CUSTOMER REFERENCE - LG Anderson
« Return to News
Date:Friday, 15 August 2008
STEELBRO’s SMARTlift is the next stage in the evolution of its Sidelifters and L.G. Anderson Ltd has been quick to pick up on this technology.
The new generation SMARTlift is a control system that warns the operator when a container is getting close to the edge of its safe limits and then prevents the operator from moving the load further towards the area where stability might be compromised.
Out of its nine Sidelifters, L.G. Anderson, based in Lower Hutt, now has three SMARTlift units in operation. Managing director, John Anderson, believes any piece of equipment that can make his operator’s jobs easier and safer is a good thing. “The SMARTlift will tell an operator working in a difficult area if a container is not being lifted correctly. We work in everybody’s backyards and this gives the drivers the confidence that the process is going ok.”
The SMARTlift is an enhancement of the Sidelifter and with compliance and safety being a big part of the transport industry it can only enhance the company’s safety record. L.G. Anderson actively uses ACC workplace safety management practices and the purchase of the SMARTlift with its built-in safety features shows it takes safety seriously, says John.
John also points out the SMARTlift’s advantage of reducing wear and tear on equipment through better operating practices. Because operators are working within the design parameters of the machine, the wear and tear is reduced giving the Sidelifter a much longer life than other lifters.
L.G. Anderson has had a long association with STEELBRO, going back to the late eighties. The transport company’s workshop manager has instant communication access to STEELBRO staff in the event that issues may arise and STEELBRO have been very quick to provide solutions or answers. “They are very good to deal with and all our company’s Sidelifters are from STEELBRO,” says John.
L.G. Anderson has more than 30 trucks in its fleet operating in the lower North Island. It has traditionally been a wharf carrier and its side lifters are used to move containers to and from the Port of Wellington and around the lower North Island. The company was founded by John’s father Les in 1951 with an ex-army Bedford truck. John, who now owns the company, has worked there for more than 40 years and the third generation is now coming through with his son Chris Anderson who has been with the firm for more than 10 years.
STEELBRO GM – Group Marketing Albear Montocchio says L.G. Anderson is a good example of a highly efficient modern transport company, where Sidelifters play an important role. “They have integrated Sidelifters into their everyday business and are benefiting from the versatility and cost effective options Sidelifters provide. They have also been quick to adopt the new generation of SMARTlift Sidelifters.
“The SMARTlift enabled machines feature ‘intelligent’ Mechatronic technology that not only helps protect their workers, but also provides managers valuable operational data from their machines. The advances in systems like SMARTlift are rapid and all fleet managers need to be up-to-date and aware of this progress.
Montocchio also adds; “We believe it is only a matter of time before monitoring systems, like SMARTlift, become mandatory requirements under OSH regulations concerning safety in the working environment.”