WA Universal has steadily expanded its mobile-crane operations over the past decade, strengthening its presence across construction, infrastructure and heavy industry in Western Australia.
What began as a fleet built to support the company’s rigging division has since evolved into a standalone mobile-crane business with a broad mix of equipment. The latest addition – a new XCMG XGTC100 telescopic crawler crane supplied by Ronco – marks an important step in that growth.
Managing Director Aaron Holding said the mobile fleet has grown alongside the rigging work.
“We started with cranes that supported the rigging side of the business, but over the years the mobile division has become its own operation. It now services both our internal work and a range of external clients,” he said. The company runs everything from city cranes used on smaller residential jobs through to 400-tonne all terrain units for major industrial work. As activity in infrastructure and commercial construction increases across the state, Aaron said the business has been exploring equipment that helps it enter projects earlier and work more efficiently. Telescopic crawler cranes fit that direction well.
“We’ve been looking at how to service piling contractors and early-stage construction projects more effectively. Telescopic crawlers allow us to move, reposition and set up quickly, which makes them a strong fit for those environments,” he said. “They also suit the Northwest, where ground conditions are generally good and you want a crane that can handle storms or changing weather without major downtime.”
A strong fit for WA conditions
Ronco is the dealer for XCMG cranes across Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) and Northern Territory (NT). For Capital Sales Manager Luke Davis, the XGTC100’s design and performance make it well matched to WA Universal’s needs.
“The XGTC100 is a strong fit because its 100-tonne capacity, telescopic boom and crawler undercarriage suit the diverse work WA Universal takes on,” Luke said. “The crane offers excellent stability on uneven terrain, versatile reach, and lifting charts that work well for remote or challenging sites. It sits neatly between a mobile crane and a larger crawler, which broadens their operational capability.”
Built around a Cummins engine and a high-strength telescopic boom system, the XGTC100 is engineered for durability and stable lifting. Its five-section boom extends to 51 metres, with a 17-metre jib for added reach. Its crawler tracks provide a low ground-pressure footprint and strong traction, making it suitable for soft ground, prepared pads and long travel paths on large job sites.
The cab design focuses on operator comfort and visibility, with large windows, improved sightlines and integrated diagnostic systems. Safety functions – such as slew limiters, load monitoring and travel cut-off systems – are included as standard, supporting compliance on major civil and mining projects.
Ready for site from day one
Ronco supports all crane deliveries with a detailed pre-delivery process designed to ensure equipment arrives fully tested and site-ready.
Aaron said, “Every crane goes through mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and safety inspections, followed by full functional testing. We verify compliance with Australian standards and then complete a handover that covers operator familiarisation, maintenance guidance and certification. The goal is that the crane is ready to work from day one.”
“There were a few key factors for us: Ronco’s support network, the warranty, and the speed in which they could deliver the crane,” he said. “We’ve worked with Luke before and always found him extremely helpful. That support, both before and after the sale, is important when you’re adding something new to the fleet.”
Straight to work
WA Universal’s first XGTC100 went straight from handover to a major project – the New Women’s and Babies Hospital in Perth.
“It’s already out on the job, and we’ve received positive feedback from the site,” Aaron said. “On projects where you’re moving often or working in tight spaces, the ease of repositioning makes a real difference.”
The crane’s telescopic boom allows operators to retract quickly during storms or changing conditions – an advantage for Northwest mining work, where weather interruptions can be sudden. The crawler undercarriage also means minimal ground preparation, reducing downtime and mobilisation costs.
Growing interest in telescopic crawlers
Ronco is seeing rising demand for telescopic crawlers across the state, driven by the flexibility they offer.
“Interest has grown across construction, infrastructure, mining and industrial projects,” Luke said. “These cranes combine the stability of a crawler with the reach and efficiency of a telescopic boom. They’re ideal for uneven or remote sites, which aligns well with WA project conditions.”
He said that the increase in rental and wet-hire work is shaping purchasing decisions for many fleet owners. “Clients are looking for versatile, high-performance solutions without the commitment of long-term ownership. Telescopic crawlers fit that space well.”
While this is WA Universal’s first telescopic crawler, Aaron sees it as a strategic addition that opens new opportunities for the business.
“This crane helps us service early-stage construction and piling work more effectively. It gives us another avenue to enter infrastructure projects from the start,” he said. “For the size and its capability, it’s a very handy machine to have in the fleet.”
From a dealer perspective, Ronco’s focus remains on long-term support for customers adopting new crane types.
“We maintain regular follow-ups with operators and ensure the crane continues performing as intended,” Luke said. “Training, after-sales support and reliable delivery are all part of giving customers the confidence to deploy the crane across their projects.”
As WA Universal’s work grows across both metropolitan and regional WA, the company is looking for equipment partners who can respond quickly and provide dependable backup.
“It was the right crane available at the right time, backed by a dealer we trust,” Aaron said. “It’s already proving its value on site, and that’s what matters most.”
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