At Duralift, reliability is not just about machines. It is about people, relationships, and being there when it really counts.
Family-owned and deeply rooted in Victoria, Duralift officially began its journey in 2009 as a small family business with just ten machines. Today, the fleet has grown to more than 300 machines, supporting customers across Australia. Behind this growth lies decades of experience in Victoria’s engineering and construction industries, built through family-run businesses such as Castella Engineering and Castella Sheet Metal. This heritage shaped a strong culture of machinery expertise, safety and reliability that continues to guide Duralift today.
As Lottie Chippindall, Marketing Manager and Customer Service Support at Duralift, explains, “we’ve grown our presence by backing our machines with the service that is required to get the job done smoothly and effectively”. For Duralift, service has always been just as important as equipment.
Turning customer needs into meaningful support
Every day, Lottie sits at the crossroads between customer service and marketing. On one side, calls coming from the field. On the other, a broader view of customer expectations and market trends. And very often, each call tells a story. A simple request for a machine can hide tight deadlines, unexpected constraints or a site already under pressure.
“Having a foot in both areas gives me a full view of possible customer journeys,” she explains.
This ability to listen and react is at the heart of the Duralift Difference. “It comes from a commitment to responsiveness, expertise and personalised service,” Lottie adds. From booking to delivery and on-site support, the focus is always on keeping things simple, clear and reassuring.
For customers, this responsiveness often makes the difference. Sometimes, it means acting fast when time is critical, with delivery confirmed in under an hour and a machine on site within just a few hours.
In other situations, it’s about finding the right solution for a complex challenge. These are the moments customers remember.
Working across a vast and demanding landscape
Operating across Australia adds another layer of complexity. Distances are long, conditions vary, and each region comes with its own constraints. In this context, consistency cannot be improvised.
“We achieve consistency through careful planning and local partnerships,” Lottie explains.
This approach ensures machines arrive on time, in top condition, and that communication with customers remains clear and constant throughout the hire period.
On site, these regional realities quickly translate into practical requirements. Projects can range from large construction sites to confined urban interiors, each demanding a different approach and the right equipment to match.
Machines designed for real-world challenges
Among Duralift’s fleet, some machines clearly stand out for their ability to meet these everyday challenges.
“One of our most popular machines at the moment is the Star 6 mast lift,” says Lottie.
“Our clients really appreciate how lightweight and compact it is, making it perfect for tight or hard-to-access areas.”
Easy to manoeuvre and ideally suited to indoor environments, the Star 6 has become a trusted tool for customers who value efficiency without compromise. Its success reflects how closely Duralift listens to customer feedback and adapts its fleet to real usage on site.
This practical approach was particularly visible during the transformation of the historic Cole’s Book Arcade into a flagship Mecca store on Bourke Street in Melbourne. Working inside a heritage building in a dense urban environment required precision and adaptability. Access was limited, spaces were tight, and the project extended across multiple levels. Compact electric scissor lifts proved essential, enabling teams to work efficiently while respecting the constraints of the site.
Safety as a shared responsibility
In all environments, safety remains a priority. “Safety isn’t just a compliance requirement at Duralift, it’s embedded in what we do,” Lottie explains. Regular EWPA training and systematic machine inspections help turn safety into a daily reflex, both for the team and for customers.
Like many players in the industry, Duralift also faces rising costs, tight timelines and regulatory differences between Australian states. “Navigating ever-changing regulations across states is one of the key challenges today,” Lottie notes. To maintain a high level of service, the company relies on anticipation, strong internal organisation and constant dialogue with customers.
Building the future on strong values
Looking ahead, Duralift remains focused on what matters most. “Our priority is continuing to provide excellent service,” says Lottie, while exploring greener and more energy-efficient solutions.
Over the years, Duralift has built its reputation on proximity, safety, quality of service and team commitment. These values continue to guide its development and underpin long-term partnerships, including with Haulotte. Through this human-centred and pragmatic approach, Duralift helps its customers work with confidence, every day and in all conditions.