News Release

May 3, 2006

Potain Igo 50 Builds Luxury Homes in Australia

The Potain Igo 50 sets up for work on a steep Australian hill side.

High Resolution Photograph (140 KB)

The first Igo 50 self-erecting crane in Australia is working for Total Crane Services (TCS), a rental company based in Mackay, Queensland. The company’s founder, Steve Kajewski, is an Igo enthusiast and has looked to promote Potain’s self-erecting cranes in Australia for some time.

“I have been involved in the crane industry for 18 years, but I was first introduced to the concept of self-erecting cranes about two years ago, by George Martelli, Potain’s service technician for Australia,” Kajewski said. “I was impressed by the Igo’s ease of erection and transportation, and feel they are ideal for lifting tasks on a variety of jobsites, especially those with difficult access. Once I set up my own business, I purchased my first Igo 50.”

One of the first jobs for the crane was building luxury accommodations on the ocean front in Airlie Beach, Queensland for contractor JM Kelly. The Igo 50 was erected on a steep hillside and in order to complete work, the crane was moved three times during the course of construction. The engineering know-how of TCS and the versatility of the Igo 50 proved an excellent fit for this project.

Beneficial features of the crane are its 2 t (2.2 USt) maximum capacity and maximum jib radius of 40 m (131 ft) at which it handles 1.1 t (1.2 USt). The variable speed drives make the Igo 50 easy to operate, while component controls, such as trolley motor and winch, are located at ground level, making servicing simpler and safer. It also operates using 28 kilovolt amperes and requires only a small diameter cable, enabling operation in locations far from the power supply.

Kajewski said Potain and TCS have an excellent working relationship which he hopes to develop further.

“Potain’s knowledge of components and willingness to assist in problem solving, are largely why I purchased the first Igo 50 in Australia,” he said. “As my networking pays off and contracts increase, I know I can look forward to a healthy working relationship with Potain for years to come.”