Mining is one of Australia’s most vital industries, particularly in the remote and rugged regions of Western Australia. To ensure productivity in these demanding environments, reliable and robust equipment is essential. United Forklift and Access Solutions, a key player in access and materials handling solutions, has been leveraging Haulotte’s equipment for over 15 years to meet the needs of their customers, including some of the largest mining companies in the country.
With extensive experience, Andrew Macdonald, National Product and Sales Manager at United Forklift and Access Solutions, shares his insights on the challenges of operating in mining environments and why Haulotte’s HA41 and HT43 RTJ machines are trusted to get the job done.
United Forklift and Access Solutions: a nationwide access specialist
Founded over two decades ago, United Forklift and Access Solutions has established itself as a leading name in materials handling and access equipment across Australia. Operating nationwide, the company’s core business is split between forklifts and access equipment, providing both rental services and end-user sales. Their partnership with Haulotte began in 2009, and over the years, they have delivered and supported more than 5,500 Haulotte machines.
“We’ve been working with Haulotte for about 15 years now. Their equipment makes up a large portion of our rental fleet. Andrew explains, “we’re extremely happy with Haulotte and the products that they produce.”
Haulotte machines in the mining sector
Western Australia is a cornerstone of the country’s mining industry, with companies like Rio Tinto operating extensive sites in the far north. For these operations, access equipment plays a critical role in maintaining infrastructure, supporting heavy-duty operations, and ensuring workers can safely access great heights.
“Mining in Western Australia is tough on equipment. The environment is one of the harshest in the world – extreme heat, dust, and the sheer remoteness of the sites. That’s where the Haulotte HA41 and HT43 RTJ models come in,” Andrew explains.
Rio Tinto, one of United’s largest customers, currently operates around 120 to 130 Haulotte machines across its sites. These machines range from single person lifts to the large HA41 and HT43 boom lifts that provide safe, sturdy access at significant heights.
Overcoming challenges in harsh environments
Operating equipment in remote mining areas presents unique logistical and environmental challenges. Equipment must endure extreme conditions while remaining reliable and easy to maintain.
“If a machine breaks down on site, it could be potentially 1,000 or so kilometers from our Perth workshop. That’s a big challenge so we’ll fly technicians to site to repair a machine or work closely with the mine technicians to resolve the issue over the phone. This has become so much easier with Haulotte’s innovative Activ screen. Our technicians are able to assist the guys on site and talk them through the process to determine what the fault is and the next course of action. This feature alone has saved countless labour hours and valuable downtime.
Looking to the future: innovation and electrification
As demand for access equipment in mining remains steady, Andrew foresees future advancements focusing on sustainability and electrification. “There’s increasing talk about full electric machines, and it’s a trend we’re watching closely. That said, remote mining sites make electrification more challenging because access to charging points are limited but is certainly an area that continues to evolve as too does this technology.” he says. United Forklift and Access Solutions remains committed to Haulotte as its main brand for both rental fleets and resale operations.
“The relationship we’ve built with Haulotte over the years, along with their ongoing support, has been instrumental in serving our customers in these remote areas,” Andrew concludes.
In one of the world’s most demanding industries, United Forklift and Access Solutions has proven its ability to deliver reliable equipment and exceptional service to mining companies across Australia. The Haulotte HA41 and HT43 RTJ models continue to play a critical role in maintaining productivity and safety on mining sites, overcoming the challenges posed by extreme conditions and remote locations.
With a focus on reliability, performance, and strong manufacturer support, United Forklift and Access Solutions ensures that its customers in the mining sector can operate seamlessly, even in the harshest environments. As innovation continues, the future holds exciting possibilities for access equipment, with sustainability and electrification at the forefront of industry advancements.