The order comprises one F660 AXP.26 crane and two of the F235 AXP.24 model. All three are mounted on Volvo trucks.

The order follows the purchase of a single unit last year, which gave the company added confidence in the Fassi product.

The F660AXP.26 is mounted on a Volvo FM 8×2 tractor unit. The crane is in the 63 tonne-metre class and is the largest in Hallett Silbermann’s fleet. It has a maximum safe working load of 16 tonnes, and at maximum reach of 16.1 metres it lifts 3100kg.

The two F235AXP.24 cranes are each mounted on Volvo FE 6×4 rigid trucks. These cranes have a load moment rating of 20 tonne-metres. Maximum safe working load is 5.15 tonnes. At full reach of 12.7 metres, rated capacity is 1345kg.

All three cranes are from the latest Evolution generation of Fassi cranes, which are designed to offer top performance while remaining easy to use. Standard features on Fassi’s Evolution series include: the Fassi ProLink system, which enables outer booms sections to be angled 15 degrees upwards; the Fassi XF ‘extra fast’ system, which uses an innovative oil regeneration valve that significantly increases jib extension speed; and the Fassi ADC (Automatic Dynamic Control) load dampening system. The ADC system works by controlling crane speed relative to the load. This prevents the crane from ‘bouncing’ when lifting a load. The combination of fast boom speeds with the load kept under total control means that it takes less time to perform each lift.

All Fassi Evolution cranes come with radio remote control as standard, with a visual display in the control unit, allowing the operator to see at a glance the full operating parameters of the crane. The display makes the crane easier to use and offers improved control.

The cranes were supplied by local Fassi dealer Transloader Services, based in Harpenden, Herts.

Hallett Silbermann managing director Neil Brockless says: “We were looking for a quality crane with a reasonably local dealer and good nationwide service. We bought our first Fassi last year, an F260, and have been very pleased with it. It has been reliable and a good experience.”

Hallett Silbermann operates nationwide, with more than 50 trucks and some 30 loader crane rigs across its depots in Hatfield and Birmingham. “Construction and civil engineering is the largest sector of our customers,” says Mr Brockless.” We are heavily involved with contractors doing foundations and groundworks on the Olympics sites, for example. We also do a lot of machinery moving.”

Before taking delivery of the Fassi 660AXP.26, the company’s largest crane was a 50 tonne-metre unit. “These days all the cranes are getting bigger,” Mr Brockless says. Our base crane is now 20 tonne-metre, but we also need larger cranes because customers are always looking to lift bigger and further. The F660 expands out in-house capability.”

For the past six years Hallett Silbermann has only purchased cranes with radio remote controls, says Mr Brockless, because of the safety and productivity benefits that they bring. “We like the fact that Fassi has factory built remote control, not an add-on. The Fassi system is sophisticated and reliable.”

Mr Brockless also appreciates the extra features of Fassi Evolution series cranes, with the upward tilting boom useful for jobs installing machinery in factories. “As a haulier, the more versatility a crane offers, the greater the range of jobs it can do and the more our customers can benefit.”

The two F235AXP.24 cranes supplied to Hallett Silbermann benefited from the factory-fitted Crane Preparation Kit that Volvo offers with its FE trucks. “The PTO and electronics wiring are fitted at the factory,” explains Carly Barnard, sales manager of Transloader Services.