Lifting its game with TIDD Cranes
13 June 2025
When Kylie Wilkinson, General Manager at Team Transport & Logistics, first suggested venturing into pick-and-carry cranes, not everyone immediately shared her enthusiasm.
For years, the Brisbane-based logistics giant had built a sterling reputation handling “ugly freight”–those tricky, awkward loads that competitors often refused. Yet, despite an extensive fleet and diverse capabilities, one critical segment remained untouched: mobile pick-and-carry cranes.
“For a long time, we deliberately stayed away from larger cranes,” said Kylie. “The risks felt daunting, especially given the safety, insurance, and specialist skills required.”
However, Team Transport & Logistics has never been about standing still. Founded in 1979 as a family-owned business born out of Australia’s Razorback Blockade, the company has grown dramatically. The blockade was a protest by Australian truck drivers in 1979, which led to the abolition of road taxes, reforms in freight rates, and greater uniformity in transport regulations.
With 200 employees, 500 pieces of equipment, and 150 contractors, diversification has always been central to its strategy. Kylie, who joined in 1988 as a junior and rose to general manager, knew it was time to evolve once more.

(Left to right) Steve Skinner, Managing Director Team Transport, Troy Hand, Crane Sales & Pacific Islands Manager at TRT-Australia and Heath Skinner, Operations & Fleet Manager at Team Transport. Image: Team Transport & Logistics.
Filling the Gap
The decision to move into pick-and-carry cranes was driven by both operational necessity and client demands. Long-standing contracts with clients such as Energex and Bunnings frequently involved lifting tasks Team Transport previously had to outsource.
“Outsourcing made me uncomfortable,” Kylie said. “We have skilled operators in-house, and the demand was clearly there. I wanted us to offer the full package and deepen our relationships with key clients.”
This strategic insight led Kylie and the team to explore available options carefully, notably the TIDD PC28-3G and other competitors. After extensive research and demonstrations, Team Transport & Logistics chose the TIDD PC28-3G by TRT for several strategic reasons.
The crane offers a maximum lifting capacity of 28 tonnes (t), utilising a four-section telescopic boom. The TIDD PC28-3G comes with a compact width of 2.5 metres (m) and a 44-degree articulation, which provides better manoeuvrability, allowing it to navigate and operate efficiently in tight spaces.
Kylie personally visited operators, sought feedback, and conducted detailed evaluations. “We noticed younger operators gravitated towards the TIDD,” she said. “It seemed intuitive and modern, aligning with our need to attract and train younger staff.”
Beyond user preference, several practical factors favoured the TIDD PC28-3G. Its advanced safety features, including self-inflating tyres and stability systems, impressed Kylie.
The TIDD PC28-3G is equipped with Slew Safe, a system that significantly reduces the risk of rollovers by automatically moderating the crane’s steering and alerting the operator when a lift approaches unsafe parameters. The crane also features a dynamic Load Moment Indicator (LMI) with automatic cut-outs and overrides, which helps prevent overloads by monitoring the load and boom angle in real time.
These safety systems were a compelling differentiator. “The Slew Safe feature was something we hadn’t seen in older crane models,” Kylie said. “It gives our operators and our clients extra peace of mind, which is priceless. Safety is paramount. The visuals from the operator’s seat, the camera systems, and the advanced counterweight safety features were superior to other models we assessed.”
Kylie’s team also appreciates the crane’s safety mechanisms.
Younger operators have embraced the safety-focused design, feeling secure without the need to override critical safety systems – common practice among operators of older crane models.
Team Transport & Logistics’ in-house mechanical team also found familiarity with the Cummins engine in the TIDD crane, simplifying routine maintenance and servicing tasks.
The TIDD PC28-3G is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins ISB6.7 engine, delivering 238 kilowatt (kW) and meeting the stringent Euro 6 emission standards. This engine, coupled with the latest Allison Transmission featuring a retarder, enhances the crane’s safety and control by offering retardation-style braking capabilities.
This transmission reduces operational costs through decreased repair and maintenance and ensures quieter operation in urban environments.
Well received and well utilised
Since arriving late in 2024, the TIDD crane has become more popular and versatile than initially anticipated. “It’s been utilised far beyond our expectations in the first quarter alone,” Kylie said. Primarily supporting Energex contracts across South-East Queensland, it quickly became the go-to tool for jobs requiring logistical solutions.
Recently, the crane moved a challenging boat delivery, showcasing its capability in handling complex tasks.
“Clients often approach us with the ‘impossible’,” Kylie said. “We tell them, ‘We’ve got you.’ The new TIDD crane elevates our capabilities, giving us the power to turn ‘impossible’ jobs into everyday success.”
Kylie is cautiously optimistic about expanding Team Transport & Logistics’ crane operations while monitoring performance and client satisfaction.
“We like to ensure we’re fully mastering new equipment and delivering exceptional service before growing further,” she said. “Given the early success, expanding our crane capabilities certainly looks promising, but we’ll do it thoughtfully.”
This strategic expansion highlights Kylie’s leadership philosophy – never rush growth but remain bold in seizing opportunities. “The TIDD crane isn’t just a new machine,” Kylie said. “It’s symbolic of Team Transport & Logistics’ continuous evolution. We’re lifting our business, literally and figuratively, and we’re excited about what’s next.”