What Were The 2023 Franna Crane Updates?

Posted May 11, 2024

In Helpful Crane Info, Mobile Crane Types

Innovations Driven by Customer Needs

At Mighty Cranes, we always keep a close eye on the latest advancements in the crane industry. The 2023 updates from Franna, an Australian-based crane manufacturer by Terex, are a testament to their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. In this article, we explore the recent enhancements made by Franna, driven by customer feedback and specific industry needs.

The Role of Mitchell Orupold

Mitchell Orupold, a Design Engineer at Franna, plays a pivotal role in these advancements. Graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mitch transitioned from a career in civil construction to join Franna in October 2021. His logical thinking and practical approach quickly earned him recognition, and he now leads the charge in integrating customer-specific requests into Franna cranes.

Mitch describes his job as making “square pegs fit into round holes,” which means finding ways to incorporate unique, customer-requested features into Franna’s cranes. This bespoke approach to engineering ensures that Franna can meet the diverse and specific needs of their clients.

Tailor-Made Solutions

One of the lesser-known aspects of Franna’s operations is their ability to devise specific, tailor-made solutions for unique customer requests. This approach has led to significant safety and practicality developments, such as the 360-degree camera and enhanced Dynamic Load Moment Indicator (LMI) installed on cranes used in the North East Link project by the Spark consortium.

As Mitch explains, the process is customer-led. When multiple clients request the same feature, Franna integrates it as a configurable option available for future orders. This ensures that each crane is equipped with features that enhance its usability and safety based on real-world demands.

Notable 2023 Enhancements

The design team at Franna tackled several significant requests in 2023, resulting in numerous upgrades and new features. Some of the highlights include:

HEPA Filter Rated Cabin Air and Pressurisation Monitor: A client required an air quality standard within the MAC25 cabin, leading to the integration of these features.
Updated Cooling Pack: Aimed at improving serviceability.
Redesigned Bar Grill: Now removable for better engine access and servicing.
New Pressuriser for the AT40: Reduces dust particle ingress while better pressurising the cabin.
Locator System for MAC25 Superlift Mode: Prevents issues with counterweights sliding and causing bent pins during lifts.

These enhancements illustrate Franna’s dedication to solving practical problems with innovative solutions, even when they appear to be “handy little solves” rather than major overhauls.

Continuous Improvement

In 2023 alone, the Franna engineering team completed 155 upgrades, ranging from minor adjustments like swapping bolts to significant changes like updating the transmission. These upgrades ensure that Franna cranes remain at the forefront of the industry, offering both standard and optional features that meet the highest safety and performance standards.

Advancements in Mining and Underground Applications

Franna’s commitment to customer-led innovation is particularly evident in the mining and underground applications sectors. In response to the challenging conditions of mining environments, Franna developed features such as:

Choker Valve: Shuts off air to the engine to prevent overheating in LPG mines or charged air environments.
Upgraded Fuel Lines: Enhance durability and reliability.
Enhanced Warning Lights: Improve visibility and safety.

Mitch notes that mining companies often set the highest safety standards, which are then adopted by other industries. Features like the Superlift configuration and 360-degree camera are now popular among infrastructure companies as well, demonstrating the broad impact of these innovations.

Looking Ahead

Franna’s customer-led attitude is central to their continuous improvement. By listening to customer feedback and understanding their specific requirements, Franna ensures they are always producing the best possible cranes for the Australian market.

As Mitch emphasises, “Our customer-led attitude is central to our improvement at Franna because if no one tells us what is going to make the crane better, then we don’t know where to improve – and we just want to make a good product for the Australian crane market.”

At Mighty Cranes, we are proud to utilise Franna cranes in our crane hire services, knowing they are equipped with the latest innovations and safety features driven by customer needs. For more information about our crane hire services in Brisbane, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help with all your lifting needs!