A group of experienced crane and heavy lift industry professionals were given exclusive insights into state-of-the-art XCMG cranage.
Based in Western Australia, Ronco Construction Equipment and Engineering is well positioned within the crane and heavy lifting industry as a distributor and dealer of XCMG, TIDD crane brands, Hyva and Ferrari vehicle loading cranes (VLC), HYVA hook and skip loaders and the new range of XCMG material handlers and environmental superstructures.
In November 2024, Ronco took five Australian-based customers on a week-long tour to China, showcasing the capabilities of international heavy machinery manufacturer XCMG.
Across three days, Ronco’s party was given a first-hand look at how XCMG’s state-of-the-art cranes are made and tested for optimal performance at the Xuzhou manufacturing factory.
A key aspect of the factory is its highly automated production line which includes hundreds of robots carrying out precision welding and assembly across the entire process.
Ronco’s party also spent two days in Shanghai at the bauma China 2024 exhibition, a leading international trade fair for construction machinery, where XCMG was exhibiting several cranes.
On the global stage were XCMG’s 100-tonne hybrid truck, XCT100G5-1HEV crane, the XCA80G7-1E all-terrain, XCR120_AU rough terrain and the world’s largest wheeled crane – the XCA4000.
Carrying its chassis on 11 axles, the XCA4000 can lift 230 tonnes at a height of 170 metres, setting a new benchmark for the highest and heaviest lifting capacity among wheeled cranes, according to XCMG.
Shae Bavich – Managing Director, JGB Cranes: Eye-catching models
Shae Bavich owns and manages crane hire company, JGB Crane Hire in Western Australia. After witnessing XCMG’s technology, he is keen to introduce XCMG products to his fleet.
The XCA80G7-1E all-terrain, in particular, drew his attention at bauma.
A quiet and energy-efficient crane, the XCA80G7-1E is equipped with a movable power unit that offers zero emissions, low noise levels, and projected 70 per cent energy savings.
It comes with 12 configurations, including single control for counterweight erection, 360-degree panoramic images, and wireless remote control – making it easy for one person to operate.
“Gaining access to XCMG’s crane technology helped me realise that XCMG’s cranes are at an incredibly high quality,” Shae said.
“The XCMG staff were especially attentive. I was impressed that they took onboard our suggestions as to how they can develop the cranes even further.”
Daniel Churchill – Crane & Asset Co-ordinator at Karridale Group: Efficiency and volume.
Daniel Churchill is no stranger to lifting equipment and more specifically, XCMG products. Daniel was the crane co-ordinator for Karridale Group, and now looks after all the major assets at a corporate level. Karridale Group already own XCMG cranes, including two 300t crawlers, 180t crawler, 220t all terrain and a 90t roughy.
Daniel said that seeing XCMG’s factory systems and procedures gave him an understanding of the company’s capabilities as a leading global crane manufacturer.
“The quality, organisation, volume and efficiency, especially in relation to the wheel crane production line, was an eye-opener,” Daniel said.
“XCMG rolled out the red carpet for us in regard to access to top-of-the-range equipment.”
A highlight for Daniel was witnessing the full production cycle – from bare chassis to finished crane.
“The whole process flowed flawlessly, and it was impressive to watch,” he said.
Russel Johansen, MD at Training and Inspection Services
Russel Johansen won his place in the Ronco-led China trip by entering a QR code competition at XCMG’s exhibit at the 2023 Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) National Conference in Perth.
An experienced crane inspector with more than 20 years in the industry, Russel was eager to see XCMG products first-hand, both at bauma and the company factory.
He said XCMG’s diligence and attention to detail is what stood out for him following the factory visit.
“Every process, from start to finish, was very well organised,” Russel said.
“XCMG wants to learn and improve and that was reflected in the way technicians and engineers worked on each crane.”
Mark Turner – Operations Manager at Ronco: First class service
Mark Turner plays a pivotal role at Ronco as its Operations Manager. As someone who is bullish about XCMG products, he was keen to explore its origins.
He said the tour had made the group more aware of the capabilities and ambitions of XCMG. Personally, XCMG’s hospitality and openness stood out.
“From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed; we were treated to some amazing dinners and spectacular views. It was a great way to learn more about the company and see the country,” he said.
One of the highlights was reviewing new crane designs with XCMG’s design team.
“The XCMG design team asked our party for impressions on its products. It was a great indication of the company’s willingness to listen to feedback to achieve strong lifting results,” he said.
“We couldn’t have asked for more – everything was scheduled for us and XCMG’s hosts were great. It truly was a fantastic experience.”
Daniel Radich – Commercial Director at NMT Shipping: A worthy experience
Daniel Radich plays a key role in Ronco’s day-to-day processes, as NMT Shipping assists with transporting Ronco’s heavy machinery, including cranes. Daniel joined the trip to obtain a greater understanding of XCMG’s scale of operation and what to expect in future, as the business grows in Australia.
He said XCMG’s momentum is only getting stronger.
“XCMG’s products seem to be rapidly improving and, in my opinion, it’s only a matter of time until it earns increased market share,” he said.
He said he would recommend the trip to those who are either seeking an insight into XCMG products or customers who are looking for the next state-of-the-art crane to upgrade their fleet.
Robert Smith, Ronco Sale’s Managing Director had this to say about the trip to the XCMG factory:
“The trip is especially beneficial to those sceptics of the products who pass comment without proof of purchase or owned factual evidence of quality and performance.
“Ronco’s next factory visit is in early 2025 and we welcome credible applicants to join us,” he said.