Big Rhino Crane Hire’s significant move to buy a bigger crane was a game-changer for its plans to grow. CEO Marg Gravener wanted a crane that could handle larger and more complex projects without breaking the bank. Three years on, the crane has proven its worth.
“We’ve had the Sany 60t for over three years now and it has been a reliable and quality machine. There were minimal breakdowns. That’s something we’ve come to appreciate more as it continues to perform dependably on a range of jobs,” said Chief Executive Officer Marg Gravener.
Looking back at the purchasing process, Marg said, “We thoroughly evaluated various brands and models on the market, and the Sany 60T stood out in terms of performance, specifications, and overall value. It provided exactly the capability we were after without exceeding our budget.”
The Sany 60T broadened Big Rhino’s operational capabilities. It provides an impressive maximum lifting capacity of 60 tonnes (t), a six-section telescopic boom extending to 50 metres (m), and an additional bi-fold swing-away jib, achieving a maximum tip height of approximately 66.5m. The crane’s jib is flexible, with angles of 0 degrees, 20 degrees, or 40 degrees, enabling adaptability across various lifting scenarios.
“Integrating the Sany into our fleet has undeniably opened new doors for us,” Marg said. “Projects we previously might have declined or subcontracted are now comfortably within our capabilities.”
Marg highlights how Big Rhino’s fleet evolution – from smaller city and pick-and-carry cranes to the robust 60T – was driven by client demand for heavier lifting capabilities.
One project where the crane notably excelled was at the new Bunnings development site in Oxley, where it remained active for five weeks.
“The client was extremely pleased with the crane’s performance. It facilitated the project seamlessly and without any operational concerns,” Marg said.
Comfort and user-friendliness have also proven standout features of the Sany 60T. “Our operators find the cabin notably comfortable, even over long operational hours,” said Marg.
Big Rhino’s operator, Ross Spreadborough, who brings more than 30 years’ experience across various crane types and sizes, confirms Marg’s views. He said that the crane is smooth to drive on and off the road, and the computer system is detailed and effective once the operator gets familiar with it. In his experience, some safety aspects outdid the competitors.
“The downward vision system is an excellent safety feature, enabling operators to directly monitor winches in addition to the dogman’s observations,” he said.
“The cabin interior is specifically designed for comfort over extended operational periods, which significantly contributes to maintaining high safety standards by reducing operator fatigue.”
The Sany 60T comes with six steering modes, allowing for tight turns with a minimal steering radius of just 6.5 metres.
Its hydro-pneumatic suspension can adjust height by around 100 millimetre, which can factor into driving comfort, stability, and off-road capabilities. Fuel consumption is optimised at around 60 litres (L) per 100 kilometres (km) with the help of its load sensing and constant power control technologies.
Technical features further enhance the appeal of the Sany 60T. It comes with a Mercedes-Benz OM470 engine, the crane delivers 280 kilowatt (kW) of power at 1600 revolutions per minute (rpm), and meets Euro V emission standards.
The crane travels with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Its Allison automatic transmission offers 12 forward gears and two reverse gears for different loads and conditions.
Marg also drew attention to the crane’s safety and technology features, including a Load Moment Indicator (LMI), boom-tip camera, wind-speed sensor, and additional aids designed to maximise operational safety and efficiency.
“Sany clearly prioritised operator comfort and safety, which gives us substantial peace of mind,” she said.
In terms of dimensions, the crane measures approximately 12m in length, 2.55m in width, and about 3.78m in height. This makes it suitable for transportation and operation on standard work sites. The Sany 60T is equipped with a standard 3.3t fixed counterweight, complemented by removable units totalling 9.7t, which increases its lifting capacity considerably.
“By having the fixed counterweights, it allows us the option to use it as 35T slew without having to cart the big counterweight everywhere. A very versatile option,” Marg said.
Operational efficiency is supported by its rapid-acting hydraulic systems, which allow the boom to fully extend in approximately 350 seconds and enable winching speeds of up to 130m per minute.
Marg sees continued growth in the future supported by investment in the Sany 60T.
“The crane has quickly become an essential part of our business. It has proven its reliability,” she said.