Paterson Simons recently delivered a Grove GMK6300-1 to a mining customer. This was their first modern pinned boom all terrain crane.
The customer’s operators had experience with fixed lattice boom crawler cranes and full power boom rough terrain cranes but were not familiar with the multiple configurations of a pinned boom, multiple hook blocks and counterweight configurations of a modern all terrain crane.
To facilitate their transition to the new equipment, Paterson Simons provided an experienced crane operator to collaborate with the client’s team during an extended handover period. This initiative aimed to cultivate safe mobilisation practices encompassing on and off-road driving techniques, meticulous load planning, and precise rigging and lifting protocols.
Based on our experience, the most effective approach to establishing best practices involves having a trainer who actively participates in the daily operations of mobile cranes deliver knowledge transfer, yielding consistent results that can be replicated.
The initial phase of the training involved driving the crane 380km from port to mine including planning of escorting arrangements on challenging West African roads and traffic conditions.
Over a span of six weeks, the trainer systematically guided the operators through successive setups and operations of the crane, gradually increasing lifting capacities to eventually run cover all of the configurations of the crane. He reported a high level of engagement and enthusiasm among the trainees, culminating in the formation of a cohesive and proficient team by the program’s conclusion.
As a responsible business Paterson Simons recognise that All Terrain cranes can involve a step up for operators used to equipment which is simple to set up and operate and we can offer and deliver bespoke training packages on request.
This training is over and above what we would usually deliver either as operator familiarisation on a new machine or as part of a classroom based certification course.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this bespoke training program a success!
