Qube Heavy Lift, part of Australia’s largest logistics provider Qube Holdings, recently took delivery of two TIDD PC28-3Gs and a 12 Row ESS Modular Platform Trailer designed, engineered and manufactured by TRT. Matt Arkinstall, Qube Heavy Lift’s General Manager, explains how the purchases are a key element of Qube’s plans for a more sustainable future.
“I have been in the Heavy Haulage and Crane industry for 25 plus years and I have progressed my career from Operator through to Operations and now Senior management. I have been fortunate to have had great opportunities and worked with some of the best people in the industry,” said Matt.
“The performance of the Qube Heavy Lift business is proven. We operate a fleet of cranes with capacities from 20t to 1200t, with Heavy Haulage trailer capabilities up to 12 Row Platforms, and specialist transport equipment. Recently we added a number of new all terrains with more on order. The purchase of the new TIDD PC28-3Gs and the TRT 12 Row ESS Modular Platform Trailer are part of Qube’s ongoing commitment to renew our crane fleet in a sustainable manner,” he said.
TRT has constructed the TIDD PC28- 3G using the highest quality components, prioritising safety and performance throughout its design and class-leading features including the Euro 6 Cummins engine, the highest emission control diesel engine available with significantly more horsepower.
Neil Webb, General Manager at TRT Australia, speaks about the features and benefits of the new TIDD PC28-3G.
“The new TIDD PC28-3G features the new Cummins ISB6.7 Euro 6 on road engine. This is a deliberate step us by us, because Euro 6 will be the new Australian Design Rule (ADR) in November 2025. The shift to Cummins was due to after-sales service and support throughout Australia.
“The crane has moved from our previous standard Mercedes package to the new Cummins engine which generates an extra 34 kilowatts more horsepower, which is a considerable amount of difference in terms of operation.
“Obviously Slew Safe is a key safety feature and has featured in our cranes from the beginning. The feature, developed and patented by TRT, serves as a significant standard for safety. It is specifically designed to assist operators in preventing rollovers. This preventative tool functions by alerting the operator when they are slewing in an unsafe direction, prompting them to slew back towards safety. This ensures a clear understanding of the operator’s role in maintaining safety standards. The feedback from our customers on the PC28-3G, especially from Tier One builders, has been fantastic,” said Neil.
The new TIDD PC28-3G features the TRT patented Traction Air System.
“The Traction Air System is currently operating in approximately 10 countries around the world as a CTI system. It was initially designed for logging equipment, and we moved it into our TIDD pick and carry crane. It’s an option but we see more and more safety requirements from sites, and from customers which means it is almost a standard option that’s ticked by our customers.
“The Traction Air System provides a management system for tyre pressure. It allows the tyre pressure to increase or deflate to ensure optimal pressure of 130 PSI is maintained. It’s a great safety feature for the crane. Because the tyres are always at the correct pressure you also get better usage and less wear and tear. During lifting the tyres are at an optimal lifting pressure, ensuring you are performing every lift safely,” said Neil.
“TRT has always been big on our braking systems and when we first designed the PC25, we had ABS brakes under our machines. Obviously, ABS has just come in as a requirement for ADR.
“When we began redesigning to comply with the new ADR emission standards, we assessed areas for improvement. We focused intensely on the exhaust brake system and decided to switch to a retarder. It is very similar to the technology used in a lot of heavy equipment, like large all terrains, and this Allison Transmission with Retarder really puts us ahead of our competition,” said Neil.
There are three key benefits; it allows for less wear and tear on the brakes, noise is greatly reduced and overall stopping performance is significantly improved.
“It’s essentially an additional safety feature for our crane. Our customers recognise that TRT doesn’t just aim to meet standards; we consistently exceed them and continue to innovate. We are highly customer-focused, incorporating their feedback into our product designs,” said Neil.
With improved engine performance, increased horsepower and better braking, the TIDD PC28-3G has been accepted into the marketplace really well. Another added safety feature involves neutralising the gearbox when the holding brake is on.
“This ensures the operator can’t take off down the road with the brake on, causing damage to the braking system. Also, during operation, it can be unsafe if the operator’s left the crane in drive and engaged the holding brake. The load can lurch when he applies the throttle. It’s just another complimentary feature, along with our EN- 13000 approved system, which allows us to have a 75 per cent static chart. We’re not just a pick and carry crane. We also have a static chart, which gives it a greater performance to 75 per cent instead of 66 per cent, which is a huge feature when you’re talking loads,” said Neil.
Tier One Builders are particularly focused on safety on construction sites, and sustainability within the construction processes. Neil explains how the TIDD PC28-3G and TRT fit into this scenario.
“Obviously we always want everyone who drives our cranes to go home safe every day, and that’s why we continually innovate around the whole machine, but especially around safety. From a sustainability point of view, we have been carrying out a huge solar panel project on our facilities in Hamilton and we now generate approximately 80 per cent of our power through this solar panel system. We are definitely aligned with Tier Ones and also our smaller customers providing a package that suits all requirements,” said Neil.
Image: TRT
Neil explains the rationale behind Qube’s decision to purchase TRT’s Electronic Steering System (ESS) trailers.
“Qube conducted an extensive case study, which included several factory visits to our Hamilton facility where they observed our trailers in action during product demonstrations. They were highly impressed with the overall quality, performance and innovation of our products.”
“We are one of the only trailer manufacturers in the world that can have a trailer that’s in a 12 line configuration, which Qube has purchased, and it can be reduced down to an eight line configuration in 40 minutes. Our ESS technology is a game changer as is our Quick Connect system for our platform trailers. Qube’s second trailer is really exciting for the renewable/wind industry, and we look forward to delivering that in the next couple of months, with more to come.
“At TRT, we take great pride in our in-house design and manufacturing capabilities. Our high-quality and innovative solutions likely contribute to our multiple ongoing contracts with the Australian Defence Force,” said Neil.
Matt goes on to discuss the reasons for purchasing the TIDDs and also the TRT Lead up to the purchase of the TIDDs and TRT 12 Row ESS Trailer.
“These are the first TIDDs in Qube’s Heavy Lift fleet. We were really impressed with the low emission Cummins engine
and also the safety features including the Dynamic LMI with a deadlock switch inside the cabin and an LMI bridging switch outside the cabin.
“The TIDD PC28-3G features the latest emission controls which help work towards Qube’s Sustainability Roadmap.
We already have a number of EV Vehicles in the fleet and our facilities and offices around the country are already off grid or on the way to being so, following our ongoing investment in solar energy. As a corporation, Qube Holdings is dedicated to ensuring we continue our path to limit emissions and reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible,” said Matt.
Matt discusses the relationship with TRT.
“The sales process around the TIDDs and the trailer was fantastic. The team at TRT are focused on our needs for this first trailer, their approach was very personal and they were very attentive throughout the whole process to ensure they delivered the right equipment for our purposes. The 12 Row ESS Trailer was our first TRT Platform with a second due in August 2024,” said Matt.
“We use the TRT ESS 12 Row Platform with the Quick Connect system for transporting wind turbine components
and moving our own fleet of equipment to better service our clients. TRT manufactures a range of quality products that can be tailored to suit our specific needs. We appreciate TRT’s dedication to deliver on our requirements and we certainly impressed with the support we receive from the entire TRT Group,” said Matt.