PALFINGER Europe’s 2008 acquisition of German based tail lift manufacturer MBB Lift Systems now provides the local market with a comprehensive range of high-performance tail lifts says PALFINGER New Zealand national manager Duncan Phillips.

“MBB PALFINGER tail lifts deliver a product that is synonymous with the outstanding quality of the PALFINGER brand along with decades of experience in tail lift development and market leadership.”

“There are two different models, a 1500kg cantilever lift and a 2000kg cantilever lift, with a 750kg model to follow shortly. All platforms are aluminium for weight savings. The lifts come standard with a rear door seal kit, cab isolation switch and wiring, a 10m battery cable, oil filled power pack, the necessary mounting plates and accessories, a three button wander lead control as well as a fixed position operating control”.

Other features of the MBB PALFINGER lifts include double acting tilt cylinders that do not require gravity assistance to deploy. According to Duncan, “Most tail lifts have springs in the cylinders and they rely on gravity but the MBB power pack operates when you open is so it actually forces the tail lift open. There’s a master switch in the cab with warning lights to tell you if you haven’t closed the tail lift properly.”

Other features include flow control and lock valves on all cylinders, heavy duty KTL paint, self-diagnostic control system, auto ground leveling on lift and lower functions for automatic platform positioning, ground rollers on the platform, and integrated rear bumper. The power pack is fully enclosed in the beam, which reduces noise levels and also protects the power pack from damage.

Important for some operators will be the flat backed aluminium platform, ideal for signwriting suggests Duncan. “There are no lumps, bumps, so effectively it’s a flat panel so it’s great for doing your own advertising as far as the customer is concerned.”

MBB PALFINGER is available now from PALFINGER New Zealand.

To find out more contact Palfinger New Zealand:
Phone: 0800 PALFINGER, Email: office@palfinger.co.nz

Wade Mackenzie from Mackenzie Transport is the proud owner of several big Palfinger cranes. Established in 2001, Mackenzie Transport is a specialist when it comes to lifting and shifting heavy loads.

Mackenzie Transport’s range of annually certified Palfinger cranes includes two PK56002G models that can lift an impressive 1720kg at 20.4m. Both of these massive cranes are mid-mounted on two 10 wheelers.

Mackenzie also has a mid-mounted PK44002E with a PJ080C fly-jib, which is capable of lifting half a tonne at almost 30m.

However, his pride and joy within the Mackenzie fleet is a PK60002D with a huge fly-jib mounted on the rear of a 10 wheeler with a 6.5m deck. This impressive unit can carry a very respectable 10t payload. The six outriggers front and rear provide unmatched stability to ensure safe loading.

Palfinger NZ national manager Duncan Phillips says Mackenzie Transport’s PK60002 is the only rear-mounted crane of its type in New Zealand, with a fly-jib that offers massive advantages to handling awkward loads in difficult situations.

Skilled operator Ronnie Merota says that the new PK60002 is truly an impressive crane and is easy to operate.

Mackenzie Transport’s range also includes two PK36002D models that are also rear-mounted on Fodens, one with a fly-jib. The smallest model in the fleet is a PK16502B mounted on a 6X2 Nissan.

“We have been operating Palfinger cranes for about seven years and undertake a lot of specialised work with them,” says Mackenzie.

The company specialises in lifting helicopters, jet engines, buildings and extremely heavy motorway barriers, with much of its work involving over-dimensional loads.

Mackenzie Transport does a variety of work, from oneoff jobs to major construction projects, including work for Fletchers, Fulton Hogan, Northern Gateway Alliance and sites such as the Northern Busway Project and the new Mangere Bridge Contract.

“The Mackenzie fleet is truly impressive and combined with their large range of trombone and flat-deck configurations allows the experienced team at Mackenzie Transport to carry out all types of jobs, including the tricky ones,” says Phillips “The safety features on the cranes are brilliant, as well as all the extra options that Wade has carefully selected.”

Mackenzie says most of the cranes are fitted with winches, offering the ability to undertake live line work for power companies, such as the Highbrooke live line project, as well as structurfal steel erecting.

“With the winches, we can lift pumps down into holes and air conditioning units up onto buildings.”

Mackenzie says Palfinger NZ provides great after-sales service, with staff always willing to go the extra mile. Mackenzie’s father Don Mackenzie, from Mackenzie Welding, has spent many hours designing a stable truck to mount large Palfinger cranes.

“Most people understand how important it is to have a rigid base to mount a crane of this size and it is not an easy task to get it right the first time,” says Mackenzie. “But due to the hours Don and his team spent on this unit, they managed to get one of the most stable trucks in New Zealand.”

For more information go to www.mackenzietransportlimited.co.nz