When hydraulic systems fail, it is rarely at a convenient time. For operators relying on truck mounted cranes, failures can mean blocked access, stranded equipment and lost time on the job. The ability to respond quickly and resolve issues on site can make all the difference.
In Mount Maunganui and across the wider Bay of Plenty, industries such as port operations, forestry, construction, transport and infrastructure rely heavily on PALFINGER equipment to keep work moving. Power Hydraulics Ltd has built its reputation on supporting these sectors with practical, on the ground expertise that helps keep cranes operating.
A Long Standing Presence in Mount Maunganui
Power Hydraulics began in the early 1990s and has operated from Mount Maunganui ever since. Owner Kevin Ironside purchased the business more than 11 years ago and has continued to build on its foundations as a one stop shop for hydraulic equipment, fault finding and repair.
The business has been working on PALFINGER cranes for around 25 years and has been an official PALFINGER NZ Service Agent for around 12 years.
Today, Power Hydraulics combines workshop capability with on site support, allowing the team to respond to a wide range of hydraulic and crane related issues.
In House Capability That Keeps Jobs Moving
A key strength of Power Hydraulics is the ability to complete almost all work in house or on site, helping avoid the delays that can come when specialist work is sent elsewhere.
The workshop is set up to handle complex hydraulic and structural repairs, supported by:
- full hydraulic test and diagnostics equipment, including pump test benches for performance validation
- machining capacity with turning capability up to 1 metre in diameter and a CNC horizontal borer with a 1.1 metre square table
- local agent capability for SIFCO Brush Plating, allowing cylinder rod repair in position without full strip down where appropriate
- a fully equipped welding bay with a welding rotator, preheating equipment and a ticketed welder on staff
- a mobile gantry crane capable of lifting 40 tonnes on a twin chain setup or 20 tonnes on a single chain
This level of in house capability allows the team to diagnose faults accurately and complete repairs without relying on third party suppliers, helping reduce downtime and keep customer equipment moving.
Field Support and Recovery Capability
Power Hydraulics operates a range of specialised equipment to support customers both in the workshop and on site.
This includes a mobile hydraulic recovery unit capable of operating at up to 350 bar, with 50 metre hose reach, allowing cranes to be recovered or repositioned safely when failures occur on site.
A 6×4 crane truck fitted with a PALFINGER PK23500 crane also allows the team to carry out lifting work on site without relying on external contractors, helping reduce delays and improve response times.
Alongside this, Power Hydraulics operates ENZED BOP, with three mobile hose service trucks available to respond to hose failures across the region.
Supporting PALFINGER Equipment Across the Region
Power Hydraulics has been an official PALFINGER NZ Service Agent for around 11 years, backed by more than two decades of experience working with the brand.
Ongoing training is a key part of maintaining that capability, particularly as crane technology continues to evolve and electronic systems become more advanced in higher specification units.
“With a focus on keeping abreast with technology, we always have a staff member attend PALFINGER training courses to ensure we stay up to date with current innovations and products.”
The team also has access to PALFINGER diagnostic software and PALDESK, allowing them to read fault codes, adjust crane settings and access detailed wiring diagrams, hydraulic schematics and parts breakdowns.
Reducing Downtime Through Parts Availability
Access to parts and technical support plays a critical role in maintaining service standards.
Power Hydraulics carries a wide range of commonly used PALFINGER parts in house, with additional parts typically available overnight from the PALFINGER NZ warehouse.
“Parts availability makes a massive difference. It allows us to get customers’ cranes back on the road without delays.”
The relationship with PALFINGER NZ also includes regular direct contact for technical support, allowing issues to be resolved quickly when they arise.
When Things Go Wrong On Site
The value of that capability is often seen in situations where equipment fails in difficult conditions.
In one case, a truck mounted crane suffered a PTO failure while set up across a driveway, with stabiliser legs extended onto the road. With no immediate replacement available, the Power Hydraulics team returned to site with their hydraulic recovery unit.
By connecting directly into the crane’s hydraulic system, they were able to safely fold the crane away and retract the stabilisers, allowing the truck to be moved off the road and returned to the workshop for repair.
It is this type of practical problem solving that underpins the support provided to customers across the region.
Continuing to Build Capability
Power Hydraulics continues to invest in capability, equipment and training to support evolving crane technology and customer requirements.
For Kevin and the team, the partnership with PALFINGER NZ is built on both product quality and the support behind it.
“PALFINGER has proven itself in the New Zealand market over decades, and the support in both parts and technical expertise makes a real difference.”
As part of the PALFINGER NZ nationwide service network, Power Hydraulics ensures crane owners in the Bay of Plenty have access to both specialist hydraulic expertise and the backing of a global manufacturer, helping keep equipment operating safely and efficiently for the long term.
