Big lifts, bigger Scanias: LinCon builds an all-wheel-drive fleet for Australia’s toughest access jobs
From the Australian Custom Trucks archive · Chris Smith
Brisbane-based LinCon Hire and Sales is expanding its specialist truck fleet with a substantial order for Scania all-wheel-drive chassis, pairing 6×6 and 8×8 trucks with some of the largest truck-mounted elevating work platforms operating in Australia.
LinCon operates around 140 vehicles nationally across power, renewables, telecommunications, infrastructure and mining work. The company has taken five new Scanias this year and has another 15 on order.
The specialist nature of the work is reflected in the specifications. LinCon favours Scania P-series low-roof cabs in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 form because its platforms frequently have to reach remote and difficult terrain rather than remain on sealed metropolitan roads.
Up to 75 metres in the air
Five of the latest 6×6 deliveries carry 64-metre Palfinger elevating work platforms. Another 10 Scania 8x8s are on order for delivery over the next 12 months with 75-metre lifts, while a further five 8x8s are due with 64-metre platforms.
The 8×8 trucks use Scania’s 500 hp 13-litre Super engine, while the 6×6 models use the 460 hp version. Once the platform equipment is installed, finished vehicles weigh around 36 tonnes.
The trucks are built in Europe before being sent to Palfinger in Germany for platform fitment. Australian suppliers then complete final modifications, including load-sharing suspension intended to increase front-axle capacity.
A 130-tonne V8 for the biggest machines
LinCon has also taken its first Scania V8: an R 660 prime mover rated to 130 tonnes. It will pull a Drake widening low-loader carrying LinCon’s 103-metre Palfinger platforms, which are mounted on five-axle Tadano crane carriers and used on wind-farm construction and other major projects.
The application is a reminder that specialist fleets are not necessarily high-kilometre fleets. LinCon’s trucks can spend substantial time stationary with engines and PTO systems operating to support the mounted equipment, making cooling, reliability, fuel use and maintenance intervals as important as conventional line-haul mileage.
In Western Australia, LinCon currently has 10 trucks supporting a power-transmission project about 200 km from Newman in the Pilbara, with the project expected to run for around two years.
Image/source: Scania Australia. Official manufacturer material and imagery: Scania Australia.