Modern Concept Constructions has been a leader in the luxury home building industry for over two decades. Having previously hired in craneage requirements for their projects, Modern Concepts recently bought a Maeda MC405C-3. Modern Concept Constructions Director Chris Williams explains more.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news from Australasia’s lifting industry.
- Don’t miss a lift and subscribe to our monthly magazine.
- Download our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the crane industry.
“We’ve been in business for 26 and a half years now. We’ve come full circle in that we used to work on very large houses, catering to the high-end market. During the Global Financial Crisis, we had to adapt to survive the economic downturn by reducing the business down to a small team.
“However, with perseverance and strategic planning, we have rebranded and are now rebuilding ourselves and heading back into the high-end luxury space. Over the last four years, we’ve been laser-focused on re-establishing our presence in the top- tier market,” said Chris.
“Currently, we have two massive projects on Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights [in Sydney]. These projects are incredibly detailed, high-end houses that present unique challenges in both construction and access due to their complexity and location,” he said.
Chris goes on to discuss the reasons for purchasing the first crane, why it is a Maeda and how he has been handling craneage requirements up until now.
“This is our first crane. In the past, we have relied on hiring City Cranes or Maedas for our projects. I’ve always been very impressed with their compact size and the versatility of the Meadas and, despite their small footprint, they are capable of handling heavy loads – making them ideal for the intricate and demanding work we do.
Modern Concept Constructions selected the Maeda MC405 C-3 to buy. With a maximum radius of 16m and a lifting capacity of 3.83 tonnes x 2.7m, this is a powerful crane suitable for a range of jobs and sites. The MC405C-3 also features an outrigger safety system.
“For the past 10-15 years, we’ve relied on Barry Casey and his team from AOR Cranes for our craneage requirements. He has a vast array of equipment suitable for various jobs and sizes, and his expertise has been invaluable to us.
“Up until buying our own crane, Barry has been our go-to guy for all our cranage needs, and he still is for larger jobs that require bigger equipment. His reliability and the quality of his services have made him an integral part of our operations,” said Chris.
Chris explains the reasons for purchasing the Maeda in particular.
“We’ve seen the Maeda in action before and we’ve impressed with its performance. When we contacted Pace Cranes about buying one, it made more sense than renting, especially when you look at the long duration of our projects. The Maeda MC405C-3 has an approximate lifespan of 30 years, which offers great value when you consider its running costs, initial outlay and the return on investment. It’s a strategic purchase that will serve us well for many years, enhancing our capability to manage complex lifting tasks in-house,” said Chris.
He goes on to discuss the relationship with Pace Cranes, the national distributor for the Maeda range.
“The sales process with Pace Cranes was smooth and straightforward. They provided all the necessary information and were very accommodating throughout the process. They helped us understand the benefits of owning the Maeda MC405C-3 and made the entire purchase process hassle-free, which was a big plus for us,” he said.
“The mini crawler is currently on our project at 24A Beatty Street. This project is unique because the Maeda is the largest crane that can navigate the roughly 100-metre-long driveway with a limited load capacity.
“However, it’s not large enough for all our lifting needs, so we’ve built a ramp and stage for it to sit halfway between the driveway and the building. It’s currently suspended 6.6 metres off the ground until we build the roof. Once the roof is built, the crane will sit on the roof, allowing us to lift materials from the driveway to the roof and then down to the job site,” Chris said.
“For instance, we have a 19-metre long glass roof with panels weighing 400kg each, and the crane is essential for lifting these heavy materials. It will also lift sliding doors, tiles, sand, cement and other materials, significantly reducing the manpower required.”
“We’ve already lined up three or four jobs for the Maeda. Even though we’ve only had it for a month the crane has already demonstrated its value by reducing the manpower needed to move materials and handling tasks that would be difficult without it. It’s proving to be a very valuable asset, enhancing our efficiency and capability on challenging sites,” he said.
Chris explains what he and his team like about the Maeda’s operability.
“We like the Maeda for its simplicity and effectiveness. Myself and two team members have completed the Dogman and Crane Certificates, and we’ve found the Maeda to be a very straightforward piece of equipment to operate.
“It has a huge safety factor built in, making it difficult to get things wrong unless you’re being careless. Its user- friendly design and robust safety features make it a reliable and indispensable tool for our team,” said Chris.
Chris adds a bit more about Modern Concept Constructions.
“As I’ve said, we’ve been in the luxury home building business for over two decades now, which has allowed us to hone our skills and expertise in this niche market. Throughout this time, we’ve developed a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail, making us a preferred choice for discerning clients seeking bespoke homes that reflect their unique tastes and lifestyles.
“Our clients are primarily high- net-worth individuals who are looking for bespoke, high-end homes that offer unparalleled luxury and comfort. They are often very particular about their requirements, seeking homes that are not just living spaces but expressions of their personal style and status.
“Our projects are mainly located in affluent areas, with the current ones being in Balgowlah Heights. These areas offer
the exclusivity and prestige that our clients desire, along with the scenic views and prime locations that add significant value to their properties,” said Chris.