Tim Jespersen from Svenstrup Vognmandsforretning is a man who pays attention to safety and functionality. That's why he, and his brother Paw, just got a brand new and improved stabilizer solution retrofitted on their HMF 7020 loader crane. A solution that, according to Tim, offers greater flexibility when working on uneven ground. We asked for his assessment of the new solution.
Svenstrup Vognmandsforretning is a Danish family company through 3 generations. Tim and Paw’s grandfather started the company back in 1960. After him, their father took over the haulage business, and today the company is run by Tim and Paw.
Since the beginning, HMF cranes have been a big part of the company's DNA, and today 7 of their 8 crane trucks are equipped with HMF cranes.
"I really got to know HMF cranes back in '97, when I got my truck license and crane certificate. My father only ever wanted to work with HMF cranes, so that’s the cranes we used in the company," says Tim, who also prefers HMF cranes himself.
Today the company has an HMF 2620, 2820, 4 x 3220s and a single large range crane, i.e., a 7020-K7 with fly-jib 1400-K6. It’s on this large crane that Tim recently had a new stabilizer solution fitted, which we have come to hear his assessment of.
Inflexible stabilizer solution on uneven terrain
"When we bought the 7020, we were not entirely satisfied with its stabilizer solution. We actually crafted our own solution," says Tim.
The problem for Tim with the former system was that the stabilizer leg’s compression rod was in one piece. This caused two problems on HMF's two large range cranes, the 7020 and 9520:
- When working on uneven ground, the stabilizer length was often so long that either the leg couldn't swing down into vertical position or couldn't get past bumps when the stabilizer beam was extended.
- The lower part of the compression rod or the compression block could be bent or damaged when the stabilizer leg accidentally was swung up without loosening the lock screw. This meant that the entire rod had to be replaced.
For operators like Tim, who often work on very uneven terrain, this was source of irritation.
"We work on uneven ground every day. We often drive around at construction sites with building materials, windows, rafters, ventilation, etc. We hardly ever drive on even surfaces. That's why we need a flexible stabilizer solution," Tim says and continues:
"We mentioned this to HMF at the time, and it’s great to see that they took note of this and developed a better solution."
New stabilizer solution that works impeccable
To solve the problem of the compression rod, HMF has developed a new stabilizer solution that can be retrofitted to the crane. This retrofit kit contains a 3-part compression rod, which is attached with a pipe clip. This solves the two problems Tim had with the stabilizer leg.
- The stroke of the stabilizer leg is shortened so that the leg can be swung down into vertical position without hitting the ground or a curb. It can also get past bumps when the stabilizer beam is extended.
- If you forget to loosen the lock screw before swinging up the stabilizer leg, it will not damage the entire compression rod. Now it is only the pipe clip that might be damaged, and it can easily be replaced.
“HMF recalled that I was not satisfied with the old solution. So, one day they called me up and told me about the new solution and asked if they should come and install it on my crane. Of course I said yes!!” Tim says with a smile.
Tim has just had the new solution retrofitted and is very pleased with it.
"It works impeccable. It's easy to get more clearance height if the ground is uneven or there is a curb. The new solution is really good and much more flexible," Tim says satisfied.
"Our own solution worked fine, but it's great to have an original solution and know that things are working as they should and that it can also be serviced by skilled people who know the products."
Working with a peace of mind
For Tim, it's generally important that his equipment is working as it should. It gives him peace of mind and more time to focus on his work.
That's why he buys all his body building solutions from HMF.
"For example, we have a personnel basket for our 70 tonne-metre crane. For me, it's a great feeling to be able to tell the customer that the equipment we have is approved as one single unit. It's not something we've just 'picked from different shelves' and built onto the truck."
Personally, Tim also finds it reassuring to work with solutions he knows are safe and approved.
"Recently I was on a job close to a railway line lifting and placing some iron quite accurately. It was a pleasure to be working with the crane fully extended and loaded over the weakest point of the truck - the A-pillar to the right - and being certain that you can rely on the crane. I know that if something starts to topple, the EVS system will stop all crane movements. Then I can focus 100% on the job. This makes it is a pleasure to work with HMF!"
When we meet him, he is indeed working on a precision task that requires 100% focus. Tim is working with grab on fly-jib - a rare combination - to move a thatched roof from a 4-winged farm into a container.
"It's not often we work with fly-jib and grab at the same time, but for a job like this, it works well. For such a task it is also important that I can rely on my crane. And fortunately, I always can." Tim concludes.