In a world oversaturated with COVID-19 news, it can be easy to forget the little things that make a business successful. The Crane Association of New Zealand’s Past President, Scott McLeod, reminds you of the all-important fine print in this month’s The Technical Corner.

Witnessing a 750-tonne crane topple in Australia recently on the internet reminded Scott McLeod of the importance of being critically aware of the road you’re driving a crane on.

You may have the polite urge to pullover and let the queue of cars pass, but to do so without knowing what’s underneath you could be costly.

It may seem a silly rule to follow, Scott says, but an all too important one, nonetheless.

“One of the key things I think to remember when you’re on open road is that you’re overweight.

Following an incident early in his career, the Crane Association of New Zealand’s Past President, Scott McLeod, has never been more diligent of the residential sector’s hidden dangers in this month’s The Technical Corner.

Working for his dad in the 90s, Scott McLeod was tasked with lifting a single garage shed over a Katikati house and into the homeowner’s backyard using a Kato MR100.

Parked between two houses, he couldn’t quite manoeuvre it on to its concrete pad. So, he lowered the shed short of the pad and released the rigging.

“I then retracted the boom, leaving it short over the rear of the crane before raising my outrigger legs leaving the outriggers out.”

Concerned he was causing the customer further delays, the Managing Director of McLeod Cranes then backed the crane up and promptly fell into a septic tank

The Crane Association of New Zealand’s Past President, Scott McLeod, discusses what many in the industry are conscious of but must be vigilante about any way in this month’s The Technical Corner.

Over the years, Scott McLeod has turned down work because of a particular job’s inherent risks – mainly, the proximity to power lines. But even more concerning was the willingness with which other companies took those contracts.

​“It’s important to stick to our industry’s guidelines,” the McLeod Cranes & Hiabs Managing Director says.

The Crane Association of New Zealand’s Past President, Scott McLeod, discusses why technological advancements should not be taken for granted in this month’s The Technical Corner.

New and innovative technology might afford a myriad of benefits but often come with unforeseen risks, too.

Take crane remote controls as an example – considered to be a modern marvel, they are the ultimate safety device in an industry with considerable risks.

owever, like many things, they have hazards associated with them that users should always be wary and respectful of, McLeod Cranes & Hiabs Managing Director, Scott McLeod, says.

​“We become familiar with the technology and its ability to control a large piece of machinery more easily. They’re so powerful that it becomes normal to walk around using them because you think nothing will happen.

The Crane Association of New Zealand’s Past President, Scott McLeod, discusses why clash agreements are paramount to avoiding catastrophe in this month’s The Technical Corner.

Not having the right mechanisms in place to safeguard against catastrophic collisions is like playing Russian roulette.

“And hopefully the bullet isn’t in the chamber as you slew around to the right.”

So says Managing Director of McLeod Cranes and Crane Association NZ Past President, Scott McLeod, who recommends all crane companies utilise a clash prevention agreement.

Many will understand that operating a crane near structures or in confined areas can create a potentially dangerous situation if the hazards are not appropriately controlled.