The 11 Hiab loader cranes are being used for welding pipelines on site.

Hiab dealership Pacific Materials Handling is providing crucial back-up and servicing for equipment supplied to welding company Howell Davies, which is building pipelines for oil and gas companies in Queensland.

The 11 Hiab loader cranes from Cargotec are being used for welding pipelines on site, with the cranes carrying the welding equipment from one join in the pipeline to the next. With the joins 18 m apart, the crane lifts and lowers a 1,500 kg load every four to five minutes.

With the pipeline being built around 380 km long, reliability of equipment is key to the project's success and was one of the key reasons Howell Davies chose the brand. Operations manager Jim Macdonald adds that the sophisticated computer system was a decisive factor, as was the adaptability of the crane. "The machines are really versatile."

Maintenance and repair service was also a key factor in choosing the brand. "Waiting a long time before repairs are made is not acceptable in our industry," he adds.

Shane Whelan, Pacific Materials Handling product specialist, says crane issues are often solved by phone with technical support, and if needed, mobile service technicians are dispatched to remote locations throughout Queensland.

"Back-up support and service is vitally important to companies working at remote sites. Our guys often drive six hours or more to reach the mining sites, and when customers need service and parts, they need them now, so we make sure we get there quickly."