Purpose-built equipment and skilled staff make the difference

IN MOVING project cargo, a damage-free and timeous outcome is paramount, according to Bruce Lovemore, joint MD of Durban-based machine moving and rigging specialists, Lovemore Bros. “In the world of machinery logistics,” he told FTW, “down-time for the client or the contractor is not an option." Another crucial factor in providing an effective abnormal load service is having the right equipment to meet the market needs. The company now lays claim to the most diverse rigging fleet in the country, with a 100-ton multi wheeler due for delivery in August. And, Lovemore added, purpose-built equipment and staff training are first on its list of priorities. “This because – when you’re moving an abnormal load – both man and machine must work as one,” he said. “Whether it’s the moving of heavy machines, large vessels, boilers, industrial generators or transformers, we have the machinery – and, more importantly, the experience – to do the job right.” The basis of the company’s fleet consists of rigid framed trucks, each equipped with a drawbar trailer and rigging crane specifically designed to lift heavy or awkward loads inside confined spaces. “At the same time, our modern fleet of heavy duty mechanical horses, with a variety of lowbed trailers, is specifically geared for the transport of heavy and/or wide loads,” said Lovemore. “Well decks, step decks, superdecks, extendable trailers and hydraulic gooseneck type trailers are all included in our fleet range.” The operators of these vehicles are experienced abnormal load drivers, he added, and the company is determined to operate within the parameters of the law. “Our relationship with the various authorities is crucial to the timeous delivery of our cargo,” said Lovemore, “and our consultants will do route surveys, accurate height measurements and all liaison with the relevant authorities prior to the vehicle hitting the road.”Lovemore Bros also offers a solution to a company’s lifting problems, selecting the correct mobile crane to achieve a safe and efficient lift. “All mobile crane requirements are outsourced from a reputable supplier,” said Lovemore, “and our supervisors will co-ordinate and direct the set-up and operation of the cranes.” Computer-aided design (CAD) is used to produce crane lay-out drawings and rigging studies in-house. “These studies ensure that we satisfy safety legislation – and enable us to consider all aspects of the lift prior to the actual execution on-site,” Lovemore told FTW. “The rewards of these early expenses on a heavy lift project are obvious.” The company has also solved its own heavy-lift problems – last year importing a 225-ton capacity mobile gantry from the USA. According to Lovemore, the gantry gives the company the ability to load very heavy loads onto abnormal lowbed vehicles anywhere it is needed, and without hiring in expensive mobile cranes. “The site establishment and hiring charges of mobile cranes with capacities of over 150-tons are prohibitively expensive,” he said.