Australia imports the Panda

A new Australian-designed 20 tonne capacity pick and carry crane will be launched during the country's annual industry conference in September.

Known as the Panda Crane, the new articulating pick and carry model with telescopic boom is manufactured by XCMG, China's biggest crane producer, and will be distributed by Australian Crane and Machinery (ACM). The pick and carry category is one of the most popular in Australia and is already catered for by a range of manufacturers, including BHB, Chamberlain, Linmac and Terex Franna.

An ACM spokesperson said, “The Panda Crane has been designed in Australia for both domestic and world markets, incorporating many tried and successful features of a variety of different models as well as some new features designed to give the Panda crane an advantage over its competitors. With a shorter forward projection and a larger cabin, the Panda crane will not need to meet strict permit conditions which restrict travel in similar cranes over all possible routes and at all times, day and night.”

Other features include large articulation and steering ram pins designed for long service life. Fifty units will be imported to Australia before Christmas and there is a buyer for each one, according to ACM.

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) National Conference will be at the Adelaide Convention Centre, 6 to 8 September.