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Behind every giant crane is a staggering array of support equipment. We reveal just what it takes to get that Lift up.
Words I Images: Simon Tweed Reading-based Terranova Group is a family business that started life in the 1970s with just one crane. Since then, it has expanded to become one of the biggest independent crane hire companies in the UK.
Throughout its history, the firm has paid close attention to its customers' needs and does all it can to meet them. As a result, in addition to the crane hire side of its business, it now offers a full range of services encompassing transport, heavy haulage and contract lifting. It also boasts a five-bay workshop facility, along with a training division.
Each of these divisions has its own fully trained personnel, who work closely with the other departments to ensure that whatever the job, large or small, each individual customer's specific requirements are not overlooked or ignored.
With an extensive choice of mobile cranes, Hiab-equipped trucks and articulated vehicles, as well as experienced, trained operators, lift supervisors, banksmen and expertise in traffic management,Terranova is well placed to undertake a variety of specialist tasks. Its comprehensive and sophisticated technical and logistical support systems — and history of working closely with councils, railway operators and authorities covering issues such as road closures — means smooth operation is guaranteed from the beginning.
Equipment choice The choice of the right equipment is important for Terranova. "King Trailers has always been the first stop for Terranova," declares fleet manager Keith Lovejoy. "And we use a variety of different versions including low-loaders and semi low-loaders, as well as ballast carriers, After the sterling service we got from the first six-axled King ballast trailer, we have taken delivery of a five-axled ballast trailer that is proving to be as good and as reliable as the first."
Terranova purchased its first six-axled trailer to carry the 96 tonnes of counterweight needed for its new Terex Demag AC250 mobile crane. "With this trailer combination, the weight was being spread over nine axles, so axle weights were well within scope," says Lovejoy.
"UK law dictates that a maximum 100-tonne counterweight (including tractor and trailer weight) can be carried.
"Since we were pulling an extra axle around and cutting the payload down, we found we could still stay well in scope with eight axles.
"Although the six-axled ballast trailer is capable of 108 tonnes, payload is still limited, so when we were looking at the second trailer, we chose a five-wded model." The five-axled trailer was bought to coincide with the delivery of a new Grove GMK5220 mobile crane and was needed to carry the 77 tonnes of counterweight required.
Lovejoy reckons: "The new trailer has mirrored the performance of the first six-axled one in terms of performance and reliability.The beauty of these rear-steer trailers for us is that not only can they get into most places that the mobile crane can, but the savings on tyre wear are fantastic and the manoeuvrability is second to none.
"Whether these trailers are being driven forwards or backwards, or operated via the wander lead or the CASE STUDY wedge on the fifth wheel of the prime mover, the response time is quick and we have had very positive driver feedback. More importantly, our customers like the versatility of the trailers.
"With the high level of service from these trailers and the growth of our fleet, every time a new crane is ordered a new ballast trailer is also ordered since both need to arrive at the same time and be put straight into service."
High specification
Specialist haulage is also a big part of the Terranova's range of services and its equipment is ordered to the highest specification to ensure the company can cope with high, wide and long loads as well being able to supply escort vehicles. Vehicles and trailers are expected to take on a variety of complex and difficult tasks and to be able to cope with whatever is thrown at them.
Contract lifting is another service that Terranova can offer, which is popular with customers because the company is involved with the job from start to finish.
The item is picked up from source, delivered to site, lifted to roof and the old unit is taken away — all using qualified, insured personnel. •