Two brand new Kato 20 tonne CR200Rf cranes have just been added to McLeod’s Cranes’ sizeable fleet, and Scott McLeod, managing director of the large firm, which services the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, says he couldn’t be happier.
“There is significant demand for cranes this size, which is why our two new machines were sent straight out to work as soon as they arrived from Japan. One is lifting frames, trusses and building materials for the building sector in Tauranga, with the other working on geothermal power station shuts and associated maintenance work.
“They’re so busy we haven’t had time to get them sign written yet.”
Scott is impressed with several features on Kato’s new generation City Range 200Rf model, which include as standard, two position 3000kg searcher hooks.
“The searcher hook is a brilliant addition which has significant benefits, particularly inside industrial sites, where it gives us the ability to reach into tight confines. The hydraulic luffing fly jib is another great feature. We’re already finding opportunities where that particular set up is helpful.”
The extra couple of metres reach on the super boom of the CR200Rf compared to the firm’s old 20 tonne crane, has been another plus.
McLeod’s operators have also commented on the cranes’ “clever smarts”, with the model’s state-of-the-art technology making it easy and safe to operate.
“The technology has really moved along. The well positioned cameras, and reversing and forwards direction sensors, which monitor all the blind spots, help, bring our operators right up to speed with what’s going on around them. All of our operators are extra happy with it.”
The CR200Rf also comes with a completely redesigned operators’ cab, with a greater glazed area, improved information displays and several new comfort features.
Scott says another bonus was the cranes being fitted with 800×800 aluminium pads “off the shelf”.
The firm’s new cranes have both been modified slightly for New Zealand conditions, with wide configuration tyres installed by Titan Equipment, to replace the cranes’ factory standard narrow configuration.
McLeod’s Cranes employs 95 staff and has a current fleet of 22 cranes, ranging from 10 tonne city cranes up to a 350 tonne all terrain crane. The company, which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is supported by 35 Hiab trucks and seven support trucks.
Scott says the firm values the longstanding relationship with Titan Equipment, which goes back to when McLeod’s Cranes was first established 22 years ago and bought its first crane, a Kato 30 tonner.
“We have a great relationship with Titan Equipment, and enjoy working with their National Crane Sales Manager, Kirsten Davidson, who has stepped into a difficult role and is doing a brilliant job. We travelled with Kirsten to the Kato factory in Japan, where it was great to see the cranes on the production line and to have a conversation directly with the people building them. This included the Japanese designer, who talked us through why he had made certain decisions during the design process, which was pretty cool.”
Scott says the after sales support and back up from both Kato and Titan Equipment has been excellent.
“As well as bringing the machine in, the Kato team flew over to train our operators. The more we know about the machines, the more we can upskill our people.
“This increases the capability of both the crane, and the operator.”
In addition to various Kato cranes, Titan Equipment also supplied McLeod Cranes with its monster 350 tonne Terex all terrain crane.
“Titan continues to do a great job looking after that crane as well as the Kato cranes on our fleet. It is a trusted relationship that will continue on.”
