The only crane of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, the PK200002L SH knuckle boom crane, will soon be a key part of the New Zealand construction scene.
The $1million machine is the largest knuckle boom crane produced by Palfinger. Its 50-metre reach and ability to work in confined spaces are just two reasons for its well-earned international reputation.
Ross McFaul, owner of Southland-based Hire Frankton Ltd, who purchased the crane, said that having been involved in the hire industry for over a decade and having seen how the market has changed with trucks needing extra axles to carry the heavier cranes and bigger loads because of the need for greater lifting capacity and versatility, he decided to get the biggest knuckle boom crane on the market.
“For a crane of this size and reach it is remarkably quick and efficient to set up. For example, we can set up on the side of the road or in narrow spaces between buildings with no disruption to traffic flow, no requirement for elaborate traffic management plans but with a safe and efficient result.
“I could park this crane on the goal line of a rugby field and it could pick up a 500kg weight near half way with the boom configured parallel to the ground. That is its reach,” he said.
The crane’s extension boom and fly-jib have a reverse linkage system that can reach through low door openings and work inside a building. The boom can even pass right through a building to operate on the other side. Its versatility is amazing, and it is so easy to operate.
“The PK200002L SH, or Jock as we call the crane, is operated with the Palcom 7 remote control. All safety features of the crane can be monitored from the remote control,” he said.
The crane was built in Austria at Palfinger where it was fitted and tested. McFaul and Duncan Phillips (General Manager Palfinger NZ) under went training and handover in Austria. Once landed in New Zealand it has been checked out at Palfinger NZ in Christchurch.
“Getting the PK200002 on to New Zealand roads was not a straight forward task and I must thank staff at the New Zealand Transport Authority, who have helped immensely on this project, as there was an initial concern that this crane might be too big for our roads.”
Initially the PK200002 will be based in Christchurch concentrating on construction rebuild work, maintenance and repair work, installation of new plant and possibly wind farm blade repair work. Adding to the crane’s versatility, it can be moved easily about the country as work dictates.
The Palfinger PK200002 crane will be on display at the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show 2018 in Christchurch on March 9 and 10.