DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY

THE CHALLENGE 

Building the tunnel’s entry point presented several logistical challenges. The Tunnel Company needed to safely lift and lower a wide variety of materials, ranging from excavators to 17-tonne concrete rings (6 metres in diameter and 1.5 metres high) into and out of the shaft. 

Additional heavy lifting was required elsewhere on-site, including 7-tonne building materials and man box work to install access ladders within the shaft. Maintaining safety, efficiency, and project momentum across both areas was essential. 

OUR SOLUTION 

To meet these demands, Preston Hire deployed two crawler cranes from our SuperCrane fleet: the 70t Sennebogen 673E and the 40T Sennebogen 643R. The Sennebogen 673E was chosen for its outstanding lifting capacity and mobility, ideal for handling the concrete rings and heavy machinery. The Sennebogen 643R managed the lighter yet still substantial tasks, including lifting the 7-tonne building materials and facilitating man box work. The versatility of our 40t crane allowed it to handle these heavy and lighter lifts, removing the need for equipment changes and keeping the schedule on track.  

THE IMPACT 

Both cranes have performed beyond expectations, delivering the speed, strength, and flexibility the site required. With fewer delays, faster setup, and seamless adaptability, the project has benefited from greater efficiency and improved cost control. 

The Tunnel Company was extremely pleased with the performance of our equipment and the support received. They shared that the experience has shifted how they will plan future project – indicating that our crawler cranes will now be factored into their planning from the outset, due to the value, speed, and versatility they bring to complex job sites. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

Our Sennebogen 673E will remain on-site for approximately three months, supporting critical phases of the tunnel construction. Meanwhile, the 643R has completed a week-long lift package.  

As the Bonds Creek Carrier Extension moves toward completion, Preston Hire is proud to support The Tunnel Company in delivering long-term value for Sydney Water and the growing Western Sydney community.   

The post Preston Hire Delivers Game-Changing Lifting Power to Bonds Creek Project appeared first on Preston Hire.

A major road upgrade that will provide Melbourne with a second freeway link between the west and the city, the West Gate Tunnel Project is a $6.7 billion dollar enterprise. Both the West Gate Freeway and West Gate Bridge are currently at capacity, facilitating over 200,000 vehicles per day. Once completed, the new tunnel will ease congestion and reduce the number of trucks on residential streets.  

Ardreagh Formwork used our 100t crane to transport the materials required to build the main wall inside the tunnel. They were looking to free up the tower crane on site so that it could perform other tasks. The depth of the tunnel under construction necessitated a 100t crane hire that could facilitate the lifting and lowering of materials. Preston Hire quickly provided the solution, delivering a SANY SC 1000TB to site. Our crane is being used for general work, including transporting tools, raw materials, steel frameworks, and concrete. 

Whatever your requirements, you can count on Preston Hire to provide the perfect solution. 

The post Preston Hire’s 100t Crane Assists with West Gate Tunnel Project appeared first on Preston Hire.

Although most know that loading platforms benefit construction sites by facilitating the timely loading and unloading of materials, you may be surprised to discover the versatility of the SuperDeck®. We pride ourselves on delivering solutions for all types of construction challenges and the following case studies demonstrate that you can “Count on us” to get the job done, no matter your specialised requirements. 

A Customised Solution – Hutchies 

Hutchinson Builders, commonly known as Hutchies, is Australia’s largest privately owned construction company. They called on us once again to deliver a solution when they faced a setback on a typical slab lay out at a building site in midtown Queensland. Showcasing our expertise in helping our customers overcome any challenge on a jobsite, we devised a customised and unique solution: A one-off installation with our SuperDeck® that consisted of a false floor and propping system that would create RA support to accommodate the loads.  

A Unique Concept – Kane Constructions 

The team at Kane Constructions approached Preston Hire with a unique concept: They wanted to see if it was possible to load their forklift onto one of our SuperDecks, and have the forklift transfer materials into the building at a jobsite in Victoria. This idea was promptly taken onboard. As Preston Hire places safety and reliability at the core of our business, our first step was to ask our engineer to approve our unique design and provide drawings. Once we were given the green light, we began by replacing half of the front door and the entire side panel of a SuperDeck® with safety rails. During the installation process with the forklift loaded, the Dogman/Riggers attached their harnesses to the harness anchor point on the SuperDeck® and then removed the safety rails, enabling the materials to be lifted in. This customised loading method proved to be a huge success, demonstrating again that you can “Count on us” for all your heavy equipment hire and service needs.  

A Tight Squeeze – CYP La Trobe 

The ability of our SuperDecks to fit in tight spaces was highlighted when Preston Hire was called upon to assist with the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project. Designed to link the northwest Sunbury rail corridor with the southeast Cranbourne/Pakenham rail corridor, the new Metro will consist of two nine-kilometre train tunnels and five new underground stations. The successful installation of our SuperDeck® demonstrates its versatility, being able to be used at both above and below ground jobsites.  

An Unorthodox Delivery 

When Australian millionaire, Adrian Portelli, decided he wanted to have his ultra rare McLaren Senna GTR loaded into his 57th level penthouse in Melbourne, Preston Hire was there to help! As it is unable to be registered, Portelli decided to display the car in his top-floor penthouse of new skyscraper Sapphire in the Gardens tower, rather than have it collect dust. A SuperDeck® was installed to load the $3 million dollar cargo into Portelli’s apartment. Preston Hire was proud to help facilitate the McLaren’s unorthodox delivery to its new home.  

Overcoming a Setback – CPB Contractors  

CPB Contractors faced a setback with laying their slab at a jobsite in Pitt Street, Sydney. They still required a SuperDeck® to be installed, however, and thanks to our relatively small loads compared to the rest of the market, we were able to accommodate this with a scaffold propping solution.  

At Preston Hire, we provide our customers with the best possible services and solutions, and these case studies demonstrate our solutions-oriented approach and ability to get the job done! You can count on us for all your heavy equipment hire and service needs. To learn more about how we can help you, call us on 1800 440 550 or visit our website: www.prestonhire.com.au 

The post How Unique SuperDeck® Installs Can Provide a Better Solution appeared first on Preston Hire.

Overview

We recently worked with Down Force Drilling in Central North Queensland providing them with one of our 285 Mini Crawler Cranes to assist with lifting parts into position for the down hole drill rig.

Challenges

The site location presented the largest hurdle as it was so remote that all people and machinery had to be flown in by helicopter. Down Force Drilling required a machine that could help them lift drill pipe and drill masts into position for the down hole drill rig. The initial thought was to use the helicopter to position drill pipe and drill rig mast into position but after review it was deemed un-safe due to the down force of the wind from the chopper blades that would have metal pipe and rig swinging around with workers in the immediate vicinity.

It was decided a crane was required, however it needed to not only handle the lifting weights of the job, but also be light weight so it could be transported by helicopter.

Our Solution

Down Force Drilling contacted Peter McCambridge at our Preston Hire Queensland branch who specialises in Crane hire solutions. Pete worked alongside Justin from Downforce Drilling who set the parameters for this project. There were very specific limitations on what the helicopter could lift so a full review of our crane fleet took place analysing lifting capacities and maximum weight allowances. Our SuperCrane 285 ticked all the boxes and was up to the task. Not only did it come in under the maximum weights allowed, the 285 measures just 750mm wide when stowed and weighs only 1720kg. Despite being a small and agile machine, it still delivers a massive 2.82 tonne lifting capacity to make light work of heavy loads in confined areas. This unit was going for its first flight!

Summary

This was a great example of the versatility of our machines. We understand every site is different with varying environments, limitations and challenges, yet we always believe in finding a solution. Using the Preston Hire mini crane provided a steady, safe environment for the exploration drilling and ensured our customer could get on with their work in a safe and efficient way. The 285 Mini Crawler remained on site for 6 weeks before enjoying a return flight back home.

Thanks to Justin and the team at Downforce Drilling for a great experience and trusting our gear would get the job done.

The post DOWN FORCE DRILLING, QLD appeared first on Preston Hire.

Overview

With construction drawing to a close for EQ Constructions at their beautiful new build, The Lennox Parramatta, it was time to pack up and get our gear back to branch. That is easier said than done when 2 EWP’s and a 4 Tonne mini crane remain on the 3rd floor! With tenants set to move into the newly built apartment building in the coming weeks, we needed to get moving.

Challenges

There were a number of challenges in removing our gear from the 3^rd floor whilst ensuring none of the brand new interiors were damaged in the process. We had three specific problems for extracting the machines:

1. A very tight pinch point area for the crane to be driven through
2. Positioning of the crane
3. The angle of the boom

Our Solution

The first challenge was a very tight pinch point area for the crane to be driven through. With only approx.100mm in width and 200mm in height, to say it was a ‘tight squeeze’ would be an understatement. In the words of our top man on site, Mark Davidson, “It’s not a precise process adjusting 22 tonnes of crane, 8.5m in length!” Ultimately the decision was made to remove a section of the obstruction to ensure the crane could be removed safely for everyone involved and limit any potential damage to the new build.

​The second challenge was to position the crane exactly on top of a main supporting beam with one outrigger and the other on the propped position whilst steering clear of the stairs behind, leading to the river below. Adding to this was our third challenge being the angle of the boom. The Boom had to clear the 1st floor slab and extend far enough to be centred over the various loads without encroaching on the slab above. This required some very precise driving and dogging from the Preston Hire team, time, patience and of course experience which our team thankfully has by the bucket load.

We also had to consider that each machine being moved had different lifting points and required re-rigging multiple times to ensure all obstacles were cleared and the set-up was appropriate for each machine. Upon completion, 2 EWP’s and the heaviest of the lot, the 3.8tonne mini crane were all safely removed and taken off-site.

Summary

The end result was successfully lifting each of the machines out of the building safely and efficiently with minimal disturbance to the completed project. It was definitely a team effort with thanks to the team at EQ Constructions and a special thanks to our NSW branch team for their experience and solutions based approach to getting the job done.

The post The Lennox Parramatta, NSW appeared first on Preston Hire.

A residential project in Hunter’s Hill NSW presented a number of building challenges due to the restricted access of the site, the extreme care needed towards neighbouring properties and budget considerations. Preston Hire were approached by Platinum Building to find a solution that answered all of the following concerns:

​- Not limiting access to the site by blocking the driveway
​- Providing an alternative to a tower crane due to neighbour’s concerns of goods being lifted over existing houses
​- Utilising a maximum crane set up space of 4500mm x 4500mm
​- Keeping within budgets whilst delivering longterm efficiencies. ​

​The Preston Hire SuperCrane 1385 is one of our Maeda models within our Hydraulic Crawler Crane fleet. With a lifting capacity of 6 tonnes, no outrigger requirements and minimal tail swing, The SuperCrane 1385 has a working radius highly suitable to this method of construction. The crawler crane remained on site following detailed training provided by our Crane experts which allowed qualified personnel employed by the builder to operate, load and unload materials. This represented a significant cost saving through not needing to outsource labour for the duration of the build.
​Additionally, our SuperCrane 613 also made three star appearances on site when larger lifts were too heavy for the 1385. The 613 has a lifting capacity of 16 tonnes and was provided at site when required. What a duo!

​These images showcase our equipment at work and the site confinements we were working in.
​
​Preston Hire has an extensive range of specialised equipment and talented staff ready to assist all construction projects. We proudly work with builders in providing solutions and ensuring you can always COUNT ON US.

The post SuperCrane saved site thousands appeared first on Preston Hire.

When a construction team is presented with a project that involves “firsts” it can be very challenging to predict what will be needed to meet the execution requirements.  In the case of the Brock Commons project, the world’s tallest Mass Timber building, there were restrictions with respect to existing construction fire codes that allowed only 4 levels of exposed wood before the design fire rating was in place.  For Brock Commons the fire rating encapsulation consists of 3-4 layers of ½” sheet rock installed directly to the wooden structure.

The beauty of the Brock Commons Mass Timber design is precision CNC machined laminated timber.  The wooden components were designed with very simple connection details which translated into a very fast install.  We calculated that the wooden structural contractor would be able to install one complete level in 2 days with a 10 man crew and that the envelope crew would be able to install a complete level of walls and windows in an 8 hour day.  The problem we anticipated having was maintaining the 4 level un-encapsulated requirement at a rate of a floor every 3 days.  We needed a way to get all of the sheet rock necessary to complete the encapsulation in order to continue with the structure.  At the lower levels it would be possible to mobile crane in the sheet rock but this is relatively slow but free of the construction crane, up higher that wouldn’t be the case.  In addition to putting on the sheet rock there was also the waste to take out and the loading of mechanical piping, framing materials, insulation and more sheet rock.  The obvious solution would be a thrust out platform, or multiple platforms.  This presented a problem though. A single platform would have to be moved constantly or multiple platforms would require multiple locations where the envelope panels would have to be left out which would greatly affect finishing the suits.

The solution – Preston Superdeck.  A complete system of shoring and retractable decks that facilitates stacking multiple thrust out platforms in a common location and every one of them is usable.  The system is very well designed.  The decks roll easily within a channel,  positional lock out is by a very simple sliding bolt, a built in drop down ramp for karts and the decks are completely safe with solid metal fencing.  The Preston Superdeck has a very high load rating that allows large single loads.  And the fact that all of the decks are in the same location in relationship to the tailgate off-loading location, the operation can be completed quickly by the crane team. Mass material movement from floor to floor can also be accomplished quickly and safely.

We originally ordered 3 Preston Superdeck’s just before the wooden structural phase began and quickly increased that to 6 decks when we saw that the predicted install of 2 floors a week was achievable.

By the end of the Wooden Structural phase of the project the construction team was able to install 16 floors in 9 weeks.  A very satisfying result from planning and execution.  The Preston Superdeck was the perfect choice of equipment and played an integral part of the success of the Brock Commons Tall Wood project.

Bill Leininger

Superintendent, Urban One Builders Construction Management Inc.

Acting as Construction Manager on behalf of UBC Properties Trust

The post Brock Commons Tall Wood Project appeared first on Preston Hire.

The fine art of crane hire

When Alfons Van Maanen and the team at the BiGfiSh workshop in Footscray, Victoria, looked on the internet for local crane contractors in 2010, they found Preston Hire – and the perfect partner in their artistic endeavours – and have never looked to another hire company since.

A Melbourne-based design and construction practice specialising in the generation, production and delivery of 3-dimensional artworks, graphic design and builtform installations, BiGfiSh is renowned for producing exceptional and innovative architectural features, sculptures, playspaces, exhibitions and signage.

Their delightful works have included several large, fantastical 3D sculptures and installations at the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) to promote an exhibition of the work of American film director, Tim Burton; four extraordinary, sinuous chandeliers for the 1,001-seat Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in the Melbourne Recital Centre; the giant, suspended bauble mobiles which have become a central feature of Christmas at Federation Square, and a completely life-like eight metre tall chestnut tree for the Munich Brauhaus in Melbourne.

With many of their works requiring elements to be installed at height, and in sometimes awkward and generally busy public places, BiGfiSh needed a crane hire company that could handle challenging situations with ease and deliver exceptional service and support so they, in turn, could deliver as promised for their clients.

“We have an understanding of complex design challenges and we have a proven capacity to deliver conscientiously and consistently within project parameters,” BiGfiSh Director, Alfons Van Maanen, said. “Preston Hire is very much the same; able to assess a challenging situation, offer knowledgeable and effective solutions and deliver an outstanding result every time.

“We’ve worked with other cranage operators in the past and were frankly disappointed that they were late, dirty, and their staff and equipment weren’t up to scratch,” he continued. “Preston Hire are always attentive to our needs and they’re sharp; their equipment is fully serviced, works well and looks good – it always impresses our clients when Preston Hire is on the job.”

In a specialist field themselves, and having very specific needs, BiGfiSh particularly appreciate the comprehensive service Preston Hire offers.

“Preston Hire has the scope of plant and equipment suited to our needs, but even more importantly they have the specialist knowledge and expertise and always supply skilled crane operators and riggers to ensure the job is done quickly and to our, and the client’s, satisfaction,” Alfons Van Maanen explained.

“Working with Preston Hire definitely makes our life easier; we call or email and they get straight back to us, they’ll go to a site and come back with everything organised, they’re always on time or early and nothing is ever a problem – even last minute rushes.”

Preston Hire’s focus on safety and strict adherence to OH&S requirements is also a strong point for BiGfiSh and greatly adds to their satisfaction with this productive partnership.

“Delivering and installing our work in the public realm, requires stringent OH&S performance from us and our specialist subcontractors. Preston Hire always go to site and thoroughly checks out the whole situation prior to a ‘lift’, to ensure that their equipment, team and documentation is right,” Alfons Van Maanen concluded.

“In all regards, there’s a level of confidence you get with Preston Hire that you just don’t get with others.”

For more information on Preston Hire’s SuperDeck and SuperCranes, or for expert assistance with your hire needs on any project, large or small, visit prestonhire.com.au or call Preston Hire today on 1800 440 550.

The post Bigfish appeared first on Preston Hire.

PRESTON HIRE’S FAST FINISH IMPRESSES RACING ROYALTY

When leading Australian racing identities Rob and Gai Waterhouse purchased Nic Fiddian-Green’s elegant equine sculpture Horse at Water for their Southern Highlands estate, the prestigious Olsen Irwin Gallery in Woollahra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs once again turned to Preston Hire to move a precious work of art.

As a young British artist, Nic Fiddian-Green was struck “as if by lightning” by the beauty of the great Horse of Selene, one of the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum, and has spent the last 30 years focused on capturing the beauty of a horse’s head.

Sculpting in a range of media and quite often on an awe-inspiring scale, one of his best-known works is a sculpture which stands in Marble Arch in London – an earlier rendition of Horse at Water, the composition with which he has been experimenting since 1983 and whose recent incarnation in bronze now graces the Waterhouse property.

Standing 3 metres high and weighing nearly half a tonne, the bronze Horse at Water had been on loan by the Olsen Irwin Gallery and on display in nearby Halls Reserve for a year as part of Woollahra Council’s Public Art Trust, established in 2012 to promote works of art for the benefit of residents and visitors to the Woollahra Municipality.

But with the purchase by Rob and Gai Waterhouse, the bronze beauty needed careful transport to its new country home. Having sourced cranes from Preston Hire previously to move works of art at the gallery, Gallery Manager Katrina Arent naturally turned to Preston Hire for assistance.

While not a massive move in terms of weight and size, it was an important one due to the value of the beautiful work of art and also required liaising with Woollahra Council to close surrounding roads while the sculpture was safely lifted out of Halls Reserve and loaded onto a truck for its journey – a lift-and-load which needed to be done expeditiously to allow traffic flow to quickly resume on Woollahra’s busy streets.

At 7am, Preston Hire trucked in their Maeda MC 285, which had been deemed ideal in terms of capacity for the lift and also the limited space available for the task. Horse at Water was carefully lifted out of the park and onto the truck, followed by the Maeda mini crane, was out of Woollahra by 8.30am and perfectly in place on the front lawn of the Waterhouse property by noon – just in time for the three-man Preston Hire team to enjoy lunch with Australian racing royalty.

Olsen Irwin’s Gallery Manager, Katrina Arent, had nothing but the highest praise for the Preston Hire team, and in particular Preston Hire’s Sales & Hire Co-ordinator NSW, Steve Bowden, on their response to the project.

“Steve was terrific; you couldn’t fault him,” Katrina Arent stated. “We rang about the move and he came over the same day to go through the scope of the project.

“There was great communication between Preston Hire and the gallery, and also the council, to ensure the move was done well; I couldn’t believe how quickly it was done that morning – it was amazing.

“It was also refreshing to feel that we weren’t being taken advantage of and were given a good rate; with the nature of our business and the price of art, some people see dollar signs – but not Preston Hire.

“We work with very valuable works of art, so we need to have confidence in the people we deal with; Preston Hire definitely inspire confidence and I couldn’t speak more highly of them,” Katrina Arent concluded. “We are moving another sculpture in the next few weeks and we will definitely be calling on Preston Hire because we always find them good to work with.”

Rob and Gai Waterhouse were also impressed with Preston Hire’s prompt and professional delivery of Horse at Water.

While familiar with watching winners tear up the turf on racetracks the world over, they were particularly pleased that the Preston Hire team took care not to tear up their lawn while positioning Horse at Water on their estate.

“Gai and I were delighted with the professionalism displayed by Preston Hire; everything was achieved more expeditiously than we expected and had been promised,” Rob Waterhouse said.

“We were concerned out lawn might be damaged, as has happened with other contractors, but there wasn’t a mark – thank you, Preston Hire!”

The post Olsen Irwin Gallery appeared first on Preston Hire.

Preston Hire provides Broad a wide range of lifting benefits

As a fully-owned subsidiary of Leighton Holdings, Broad Construction is a national construction company that offers a full range of services ranging from traditional design and construct, and construct-only, delivery to public-private partnerships and alliance contracting services.

With a vast array of award-winning work in both regional and metropolitan areas, Broad is focused on delivering projects no matter the size, location or complexity.

With the help of Preston Hire, Broad is currently developing the Kings Square 2 (KS2) and Kings Square 4 (KS4) commercial office developments in the new subdivision created from the old Perth Entertainment Centre site, in the heart of Perth’s bustling CBD.

Due for completion in 2015, the works comprise two A-Grade, 11-storey buildings – KS2 (18,500sqm) and KS4 (13,000sqm) and will target a 5-Star Green Star – Office Design V3 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia and a 5-Star NABERS energy rating.

According to Broad Senior Site Manager Andy Maclean, thanks to the unique design of Preston Hire’s SuperDeck retractable loading platform system and the quality of the Mini Crane supplied by Preston Hire, a lot of his site work has been completed quicker, more safely and at a lower cost.

“We used the SuperDeck retractable loading deck system for lifting gyprock, sand, tiles, curtain wall, glass, piping, and steel – just about anything that was too heavy to move by hand went on to the SuperDeck.

“SuperDeck worked really well, and while we used a tower crane to load SuperDeck up, we only used it to about 70 per cent of its maximum 5 tonne load capacity.

“Thanks to the fact that it was easy to use and very service friendly, it was a highly useful machine to have on the job site.

“Without using SuperDeck, we would have to erect scaffolding and build loading bays – that would not only work out to be more expensive, but it would also take up more time. This way, it was fast, easy and relatively cost-effective,” Maclean explained.

“One of the best things about SuperDeck is that it has no engine, which means there is very little chance of any breakdowns or other problems.

“We used Preston’s Multiprops mainly to back-prop SuperDeck, which also worked extremely well.

“As for the Preston Hire crane we employed, a Maeda LC-383 Crawler Crane, that is a great piece of machinery – it was just perfect, never missing a beat and able to be used on many parts of the job as an auxiliary to our main tower crane,” said Maclean.

“From my perspective, one of the best things about dealing with Preston Hire was their customer and engineering support – it really is very good and was very much appreciated by both me and the company.”

If you are considering crane rental Perth make sure you give Preston Hire a call for some expert advice on how we can make you construction project go smoothly, call us on 1800 440 550.

The post Broad Construction appeared first on Preston Hire.