Palfinger: hooked on expansion

Kelly’s Waste Management has invested in a new Palfinger hookloader to maximise payloads and support expected growth in Tasmania’s resource recovery sector.

Tasmania’s resource recovery sector is expected to grow once the state’s new Waste Action Plan is implemented.

The plan sets a transition framework for the state’s waste sector through a series of ambitious resource recovery targets. Targets include achieving an 80 per cent average recovery rate from all waste streams by 2030.

To capitalise on anticipated economic growth and grow their collection fleet, Kelly’s Waste Management has invested in a new Palfinger Hookloader to maximise payloads.

Kelly’s operates out of Romaine in north-west Tasmania, an area with substantial parklands and a growing population. Key industries include heavy manufacturing, forestry and farming and, as a result, the region produces a sizeable amount of waste.

John Kelly, Kelly’s Waste Management Director, says the family-owned and operated business has been providing environmental solutions to Tasmania for over 50 years.

John explains that after purchasing a Volvo truck with a mounted Palfinger unit, he was impressed with how well it performed.

He adds that noticing how the unit supported consistent operations and driver performance inspired him to contact Stuart Cameron, Palfinger’s Key Account Manger.

After explaining Kelly’s application requirements, John says Stuart suggested a telescopic T22A hookloader.

“We required a unit that could carry our large waste transfer bins, as well as our general hooklift and vacuum hooklift tankers,” John says.

In addition to carrying large waste transfer bins, Kelly’s required a unit to accommodate a dismount vacuum container.

“Kelly’s had worked with Palfinger in the past and I knew they could supply a unit to facilitate all of this in the one truck,” John says.

“We initially hired Palfinger to fit the unit but ended up needing a lot more, including a vac system hydraulics installation, which they accommodated.”

John says the unit’s high-tensile steel reduces hookloader weight, allowing the company to significantly increase payloads.

“Optimised weight also increases longevity and reduces fuel cost, which is a plus given our large area of operations,” he says.

The T22A hookloader is a bi-point unit, meaning horizontal forces are reduced and tipping capacity is increased.

Additionally, the unit comes with an automatic mechanical safety latch that secures containers from falling during loading and unloading. John says drivers can open the latch on demand.

“Our drivers love the easy operation and control they have over the unit,” he says.

“It assists smooth operation, safety and reliability, which drivers say helps them run efficient and predictable routes.”

The T22A allows for the use of multi-length containers and features integrated in-cab controls, that position the articulated arm during low loading situations and allows a maximum tipping angle of 48 degrees.

Before assembling, the unit’s main components are sandblasted, degreased, primer painted, and electro-statically coated according to customer specifications. All additional parts are treated for anti-corrosion, maximising the life of the unit and providing a greater re-sale value.

According to John, the Palfinger T22A Hookloader has run smoothly since joining the Kelly’s fleet.

“The unit is really helping us keep up with demand, while also guaranteeing a quality of service to councils, industry and the wider public,” John explains.

“With this hooklift, Kelly’s can continue to grow and expand our range of waste services.”

John says Stuart and the wider Palfinger sales team were in regular contact throughout the unit build.

He adds that spare parts are only a phone call away, with Stuart travelling down from Victoria to oversee the handover, training and first few days of operation in the field went smoothly.

“I’ve worked with Palfinger in the past, and while the superior quality of their units is unquestionable, it’s their commitment to service and ensuring the unit matches our requirements that keeps me coming back,” John says.

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