Last year, Brisbane City Cranes, (BCC) purchased a 40 tonne capacity XCMG XCA40_E all terrain. Pleased with its performance and requiring a new crane, Director Joe Conti and General Manager Billy Sasalu decided to add another 60 tonne model to their fleet, the XCMG XCA60_AU.
“We took delivery of the XCMG XCA40_E in the last quarter of 2025, and we’ve been really impressed with its overall performance,” said Joe. “We had also taken delivery of a 100 tonne all terrain, but due to the working capacity of the existing 60 tonne and upcoming projects, we forecast a shortfall in our capacity to supply to our clients throughout 2026 and beyond.
“After liaising with Anthony Davis and Andrew Whyte of Crane Connection, and also Stephen Broomfield, General Manager XCMG Crane Centre, they confirmed the XCMG XCA60_AU was in stock. Experiencing such a shortfall and being able to purchase quickly was extremely advantageous. The crane arrived in early January 2026 and it has been utilised ever since.”
Joe discusses the performance of both the XCMGs.
“The cranes do exactly what we expect of them. We’ve had the 40 tonne in the fleet for a few months. It has been working across Brisbane and the Gold Coast daily and continues to perform efficiently and is very reliable,” he said.
“We did have one very minor issue with a small oil leak (as with all other brands). On this occasion the service from Crane Connection and Luke Thurwell of Mobile Crane Servicing and Maintenance (MCSM) was excellent. They resolved the matter in a few hours. With the cranes powered by a Mercedes engine, the parts were readily available and this expedited the repair.
“The relationship with the guys at the Crane Connection and XCMG continues to build. We have known Anthony, Ben and Andrew for many years and the purchase of the 40 tonne and 60 tonne has quickly enabled the relationship to develop. We’ll continue to work closely with them. They fulfil all of their obligations as a supplier, and they are really doing a great job for us.”
Billy said operator acceptance is important, especially when it comes to adding a new manufacturer to the fleet. The crew at Brisbane City Cranes is really happy with the new XCMGs.
Billy said, “another reason we went for the 60 tonne was due to the existing level of operator experience in the fleet. We were able to confidently allocate an experienced operator to this new crane. The consensus at the depot is that the XCMGs feel like an international brand, they look like one and they perform like one. Fifty per cent of our operators have completed the familiarisation and training, and operator feedback has only been positive,” he said.
The three-axle, 60-tonne all terrain crane possesses a maximum hook height of 64.1 metres and a maximum operating radius of 40 metres. As a taxi crane, accessibility is at the forefront of the crane’s design with the machine measuring in at 12 metre long, 2.8 metres wide and 3.9 metres tall. The six-section, U-shaped boom possesses a single-cylinder pinning telescoping system and, on its own, can reach heights of 10.7 metres through to 50 metres.
With the fixed lattice jib fitted on, the crane receives an extra 9.2-to-16 metres in height that can be offset at angles of 0, 15, or 30 degrees. The crane can be optionally fitted with a 2.5 metre independent jib head and a 46-tonne hook block.
On the counterweight front, the XCA60_AU can hold a maximum of 13 tonnes of counterweight that is available in six different combinations: 2.4, 3, 7.5, 7.9 and 13 tonnes.
When it comes to roading the crane under the 12 tonne per axle load limit, the crane can be configured in two different modes. The first includes the auxiliary sheave, jib bracket, 2.4 tonnes of counterweight and the 30.5 tonne hook block.
The second reflects the first, however can carry the auxiliary winch in tandem with a lighter hook block measuring in at 13.5 tonnes in capacity.
The XCA60_AU possesses a lifting capacity of 60 tonnes, which the crane can lift at 2.1 metres in radius; at the crane’s maximum telescopic extension of 50 metres.
At an operating radius of 36 metres, the crane can lift 900 kilograms with the full complement of counterweight attached.
On the technology front, XCMG has installed a Load Moment Indicator that audibly and visually warns the operator when they are close to overloading the machine. Operations are automatically stopped before overloading occurs, while overload memory function and fault diagnosis are available as standard.
XCMG has taken further steps to enhance the safety of its machines, installing hydraulic balance, two-way and relief valves, a lowering limiter for preventing the wire rope from over releasing, and an anti-two block at the boom head to prevent the wire rope from over-winding.
What’s more, XCMG has installed a new steel cab on the XCA60_AU that is capable of being tilted by 20 degrees.
Featuring a spacious interior, operator comfort has been kept forefront in the cabin’s ergonomic design, with the seats being made of leather and breathable mesh, as well as a human machine interactive control panel and a 12-inch display.
Powered by a Mercedes Benz engine, the crane is not only Australian Design Rule (ADR)/03 compliant; XCMG has taken steps to ensure the crane presents a long-term asset that operates at a high level for a sustained period of time by manufacturing the crane to be ADR/04 compliant, meeting European Association of Internal Combustion Engine and Alternative Powertrain Manufacturers (EUROMOT) 5 regulations in the process.
“My position on the Chinese brands, especially XCMG hasn’t changed,” Joe said. “For a growing business like BCC, they are an excellent option. They provide value for money, and have a quicker purchase timeframe than other international brands. Initially, we went through an extensive cost analysis (reviewing purchase price, charge out rates, delivery times, repayments and resale), the quality of the crane’s componentry, the quality of service and support, and the XCMGs delivered in every area.”
He said use of the fleet over the past 12 months has exceeded expectations, proving that the company has a solid customer base.
“We are known for our quality of cranes and customers are not drawn away by the brand of the crane, provided we continue to deliver a safe, reliable, efficient service,” Joe said. “I believe our clients trust our judgement, and the ability and experience of our crews.
“We are happy to continue to work with Stephen Broomfield, and also The Crane Connection in discussing with other crane owners the capabilities of the XCMGs. We have already had a number of them at the depot looking at the cranes.
“XCMG provides excellent value for money and return on investment. The 40 tonne and 60 tonne have performed exactly as we hoped for. They have really excelled in terms of performance and the operators love them. I don’t think you can ask for much more than that.”
