On Australia’s busiest construction and infrastructure sites, where tight deadlines and heavy lifts leave no room for breakdowns, Borger Cranes is using one brand of telehandler to keep projects moving.
For lifting contractors working on infrastructure and construction projects, equipment reliability is critical.
Downtime can quickly affect project timelines, operational efficiency, and contractor reputation. It’s a philosophy shared by Borger Cranes, one of Australia’s largest family-owned lifting contractors.
For the business, it’s essential that equipment performs consistently across demanding job sites operating around the clock.
The company’s fleet supports a range of complex projects where safety, versatility and uptime are essential.
To strengthen its fleet capabilities, Borger recently acquired Merlo P40.17 telehandlers, machines designed to deliver high lifting performance while maintaining compact dimensions suited to constrained construction environments.
Operator approval
Borger Cranes owner Shawn Borger said the company’s equipment purchasing decisions are guided by a clear set of criteria: safety, durability, ease of operation, and reliability in demanding conditions.
“The decision to acquire Merlo telehandlers was a clear choice,” he said. “Our experienced operators recommended the Merlo machines as being among the easiest to operate and the most reliable. In all respects, the telehandlers have met our expectations.”
They are used across multiple site applications, including relocating crane outrigger pads between project locations — a process faster than transporting pads via trucks. The machines also streamline the movement of crane components, tools, and equipment from on-site storage containers.
“We frequently need to handle heavy components in confined spaces,” Shawn said. “The telehandlers allow us to perform these tasks safely and efficiently.”
A range of compatible attachments further enhances versatility, allowing the machines to perform multiple handling tasks without requiring additional specialised equipment.
Stability and precision
Performance and stability were key requirements in Borger’s equipment selection process.
The Merlo P40.17 features a chassis levelling system and independent stabilisers designed to remain within the machine’s footprint. This configuration enables true vertical lifting even on uneven terrain, an important capability on challenging construction sites.
“With a lifting capacity of four tonnes and a maximum reach of 16.6 metres, it combines high lifting performance with a compact profile,” Shawn said. “This makes it suited to urban construction sites, tunnelling projects, and other environments where space is limited.”
The integrated Tac-Lock attachment system allows operators to change attachments such as winches, jibs, and buckets from the cab, transforming the machine into a versatile multi-purpose platform.
Borger also uses Merlo’s compact tracked carriers to support crane assembly and relocation operations by handling large securing pins used during the assembly and dismantling of crane sections.
Strong supplier partnership
Borger’s telehandler acquisition was supported by long-time equipment partner Access Service Australia (ASA), a national provider of equipment sales, service, and technical support for lifting and access machinery.
ASA Business Development Manager Michael Moon said the company worked closely with Borger to ensure the selected machines matched the contractor’s operational requirements.
“When Borger approached us for a telehandler solution, they already had a strong understanding of their needs and the capabilities of the Merlo machines,” he said.
As a national Merlo distributor, ASA provides ongoing support through factory-trained technicians and 24/7 service assistance, helping ensure the machines remain productive and operational across Borger’s project sites.
“All Borger machines meet or exceed Australian Standards, which is a priority for Tier 1 construction projects,” Michael said.
Shawn said ASA’s national presence and technical expertise were important factors in the purchasing decision.
“They have service locations where we need them, and their technical support and parts availability have been excellent,” he said.
Efficiency and safety
The new telehandlers are already delivering measurable operational benefits across Borger’s fleet.
Boom side-shift technology allows operators to position loads with high precision without repositioning the machine, reducing cycle times and improving productivity.
Operator safety is also enhanced through a panoramic cab design that provides visibility, while ROPS and FOPS Level II certification ensures high levels of operator protection.
The machines incorporate Eco Power Drive (EPD) technology, which optimises engine performance to reduce fuel consumption by up to 18 per cent — an advantage as contractors increasingly focus on lowering operating costs and improving sustainability.
Family ties
As a family-owned business, Borger Cranes values partnerships with companies that share a similar long-term outlook and commitment to innovation.
Merlo, which has been family-owned for more than six decades, continues to invest in research and development to improve equipment performance and productivity.
Shawn said that reliability and supplier reputation remain key considerations when selecting machinery for its national fleet.
“Downtime is not an option for our operations,” he said. “If critical parts are needed, they’re delivered quickly regardless of where the machine is working. In extreme cases, technicians can be deployed immediately to keep our equipment running.”
The long-standing partnership between Borger Cranes, ASA and Merlo reflects the importance of reliable equipment and strong supplier relationships in Australia’s lifting and construction industries.
“Supplier reputation is critical for us,” Shawn said. “Our reputation depends on the reliability, efficiency and safety of the equipment we operate.”
More information at merlo.com/aus/en
