Australian Crane & Machinery and Zoomlion have announced an exclusive joint venture and dealership agreement, which will see the two companies working on product development and improvement for western market customers and remote access services.
AUSTRALIAN CRANE & Machinery (ACM) is a manufacturer and distributor to the crane and elevated work platform industries in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania regions. They design, manufacture, assemble, sell and supply mobile cranes, elevated work platforms, specialised lifting equipment and associated spares, including after sales service and maintenance.
Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Development Company was founded in 1992 and has grown to become one of the largest global manufacturers of construction equipment – exporting to over 70 countries worldwide. They are mainly engaged in developing and manufacturing major high-tech equipment in the areas of engineering and agriculture.
“The Zoomlion-ACM JV will be very similar to a dealership model, with greater factory support and assistance in areas of spare parts, technical advice and finance packages,” said Benjamin Potter, ACM Group managing director.
“Our JV model will ensure our cranes are designed for Australian road requirements and client expectations. It will also give us more access to the market by providing us with brand new rough terrains, all-terrains and truck cranes.
“As part of the Zoomlion-ACM JV, we will also be introducing new gearboxes and engines to the Zoomlion product line-up so that we can ensure its reliability, comfort and serviceability will suit Oceania conditions.
“With the Zoomlion-ACM JV, we are partnering with one of the world’s leading crane manufacturers to bring a greater product to our customers.”
The new products being developed will be targeted for the western market, specifically for the Australian and the Oceania region, and will be constructed to a new, higher standard of quality. It will use components from world-leading manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, ZF, Cummins and Allison, ensuring a first-class product with great back-up support.
The new cranes being developed include: 150-tonne, 5-axle all-terrain crane with 72-metre main boom; 60-tonne rough terrain with 43-metre main boom; 60-tonne truck crane with 45 metres of main boom; and 30-tonne truck crane with 33.5-metre main boom.
ACM will be unveiling the new 150-tonne all-terrain crane at the upcoming Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) conference, which will be the first time it will be showcased to the Australian and the Oceania region’s crane industry.
“With the new 150-tonne all-terrain, we offer a competitively-priced all-terrain crane, which is highly productive, reliable and serviceable, and comes with technically-enhanced rubber-tyred wheels to better suit our local conditions,” Potter said.
“Expect an increase in our product range and capacity, with more rough-terrain and all-terrain cranes being developed and released to the region’s market over time. We will also still be selling and servicing all Kobelco cranes, as well as our own brand of elevated work platforms and used equipment sales.
“ACM will also be opening its new factory in Derrimut, Melbourne very soon, and we will be producing and installing remote access and computer control systems on our entire fleet on the premises from January 2019.
“We will be providing in-house finance with special rates, so clients can walk in to our soon-to-be-opened Melbourne showroom and roll out in their brand-new crane right away – which will be painted, sign written and commissioned on the premises.”
As for the current state of the market, Potter has a positive outlook and believes that the country won’t see the foot come off the pedal for at least the next five years.
“The crane industry is on a roll at the moment and it is driven largely by the current infrastructure construction boom, especially on the east coast,” Potter said.
“Although, there will be some difficulty in obtaining new cranes to meet demand, which will lock some operators out of certain markets. Lead times are being rumoured to be in the 12+ month category for large all-terrains, which we’re hoping to rectify with the Zoomlion-ACM JV.
“Also, following the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, the leading banks have pulled the reins on current lending levels, which will make it harder for the everyday small crane hire company to obtain finance.
“This is something we also hope to rectify by having the support of Zoomlion Financial Services, which will assist Zoomlion-ACM JV customers with obtaining finance for their new cranes. We want to increase healthy competition and diversity in the market.”