Brisbane-based Big Rhino Crane Hire recently took delivery of a Sany SAC600E, 60t capacity all terrain. The Sany features 50 metres of main boom and is one of the first to be delivered in the country.
Big Rhino Crane Hire is a privately owned family business that has been operating for almost 14 years. Like so many crane hire businesses, it was started by frustrated individuals who could see there was a better way to work in the crane hire sector.
Marg Gravener, managing director of Big Rhino Crane Hire, provides some background to the business and the purchase of the Sany.
“My husband and two sons were all working in the industry, and they were frustrated with the lack of honest communication between customers and the crane hire businesses. They could see this was leading to general levels of dissatisfaction within the industry,” she said.
“It was a random comment around
the dinner table when I asked: ‘Why don’t you get your own crane then?’ 14 years later, we are operating four Frannas, four city cranes and our brand new Sany SAC600E 60t all terrain.”
Big Rhino Crane Hire is a great name for a crane hire business and Marg provides some insight into it.
“My husband Paul’s nickname is ‘Biggen’ and our eldest son Ryan, who started the business with us, has the nickname Rhino, hence Big Rhino. The tag line for the business ‘Get hooked on our horn’ is a bit of fun and one we couldn’t resist,” she said.
“We started the business in November 2008, just as the big storm hit the Gap and South East Queensland. Our only crane was available, and we started work.”
Today, Big Rhino Crane Hire operates all over Brisbane as far North as North lakes, out to Springfield and Redlands and South to Yatala. The typical profile of a client is anyone who needs a crane, including construction companies and pool installers through to an individual who needs a massive bird’s nest moved.
Marg confirms how Big Rhino Crane Hire has recently expanded its business.
“By our standards, we have just had a massive expansion. We moved into a larger yard, and we currently operate four Frannas, four City Cranes and our brand new Sany SAC600E 60t all terrain.
“With the pick and carry Frannas, we have two 15t capacity and two 20t capacity machines available and these are currently in very high demand. The city cranes range from a small 10t capacity up to the Kato 20t capacity machine. These are a very versatile crane that can fit into small spaces with great lifting capabilities. In our opinion, they are still relatively unknown for their lifting capacity in the construction industry. We then have our new Sany 60t, which is a great asset to us for those bigger, heavier lifts,” she said.
The Sany SAC600E 60t capacity all terrain crane is a high-quality crane with a 50m boom. Whilst remaining lightweight in concept, it has remotely adjustable boom work lights, wind speed anemometer, boom tip camera, fall arrest cables on both sides of the boom, access ladders to each side of the cranes’ deck, with stairs and safety rail allowing entrance to the rear of the crane.
The crane comes with a 16m folding fly jib with off sets of 0°, 20° and 40°. Around the deck, the Sany SAC600E features a 9kg fire extinguisher, hi vis side stripes, a battery isolator, starter isolator, at the rear of the cranes’ deck there is a ring feeder mounting with air brake supply and amber flashing beacons on the cranes’ structure.
The Sany SAC600E is powered by a Mercedes Benz inline six-cylinder diesel engine that generates 280kW at 1,600 rpm and it complies to Euro 3 emission standards. This allows the crane to use a miserly 60L per 100km, and also features an Allison auto transmission with 12 forward and two reverse gears, split between high and low range ratios.
Danfoss hydraulic valves ensure reliable and constant hydraulic pressure and adds to the cranes’ control and smooth operation. It also features six steering modes on the three axles with diff locks to promote great manoeuvrability. The weight of the crane is less than 36t, which enables it to be road ready with an Aux winch, headache ball, single sheave main hook, timber box, 3.3t of counterweight and still be under 12t per axle limit. Site works lifts the cranes axle capabilities to 16t per axle, which means mobilisation can take place with more counterweight.
The Sany SAC600E has a comprehensive remote-control, which means the operator can set up the crane, extend the outriggers, levelling the crane, slewing and positioning boom in place ready for loading of counterweight. The operator can then enter the cabin to commence their lifting duties.
Sany is in a continual process of upgrading models and this crane now includes an operator’s cab that can tilt to up to 20° allowing the operator a better and more relaxed operating and viewing position, relieving aching neck & back muscles to observe the rope, from the top of the boom down. The newly designed cab maximises safety, comfort, and ease of operation. All operations in the cab are joystick controlled; the crane features
a large viewing touch screen that is ergonomically fitted for ease of operation and shuffling through the various programs of the crane.
Cameras for downward vision and at the winch drum provide the operator with a view of the site they are operating, and keeping an eye on the winches to ensure correct laying of the wire rope.
The operator’s cabin is air conditioned, with premium comfort seating and fitted with AM FM radio, hands free phone, USB point and an operator’s manual in English.
Marg explains how the work conducted by the business influences the make-up of the Big Rhino fleet.
“The industry has trends, so you need to be aware of what type of crane is in demand.”
For crane hire in Brisbane , get in touch with Big Rhino Crane Hire – https://bigrhino.com.au/