Expanding a fleet with a new crane is a significant decision, and for Craig Membrey, Managing Director of Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire, it’s about much more than just equipment. It’s about partnering with a business he can trust.
Craig’s family-run business, established in 1962, recently decided to expand its fleet with a brand-new Sany 40 tonne telescopic boom crawler crane, choosing Tutt Bryant to make this significant addition.
Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire has a long history of heavy haulage and lifting, tackling projects that range from infrastructure to industrial relocations. Craig explains how the business decided to acquire the new Sany SCC400TB.
Craig said, “It gives us the best of both worlds – the reach of a boom crane combined with the stability of a crawler. I needed something to fill the gap in the 40-tonne telescopic crawler crane range, and the Sany ticked all the boxes. The pricing was sharp, and seeing first-hand how they build the machines – it’s clear the quality has come a long way.”
The Sany SCC400TB, with its 40-tonne lifting capacity, fits neatly into a niche. Its telescopic boom extends to approximately 43 metres, giving operators considerable reach without the inconvenience of assembling lattice sections onsite. Additionally, because it’s mounted on crawler tracks, the crane can manoeuvre across uneven or muddy terrains.
Yet, purchasing a crane isn’t just about specifications and capabilities; it’s about trust and relationships. For Craig, working with Tutt Bryant wasn’t new territory. Craig said that over the years, Tutt Bryant became more of a partner than a mere vendor to Membrey’s. He said that this relationship made the buying process easy.
“In May 2024, Tutt Bryant provided me with an opportunity to tour the Sany factories in China, which gave me valuable insight into the brand’s manufacturing quality,” Craig said. At a crane conference in Adelaide in October 2024, Craig sealed the deal for the new 40-tonne crane.
The team at Tutt Bryant provided detailed information, training, and support. Craig mentions the importance of their transparency and customer service: “Anytime we had a question, they answered immediately. It felt collaborative and supportive rather than transactional.
“We had the crane customised in our company colours, and the entire procurement process – from documentation to delivery – was smooth and professionally managed. The finish and paint quality were of a very high standard. The crane itself has performed well so far, and it’s now available for hire and ready to go. We’re optimistic this won’t be the last Sany in our fleet – there’s definite potential for more as demand picks up,” Craig said.
For Membrey’s, another key factor in choosing Sany was Tutt Bryant’s after-sales support network.
“Our experience with Tutt Bryant has been nothing short of excellent. Being local certainly helps. So far, it’s been five-star service. Everything’s been handled exceptionally well.”
Craig said this isn’t the company’s first purchase from Tutt Bryant. “We also collaborate on projects and equipment support, so the relationship works both ways. It’s a partnership that benefits both businesses,” he added.
Cost-effectiveness was another bonus. Craig describes the Sany 40t as a smart financial investment.
“The cost of the crane and its capabilities mean we’ll see strong returns. It provides high performance without the premium cost of some other brands,” he said.
In the 40-tonne class, not all machines deliver the same lifting capability – some fall short under pressure. Craig said, “One of the key reasons we chose the Sany was the strength of its load chart. Not all 40-tonne cranes are built the same –some fall short when it comes to lifting performance. This one doesn’t. When you’re lifting day in and day out, that strength and reliability make a real difference.”
“It’s a smart addition to our 30-strong fleet. Industry feedback on the Sany brand has been overwhelmingly positive. In our line of work, people don’t mince words. If a crane underperforms, you’ll hear about it. But with the Sany, all we’re hearing is praise,” he said.
Membrey’s team has already had some hands-on time with the new Sany SCC400TB, and early impressions have been positive – especially from the next generation.
“The team’s had a chance to test it out, and they’re genuinely impressed. My son, Jack Membrey, completed the full training on the crane and was enthusiastic about how intuitive the system is. The telecrawler’s operation is very straightforward, and he got the hang of it quickly.”
Now, with the Sany SCC400TB ready to get to work, Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire is planning its first projects. Reflecting on the entire experience, Craig emphasised the significance of having trusted partners like Tutt Bryant. “When you have reliable partners, everything falls into place smoothly.”