XCMGs fit well with Borgers

Article by Cranes & Lifting

Borger Crane Hire and Rigging recently acquired two cranes from XCMG, a 60 tonnes capacity all terrain and a 100 tonnes telescopic crawler. Shawn Borger, Borger’s Chief Financial Officer provides background to the purchases.

“We had been watching the product releases by XCMG and we were interested to see for ourselves how the cranes would perform in the real world. We were discussing a couple of models with The Crane Connection and the XCMG team, which included the 60 tonnes capacity XCA60_AU all terrain, and the XGTC 100 tonnes telescopic crawler. On top of its 100 tonnes lifting capacity, the XGTC100 has a fully extended boom length of 52 metres and can reach heights of 74.1 metres with its jib extension. According to XCMG, the machine thrives in environments such as construction site piling, bridge and tunnel construction, and other off-road, restricted applications such as in the mines or in swampier terrains. 

According to XCMG the XGTC100 thrives in environments such as construction site piling, bridge and tunnel construction, and other off-road applications including mines and quarries. Image: Borger Cranes.

“Based on the crane’s performance, we went on to purchase the tele crawler and when we heard The Crane Connection had the XCA60_AU all terrain in stock we purchased that as well. We are going to closely monitor both cranes over an extended period of time. We want to see how they perform and understand what parts wear etc. We’ll also monitor the parts availability and the support we receive from The Crane Connection and also XCMG.

“For now, we’ll continue to invest in the fleet and buy the brands that have been tried and tested over many years. But when you compare XCMG prices with European brands it makes their cranes very attractive and if everything goes well over this extended period, we’ll seriously look at adding more to the fleet,” said Shawn.

Operator feedback on the XCMGs has been quick and positive.

“There hasn’t been any negative feedback from our customers, crews or operators. In fact, our operators reckon if you took the XCMG stickers off the cranes, our customers wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between them and the more recognised brands we have. The operators also reckon the performance of the XCMGs is on par with anything they’ve operated,” he said.

The three-axle, 60-tonne all terrain crane possesses a maximum hook height of 64.1 metres and a maximum operating radius of 40 metres. As a taxi crane, accessibility is at the forefront of the crane’s design with the machine measuring in at 12 metre long, 2.8 metres wide and 3.9 metres tall. The six-section, U-shaped boom possesses a single-cylinder pinning telescoping system and, on its own, can reach heights of 10.7 metres through to 50 metres.

With the fixed lattice jib fitted on, the crane receives an extra 9.2-to-16 metres in height that can be offset at angles of 0, 15, or 30 degrees. The crane can be optionally fitted with a 2.5 metre independent jib head and a 46-tonne hook block.

As well as its 100 tonnes lifting capacity, the XGTC100 has a fully extended boom length of 56m and can reach heights of 74.1m long with its jib extension. Image: Borger Cranes.

On the counterweight front, the XCA60_AU can hold a maximum of 13 tonnes of counterweight that is available in six different combinations: 2.4, 3, 7.5, 7.9 and 13 tonnes.

When it comes to roading the crane under the 12 tonne per axle load limit, the crane can be configured in two different modes. The first includes the auxiliary sheave, jib bracket, 2.4 tonnes of counterweight and the 30.5 tonne hook block.

The second reflects the first, however can carry the auxiliary winch in tandem with a lighter hook block measuring in at 13.5 tonnes in capacity. The XCA60_AU possesses a lifting capacity of 60 tonnes, which the crane can lift at 2.1 metres in radius; at the crane’s maximum telescopic extension of 50 metres.

At an operating radius of 40 metres, the crane can lift 1.2 tonnes with the full complement of counterweight attached.

On the technology front, XCMG has installed a Load Moment Indicator that audibly and visually warns the operator when they are close to overloading the machine. Operations are automatically stopped before overloading occurs, while overload memory function and fault diagnosis are available as standard.

XCMG has taken further steps to enhance the safety of its machines, installing hydraulic balance, two-way and relief valves, a lowering limiter for preventing the wire rope from over releasing, and an anti-two block at the boom head to prevent the wire rope from over-winding.

Shawn has been impressed with the way The Crane Connection is managing the XCMG brand.

“We’ve been working with Anthony Davis and Ben Baden for many years and seeing The Crane Connection take on the XCMG distributorship certainly increased our confidence in the brand. I know they are investing in training their service technicians and also in spare parts, and that’s really good for us as they are only five kilometres down the road,” he said.

“As I’ve said, we’ll watch the XCMG cranes carefully and will continue to monitor their performance. 

“Early indicators show they are doing what we expect them, or indeed any brand, to do. Our crews like working with them and our customers are pleased with the end results which is the main thing.”