Clark Equipment Australia's Omega division will soon deliver its 60th 54D 40-tonne container handler.

Omega estimates the 54D fleet has now accumulated more than 200,000 hours' running time since the first unit was delivered in 2000. Major 54D fleet owners include P&O, Patrick, FCL, Queensland Rail, Pacific National, Freight link, Hobart Port Corporation and the Port of Timaru in New Zealand.

When introduced, the 54D, with its 40-tonne capacity at full reach and five-high stacking capabilities, set new standards, which competitors had struggled to match, Clark said.

According to a company spokesperson, imitation was "the sincerest form of flattery" as competitors had been playing catch-up with "counterweight options" for existing models and new models similar to the 54D.