Higher lift capacity and advanced Bluetooth control systems are just two capabilities of Defence’s new Liebherr C6 mobile slewing cranes.
The 24 cranes are the first of 13 variants of earth-moving and manual handling equipment to be introduced across the three services as part of the Land 8120 Phase 1 rollout.
The equipment is used in Australia and overseas on operations, ranging from conflict to disaster relief, that require heavy lifting, moving, clearing, repair and construction.
The new cranes, which will be delivered by July, can be set up from inside or outside the cab using a remote control, allowing operators to focus on set-up and riggers to focus on organising the lift.
The cranes also have adjustable counterweights and a variable-base stabilisation system that provide greater lift options, with the ability to work in close-quarter areas. This allows individual crane supports to be positioned according to conditions rather than having all of them extended. The computer then calculates what loads can be lifted.
Corporal Braden Pritchett, of the School of Military Engineering, said with a lift capacity of 48 tonnes and a boom length of 48 metres, the cranes had filled a gap.
“We only have 20-tonne and 30-tonne mid-lift capacity cranes available so these will help with building military structures, infrastructure, or just lifting stores more efficiently,” Corporal Pritchett said.
“It’s an all-terrain vehicle and has market-leading technology. It’s the best there is and we are lucky to get them.”
Warrant Officer Class 1 Aaron Watts, technical adviser for the project, said 10 introduction-into-service courses would be run across Sydney, Amberley and Townsville bases in July.
Able Seaman Solomon Camilleri-McDonald completed the first trial course, delivered by Ventia, at the School of Military Engineering in mid-May.
“No other crane in Defence has the ability to set up the crane, the outriggers and the boom from inside the cab,” Able Seaman Camilleri-McDonald said.
“The cranes are very advanced, high tech and fun to use. They are helpful with everything we do.
