Emerald Carrying Company (ECC) is a leading logistics and freight provider based in Emerald, in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland, which recently took delivery of a new Tidd PC28-2. ECC Managing Director, Greg Haylock provides the background to the purchase.
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Operating 100 trucks and employing 200 drivers, ECC provides a range of logistics services and specialist skills in General Freight and Bulk Liquids Dangerous Goods transportation. Monaro Fuel Haulage operates alongside ECC as part of the Bulk Liquids Group, covering Brisbane and South East Australia.
The company was started in 1965 by Greg’s parents.
“My father and mother, Bill and Joan Haylock started the business back in 1965. We were a general carrier business operating out of Emerald and servicing local industry,” said Greg.
“By the mid 70’s we were delivering freight to and from Brisbane and in 1974, we started transporting fuel and Dad developed that into one of the biggest family operated fuel carriers in Australia. As the business grew, Dad was receiving enquiries regarding cranage and he bought his first crane, a six tonne capacity BHP. We’ve had cranes in the business ever since,” said Greg.
Greg joined the business in 1978.
“Having been around the business as a youngster, I joined as an apprentice mechanic, or diesel fitter today. I wanted to get a trade first and the apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to really learn about the business from the ground up. For better or for worse, I am still here. Today we operate 100 trucks, employ 200 drivers and have three pick and carry cranes to support these operations, a 14 tonne and 20 tonne Franna and the new 28 tonne capacity Tidd PC28-2.
“The role of the pick and carry cranes has evolved with the business, it’s not our core business but it is a lucrative add on. We hire them out to town councils, local builders and various types of contractors and we also use them to lift heavy freight when required. We have two operators, and we basically use the 14 tonner as a backup,” said Greg.
Greg goes on to discuss the background leading up to the purchase of the Tidd PC28-2.
“We have a depot in Lytton which isn’t far from the TRT Australia operation. I drove past and saw the Tidds in the yard. I was interested and stopped and spoke to Brendan ‘Cookie’ Cook asked some questions, took away some information and then asked owners about their experiences with the Tidd. Everyone was full of praise and couldn’t speak highly enough of the Tidd and TRT Australia. Also, there isn’t another Tidd in Emerald, so we thought we’d do something different,” he said.
Greg has been pleased with the performance of the Tidd PC28-2 as has his operator.
“The operator absolutely loves the Tidd, he says it’s a lot smoother to drive and operate compared to the 20 tonne Franna,” he said.
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Leading from the front, TRT continues to enhance the overall Tidd crane operator experience and performance. The upgrades to the Tidd PC28-2 are driven through TRT’s focus on continuous improvement, with consideration of industry and operator feedback.
Among some of the recent improvements to the upgraded Tidd PC28-2 are its more powerful front suspension cylinders, offering improvements in lift capacity by more than 40 per cent in some situations, including when the crane is articulated and working on a side slope.
With this improvement has come an additional three steps on the Tidd PC28-2 load chart, delivering a significant improvement when the crane is articulating. For the operator, this means that, as the crane articulates, the rate of the load chart decrease has improved dramatically.
The Robway Tidd crane operating software has also been upgraded with improved functionality. This enables faster processing and greater control responsiveness for the Tidd PC28-2 operator.
TRT has always focused on the people when considering advancements in technology for the Tidd crane. With operator and dogman comfort central to the design of the Tidd crane, this Tidd PC28-2 features a re-engineered ROPS style cabin. This has been tested with a measured reduction in cabin noise levels by 8dBa at 80km/h when on the road.
As well as these upgrades, TRT has been focused on ensuring that Tidd customers and operators are fully supported for the life of the crane, from onboarding of operators to parts and service support Australia and New Zealand-wide.
Greg also had the Tidd PC28-2 fitted with TRT’s automatic air pressure monitoring system, Traction Air, which supplies a constant air pressure of 130psi to all eight tyres.
“The drivability of the Tidd is a key feature, and we have the tyres fitted with the automatic air pressure monitoring system. I think that’s important especially when you’re lifting and getting up there in the charts, you want to make sure you always have the right tyre pressure at all times.”
“We are very pleased with the purchase and the inbuilt safety systems and we are also pleased with the support we have received from TRT Australia. The sales and delivery processes were quite seamless and with hand over, Brendan and his team were here in the yard to run everyone through the crane. They couldn’t do enough for us,” said Greg.