Freo Invest in Innovation

By Cranes and Lifting

Freo Group, a leading provider of crane hire and logistics services in Australia, is renowned for its comprehensive lifting solutions that serve a variety of industries, including construction, mining, infrastructure, and energy.

With an extensive fleet that includes mobile cranes, tower cranes, and heavy haulage equipment, Freo Group is well-equipped to manage projects of all sizes, from small-scale operations to large, complex undertakings. Their unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and exceptional customer service has established Freo Group as a trusted partner in the industry.

The company places a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and building long-term client relationships to drive successful project outcomes.

One of Freo Group's two new PC28-3G cranes

Recently, Freo Group expanded its pick and carry fleet with the addition of two TIDD PC28-3G cranes.

Procurement Manager Ray Martinez sheds light on the rationale behind these acquisitions and explains how the TIDD PC28-3Gs align with Freo Group's roadmap towards a more sustainable future.

“Recently, the business was a little stretched in terms of pick and carry capacity and we were in urgent need of a number of cranes at short notice. I called Rob Smith from Ronco, the WA distributor for TIDD, and he was able to dry hire us three TIDD PC28-2s all with full upgrades through Empire Equipment Hire,” said Ray.

“The TIDDs performed really well. While there was initial hesitance from our operators regarding the change, they quickly adapted and came to appreciate the TIDDs' performance and usability. Based on this positive experience, we recognised the need for additional pick and carry cranes. Consequently, we decided to invest in two TIDD PC28-3Gs, which are the first TIDDs we have owned,” he said

Freo Group's Principal Assessor, Chris Everleigh, was also invited to conduct a comprehensive product inspection of the TIDD Crane. This inspection included an intensive two-day test that assessed the crane's drivability, manoeuvrability, comfort, and operational lifting capability to ensure it was fit for purpose. After the test, Chris was given a survey with five questions to evaluate these key aspects.

The custom paintjob on Freo's new PC28-3G cranes are made to last

Chris reported that the TIDD Crane scored a perfect 10/10 in every category, stating, “The TIDD Crane is very comfortable with the latest technology advancements, all coupled with TRT’s team of great knowledge. The TIDD is a very well-refined crane, 10/10.”

TRT has manufactured the TIDD PC28-3G using the highest quality components, prioritising safety and performance throughout its design and class-leading features including the Euro 6 Cummins Engine, the highest emission control diesel engine available with significantly more horsepower.

TRT has manufactured the TIDD PC28-3G using the highest quality components, prioritising safety and performance throughout its design and class-leading features.

Neil Webb, General Manager at TRT Australia, discusses the features and benefits of the new TIDD PC28-3G and what sets TRT apart from the competition.

"The new TIDD PC28-3G is equipped with the Cummins ISB6.7 Euro 6 on-road engine, a strategic choice as Euro 6 is set to become the new Australian Design Rule (ADR) by November 2025. We opted for the Cummins engine due to its extensive after-sales service and support network across Australia."

"This upgrade from our previous standard Mercedes package to the Cummins engine brings an additional 34 kilowatts of horsepower, making a significant difference in operational performance."

“Obviously Slew Safe is a key safety feature and has featured in our cranes from the beginning. The feature, developed and patented by TRT, serves as a significant standard for safety. It is specifically designed to assist operators in preventing rollovers. This preventative tool functions by alerting the operator when they are slewing in an unsafe direction, prompting them to slew back towards safety. This ensures a clear understanding of the operator’s role in maintaining safety standards. The feedback from our customers on the PC28-3G, especially from Tier One builders, has been fantastic,” said Neil.

The new TIDD PC28-3G features the TRT patented Traction Air System.

The Traction-Air system, visible on the wheels of the PC28-3G, allows manageability in all terrain, with easily modifiable air pressure

“The Traction Air System is currently operating in approximately 10 countries around the world as a CTI system. It was initially designed for logging equipment, and we moved it into our TIDD pick and carry crane. It's an option but we see more and more safety requirements from sites, and from customers which means it is almost a standard option that's ticked by our customers.

“The Traction Air System provides a management system for tyre pressure. It allows the tyre pressure to increase or deflate to ensure optimal pressure of 130 PSI is maintained. It’s a great safety feature for the crane. Because the tyres are always at the correct pressure you also get better usage and less wear and tear. During lifting, the tyres are maintained at optimal pressure, ensuring that each lift is performed safely," said Neil.

"TRT has long prioritised advanced braking systems, starting with ABS brakes in our original TIDD PC25 models. While ABS has only recently become a requirement for ADR compliance, our commitment goes beyond meeting standards—we integrate these systems because ensuring the safety of our products is our highest priority."

"When we began redesigning to comply with the new ADR emission standards, we assessed areas for improvement. We focused intensely on the exhaust brake system and decided to switch to a retarder. It is very similar to the technology used in a lot of heavy equipment, like large all terrains, and this Allison Transmission with Retarder really puts us ahead of our competition,” said Neil.

"It’s essentially an additional safety feature for our crane. Our customers recognise that TRT doesn't just aim to meet standards; we consistently exceed them and continue to innovate. We are highly customer-focused, incorporating their feedback into our product designs," said Neil.

“The new TIDD PC28-3G is equipped with the Cummins ISB6.7 Euro 6 on-road engine, a strategic choice as Euro 6 is set to become the new Australian Design Rule (ADR) standard by November 2025.”

With improved engine performance, increased horsepower and better braking, the TIDD PC28-3G has been accepted into the marketplace really well. Another added safety feature involves neutralising the gearbox when the holding brake is on.

“This ensures the operator can’t take off down the road with the brake on, causing damage to the braking system. Also, during operation, it can be unsafe if the operator's left the crane in drive and engaged the holding brake. The load can lurch when he applies the throttle. It's just another complimentary feature, along with our EN-13000 approved system, which allows us to have a 75% static chart. We're not just a pick and carry crane. We also have a static chart, which gives it a greater performance to 75 per cent instead of 66 per cent, which is a huge feature when you're talking loads,” said Neil.

"Innovation is crucial in a competitive market, and it's deeply ingrained in our DNA. We've never stopped improving, consistently incorporating customer feedback to refine our products. TRT's journey started in 1967 by tackling challenges head-on, and it's this competitive ethos of solving the unsolvable that drives us to keep pushing boundaries and delivering the best solutions."

"TRT has consistently led the way in the pick and carry crane industry, designing a crane that has genuinely shifted the market. Previously the market was quite stagnated when it came to health and safety in this space. But TRT’s designs have helped set the standards where they need to be, and now there’s others out there that are having to play catch up as a result.”

TRT was the first crane manufacturer to introduce a fully compliant Stage 2 Australian Design Rules (ADR) pick-and-carry crane to the market. They also led the industry by launching a pick-and-carry crane equipped with a Euro 6 engine, surpassing the Stage 3 ADR emission standards.

TRT pioneered the design of a two-door pick-and-carry crane and was the first to invest in full ABS braking for this type of crane. Additionally, TRT is the only manufacturer to offer Slew Safe - Move Safe anti-rollover safety technology, making it Australia's safest pick-and-carry crane. It also stands out as the only pick-and-carry crane in the market featuring an Allison Transmission with retarder.

"Freo Group's decision to invest in two new TIDD PC28-3Gs is a significant endorsement of our product, especially given that major crane companies often have established fleets of other pick-and-carry cranes. While switching can sometimes face resistance, Freo Group has clearly recognised that the benefits of these new cranes far outweigh any potential hesitations. As Ray mentioned, it’s only after operating and driving the TIDDs that users truly appreciate their value. This positive response is common, which is why we encourage people to either hire or test drive the cranes. Experiencing the TIDD PC28-3G firsthand confirms the high standards we promise."

The resources sector and Tier One builders are increasingly focused on site safety, sustainability, and reducing carbon footprints. Ray Martinez from Freo Group discusses how the TIDD PC28-3G fits into this evolving landscape.

"Freo Group is committed to meeting customer demands for reducing carbon footprints and offering sustainable lifting solutions. As the resources sector explores ways to lower emissions and adopt more sustainable mining practices, Freo Group is dedicated to advancing its own sustainability roadmap. We are actively engaging with crane manufacturers to incorporate emerging technologies and share these advancements with our customers.

The new Australian Design Rules have prompted significant changes across the industry. Cranes now feature Tier Five engines and are capable of running on alternative fuels like biodiesel and HVO. The TIDD PC28-3Gs align perfectly with our sustainability strategy.

Celebrating 50 years in business this year, Freo Group has had a long-standing partnership with TRT, having purchased bespoke TRT trailers for many years.

Our relationship with the Carden family has been strong, and more recently, we’ve enjoyed collaborating with Neil Webb and Troy Hand from TRT Australia. We look forward to continuing to explore and benefit from TRT’s innovative products in the future," Ray said.