A First Kobelco for Major Project Work

OVERVIEW

Empire Cranes has added its first Kobelco lattice boom crawler to support customer demand across major Australian projects.

The Kobelco CKS1350 is already working on Sydney Metro, where it is being used across a long-term programme of site duties.

SITUATION

Empire Cranes is a dry-hire crane business responding to project needs across Australia.

The business has active cranes across the country, with a strong presence in New South Wales and Victoria.

Demand from major projects has driven recent fleet growth.

Jarrod Belsey has said Empire Cranes listens to customer requirements, then invests in the cranes needed for specific projects.

CHALLENGE

Empire Cranes needed a crawler crane that suited long-term project work and a requested capacity range.

The crane also needed to support high utilisation, reliable operation and future fleet flexibility.

Crawler cranes had become a stronger focus for the business over the previous three to four years.

Jared McDonald has said the new Kobelco reflected that shift in market demand.

SOLUTION

Empire Cranes selected the Kobelco CKS1350 lattice boom crawler for the project.

The project team had requested cranes in the 135 to 150 tonne capacity range.

After detailed conversations with TRT’s Troy Hand, Kobelco became the selected option.

Jared McDonald has pointed to the brand’s design, engineering and manufacturing credentials as important factors in the decision.

The crane also gave Empire Cranes the right fit for its fleet mix.

It can be upgraded to 150 tonne capacity with the right Kobelco modifications.

MADE POSSIBLE:

The Kobelco CKS1350 has been operating on the Sydney Metro project since 1 July 2025.

It is expected to remain on site until October 2026.

The crane has already passed 700 operating hours.

It is working seven days a week on 11-hour shifts.

The crane was first deployed for kibble work.

It will move into formwork, concrete operations and station fit-out duties as the project continues.

The purchase also supports Empire Cranes’ wider fleet growth.

The business expects to reach 30 cranes, with further major purchases planned in 2026.

Empire Cranes has also strengthened its internal service capability through Empire Service.

Jared McDonald has said this gives the team more control over repairs and maintenance as the fleet grows.