At Palfinger New Zealand, we are proud to collaborate with industry leaders who embody our values of innovation, safety, and reliability. One such partner is Swanson Transport, an Auckland-based transport specialist with over 80 years of excellence. In this customer spotlight, we dive into an interview with their General Manager, Nick Longuet-Higgins, who shares how Palfinger’s truck-mounted cranes have been pivotal to their success.
A Legacy of Service
Swanson Transport began in 1944, serving local orchards for the Auckland fruit markets. What started as a modest rural carrier has grown into a key logistics provider, now boasting a fleet of over 60 trucks. Offering services like curtain siders, flat decks, and truck-mounted cranes, they cater to a wide range of needs across Auckland. “We’ve been in operation for 80 years now,” Nick Longuet-Higgins notes, reflecting on the company’s evolution into a versatile transport specialist.
The Palfinger Partnership Begins
The relationship with Palfinger started back in the 1980s with the purchase of their first crane, the PK7000, to assist with loading fruit baskets. “It didn’t take long for us to see the advantages of the Palfinger cranes,” Nick recalls. Over the past 40 years, this initial step has blossomed into a deep reliance on Palfinger’s lifting solutions. “We’ve tried a few other brands, but we’ve solely ended up with a fleet of Palfinger cranes,” he adds, underscoring the trust built over the years.
Versatility for Every Job
Swanson Transport’s fleet of Palfinger truck-mounted cranes is as diverse as the tasks they tackle. “Our range of Palfinger truck-mounted cranes service everything from smaller residential builds, your spa pool shifts, right through to commercial and infrastructure projects,” Nick explains. Their lineup includes:
- Four-wheeler trucks with a 12-metre reach for compact jobs.
- Eight-wheelers with a 21-metre reach for mid-sized lifts.
- Ten-wheeler Palfinger’s with fly jibs, extending to 32 metres for larger projects.
- The PK 200.002, Palfinger’s largest crane in New Zealand, reaching an impressive 50 metres.
“Basically, anything you need shifted, we can help,” Nick says, highlighting how Palfinger’s wide product range perfectly suits their business needs.
Safety and Innovation First
Palfinger’s commitment to advancing technology and safety has been a game-changer for Swanson Transport. “Palfinger is constantly improving, not only in size and lift capabilities, but also in technology and safety,” Nick observes. He emphasizes the peace of mind these features provide: “The safety features that Palfinger offer give me comfort when the guys are out working on the job.” This focus on safety ensures their team can operate with confidence, no matter the scale of the project.
Exceptional Service and Support
While Swanson Transport once handled crane maintenance in-house, they now rely on Palfinger’s service department. “Recently, we’ve taken advantage of Palfinger’s service department where Vince Weaver, our workshop manager, works closely with Craig Bramble, Palfinger’s Workshop Manager, to ensure that our cranes are serviced annually and kept on the road,” Nick shares. This collaboration minimises downtime, keeping their fleet in top condition and ready for action.
A Testament to Quality
Nick’s endorsement speaks volumes: “The fact that our truck-mounted crane fleet is solely Palfinger is a testament to the product range and service that Palfinger offer to operators such as ourselves.” From the PK7000 in the 1980s to the powerful PK 200.002 today, Palfinger has been a constant partner in Swanson Transport’s growth, delivering reliable solutions that meet their evolving demands.
Looking Forward
As Swanson Transport continues to expand its reach and take on new challenges, Palfinger New Zealand remains dedicated to supporting them with tailored lifting solutions that go beyond just cutting-edge technology. This enduring partnership, built on trust and reliability over decades, is a testament to Palfinger NZ’s dedication to delivering not just cranes, but complete lifting solutions that drive success.