and ensures ease of use, making

the PRiMO a user-friendly machine for operators of all levels of expertise.

Furthermore, the PRiMO incorporates an Automatic Tensioning System, which enables a zero-maintenance track tensioning mechanism that is directly connected to and controlled by the main hydraulic system. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, minimising downtime and optimising productivity. Additionally, the inclusion of work lights on the front and back undercarriage, as well as around the basket, further enhances safety during operations.

With its cutting-edge technology and emphasis on safety, the PRiMO stands out as one of the most advanced and secure pieces of equipment available in the market. Almac has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction by introducing a telescopic boom that not only meets the complex demands of worksites, but also ensures the well-being of operators.

The JIBBI 1890 PRiMO is a testament to Almac’s dedication to providing superior solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.

Other products available from Almac includes the JIBBI range, Billennium (SpiderBoom) range, Athena range and Multi Loader range.

JIBBI

The

range features a series of

The JIBBI range features a series of compact, tracked boom lifts renowned for their exceptional manoeuvrability and ability to work on inclines up to 15 degrees.

The Billennium (SpiderBoom) range comprises versatile and agile spider lifts, designed to navigate confined spaces with ease.

compact, tracked boom lifts renowned for their exceptional manoeuvrability and ability to work on inclines up to 15 degrees. These machines are specifically engineered for challenging terrains, ensuring accessibility and efficiency in construction, maintenance, and landscaping projects. With advanced safety features and user-friendly controls, the JIBBI range prioritises operator comfort and productivity.

The Billennium (SpiderBoom) range comprises versatile and agile spider lifts, designed to navigate confined spaces with ease. Equipped with advanced technology and a range of working heights, these machines excel in tasks requiring precise positioning and accessibility. From construction and building to maintenance works, the Billennium range offers unmatched versatility and efficiency.

The Athena range includes self-propelled scissor lifts renowned for their robustness,

reliability and enhanced productivity. These lifts are designed to withstand rigorous conditions and provide elevated working heights for a wide range of applications. Featuring intelligent safety systems and ergonomic design, the Athena range ensures operator comfort and optimum performance capable of working on inclines up to 20 degrees.

The Multi Loader range offers an array of compact and lightweight tracked carriers, designed to tackle demanding tasks in various industries. These versatile machines boast exceptional load capacities and traction capabilities, making them ideal for transporting materials and equipment, across challenging terrains where you would usually require a crane.

Almac has established a strong and extensive dealership network, forming valuable partnerships with industryleading companies such as United Forklift

and Access Solutions (AU), Youngman Richardson & Co Ltd (NZ), and Pace Cranes (Multi Loaders).

Bob Mules says these networks play a vital role in enabling Almac to deliver exceptional products and services to its customers.

“Our partnerships are built on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to customer satisfaction,” he says.

“Our dealers possess extensive industry knowledge and expertise. They amplify our ability to reach customers, offer customised solutions, and provide ongoing support.”

Almac’s commitment to innovation, durability, and customer satisfaction is evident in its diverse range of equipment and well-established networks. Almac continues to be a trusted partner in delivering reliable and efficient solutions for a wide range of applications. Contact Almac today on 0402 982 999.

HR17 ELECTRIC rough terrain

A HAULOTTE OF SUCCESS

Tasmanian company

Clennett Hire has expanded its operations into Victoria in light of a forecasted construction boom.

Co-founder Saar Alfasi discusses business strategies, starting his business amid a global pandemic, and the quality of product coming from French manufacturer Haulotte.

STARTING AN EQUIPMENT HIRE BUSINESS

in July 2019 seemed like a great idea. With investment in construction and infrastructure projects on the rise, the time was ripe to flood the market with new, environmentally conscious, efficient access machines.

But, by March 2020, the world had been flipped on its head and every business was thrown into a level of precarity not seen for a long time. As Saar Alfasi acknowledges: “it was quite a scary experience”.

Founded in Kingston, Tasmania, Clennett Hire was founded by co-owners Will Clennett and Saar Alfasi in a time where business was booming all around them. The company has aimed to consistently provide a high-quality range of different earthmoving, material handling and access construction machines since its inception, but the pandemic threw everything into chaos.

“It was difficult because on top of learning about a new industry and adapting to the market we had entered in Tasmania, we needed to adapt quickly to survive throughout the pandemic,” he says.

Part of that adaptation process did include riding the tough times out; however, Clennett Hire’s strategy revolved around

more than luck. Making the decision to expand their client base, Clennett Hire moved up north from Kingston to explore the markets available in Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie.

Additional to their intra-state expansion, Saar highlights the important role that acquiring experienced heads played in ensuring the Tasmanian company’s head stayed above water. Being able to rely on that wealth of experience and market ‘knowhow’ allowed Clennett Hire to not only provide their range of access products to the Tasmanian market but provide a fulfilling post-sale service to their customers.

“We didn’t give up,” says Saar. “We decided to expand our client base because we wanted to protect ourselves from any downturn in specific markets.”

“Eventually things started to open up

again with the Tasmanian Government pushing a lot of smaller jobs that allowed us to win over some clients,” he continues. “We made sure we provided a good quality service with good quality products because, ultimately, that’s what customers want.”

One of Clennett Hire’s most defining strategies, however, was the decision to purchase products that, as Saar says, it knew its competitors “didn’t necessarily have”.

The company purchased a wide range of equipment and models spanning highcapacity boom lifts, scissor lifts and spider lifts to be its point of difference. At the forefront of the new range of products was French manufacturer Haulotte, which provided a large quantity of Clennett Hire’s elevated work platforms for its access range.

“Haulotte was advocated for quite well by its sales and national managers,” says Saar.

In its early days, Clennett Hire decided to expand to the north of Tasmania and work with Mitre 10 to ensure it could cover itself from as many angles as possible.

“Keith Clarke, in particular, highlighted the advantages of Haulotte’s equipment which really convinced us to come over to them.”

“Over the last 10 years, they’ve updated a lot of their equipment and consistently brought out new technologies to stay ahead of the market,” he continues. “They possess an outstanding design, the equipment is of a high quality, and our clients are always using them.”

Among those technological developments, Saar highlights the developments Haulotte made on its telescopic boom lifts. Citing productivity features such as high capacity baskets and Active Lighting, Sherpal Telematics, four wheels steering and “great” ground clearance, he also notes Haulotte’s “accommodating” approach when it came to tailor-making product modifications for Clennett Hire’s “particular specification”.

It’s because of this level of high-quality service that, in light of Clennett Hire’s expansion into a new purpose-built facility in Victoria, the company has chosen to continue using Haulotte’s products at the forefront of its access range. With the Victorian Government setting aside $85.3 billion for general construction and infrastructure over the next four years, the team in Tasmania believed the time was right to expand its operations.

“We always wanted to expand into Victoria,” says Saar. “We think the next

few years will revolve around stabilising ourselves in the Victorian and Tasmanian markets before considering looking North to some of the other markets such as Sydney or Brisbane.”

“Our aim is to provide leading customer experience and understand our customer

needs while offering the best technology available,” he continues. “We have chosen equipment by leading suppliers like Haulotte who are able to support us with a strong maintenance, spare parts and service offering.”

The new branch in Laverton North –Melbourne’s west – features a range of Haulotte machines including diesel and electric scissor lifts, vertical masts, push arounds, as well as articulating and telescopic booms. All machines feature leading diagnostic and safety features such as EQSS Overwatch fitted to all machines as well as telematics and machine tracking technology.

Ultimately though, just supplying a high-level quality of product isn’t enough in today’s market. With a growing awareness and emphasis on post-sale service and support, the team at Clennett Hire says Haulotte does not fall short in this category. Enjoying a relationship with the French manufacturers before his latest venture, Saar is effusive in his praise for the relationshipfocused approach from Haulotte.

“For me, out of every manufacturer that we work with, Haulotte are the best at investing in relationships,” he says.

“We have chosen equipment by leading suppliers like Haulotte who are able to support us with a strong maintenance, spare parts and service offering.”

Clennett Hire has consistently chosen Haulotte’s products because of its outstanding customer service and emphasis on post-sale support.

The articulating boom access platform.

TELEMATICS FOR ELEVATED WORKING PLATFORMS

Skyjack recognises the value that telematics brings to a fleet and the invaluable data gleaned from such technology. Recently, Skyjack updated their award winning Elevate Live telematics system with the launch of the updated Elevate Live 2.0.

FOLLOWING A MOBILE FIRST PHILOSOPHY, Elevate is an integrated solution for entire fleets while still following Skyjack’s “simply reliable” ethos. Rather than building a new business model, Elevate streamlines existing business models by providing a solution that enables seamless communication between rental fleets and service teams, ERPs, and end users.

Available in three packages (Direct, Engage and Engage + Access), Elevate

ranges from connecting rental fleets directly to their ERP for maintenance and billing, to a full suite of tools to manage a connected fleet.

Elevate is powered by Trackunit, the accepted standard of hardware and platform for off-road and construction fleets. Users can log into a single portal to see their Skyjack machines at the same time as the rest of their fleet. Furthermore, they can run reports and see insights for their

entire fleet while benefitting from Skyjack-provided insights and alerts engineered for Skyjack machines.

All Elevate packages come with access to API connectivity allowing users to feed your rental software/ERP system with live data direct from the machine.

Telematics offer exceptional visibility into many key aspects of a rental fleet. From machine health to location to fuel use to usage patterns,

rental companies can gain extensive information about their fleets. With these in-depth metrics, users can see serious savings and operational improvements.

Skyjack’s mobile-first solution ‘Elevate’ was originally launched in 2018 to give operators access to critical machine information including the machine’s state of health, pre-use inspection guides, and familiarisation materials through a simple QR code with the aim of empowering both operators and rental companies.

Information available via QR code eliminates the need to download apps and remember or share login details. Using their phone to scan the QR code on the machine, operators immediately gain access to extensive machine data and operation guides, saving both operators and rental houses time spent asking and answering machine questions.

Elevate Live is available on all Skyjack equipment, whether Skyjack’s more in-depth telematics system

Elevate is installed. If the broader Elevate telematics is installed, the operator will see information that is more detailed; for example, more comprehensive data on machine health including items like last charge date or recommended charging instructions.

The updated navigation in Elevate Live 2.0 allows straightforward access to features, including live metrics as they pertain to the machines such as battery details, engine faults and controller alarms. The new user interface includes an additional two screens so that live metrics, documentation and technical information feeds are available. For example, electrically powered machines can see a live battery percentage, extensive charge information, and actions required based on battery percentage.

Controller alarm data also presents any issues with corresponding codes and timestamps, battery voltage, and total hours of battery usage.

Similarly, engine powered machines can also see issues complete with codes and timestamps, as well as fuel amount and consumption data, total hours and battery voltage, among other metrics. In the case of telescopic and articulating booms, instances of overload and tilt alarm triggering can be tracked.

Available in seven different languages Elevate Live also includes model information, serial number and operational status. In addition to the live data, Elevate Live 2.0 provides in depth, machine-specific documents and five button navigation including a quick start guide, familiarisation video, pre-use checklist, manuals, emergency lowering procedure.

Telematics like Elevate and Elevate Live offer significant ROI for

Additionally, CAN data allows users to understand the machine history without needing to be at the machine with specialised tools and software. Providing full fault code access to service staff allows for better decisions and analysis, resulting in reduced costs in service calls and repairs.

Telematics systems can also greatly enhance fleet safety and security. As previously mentioned, the easy to access educational materials empower operators for safe and informed equipment operation.

In terms of security, rental companies can track machine location and users in a straightforward way. For example, the Elevate the Dual ID II keypad uses a PIN code or an RFID card to control who operates machines.

Additionally, telematics have been

rental companies. From streamlined maintenance schedules to issue prevention to machine optimisation, the metrics provided by telematics provide invaluable insight.

True utilisation, for example, allows analysis of time elevated, time driving loaded, and total run time to provide true working time, unlike other systems that simply look at engine run time. This complete insight into machine use helps to optimise repair and rental schedules.

Specifically, Skyjack’s unique ‘Ready to Operate’, available on DC Scissors and Vertical Masts, shortens phone calls, reduces visits to site and reduces costs by remotely identifying operator error. Indicated machine settings include battery disconnect, circuit breaker intact, key on, not on charge, E-stop out.

used before to help police locate and recover stolen machines. In October of 2021, customers informed Skyjack that their scheduled machine orders never arrived.

The Skyjack team immediately activated Elevate telematics on the missing machines, providing real time movement and activity on the machines - which were hundreds of kilometres away at that point.

Using this data police were able to recover the stolen equipment and determine the culprit.

The benefit of telematics are vast, with clear ROI for rental companies and machine operators alike. From reducing loss and theft to optimising machine operation to streamlined management, telematics are becoming a key aspect for effective rental fleet management. W

“Telematics offer exceptional visibility into many key aspects of a rental fleet. From machine health to location to fuel use to usage patterns, rental companies can gain extensive information about their fleets. With these in-depth metrics, users can see serious savings and operational improvements.”

SOUNDING THE GONG ON A NEW ERA FOR AWPS

In early May, LiuGong officially cut the ribbon on its new facility in Laverton North, Melbourne. For the Chinese construction and earthmoving equipment manufacturers, this signifies the beginning of a new era in electric machinery down under.

ON MAY 10 THIS YEAR, CHINESE construction and earthmoving equipment manufacturer LiuGong officially opened its new headquarters in Laverton North, a suburb in the west of Melbourne.

Founded in 1958, LiuGong is a leading construction equipment manufacturer, ranking 17th globally for construction equipment manufacturing and sales. At the core of its operations is a full suite of heavy-duty, intuitive machines for construction equipment owners that are constantly challenged to do more with less.

According to Chairman of LiuGong

Australia Deng Tao, establishing a local PDC both reinforces the company’s collaborative approach with local dealers and facilitates better service to local customers.

“Due to Melbourne’s geographical location and commercial environment, we are strategically positioned to further increase LiuGong’s brand awareness in Australia,” he said.

Aiming to strengthen economic cooperation between China and Australia in the construction equipment industry, the opening of the new facility will generate more business opportunities for

parties operating in Australia.

“This sets a foundation for us to expand our footprint in the local market by investing heavily in product improvement and after-sales support,” said Tao, “accelerating channel coverage, and supplying high-quality machinery that helps customers achieve their Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) goals.”

Announcing the launch of its new 856H-E MAX electric wheel loader, 9027F-E electric excavator and electric Aerial Work Platform at the opening ceremony, LiuGong is set to fulfil its

LiuGong officials celebrate officially cutting the ribbon to open its new PDC.

commitment of helping companies meet their sustainability goals.

Developing the technology to help the construction industry achieve net-zero carbon targets, LiuGong’s aerial work platform (AWP) – its latest addition to its portfolio – has been designed with a safety-first focus to transform the way companies work at heights.

Features enhancing safety in LiuGong’s machines include 48V of safety voltage, an MSD maintenance switch, LED work lights, an emergency

stop switch and advanced ROPS cab protection.

Designed using high-strength, structurally integral steel, the AWPs are significantly less damaged following a collision, adding a new layer of protection and safety. With the units delivering zero emissions, minimal noise, and minimal vibration, Oceania Country Manager of LiuGong Australia Louis Wei says that all the machines are packed with smart technology that deliver tangible benefits improving efficiency and productivity.

“Our new work platforms provide the safest and efficient work environment possible,” he said.

“From a range of safety and security features, and a reinforced design that maximises stability at every height, to maintenance-free materials, quick charging capabilities and accessible controls, the machines have been purpose-built to suit industrial operations of all sizes.”

“From a range of safety and security features, and a reinforced design that maximises stability at every height, to maintenance-free materials, quick charging capabilities and accessible controls, the machines have been purpose-built to suit industrial operations of all sizes.”

The all-new electrical aerial work platform was amongst the products showcased by LiuGong at the facility launch.

Push the boundaries of what you thought was possible. Choose Almac.

Our range of boom lifts, scissor lifts, spider lifts and carriers are engineered with modernised and enhanced technology for safety and performance.

With a dedicated and knowledgeable dealership and service network throughout Australia and New Zealand, we’re committed to you.

Athena Range

Billennium Range

JIBBI Range

Multi Loader Range

SINOBOOM’S QUALITY NO APRIL FOOL’S JOKE

Expanding its business into the sunshine state, Uphire prides itself on supplying reliable equipment at a competitive price with good customer service. Owner and founder Nigel McKinley discusses business, expansion plans, and why his company chose Sinoboom to be one of its main suppliers of equipment.

NSW-BASED EQUIPMENT HIRE COMPANY

Uphire has come a long way since it began its operations on April Fool’s Day 12 years ago.

Initially operating out the side of his house with a trailer and four machines, owner Nigel McKinley’s journey now sees his east coast-based business expanding into Brisbane’s market and with plans of moving into Newcastle.

“Around the time I started Uphire, I’d broken up with a business partner who decided to try and take everything that we had built together,” he says.

Endeavouring to work through the challenges of starting his own business, Nigel cited Uphire’s customer-centric approach as the main reason for success and why his company has stayed so stable.

“We made sure we employed good staff around us, because good staff means good customer service,” he says. “Additionally, fostering a positive relationship across every level of the supply chain has meant that people who’ve dealt with us have remained loyal over the past 10 years.”

And it’s not just external relationships that Uphire emphasises either. One of the key driving principles at the NSWbased hire company is clear, consistent communication. For Nigel, that includes making sure that managers and staff are all on the same page when it comes to understanding what the company is trying to achieve on a weekly basis.

“Clear communication is essential and at the core of everything that we do,” he says. “For us, it’s not just about having lunch with suppliers: we communicate with our customers and our staff just as frequently so that we’re not missing anything as to how we can improve our service.”

Operating in tandem with a business ethos of clear communication and customer centricity is providing good, solid, dependable products. In Nigel’s own words, this is “why we chose to give Chinese manufacturer Sinoboom a chance at becoming a supplier partner to Uphire.”

“The Queensland branch is predominantly made up of Sinoboom’s products,” he says. “Where other manufacturers couldn’t supply, Sinoboom did - which, I think, surprised a lot of the

other manufacturers in Australia.”

Talking of his 25+ year relationship with Sinoboom’s General Manager Mitch Ely, Nigel spoke of his internal assurance that, despite any challenges that may be thrown Uphire’s way, his relationship with Mitch and therefore Sinoboom would ensure that support would always be there.

“We initially looked at Sinoboom during COVID-19 because all the supply chains had shortened up elsewhere, so we needed to get outside of our comfort zone back then,” he says. “We found the Sinoboom product, we went to the factory to see how they built their machines, we checked them out thoroughly, and ultimately we were very happy with what we saw.”

Now operating with over 200 machines from Sinoboom, the Chinese manufacturer is at the forefront of Uphire’s expansion into the Brisbane market. Founded in 2008 in Changsha, Sinoboom focuses on providing a wide range of access solutions and its products can be found in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The company possesses a detailed product line featuring a self-propelled telescopic boom, articulating boom, scissor, spider and truck-mounted boom lifts and vertical mast lifts with a range of operating platforms – all offering working heights between 6-48 metres. Uphire has witnessed this kind of performance and efficiency firsthand; as Nigel says, since acquiring the machines, they’ve “really

been hitting the mark”.

“We’re really eager to see how these machines perform over the next few years,” he says. “We’ve invested a large amount of resources into expanding our fleet with Sinoboom, and the quality there is evident – so we can’t wait to see how they perform in the field.”

Another big selling point for Nigel is Sinoboom’s responsiveness when it comes to picking up the phone and answering any service-related calls, an issue he labels a “big thing” that Uphire “needs”.

“A lot of manufacturers experience the same issues,” he says, “but actually getting someone on the other end of the line to talk us through the issue is not a regular occurrence. Getting someone to the machine if the troubleshooting fails in a timely manner is so important to hire companies; if machines are down, we don’t get return on investment.”

“With Sinoboom, we’ve never had that issue,” he continues. “They’ve always answered the phone if we’ve had difficulties and ensured that we receive the necessary service required when things go wrong.”

As Nigel also points out, platforming the level of quality that is apparent in Sinoboom’s machines is equally as important as platforming the company’s servicing capabilities. Despite Sinoboom’s products thriving in the environments they encounter, negative stigmas persist because of its country of origin.

In light of their reputations, however, Nigel believes that Chinese companies are “really putting pressure” on the Australian market – a view that’s widely held across the lifting industry, such as crane dealers Empire Cranes, Ronco and D&D Diesel highlighting the quality coming from EastAsia in past editions of Cranes and Lifting.

“There’s been such a lack of stock coming from the traditional access platform manufacturers into Australia, and the Chinese manufacturers have seized their opportunity with both hands,” says Nigel.

“A lot of people are giving companies like Sinoboom a real chance because these machines are so competitively priced, are well stocked, and perform well.”

Elaborating further, Nigel uses the example of the Hyundai car brand: manufacturing that he says was frowned upon when it first entered the Australian market, but over time has steadily improved to become a high-quality product. With Sinoboom, he notes, it’s no different.

“These brands now are not what they were 15 years ago; today, they’re built much stronger than that,” he says. “East-Asian companies have learned a lot in the past 10 years, and the quality of their machines now are much better.”

“The team at Sinoboom listens to what the people using its products say about its machines, and the team implements those lessons to provide a product that really stands up in today’s market.”

RIGHT-HAND MAEDA

Empire Cranes recently sought to expand its fleet to match the growing demand in civil construction projects around Australia. Operations Director Jared McDonald elaborates on the company’s purchase of a new Maeda mini-crawler, its relationship with distributors Pace Cranes, and the quality coming from the Asian market.

HAVING BEEN AROUND FOR FOUR years and with an ever-growing fleet, Melbourne-based Empire Cranes is well immersed in the industry and knows how to discern quality when it sees it.

With a wave of investment into civil construction and infrastructure projects occurring around the country, the wetor-dry-hire crane company is set on expanding its current fleet, with its latest acquisition coming in the shape of Maedas – a Maeda CC1908 telescopic crawler crane acquired through the Japanese manufacturer’s regional distributor Pace Cranes.

Based in Peakhurst, NSW, Pace Cranes has been associated with the brand for over 30 years, currently distributing Maedas across Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific. When it came to the purchase and delivery of Empire Cranes’ new Maeda, company director Jared McDonald has plenty of praise for the way Pace conducted business.

“This will be the fifth unit we’ll be buying through Pace Cranes in the last three years, with an eye to future purchases in the pipeline” he said. “The relationship between ourselves and Pace

Cranes has just gone from strength to strength; we enjoy the working relationship with both Anthony and Michael.”

With the transport and logistics industry collectively still feeling the pinch in a post-COVID-19 world, Pace Cranes endeavoured to keep the team at Empire Cranes updated on a “weekly basis” according to Jared, which ensured they could in turn keep their customers

informed of developments.

“The handover transition part between Pace Cranes and ourselves was spot on: they’ve already organised the crane safely, and for someone to come and do the commissioning,” he said. “Pace sorted out the upgrades that we need for this current project before it gets delivered to site. It’s why we enjoy the relationship with them so much.”

National Sales Manager Michael Cawston stands with co-founder Jarrod Belsey at the handover of the CC1908.

As reported in the July edition of Cranes and Lifting, Empire’s is focusing on expanding its range of rough-terrain and tele-crawler cranes to increase its access to work in construction and mining projects around Australia. The Maeda will boost its ability to target civil construction projects that require compact, flexible cranes to do lighter but more niche lifting – a market Empire’s five and six-tonne mini telecrawlers already target, according to Jared.

With its lifting capacity of eight tonnes, the Maeda CC1908 offers a maximum lifting height of 20.1m from its position on the ground, with a 5.9m extension available with a fly jib. Additionally, the telescopic crawler crane also features a 10.4-inch touchscreen multi-monitor offering a birds’-eye and surround view camera –providing the operator with a complete understanding of where crane is and how much of its capacity is being engaged.

Thanks to their compact nature, these cranes excel at lifting lighter objects in tight turnaround environments. Jared says he sees Empire Cranes’ newest purchase

thriving in panelling and cladding, tunnel projects, sound walls, barriers, in specialist lifting applications or in restricted areas on domestic and construction sites.

“Considering the success we’ve experienced in the tier one construction and infrastructure markets with our previous Maeda cranes, we wanted to bring on another one with a slightly larger capacity,” he said. “The Maedas have already been working on the West Gate tunnel and Metro tunnel – we see the eight-tonner fitting right into those kinds of operations.”

“The quality is spot on, and the service level is great with Pace Cranes which is obviously a big help, but they’re such reliable little machines and we’ve had no downtime with them,” Jared continues.

“That’s because they’re such good

quality units.”

iscussing the follow up service from Pace Cranes, Jared is nothing but complimentary for the way the NSW-based dealers conduct their post-sale service. With five products being purchased through the company over the last four years, the Empire Cranes director of operations emphasises that “anything” required over their working relationship has always been “provided in a very timely

“They are great when it comes to all the technical staff, and their support with spare parts is spot on. And their technical support on a day to day basis, whether it’s over the phone or their preferred repairers, is outstanding,” says Jared.

“Ray Rixon from RayTech – Pace’s authorised repairer – has been brilliant for us as well. He has been OEM trained and carries a lot of the spare parts and the technical knowledge; he’s been extremely helpful for our business.”

Owning over 80 per cent of the market, Jared says Maeda is the “only” brand

people think of when it comes to spider cranes and mini-crawler cranes – the Japanese manufacturer being the one constant in a consistently shifting market in the crane industry.

“I’ve been in the crane industry now for nearly eight years, and the minicrawler market is just going from strength to strength because people are starting to discover how versatile they are,” he says.

“When it comes to accessing tight areas, the safest way is obviously with these mini crawlers, and the sites are really finding great novel ways to use them. It’s why our utilisation of them is so high.”

“Competitors would need to produce a strong piece of equipment to break into that kind of market,” he continues, “and I’m yet to experience anything that can match the Maeda brand.”

Empire Cranes’ new Maeda holds a lifting capacity of eight tonnes and a maximum lifting height of 20.1 metres.

“The quality is spot on, and the service level is great with Pace Cranes which is obviously a big help, but they’re such reliable little machines and we’ve had no downtime with them.”

UPLOAD COMPLETE

AUSTRALIAN CRANE COMPANY MARR

Contracting is using its innovations in heavy-lift luffing tower cranes and complex cranage services to change the ways data centres are built around the world.

Used to house computer, telecommunications and data storage systems, data centres can use as much electricity as a small town.

Marr has developed a series of bespoke solutions for construction of data centres and giga factory projects, aiming to improve productivity by increasing efficient access to multiple work fronts, while at the same time reducing the total number of cranes on a project.

This results in accelerated programs to commercialisation, lower project costs and importantly, the platform for improved safety, higher quality and ‘greener’ construction.

Marr says that the way each of its cranage solutions are shaped differently, depending on the requirements of the job.

But with its unique fleet of heavy lift luffing tower cranes, including the 330-tonne capacity M2480D, Marr can provide high volume construction lifting – maximising the long reach (up to 120 metres), and heavy lift capacity from a single position.

This brings an increased capability to lift larger structural steel and pre-cast components such as columns, beams and panels, and means fewer cranes are needed – freeing up more laydown and onsite construction space.

This provides the capacity to lift larger and heavier pre-assemblies and modules and offers the potential to build structural steelwork with equipment pre-installed, or to build pre-cast in part-room or full-room modules. It also

offers potential to install large plant equipment such as diesel generators, water treatment plant and roof steelwork, switch room equipment and data-handling and storage equipment.

Data centre projects have also seen Marr use its Marr Transit System, a modular rail system that provides full crane capability with minimal ground preparation.

The MTS offers increased site coverage with minimum impact on space, a reduction in the number of cranes required, removing site bottlenecks and reducing de-rigs and re-rigs, and superior positioning of crane solutions compared to traditional craneage, avoiding the need to decommission and move cranes as the build continues.

Marr Contracting managing director Simon Marr says the company is always looking to find ways to add value back

An Australian crane business is successfully adapting its innovative approach and bespoke cranage solutions to data centre projects around the world.

A key feature of the Marr approach, that has been successfully applied to data centre projects is the Marr Transit System, a modular rail system that provides full crane capability with minimal ground preparation.

into a project.

He recalled that in one data centre project, the contractor had used traditional methods with crawler cranes which sat outside the building, leading to site congestion and delays to the installation of water and service infrastructure.

“In contrast, we worked closely with a client on a recent project, who understood how we could help secure their schedule and support their construction methodology,” he says.

“They adopted our craneage philosophy and their project was completed in half the time of the other build.”

“Now this company has become the partner builder for a data centre provider, and every data centre they build is being completed faster. The last one was completed in just 35 weeks, using our cranes,” Marr says.

“We are seeing clients we are working with in Australia completing data centre projects in six months, compared with other constructors we are in discussion within the UK and USA taking 12 months.”

With the knowledge and experience acquired on best practice for the construction of data centres, Marr’s team is now in discussion with clients in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States who have similar challenges.

Data centre projects have also seen Marr use its Marr Transit System, a modular rail system that provides full crane capability with minimal ground preparation.

THE CICA ON-ROAD COURSE

Obtaining the credentials to safely drive an articulated steering mobile crane on-road

Marr’s bespoke solutions

A NEW GENERATION OF ZOOMERS

Based in Melbourne’s south-east, Gleason Cranes have built a reputation as a cost-effective, reliable service provider in the crane industry. Sales director Chris Logan talks about the products they sell, with a large focus on the Zoomlion brand and their forecasted increase in stock and availability.

PROVIDING THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET with quality lifting machinery and equipment at cost effective prices for over 50 years, Victoria-based Gleason Cranes is a household name in the crane hire, purchase, and servicing industry. As well as hosting the largest used-crane marketplace in Australia, Gleason Cranes is the national distributor of the Zoomlion, Ormig, and Mi-jack brands.

It’s through the Zoomlion brand that sales director Chris Logan sees the

most growth occurring in Australia. Founded in 1992, Zoomlion supplies house-manufactured equipment to over 70 countries worldwide, with Chris underscoring his view that the quality of the Zoomlion product is becoming abundantly clear to anyone paying attention.

“A lot of brands that expanded outside of Asia have successfully completed what Zoomlion is currently doing now,” he says. “If you go back to the 70s and 80s, the Japanese and Korean crane manufactureres

really struggled with their reputations in Australia but successfully turned it around. Now, everyone knows the quality of Tadano, Kato, Kobelco - what they did in the 70s and 80s is what Zoomlion is doing right now.”

Having distributed Zoomlion’s products across the Oceania region for the best part of 15 years, the team at Gleason Cranes is well acquainted with the product; and, as Chris says, if the “quality” wasn’t there, “we just wouldn’t sell it.”

With its cranes standing up to the harshest environments across Australia, whether it be the red and black dust of the mines or the colder climes on the Snowy Hydro project, the Zoomlion brand is standing up.

As a member of the International Standard Organisation, all Zoomlion products are compliant with European, American, and Australian standards. Being the fifth largest construction equipment manufacturer globally, Zoomlion ranked

third amongst crane manufacturers in the 2022 KHL Yellow Table for market share percentage, indicative of how their quality is viewed across the world.

Chris and Gleason Cranes are doing such good work with the Zoomlion brand that its expansion is taking place on both sides of Australia’s border. Gleason Cranes is now looking to move into bigger premises to be able to hold the stock that is set to come its way over the coming year. According to Chris, the company is also looking to invest in floats to transport its products up, down and across the coasts of Australia.

“Zoomlion are very happy with what we’re doing,” he says. “Over the next 12 months, we’ll have an array of products coming into the country that we’ll be able to sell to people, encompassing cranes for all kinds of environments.”

Among those cranes are hydraulic boom crawler cranes ranging through 30-tonnes, 60-tonnes, 90-tonnes, and 150-tonne capacities, and a full range of truck cranes including extras in the 25-tonne and 30-tonne, 55-tonne capacity class.

There is also a new 120-tonne capacity all-terrain crane that is expected to arrive in Australia by September – with Gleason Cranes expecting to take on a range of new rough-terrain cranes ranging from 40-tonne capacity to 110-tonne capacity over the next six months, as well as some crawler cranes with expanded lifting capacities from 30-tonne to over 500-tonne. As Chris notes, these cranes were manufactured in parts of the world

“With its cranes standing up to the harshest environments across Australia, whether it be the red and black dust of the mines or the colder climes on the Snowy Hydro project, the Zoomlion brand is standing up.”

With a rising level in the quality of its machines, Zoomlion is sending a load of stock to be distributed through Gleason Cranes. PICTURED: Hydraulic Boom Crawler Crane

The 120-tonne all-terrain crane Chris will be taking stock of.

A wave of Zoomlion crawler cranes are expected to arrive in Australia ranging from 30-tonne capacity to over 500 tonnes.

with high demand for windfarm work and nuclear power stations, and thus will come readily equipped to handle any energy construction work thrown at them in Australia.

Ultimately, Chris wants to ensure Zoomlion distributor Gleason Cranes holds enough stock and spare parts to ensure that, should it be called upon for any servicing, parts, or purchasing needs, they will have the resources on demand to fulfil that service.

“It’s a big part of our philosophy when it comes to selling machinery,” says Chris. “We want to sell quality equipment at an affordable price, and then provide a postsale service and support that eclipses all our competitors.”

“All of our staff want to work together, and we know if we do that, then we’ll sell more cranes because we’ve provided a good service that everyone’s happy with.”

For Chris and the team at Gleason Cranes, selling a crane is only one part of the equation when it comes to providing good customer service. With service centres and support teams stationed across the nation, Chris says that customers know they can not only trust the quality of the Zoomlion brand, but also the back-up support provided by Gleason Cranes accompanying the sale of the crane.

Stories from past editions of Cranes and Lifting substantiate this. Owner of Central Coast-based company NR Cranes Nathan

Randles spoke of how well a 50-tonne Zoomlion had held up when he was working with Tomago Aluminium, and how it convinced him to purchase a new Zoomlion ZTC251V truck crane.

Additionally, Managing Director of LTE Construction Nick Maric was effusive in his praise for his ZCT600V, highlighting its “impressive” performance in piling works and noting the crane’s “reliability” – citing his previous experience as the main reason to return to the Braeside-based dealer again for a new crane.

The same recurring themes come to the fore in what these business owners say

when discussing the Zoomlion brand and the service received from Gleason Cranes; along with everyone else who’s spoken to Cranes and Lifting about their experiences with the team at Gleason Cranes, they were nothing but complimentary about the manner that Chris conducted their sales, the bang for their buck they had received from their Zoomlions, and the practicality of the cranes.

Touted as being a “third-to-half the price of European cranes”, Chris is adamant the cost-effectiveness of Zoomlion’s cranes is not because of a compromise on quality but, rather, a combination of available stock and cheaper raw materials and labour.

“The quality is right up there,” he says. “Any customer we speak to is loving their cranes, irrespective of whether it’s a hydraulic crawler crane, truck crane, anything.”

“The Zoomlion brand is consistently our best-seller, and that’s because of the quality they display.”

“The Zoomlion

brand is consistently our best-seller, and that’s because of the quality they display.”

A series of truck cranes have been sold to the Australian market recently, with NR Cranes and Mirri Cranes & Rigging taking stock of the 25-tonne machines.

The rough-terrain series Gleason Cranes will be marketing span from 40-tonne capacity to 110 tonnes, and have endured the harshest of environments.

SUPERLATIVE IN EVERY CATEGORY.

Tadano crawler cranes deliver high lifting capacities and maintain excellent maneuverability under heavy loads. Attachments like the Boom Booster or Split Tray help them fit nearly every job. Ideal for large infrastructure and energy projects, with top-in-class performance, massive lifting capacity, strong drivetrain, improved handling, and optimised transportability. ESTA award-winning fall protection design keeps people on the safe side during assembly and disassembly.

NAVIGATING CRANE INSURANCE CLAIMS

WHEN IT COMES TO MANAGING CLAIMS for mobile plant and machinery, UAA’s highly specialised Claims Team is vastly experienced. It understands the importance of a smooth claims experience for customers, which is why UAA has tailored claim forms specifically designed for Mobile Plant and Machinery – to gather the necessary information to initiate and guide the claims process effectively.

To ensure a smooth and timely claims experience, it is essential to complete the claim form in its entirety. This minimises the need for additional information to be requested back and forth and ultimately avoids delays in the assessment process.

“Upon receipt of your claim, our team will allocate it to an experienced claims consultant who will lodge the claim within 72 hours,” Michelle says.

“In most cases, an independent assessor will be already appointed to inspect the damages and will contact you within 48 hours to arrange the assessment of your machine. Typically, assessment reports are received within two weeks of the inspection, sometimes even much sooner. It all depends on the severity and complexity of the claim and damages incurred and what other parties may be involved,” said Michelle.

“The timeline for the assessment process depends on the type and extent of the damage. Once the assessment report is received, our claims consultant will make an informed decision regarding the indemnity available to you and the

quantum of your claim. In general, claims result in either repairs or, if the cost of the damage exceeds the market value of the machine, the machine is treated as a total loss,” she said. While each claim may vary in terms of the information required, the most important step is to promptly notify UAA of any potential claim. This notification should be made as soon as possible and is especially crucial for claims that may result in a loss of revenue.

To help manage claims effectively, here is an overview of the documentation required for different claim scenarios :

1. I mpact Damage: For simple impact damage, a customer will need to

submit the completed claim form and a repair quote if initially available. UAA will review this information and determine if additional details are required.

2. C omplex Claims: For claims involving engine or mechanical issues, in addition to the claim form and repair quotes, UAA will request copies of pre-start checks and maintenance records.

3. Total Losses: In the case of total losses, UAA will require maintenance records, photos of the damages, purchase invoices and any modification invoices. Providing this information promptly helps expedite the appointment of a valuer and avoids delays.

Michelle

Morrissey, UAA’s National Claims

Manager,

and George

Grasso, Chief Services Officer, provide useful insights

into

the claims process –helping you to ensure your claims are processed in a smooth and timely fashion.

Michelle Morrissey, UAA’s National Claims Manager.

4. Th eft/Investigated Claims: Often an investigator is appointed with theft claims as it helps with finding/ identifying the perpetrators. The investigators also work closely with the customer, police and authorities in locating the machine and bringing justice to perpetrators. If an investigator is appointed by UAA, the following standard documents will be requested. If the client is unable to provide them during the claim lodgement, they can be provided to the investigator on request:

• Purchase invoice;

• Profit and loss statements;

• Maintenance records;

• Finance details;

• CCTV Footage ; and

• Other information

Damage/Theft While on Hire: If damage occurs or theft takes place while an item is in the possession of the hirer, the following documents will be required to validate indemnity and potential recovery against a liable party:

• Signed contract of hire or hire agreement;

• Terms and Conditions of Hire, clearly stipulating the hirer’s liability for damages or theft while on hire;

• Hire invoice;

• C onfirmation of no applicable damage waiver paid by the hirer; and

• A ny pre-hire condition reports verifying the condition of the machine was in much better condition that its return from hire

While it is ideal to provide these documents when the claim is lodged, the most crucial document is the completed claim form. Providing an honest and detailed description of the incident enables UAA to promptly assess liability and determine any indemnity.

Effective communication and cooperation between assessors, investigators and insured individuals play a vital role in the smooth progression of claims. Assessors value the information provided on customer’s machines and can provide valuable risk mitigation strategies to benefit to the business. It is

important to understand that assessors and investigators are not deployed to avoid paying claims but are focused solely on progressing your claim and assisting in returning your business to production. By working together, UAA can ensure a smooth and timely claims experience, says Michelle.

“Prompt reporting of incidents to UAA is crucial, as delays in notifying us and proceeding with repairs before submitting a claim can lead to challenges in verifying and reimbursing the full extent of the cost,” she said.

“Timely provision of documentation to our assessors expedites the claim process. Rest assured that our claims staff and assessors only request relevant information to determine the damage and the policy’s response to the claim. There is no agenda to avoid the claim; our shared goal is to assist you and get your operations back on track while meeting our promise to you via our verification requirements.

“We understand that delays in repairs may occur due to the unavailability of components and general scheduling challenges. To address this, UAA may approach international manufacturers to order required components. Although these manufacturing times are often beyond our control, we work with

costs incurred by third-party litigators. Third-party legal providers often impose set timeframes for claim payment before considering litigation. By paying the excess on time, we can finalise the claim lodgement process, enact the policy, and assist in minimising these additional litigation charges.

“We hope this guidance will provide valuable insights for crane operators when navigating through the insurance claims process,” Michelle said.

“Our focus at UAA is to ensure a smooth, timely, and positive claims experience, and we encourage our customers to reach out to us as soon as an incident occurs. By working together and providing the necessary information promptly, we can expedite the assessment and claims settlement, getting you back to productivity swiftly.”

According to George, one of the most important aspects of a successful machine recovery is good planning and often a mind set to recover a machine in same manner as it has fallen over, generally reduces further damage to the asset.

Often owners of machines can get extremely emotional about the situation and can often feel pressured to quickly recover and remove the embarrassing situation they are facing. It is important

brokers to expedite the arrival of parts by considering air freight options within the defined limits of our policy wording.

“At UAA, our claims officers review the facts and evidence to seek the best possible outcome within the policy wording. When indemnity is established, UAA advocates for settlement under the cover you have purchased,” said Michelle.

Lastly, with liability claims, prompt payment of the excess within 14 days of claim lodgement helps avoid additional

to seek assistance from your insurance company to assist with the recovery process, often your insurer may choose to other experts to recover your machine, thus removing yourself (the owner) from any further liabilities or damage to the machine that may occur during the salvage operation.

UAA prides itself on its ability to assist clients in the recovery process and to mitigate further risks and damage to the asset, let alone reducing further damage to any Third Party Property.

“Our focus at UAA is to ensure a smooth, timely, and positive claims experience, and we encourage our customers to reach out to us as soon as an incident occurs.”

UAA can also use this efficiently to commence any discussions with Third Party property owners in mitigating their risks and further liabilities that may be faced by the client. A cool head during such circumstances is critically important.

George explains how the insureds can better assist in the claims process and the importance of focusing on collaboration and understanding.

“It is far more efficient for clients to engage with their insurance companies as soon as an incident has occurred. In saying that I can only speak on behalf of the services we provide at UAA, as many of our competitors wouldn’t know where to start with a machinery claim, and mostly will rely on the customer to arrange everything themselves.

“From UAA’s perspective, engaging our claims team up front provides you an immediate solution to assist in reducing your down time and exorbitant and often unnecessary costs,” he said.

“Having insurance is one thing, but there is always a component of uninsured

loss a client incurs such as increased cost of working, loss of revenue, continuous repayment costs with financiers, ongoing fixed costs and general loss of production and loss of faith with clients work providers. These are often hidden costs that sit outside the indemnity for the machine alone, which can often be more determinantal to the customer than the material damage to the machine itself,” he said.

“The role of your insurance company is to get your machine back in operation as quickly as possible to mitigate these issues. It is in the best interest of the client, the industry and insurers to mitigate further loss, without jeopardising quality and integrity. It is extremely important to engage with the insurers up front to assist you with all

of this. They should assist you with an effective and efficient method of repair to get you back on your feet and doing this early is much more efficient than attempting to reverse engineer it later down the track,” said George.

George goes on to highlight how a collaborative claim experience compares to one which is “us vs them”.

“When you have a client, repairer and broker working collaborative towards a common goal aimed of reducing “Time and Loss”, the claims experience is far more proficient, productive and efficient,” he said.

“We have experienced circumstances when this approach doesn’t occur. This is often due to individuals wanting to take matters into their own hands and then expect an insurance company to foot the bill without being fully involved.

“I don’t know many businesses that will be happy just to pay a bill without being involved in a collaborative approach, particularly one relating to an incident. From a claims perspective, the

role of the insurance company is to buy repairs and to provide a fair outcome on indemnity in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy contract both parties have equally entered into,” said George.

Once a UAA claim form is completed, it should be submitted via email to the relevant state-based email address listed below:

• New South Wales: claims.nsw@uaa.com.au

• Queensland: claims.qld@uaa.com.au

• Victoria: claims.vic@uaa.com.au

• Tasmania: claims.tas@uaa.com.au

• Western Australia: claims.wa@uaa.com.au

• South Australia: claims.sa@uaa.com.au

• Northern Territory: claims.nt@uaa.com.au

• A LL AUSTRALIAN WINDSCREEN

CLAIMS: glassclaims@uaa.com.au

“From UAA’s perspective, engaging our claims team up front provides you an immediate solution to assist in reducing your down time and exorbitant and often unnecessary costs.”

George Grasso, UAA’s Chief Services Officer.

NEW TIDD FOR MCMAHON SERVICES

McMahon Services recently took delivery of a TIDD PC28 -2. Simon Laird-Barrington, McMahon Services’ Crane & Rigging Manager, Demolition & Decommissioning discusses the background to the purchase.

MCMAHON SERVICES IS AN AWARD WINNING civil construction and civil engineering contractor with more than 30 years of experience in delivering quality, innovative and cost-effective civil projects across a wide variety of sectors.

Simon has a strong background in operations and managing large crane service contracts for major players in the resources sector. Simon moved to Adelaide in March 2022 to take on his current role.

“My responsibilities include taking care of our fleet of 11 cranes, including our new 60t capacity Tadano and TIDD PC28-2. I am also responsible for the day-to-day operations for the cranes out of the Adelaide branch, and I help run our crew across numerous projects. My role also includes assisting the rest of the business with pricing jobs including mitigating high-risk crane activities” he said.

Simon goes on to explain the reasons for purchasing the new cranes and the TIDD in particular.

“Purchasing new cranes is the first step in the process of renewing our aging fleet, with the average age of the cranes in our fleet being around 15 years. Even with major inspections being done the fact is we have older pieces of the plant running around, we can fix all the little things, but when big ticket items start to fail, it is starting to add up in terms of our repair and maintenance costs.

“We did a great deal of research in terms of replacing the cranes, from our slewers down to our pick and carry cranes. We currently operate three Frannas in our fleet and they are all 25t in capacity. We were looking at replacements for these and our first thought was we would go with a new Franna.

“But friends in the industry were talking about the TIDD, they were raising a few different issues around what Tier One builders were prepared to accept with non-slew cranes and what they were not accepting. The TIDD Pick and Carry was highlighted as ticking all the right boxes in the Tier One space,” he said.

“We started conversations with RMB Group Services, local distributors of the TIDDs with whom we have a good relationship, and we borrowed the same

In terms of service and support the relationship and interactions between McMahon Services and TRT have been really positive.

model TIDD from one of our suppliers who had taken delivery of the crane earlier in the year. We were able to test drive the TIDD in our yard, and we were impressed with its capabilities,” said Simon.

Simon goes on to discuss the key features of the TIDD that stood out to him.

“One of the things that sold it for me was the feedback from our operators. They were telling me that the TIDD would warn them when approaching an unsafe situation and pull them up with visual graphic features on the LMI and Slew Safe returning them to safe operation. This feedback came from reputable operators who are known for getting challenging jobs done.

However, we took this feedback from the point of view that TIDD was bringing this newer technology, ahead of its time, and that was catching people out,” said Simon.

“We were not sure how the TIDD was going to perform, but borrowing the crane from our supplier, we put it through its paces with a few different loads and configurations. Working the TIDD to its maximum configuration, we had the crane

in a position where we were on a side slope in an articulated position and the lifting capability was truly astounding, our drivers have been truly impressed by the crane’s capabilities. These cranes are designed for operator safety, and the TIDD performed well above our expectations,” he said.

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 working on a side slope, improving lift capacity by an average of 17 percent, and in some cases over 40% greater lifting capacity.

New steps have also been added to improve lift control including adding additional interpellation steps on the TIDD PC28-2 load chart to deliver significant improvement when the crane is articulating.

So, for the operator, this means improved control as the crane articulates. The Robway / TIDD crane operating software has been upgraded with improved functionality, to enable faster processing and greater control responsiveness for the TIDD PC28-2 operator.

Simon goes on to discuss the relationship McMahon Services has with RMB Group Services, the TIDD distributor for South Australia.

“We have a strong and close relationship with RMB Services who manage most of the servicing and maintenance on our cranes. In terms of service and support levels, we have had no issues with RMB. So far, our relationship and our interactions with TRT have been positive, if anything, Neil, Cookie, and Troy bombard us with support.

“But the truth will be when we start to have breakdowns and we are trying to get parts, but we are confident TRT will deliver, and we have plenty of confidence that the support will be there. At the end of the day, the TIDD is a new addition to the fleet and because it’s different to our current models, we are confident it will provide advanced capabilities with jobs we undertake.

“One of the major selling points for McMahon Services is that we have a very diverse range of equipment enabling us to take on pretty much any type of task, even tasks that some other businesses would walk away from,” he said.

The TIDD pick and carry was highlighted as ticking all the right boxes in the Tier One space.

John Stewart and Billy Rumble, Sales Manager –Tower Cranes Manitowoc Cranes Australia.

deliver excellent customer service.”

“Over time I hope customers will feel comfortable enough to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey, Richard, can you assist?’ Or ‘We need support, please jump in.’ Customers will come to see me as an additional support contact point in Victoria and I believe this approach will definitely be of added value for our customers,” he says.

Technical support, including a new parts team, has been a significant focus for Manitowoc recently. Richard sees this as a key development.

“Our focus on technical support and parts deliverables has always been important. Both our technical and parts teams support is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and facilitating new enquiries,” he says.

“We are a strong close team all working towards the same mission. I’m very happy that our parts team has recently expanded with new members in the team to bring a fresh new approach to customer service.”

Richard is also impressed with Manitowoc’s service agent JDM Diesel

Services, saying John Mahoney and his team have a passion for cranes.

“I recently visited John in his yard, and I was extremely impressed with his current operational set up, vision and plans for further growth and expansion,” Richard says.

“His team’s knowledge, experience and goal to deliver service are aligned with my mission of delivering excellent customer service. John explained to me that he values his customers, his staff members and his family.”

In a very competitive environment, Richard says Grove and Manitowoc continue to be at the forefront of technological developments with their approach to a sustainable future.

“Customer demands are increasing all the time and we have to be responsive to their requirements,” Richard says.

“A good example of our innovation is Grove Connect. This remote diagnostic technology enables our technicians to log into any Grove crane set up with Connect, remotely, to assist and aid with technical issues.”

“There’s a big push for this level of support and I think it’s a genuine valueadded service. The prototype hybrid model displayed at bauma was a real eye opener and cemented Grove’s position as an innovator. When it comes to alternate fuels, I can see more interest growing for this type of product,” he adds.

With various infrastructure projects planned for Melbourne, Richard is excited at the prospects for the Manitowoc crawler range.

“I have heard of talk of infrastructure developments and maintenance over the next decade and I’m very pleased to be working with the Manitowoc crawler range,” he says.

“The Australian market is very different to South Africa in that cranes here are higher specced and innovative improvements are embraced and exploited to gain a competitive advantage over the competition.”

“Our range offers a competitive set of crawler cranes to meet our client’s needs. Operational benefits on our MLC crawler range, like VPC and VPC-MAX, provide

The prototype hybrid model displayed at bauma was a real eye opener and cemented Grove’s position as an innovator.

growing both personal and professional relationships with them. My focus is clear, be honest and strive for customer excellence in whatever I do.”

Wealth of Experience

Billy Rumble has cranes in his genetics. His father, Jeff Rumble, is the owner of Canberra-based RAR Cranes

“I completed my electrical apprenticeship in Canberra and started my crane career wiring up and fixing cranes for RAR. Then I started with Manitowoc and Potain in 2016 as a technician. I’ve been based in Sydney since,” says Billy.

Billy sees his technical background with Potain tower cranes as being an advantage when it comes to his new sales manager role.

“My time as a technician has certainly

“My technical knowledge means I can talk to customers in terms of our cranes’ capabilities and make sure my recommendations place the right crane with the right application,” he says.

Billy started his new role in May, formally taking over the tower crane sales for Australia and New Zealand following Andrew Gray’s retirement in July.

The tower crane market is competitive, but Billy is confident that he and the team at Manitowoc can continue to grow market share.

“Obviously the construction sector took a hit during COVID-19 and post pandemic, it has been a little difficult to predict the demand from the industry,” he says.

“But currently, I am handing a lot of enquiries and I’m hoping some of these

will follow through and become sales and we can get some significant momentum happening,” he says.

“We have some very loyal customers such Active Crane Hire on the East Coast, and FG Cranes in WA. Perth is basically a ‘Potain City’.”

“I would say Victoria is the only market where we don’t have a strong market share and I see that as a significant opportunity,” Billy says.

Potain’s small hydraulic luffers are among the most popular at the moment, for users across Australia and in New Zealand, he adds.

“They are proving popular on the smaller construction which require a smaller lifting radius and luffers are ideal for this type of application,” he says.

“Our larger capacity cranes are predominantly over in Perth at the moment, and I am hoping to get some over on the East Coast.

“These include the Potain MR 608 and MR 418 which are really popular. As you come down the range, we’ve got the smaller hydraulic luffers and we are about to release a new crane, the MCR 305, which is going to be really popular and cost-effective for the market,” says Billy.

“The MCR 305 will come in two capacities, 20t and 25t and it will be competitive because it features quick erection times, and we’ve also managed to be really competitive on price. We think this will prove to be a popular model,” he says.

As he continues working with the local market, Billy says his role is much more than simply helping with sales.

“I will be using my technical knowledge to help customers when they can’t figure out a problem and they need assistance,” he says.

“That’s where my technical knowledge is going to come in handy. If a technician isn’t available to answer the phone customers will know to call me because I can be a technical advisor as well.

“I’m really keen to rip in and customers will learn that I’m always approachable. If anyone’s has a question, they just need to call me. I’m more than happy to answer and help where I can,” he says.

Richard Swaine, Sales Manager - Mobile Cranes, Manitowoc Cranes Australia.

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.

SAFETY, STABILITY, PRECISION

Based in Brisbane, Australia, and solving critical lifting issues world-wide, Verton is revolutionising crane safety and precision through the development of innovative technologies designed to keep loads stable, increase productivity, and remove personnel from the line of fire.

FOUNDED IN 2014 BY CEO AND experienced engineer, Stan Thomson, Verton is committed to enhancing lifting operations around the globe. The company’s focus is on integrating traditional engineering protocols with digital and disruptive technologies to unlock improvements in safety and productivity associated with crane performance for the offshore, mining, oil and gas, renewable, and infrastructure industries.

Over the last decade, Verton has garnered a colossal amount of support

for developing the world’s first remotecontrolled load management system. The ingenious gyroscopic technology creates an output torque that can precisely control and rotate loads in either direction, making crane operations safer, more stable, and more precise.

With Stan Thomson at the helm, Verton is devoted to continual improvements in their product range and offerings. They have already redeveloped their signature product, the SpinPod 7.5, that initially secured their

Verton’s SpinPod 30, the third generation in the Everest Series

place as qualified players in the crane industry.

“A 20-tonne lifting beam was the first generation of our equipment,” says Stan. “The second generation delivers 25% more capacity with a significantly improved control system. We have added a hold function, along with other capabilities that the original machine lacked, making it more reliable now.”

Building on the capabilities seen in the original SpinPod, Verton now boasts the SpinPod 30 (SP30), which has four times the power of the SP7.5. The SP30 is capable of controlling loads up to 200 tonnes when used in pairs, while also increasing efficiency

between 30-400%.

“The third generation is four times more capable, jumping from 25 to 100 tonnes,” Stan continues. “Both the second and third generation technologies have the ability to be paired together to increase the capability. So, with the second generation, you can potentially manage 50 tonnes, and then with the third generation, you can potentially manage 200 tonnes.”

The success of Verton has been no mean feat; it has taken the continual commitment of hard work, skill, mathematics, and science by a talented team of professionals, guided by an

Company founder and CEO, Stan Thomson

“The success of Verton has been no mean feat; it has taken the continual commitment of hard work, skill, mathematics, and science by a talented team of professionals, guided by an innovator whose successful career span nearly five decades.”

When used in pairs, the SpinPod 30 is capable of handling weights of up to 200 tonnes.

innovator whose successful career span nearly five decades.

Stan started his career as an engineer at an iron ore construction site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia back in 1978. From there, his career took him across Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, as well as overseas, putting the learnings of his Mechanical Engineering degree to work.

After working in a range of diverse industries such as beef abattoirs, plantation forestry, and steel foundries, Stan moved back into construction in the late 90’s. He then found himself in various management roles working on multimillion and multibillion-dollar projects in Australia and around the world with Thiess, where he would go on to stay for 11 years. During his employment at Thiess, Verton’s future CEO observed their strong safety

policies and practices, and through his hard work and quiet observation, Stan arrived at the formative stage of creating Verton Technologies.

After leaving Thiess, with a background in engineering, project management, developing automated solutions to customer problems, possessing an innovative personality, and bearing a desire to make work safer for those handling heavy loads, Verton was born.

Following a close examination of the international markets, Stan concluded that gyroscopic loadstabilising technology was the answer and launched his own widely patented system.

Whether it be meeting the original challenge advanced by the Smithbridge Group for handling pre-cast concrete or creating innovative solutions to the

many multi-faceted offshore challenges, Stan is confident that Verton’s technologies can stand up to any load or environment they are exposed to.

“In the mining industry, we know our products will add considerable value in shutdowns, handling heavy mining equipment, process equipment, and conveyor belts – whether they’re big or small,” says Stan.

“In infrastructure, we see our products expanding into bridge beams, panels, and other major lifts. We’re in a strong position of flexibility thanks to our second and third-generation products being able to combine for bigger loads.”

Ultimately, for Stan and the team at Verton Technologies, it comes down to three central principles that define how they are moving lifting forward: Safety, Stability, and Precision.

SANY LAUNCHES NEW C6 CRAWLER CAB

Sany recently introduced the new C6 Crawler Crane Cab for its telescopic crawler range. Based on the operator’s experience, the cab features the latest ergonomic designs meeting global safety standards.

WHEN DEVELOPING ITS NEW C6 CRAWLER

Crane Cab for its range of telescopic crawlers, Sany wanted to find a way to distinguish its company, and its crawler cranes, from other manufacturers in the global marketplace. Sany also wanted to provide a functional and better working environment for the operator. To achieve this goal, Sany developed a new operator cab designed to enhance the operator’s experience with the crane.

Along with a better operating experience, Sany also wanted its new C6 Crawler Crane Cab to have a unique appearance compared to its competitors. The new cab features a more rounded design, similar to the shape of a helicopter, compared with previous cabs which tended to be more square in

appearance. With this more rounded shape Sany was able to incorporate windows larger than it normally uses to achieve one of its main goals – improved visibility.

ACHIEVING BETTER VISIBILITY

The cab has been lengthened by 100mm, and the seat and armrests are rearranged to improve elbow room by 10 per cent; door space is up by 50 per cent, and a large glass area has been adopted, and the width of the cross beam is reduced from 80mm to 73mm. With these changes the operators’ field of view range is increased by 33 per cent.

On an average crawler crane, visibility from the left side of the operator cab is more difficult because the cab is positioned on the right side of the lifting apparatus. By shying away from its typical cab design, Sany has been able to improve operator visibility on the left side because of the increased surface area of glass.

Placement of the displays within the cab was an important factor in increasing visibility for the operator, as well. While

Sany has provided a better working environment by developing a cab designed to enhance the operator’s experience with the crane.

Sany wanted operators to be able to see all the displays easily, it didn’t want them distracting from the operator’s view outside of the cab and inhibiting productivity. All of the screens necessary for crane operation— the camera screens, Load Moment Indicator (LMI) screens and crane functionality screens—have been placed in the same location, just below the operator’s direct line of sight.

This enables the operator to easily see what’s going on outside the cab, yet still have the various display screens readily visible within the operators’ peripheral view. Operators can see the operation of the winches and other components on the crane and also see behind the crane.

All new non-linear curved industrial design on the C6 Cab creates a modern look. The cab features a one-piece handrail and removable roof guard and the interior trim has been upgraded.

The sliding door adopts a curved track when closing to provide perfect thermal and acoustic insulation while sheet metal has been adopted for the main structure – and this is verified by Fine Element Analysis (FEA) at various extreme conditions. The structural strength is well suited to tough work sites. The cab’s roof guard features a high density removable lattice fence which blocks out falling objects from heights and conforms to EN13000 standard.

The front windshield can be opened by 70

degrees, providing better ventilation and a second emergency exit.

The new cab features mechanical suspension and shock absorption, and with a 20 per cent larger surface area the seat can be adjusted in multiple ways for a comfortable operator experience. Adjustment in headrest by six levels, backrest angle, cushion extension, cushion inclination, mechanical suspension, weight adaptation and armrest box and seat position are all included in the new cab.

OPERATOR COMFORT

Automobile style pedals are ergonomically designed and the highly efficient 5kW Denso

LMI dual split screen include visual fault self-diagnosis, Bluetooth phone and audio, power-on password and facial recognition. It also features video storage and export capabilities, making operation more comfortable and easier. 3×3 monitoring images, full screen display and a zoom-in function is available for every single image.

Simple User Interface (SUI) design ensures the bionic symbol display is simple and clear. The user interface has no more than three levels, making data reading convenient and quick. A 3-level fault alarm and diagnosis ensures troubleshooting proceeds smoothly and a hidden menu is designed to make full use of screen space.

air conditioner features five different modes via one-key switch. Airflow is distributed from six vents, creating a next level experience of comfort for the operator.

Sunshades on four sides of the cab are manually controlled and help improve air temperature for a more comfortable working environment and the electrically controlled fan improves indoor air circulation.

The functions of the 25.5cm Smart

The smart-phone-like operation of the touch screen supports finger swiping, ensuring it is easy to operate.

Integrated display keys and a navigation knob are designed to realise all auxiliary operations and the cab features a one-key start and stop, automatic engine idling and flameout (AIS), with eco mode available, ensuring the operation of Sany the crawler crane range is more fuel-efficient.

to the shape of a helicopter, compared with previous cabs which tended to be more square in appearance.

“All new non-linear curved industrial design on the C6 Cab creates a modern look. The cab features a one-piece handrail and removable roof guard and the interior trim has been upgraded.”

The functions of the 25.5cm Smart LMI dual split screen include visual fault selfdiagnosis, Bluetooth phone and audio, power-on password and facial recognition.

COMANSA EXPANDS TOWER CRANE RANGE

Global crane manufacturer Comansa holds a history in the tower crane business dating back to the early 1980s. Ready to launch two new models of tower cranes, the Spanish giant is set to provide the market with a new range of safe, effective and efficient machines.

BASED IN NAVARRE, SPAIN, TOWER CRANE manufacturers Comansa’s journey to becoming a worldwide leader has been a steady rise since the design and construction of its first crane in 1966.

Originally named Imausa – a Spanish manufacturer of construction tools –the company changed its name and manufactured its first tower crane under the Comansa brand in 1968.

Fast forward to today, and the Spanish giant’s machines can be found in five continents with over 20,000 tower cranes purchased and delivered across the globe. Throughout its journey, multiple brands and systems have been acquired, starting with Linden’s 8000 system in 1982 –which allowed Comansa to apply it to its

own product range. The company then began operations in China through a joint venture in 2006 under the Comansa JIE brand.

As of 2018, the two separate brands – Linden Comansa and Comansa JIE –merged to form a single brand across their entire product range. Now, the company offers a wide range of flat-top tower cranes with models ranging from its 500 series – a 5-tonne class of tower cranes designed for residential projects and other works requiring light loads; through to its 3000 series – a configuration-dependent range of tower cranes with maximum loads of 32-to-64 tonnes.

Additionally, the company boasts an array of luffing-jib tower cranes

designed to thrive in congested sites – with buildings all around limiting operational space. Comansa’s luffingjib tower crane series features load capacities from eight tonnes through to 64 tonnes. Furthermore, the cranes hold a maximum reach of 60-65 metres. It’s through the luffing-jib tower crane series that Comansa has decided to expand its operations with two new models; the LCL 560, a 36-tonne capacity crane, and the LCL 800, a 50 or 64-tonne capacity machine.

Featuring a half fall system for high lifting speeds, both tower crane models from Comansa hold powerful mechanisms with state-of-the-art inverter control systems. The LCL 560 is fully compatible with the existing tower structures of D35 and D36B, with the LCL 800 also compatible with the D36B structure.

Furthermore, the two new models feature an increased freestanding height and a reduced out of service radius. Boasting a new, 132-kilowatt hoist mechanism, the cranes also showcase an

Comansa’s tower cranes have been flooding the market for over 40 years.

extra auxiliary mechanism for the fast installation of ropes while being easy and safe to erect.

Also featured in Comansa’s latest tower cranes is its very own digital solution for fleet management ‘Crane Mate’. Presented in 2022 at the bauma trade fair, ‘Crane Mate’ consists of two elements: a hardware and software aspect.

The hardware element is a complete kit that is pre-installed in the cranes in turnkey mode and is made up of

Comansa’s new range of tower cranes will span from 36-tonne through to 64-tonne capacity.

with third party information technology platforms.

‘Crane Mate’ provides real time technical information on location, alerts, crane productivity and maintenance parameters. Ultimately, the system results in increased efficiency, time and cost savings, and an increase in the safe operation of Comansa’s tower cranes.

The Spanish giants’ cranes can be found in over five continents and number over 20,000.

MANITOWOC’S PROGRESS THROUGH PRODUCT INNOVATION

Gathered in Singapore to share best practices and growth opportunities, Manitowoc dealers discussed how they could help customers get more value from their products and ser vices, while an awards ceremony recognised top-performing dealers, including Western Australia’s WATM Crane Sales and Services and Tidd Ross Todd Australia.

MANITOWOC’S ASIA-PACIFIC Distributor Conference 2023 was held in Singapore during June, bringing together industry leaders and key stakeholders from Manitowoc, with representatives from dealer partners across 13 countries. The conference included major focuses on product innovation and service support, as well as developing the potential for sales of used equipment in the region.

Brian Wang, senior vice president -- Emerging Markets at Manitowoc said the conference was a great opportunity to foster collaboration with dealers,

discussing emerging trends and sharing new insights.

“We’ve expanded and invested in our dealer network in APAC over the past few years and together we are focused on shaping the future of our industry,” he said.

“With our experience, global operations, lean strategy, and industryleading technology, we offer some of the best lifting equipment in the world. But we are always striving for more, so this was an important opportunity to show how we can help customers get more value from their operations.”

PROGRESS THROUGH PRODUCT INNOVATION

A major area of discussion at the event was product innovation and its role in maintaining industry leadership in a fast-evolving market.

Manitowoc is continuing to introduce market-leading products across its Grove and Potain brands that enable customers to extract more value and boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Sessions at the conference highlighted the importance of new product development and particularly

Manitowoc’s Voice of the Customer process where valuable insights from dealers and customers are fed back into the design phase.

ENSURING SUCCESS THROUGH SERVICE SUPPORT

The other major area of discussion at the event was the critical role of product support in maintaining long-term customer relationships. There were presentations on a range of service programs across maintenance, repairs, and technical assistance.

Manitowoc has invested heavily in creating a robust after-sales network across Asia-Pacific to ensure the highest levels of machine uptime and customer satisfaction.

A critical part of this is ensuring ongoing collaboration between Manitowoc and its dealers, and harnessing the latest technology, such as the advanced GroveCONNECT and PotainCONNECT remote diagnostic tools.

USED EQUIPMENT TO MAXIMISE VALUE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Among the new developments presented was Manitowoc’s updated and expanded used crane service capabilities, enabling customers to search a database of used cranes using a new online platform.

There were presentations on the refurbishment of older cranes and case studies on dealers who have developed successful used crane programs.

Used cranes offer huge benefits to Asia’s industry, not only as alternatives to new machine purchases but also in helping the industry reduce waste and boost its overall sustainability.

BEST PRACTICE AND CELEBRATING SUCCESS

APAC dealers shared their best practices in serving customers, including SB Siam of Thailand; Tidd

a Manitowoc 16000; Tidd Ross Todd, for Training Excellence; S B Siam, for GMA Expansion in Thailand; Lift Plan Techno, for Customer Support; Agryle Equipment, for work as A Service Dealer; Korea International for Tower Crane Leadership, and Klaus World Equipment, for Infrastructure Support and Tower Crane Sales.

Marco Zucchet, director for sales, after-sales, and marketing at Manitowoc across the Asia-Pacific, says the conference would help Manitowoc meet is goal of driving product innovation, strengthening support and

Ross Todd of Australia; WATM Crane Sales and Services of Australia; PT Berlian Cranserco Indonesia of Indonesia; and Klaus World Equipment from India.

The final highlight of the event was an Awards Ceremony to celebrate the dealers who have achieved success.

Some of the companies recognised included: WATM Crane Sales and Services, for its work on Refurbishing

maximising the potential of its used crane business.

“Our industry continues to evolve, so collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Manitowoc and its dealers will be crucial to maintaining market leadership,” he said.

“It set the stage for ongoing discussions, fostering innovation and service excellence to shape the future of our industry in Asia-Pacific.”

Manitowoc staff and dealers at the company’s Asia-Pacific Distributor Conference 2023.

“With our experience, global operations, lean strategy, and industry-leading technology, we offer some of the best lifting equipment in the world.

KOBELCO FIRST FOR AUSTRALIAN PILING GROUP

Sydney’s Australian Piling Group recently took delivery of a 100t capacity Kobelco CKE 900G-3. It’s the first crawler crane in the Australian Piling Groups’ fleet and the first of this model in the country.

AUSTRALIAN PILING GROUP WAS FOUNDED in 2014 by Prasana Ketheeswararajah (PK) and Ramzi Korkees. They have known each other for 20 plus years, having studied civil engineering at UTS together.

PK takes up the story.

“We started our civil careers studying together and then we left together to find our own ways in the civil construction sector. Having worked apart for a while we both saw plenty of opportunities and decided to back ourselves in the piling industry and founded Australian Piling Group nine years ago.

“Our first piling rig was the Soilmec SR-20 and we quickly grew the fleet to include 12 piling rigs with capacities ranging from 10t to 130t and seven excavators ranging from five to 30t capacities. We recently took delivery of our first crawler crane a 100t capacity Kobelco CKE 900G-3, the first of its kind into the country which we are really excited about,” he said.

PK goes on to explain the reasons behind the purchase and why they chose Kobelco.

“Recently, we have been involved in a number of large infrastructure projects, and as a result of all the major works we’ve been conducting, we realised there was a need to have a mobile crawler crane in the fleet which could handle a whole range of applications.

“Where possible, we like to stick to one brand, especially if they are reliable and efficient. That’s why we’ve always bought Kobelco excavators. We’ve been operating Kobelcos for 10 years and the brand has been good to us. When we started discussing our options with Troy Hand at TRT Australia and we compared

the Kobelco CKE 900G-3 to other brands in the same class, we could see it was going to be a clear winner,” he said.

According to Ramzi, Kobelco equipment is based on traditional Japanese design, engineering and manufacturing and the CKE 900G-3 is no exception.

“We are really pleased with the purchase, and we can see so many Kobelco ‘values’ in the crane. The user friendly ergonomic features in the cabin are second to none, we are happy with the lifting charts, we like the fact the CKE900G-3 can be transported with counterweight

and tracks installed and we are sure our operators are going to be really happy with the crane,” he said.

PK goes on to discuss the relationship with Troy Hand and TRT Australia and how the sales, delivery and commissioning processes have worked.

“It’s been a very smooth process. Troy has been awesome to work with right from the outset. Throughout the quotation process, running through the cranes’ capabilities based on our requirements and what we’re looking for and ensuring the machine’s suitability, Troy’s knowledge

Prasana Ketheeswararajah (PK) and Ramzi Korkees founders of Australian Piling Group.

and approach has been phenomenal.

“With the reliability of Kobelco equipment being backed by TRT’s promise of outstanding service and support, our experience has been really positive. Cameron Harris TRT’s Crane Technician has been tireless with his help and patience in training our Senior Crane Operator Matt Killick during the commissioning process,” he said.

“With Australian Piling Group coming up to a decade of being in operation, I think our success is a result of understanding what we do best, sticking

to our fundamentals of hard and honest work, and these will result in us continuing to grow the business.

“We’ve been together as a business based on family values. Most of our staff have been with us for many years, and they feel like family. We wouldn’t ask them to do something we haven’t done ourselves or that we wouldn’t be prepared to do. Having the right staff and quality of equipment are the keys to our business,” said PK.

Matt Killick, Senior Crane Operator takes up the story.

“I’ve been with Australian Piling Group for six years. I came into the company when it was quite small with just four machines with capacities ranging from a 20t to a 38t piling rigs. In that six years I’ve watched this company grow from smaller capacity rigs to now having 120t capacity European rigs.

“The company has grown in 10 years, and I’ve had the opportunity to grow with the business and be the senior operator, use the big machines, learn the big machines, and now I have the opportunity in the company to be the operator for their very first crane,” said Matt.

“In the past we’ve been involved in smaller residential and commercial projects and there hasn’t been a crane because we managed our lifts with the piling rig. But in the last year or two, we’ve been involved in a number of tier one contract work, which require us to have cranes on site. we’ve been hiring small cranes, and now with the bigger jobs we need large capacity cranes and PK and Ramzi could see the benefits of having a large capacity crane working alongside our larger piling rigs. beneficial to get a big crane to go with our big piling rig.

Matt worked closely with the TRT in terms of commissioning the crane and then learning about the capabilities and controls of the crane.

“I worked with Cameron over the last two days, commissioning the crane, learning about the controls and understanding the cranes’ capabilities. Thankfully with this crane, the setup is straightforward and it’s quite a simple one to use, very similar to the smaller 50 ton cranes I’ve operated. It’s very ergonomic in the design, easy to learn, and Cameron’s been really good at teaching me the ropes of the crane.

“Everything from putting the crane together to how you sit in the crane and where the controls are laid out is very ergonomic, it is a very well-presented crane by Kobelco,” he said.

“With the addition of the CKE 900G-3, we don’t have to worry about the cost of hiring a crane and the cost of having an operator. Now that I’ve stepped up my license class to the open class and we’ve

Matt Killick, Australian Piling Group’s Senior Crane Operator is very happy with the ergonmic design of the Kobelco CKE 900G-3 controls.

got the 100t crane, sky’s the limit for the company now,” said Matt.

Troy Hand TRT Australia’s Crane Sales & Pacific Islands Manager was in Sydney for the commissioning and final handover of the Kobelco CKE 900G-3. He discusses some of the cranes’ specifications.

“This is the first CKE9000G-3 model in the country, and it is a significant step up from the dash two. It features a Hino engine, J08E-YD Europe Stage V engine. Emissions are going to be a key topic with larger Tier One builders looking to reduce emissions on site. This engine complies with the new regulations which are coming,” said Troy.

“The Kobelcos have joystick operation as an option, if customers prefer that. It’s the first one I’ve actually driven with joystick control, and I think it brings a significant step up in terms of the implementation of technology compared to levers and reflects the direction design of crane controls is headed.

“The cab and controls are ergonomically designed to make the

operator more comfortable. Having control of everything via the joystick instead of the use of short levers and provides excellent control of the machine. Don’t get me wrong, operators still like the short levers, but it’s good to see Kobelco have an option for joystick control. This crane was sold with 39.6m of main boom, auxiliary sheave, joystick operation, upper handrails and various other options.

“The CKS900’s and CKE900’s have been great selling machines for TRT. They have proved to be solid performers in the field and excellent value for money given the strength of the AUS dollar against the Yen. Currently Kobelco cranes are well priced machines adding to the current return on investment,” he said.

The tracks on the Kobelco CKE 900G-3 are retractable helping to bring down transport costs as well as enhancing set up times when the crane gets to site. Troy explains more.

“The retractable tracks are excellent for moving the crane around. You Just suck the tracks in, drive along, suck the tracks

in, drop the boom off, leave inner boom on and counterweight on. This means less transport costs and quicker set up times when the crane gets to the job.

“We can cantilever with these booms as well, so we can just lift other sections straight off the back of trucks doing the cantilever style, and that’s another good feature with Kobelcos, you can cantilever up to a certain boom length for quick assembly and which requires less equipment on site.

“I was actually on holiday in Margaret River when Ramzi and PK made contact. I organised a Teams meeting with them from a service station and we kicked it on from there. Obviously, the first purchase is always a bit scary especially when you’re moving from your piling rigs into cranage, but they’ve been growing and they’ve now got the opportunity to do different types of work and they can support themselves. So, it’s been a very, neat sale and they’ve really benefitted from strong AUS dollar against the Yen, and good on the boys,” said Troy.

TRT provided plenty of advice and training during the commissioning of the Kobelco CKE 900G-3.

FRANNA’S PICK AND CARRY CRANES (P&C) have been dominating the Australian market for over 40 years. Today, its products are sold globally, and its cranes make up over 90 per cent of the Pick and Carry (P&C) market in Australia. On any given day, there are 10,000 cranes operating across the country – 50 per cent of which are Franna’s P&C based manufacturers launched a range of cranes that targeted the mining sector: the ‘Minemaster’ range, a series of P&C cranes that came fully equipped and ready to work

Designed to meet the safety requirements of the complex operating environments on the modern-day mining site, Franna’s design engineer Jamie Monaghan said it was “just what the market needed.”

“We’d received a lot of feedback from our team in marketing and sales that customers were requesting mine-specific cranes,” he says. “And so, we put our minds to work and came up with the ‘Minemaster’ range.”

Jamie is a design engineer at Terex Australia and has been with the Franna brand for over five years. Boasting over 12 years of

MINE-BLOWING CRANES

experience as an engineer, he’s worked in an array of roles across both Northern Ireland and Australia.

Aside from the cultural differences and an “awesome” lifestyle, one of the discrepancies in crane engineering that Jamie’s noticed is the unique properties of the Franna brand in Australia: as he says, P&C cranes “just aren’t used anywhere else”.

“It’s a very unique crane,” he says. “It’s very roadable, compact, and can be lifted or

lowered into nooks and crannies quite easily. Overseas, they use rough-terrain cranes or alternative lifting methods in situations that a pick and carry crane is perfect for.”

Their appeal to the market lies in their versatility: without the need for outriggers, Franna’s cranes can operate in much more confined areas and on much rougher terrain – albeit with a reduced capacity. Excelling in its capabilities in the construction and mining sector, the crane devised by Dave Francis in

Without the need for outriggers, Franna’s cranes can operate in much more confined areas and on much rougher terrain.

Dominating the local P&C crane market, Franna’s cranes are present in every industry requiring lifting, thanks to their versatility. Terex design engineer Jamie Monaghan discusses its machines’ point of difference, with an emphasis on why they’re so relevant to the mining industry.

Franna’s P&C cranes are capable of a host of jobs in the mines, including maintenance of existing plant.

the 1970s is still Australia’s preferred P&C crane across multiple industries, thanks to its practicality and versatility.

The mining industry is notorious for providing difficult conditions for cranes to work and operate in. With uneven ground, rough, sandy terrains, caverns with minimal space and harsh, red dust blowing about, the durability, safety, and practicality of the crane are all thoroughly tested. According to Jamie, this is “no problem” for the ‘Minemaster’ range.

Consisting of four cranes – the AT15, the AT22, the MAC25, and the AT40 – the capacity varies from 15 tonnes through to 40 tonnes. Because of their unique, compact design, these cranes excel in roles with rough terrain underfoot where access

to space is limited.

“We emphasise a lot of the safety elements in this series because of the severity of the conditions,” says Jamie. “Additional emergency stops are put in place, the Mac 25 comes with the option to add on extra safety elements, there’s a 360-degree camera so every facet of every lift is supervised, there’s always extra lights placed on the crane for additional visibility.”

“When we’re designing the cranes, we factor in the corroding effect of the dust too,” he continues. “We’ve installed pressurisers in the cabin to ensure the least amount of dust possible gets in there, because that’s an expensive thing to get out.”

“Additionally, the cranes need to be serviced more frequently than those working

in construction. Thanks to our expanded servicing network, we know that we can help our customers out with that.”

Requiring no outriggers, these machines allow their operators to set up and start work almost immediately. Contractors frequently choose the ‘Minemaster’ range of cranes because of their ability to perform any job within their capacity at a safe and efficient rate, and anecdotal evidence supports this.

Speaking to Cranes and Lifting in the July edition of the magazine, Darren Ling, GM of Tasmanian crane hire company Billing Cranes, was effusive in his praise for Franna’s patented ‘Dynamic LMI’.

“It makes working on hills and angles so much safer for the operator and rigger,” he said. “Additionally, the cameras are a great feature to show where everybody is around the crane at once.”

With a lift-planning application available online too, safe operation of its cranes is at the forefront of Franna’s design philosophy.

As the cranes’ versatility sees them applied to each industry that requires some modicum of heavy lifting, Jamie feels comfortable in what he and the engineering team are producing for the mining industry.

“Our cranes are operational in tight spaces, hold multiple articulation points, are very roadable and our servicing capabilities mean that there’s very limited downtime,” he says.

“It’s a great brand; Franna’s cranes are a staple of the Australian lifting industry, and it’s not hard to see why.”

Franna’s Minemaster range is tailored for any job in the most severe conditions.

According to Jamie, the safety elements of Franna’s Minemaster range are scrutinised even more thoroughly because of the severity of the conditions they will endure.

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.