General Crane Services (WA) is recognised as an industry leader in terms of embracing the latest technology crane manufacturers have to offer, showcased by the company’s first Franna refurbished.
General Crane Services (WA) has a rich history of embracing cutting-edge crane technology, but recently, they embarked on a more sentimental journey – the restoration of one of their earliest acquisitions, the Terex Franna 12T 4WD. This crane holds a special place in the company’s heart as it was one of the first in their fleet, purchased in December 1989 by Tony Bucciarelli.
“My wife and I purchased the Franna 12T 4WD in December 1989 as the first of the Anten Cranes Fleet, primarily because it was the biggest Franna around at the time. It was the first crane I bought because we needed it to be available for all and any work we could get,” said Tony.
The Terex Franna 12T 4WD was a pioneering crane back in its day, designed and built in Australia and the ideal all terrain articulated lift and carry mobile crane for general hire and crane work. With impressive lifting capabilities and exceptional versatility, it could manoeuvre through rugged sites and also achieve highway speeds of up to 85kmph. Spare parts were readily available due to the use of mainly conventional truck components and were easily accessible from the manufacturing plants in Brisbane and Perth and agents in each state.
Tony owned this Franna crane for approximately two decades, and it played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Eventually, he sold it to a contractor on a BGC Mine Site near York, WA. Tony’s son, Eric Bucciarelli, took up the quest to locate this cherished piece of the company’s history. After some detective work and an unexpected discovery on an online auction site, Eric went up there the next day and put in an offer in and he managed to reclaim the Franna.
Ironically, Tony had previously told his boys not to worry about locating the Franna.
“I didn’t think it was worth the headache, it was an old crane, but now we have it and its being restored, I’m happy we did it, it’s a great reminder of where it all started,” he said.
While the crane had clocked over 21,541 hours and showed signs of wear and tear, its spirit remained intact.
“It was pretty knocked up. There was no apparent rust at all, but it had seen better days. That said, the tyres were the same ones I sold it with, and they were still in a reasonable state. The main refurbishments needed were on the interior, understandably after all those operator hours. The crane’s paint work needed serious attention but the engine was in great condition and didn’t need a thing doing to it,” Tony said.
The Franna 12T 4WD is powered by a Hino, 163HP, 6 Cylinder diesel engine. The axle loadings featured 5,700 kg at the front and 9,000 kg at the rear, a total weight of 14,700 tonnes and the crane boasts a turning circle from the outside wheels of 6.2 metres. The overall length of the crane is 8.89 metres with a width 2.40 metres and height 2.82 metres.
There was some structural work required on the Franna but not much explains Tony.
“The boom has been pulled apart, inspected and repaired, and we fitted new ropes. Terex Franna were very responsive with our parts requirements on this part of the refurbishment but as I’ve said, most of the work has been mainly cosmetic on the interior and exterior. I engaged Terry from T & H Custom Panel and Paint for the bulk of the refurbishment program, and he has done a great job.
“The refurbishment process had been handled in house, but when Terex Franna heard about the story and suggested we display the crane at the CICA National Conference and Exhibition in our home town, we decided to get it finished and sent it to Terry for the final touches”.
“We are grateful to Terex Franna for this opportunity to display an important part of our company’s history. Personally, I am delighted that my sons ignored my instruction and went in search of the first crane I purchased, found it and refurbished it for me. We have always been strong supporters of the Franna pick and carry crane and remain so,” said Tony.
READ MORE:
- Franna’s practicality for cranes in underground mining applications.
- Franna expands into the rough-terrain market with Terex RTs.
- Franna’s support network expands across Australia.