Why more NZ sites are using turntables to save time and space.
An engineering fix with the potential over time to save millions for companies involved in industries like construction and retail is beginning to take hold in New Zealand.
That’s according to Bob Haswell, owner of Truck Turntables NZ Ltd, an operation which supplies, installs and services turntables enabling giant truck and trailer rigs to turn around on a building site, or at a warehouse, as if on a dime.
The on-site truck turntables – large, circular platforms varying in size from 8m to 20m in diameter – allow trucks of all sizes to rotate quickly and efficiently in places with tight space constraints and where traditional manoeuvring is costly and hazardous.
Haswell says rapid turning allows trucks to unload more quickly – and safely – in spaces never designed for them and can result in significant cost savings. He says local councils increasingly favour turntables because they prevent trucks from backing out onto busy streets.
“One client – at The Pacifica construction site, a residential skyscraper in downtown Auckland – told us they saved millions on the project through having quicker access,” Haswell says.
“The site was so tight that only two concrete trucks – with a combined weight capacity of 60,000kg – could be on it at the same time, and no traffic people were required because everything was front entry onto and off the minuscule site. Obviously this allowed for quicker construction, and when the project was done, we took the turntable away.”
At a time when retail and construction sites are under pressure to do more with less space, particularly in Auckland, this approach represents a new thinking for truck docking areas.
“While the use of truck turntables is common in Australia, it has not been the case in New Zealand. But the ability to move large trucks safely on sites is an increasing challenge here and as they become aware of the potential for financial and time savings, interest among Kiwi companies is beginning to grow.”
Haswell says while his company has 15 truck turntables in operation throughout New Zealand, people are also installing turntables for cars on their driveways or garages at home.
“We have installed about 250 residential turntables across the country. Many of them have a special finish, like cobblestones, in keeping with the landscape features of properties – we call these our James Bond versions.”
Haswell says his company orders the turntables from the Melbourne-based Australian Truck Turntables. Each one takes about five days to install.
The truck systems range between $80,000 to $500,000 to supply and install (a residential turntable costs about $45,000), but Haswell says most companies will recoup that investment within 18 to 24 months.
Two large permanent installations Truck Turntables supplied in Auckland in recent years were at the Woolworths on Jervois Rd and the Bunnings store in Grey Lynn. Here a 9m turntable capable of accommodating large trucks of up to 30,000kg was installed.
“A turntable helps reduce dead space (otherwise used for traditional truck manoeuvring) which means retail and office space is available for storage or other uses. Depending on the size of the table this can free upwards of 450-600sq m of vital retail space. And that extra space ultimately leads to better financial returns.”
How reliable are they, you might ask? Haswell explains each of the truck turntables has two or three motors, so when it comes to being serviced, one motor can be taken away without disruption.
Turntables can be permanent or relocatable, are manufactured to the highest standards and are ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) accredited indicating they adhere to rigorous quality management requirements. Motors and parts are sourced worldwide.
Truck Turntables is owned by Car Parking Solutions NZ Ltd (also headed by Haswell) and is part of a joint venture with the Australian Turntable Company.
Looking ahead, Haswell says around 90% of upcoming projects are permanent installations for supermarkets, hotels, department stores and service areas such as rubbish-truck loading bays.
The other 10% will be for construction sites where they will be required for 18-36 months, before they’re taken away.
For more information go to: www.truckturntables.co.nz