Newsletters, news and press reviews from our world.

GIS, the only Italian event dedicated to the users of cranes, AWP, industrial handling equipment, and heavy transport, will occur as usual in Piacenza from the 7th to the 9th of October 2021. Jekko will expose a wide range of products, receiving its visitors in two new areas. The main stand, number N28 outdoor, will display Jekko foremost mini-cranes, with the two families SPX and JF. The stand A20/B19, in the indoor pavilion N1, is for industrial applications and tools. The outside booth will see the presence of SPX532, the 3.2-ton best seller, SPX650, the 5-ton mini-crane presented in July 2020, and SPX1280, with its maximum lifting capacity of 8 tons. These three machines can mount lithium batteries or diesel engines to give the operator more versatility. Representing the JF family, there will be JF545, an articulated crane successful in Italy and abroad thanks to its performances, and JF990, able to lift a maximum of 21500 kg. MPK50, the industrial mini-picker, will occupy the limelight of the indoor stand, together with Jekko lifting accessories. The tools catalogue includes the vacuum lifters JVL450 and JVL600, the manipulators JVM800R for glass and slates, and JIB500GR for iron bars. Not to forget the lifting beams in three sizes, 5, 10 and 20 tons. During the eighth edition of GIS, Jekko will also present MPK10, the new 1-ton mini-picker that will expand the glass-handling range with the praised MPK06. The latest model will appear at the Italian mini-picker dealer LEVO stand, number L2/M1b (outdoor), renamed ORION06 and ORION10. Visitors can also spot some Jekko cranes in other customer’s stands throughout the exhibition. Jekko, seen the proficuous times for the construction and lifting industry, forecasts the visit of many customers and dealers from Italy and abroad. There are high expectations for GIS 2021, the most prominent event in Europe for the lifting sector.

Jekko, working with the Belgian army, has developed the first mini-crane fitted for air transport It looks like the classic SPX1280, with its compact dimensions, cutting edge stabilisation and hydraulic system, a maximum lifting capacity of 8 tons, and a 2-ton Pick&Carry. But this shiny-yellow mini crane hides special features that make it a military-grade machine, fitted for air transport and parachuting.

In the beautiful context of Stockholm downtown JF545 was stabilised on a scow and used by Wilgo AB company in the mounting of a pedestrian and cycle bridge. Many infrastructure projects are currently under development at the heart Stockholm. Among the most challenging ones there’s the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Riddarfjärden bay, the whole project is currently under development and it will be completed in summer 2021. For the installation of the bridge structure, made of 5 tons blocks, a machine with high lifting capacity and great outreach was required. One of the possible options was the use of a big mobile crane, to be stabilised on the nearby car bridge. Since the bridge that connects the islands in central Stockholm is very important for traffic flow, work could have been done only at night: a really expensive and time-consuming solution. Wilgo AB, a transportation and lifting company based in Gothenburg, offered the perfect solution: JF545, which was stabilised on a scow for 10 weeks and carried out all lift and handling operations from the boat. “From our perspective, the main advantages of JF545 are the compact dimensions, the high lifting capacity considering its weight and the possibility of working with no emissions when using the additional power pack. When operating with the electric engine, the crane is very silent and this improves the working environment tremendously. Last but not least the stabilisation system is very handy when there’s not a lot of space – explains Mr. Joacim Göransson, owner of Wilgo AB – For the job we did in Stockholm the JF545 was especially good because it could be stabilized on a scow, this allowed the contractors to save a lot of money and time. In unloading the bridge structure from the boat the machine was also priceless, if the Jekko hadn’t been on site the only way to unload the elements would have been using a mobile crane”. When talking about his experience with Jekko, Mr. Göransson adds: ”We invested in a JF545 in late 2019 because we saw an opportunity for that kind of machine in Gothenburg. Our JF545 was the first crawler crane in the area and the city was investing in big infrastructure projects. Thanks to this model we could expand our working area and become experts in lifting in narrow spaces: with our Jekko JF545 we do all kinds of lifting in confined areas, for example in the archipelago outside Gothenburg, courtyards, in tunnels and below the ground level, on scows etc.”.

The 8-ton mini crane launched at the end of 2019 is now available with electric engine supplied by lithium battery Jekko welcomes in the mini crane family the new SPX1280 lithium battery-supplied, thus completing the range of mini crane with battery-supplied electric engine. This mini crane features high performances and low environmental impact and is the perfect answer to the new requirements of the lift & handling industry.   No limits   With a maximum lifting capacity of 8 ton and a maximum working height of 26.6 m (when hydraulic jib is installed), SPX1280 is the most performing machine within its sector considering its weight, size and stabilization area.   SPX1280 stands out for many innovative technical solutions which made this model one of the most appreciated machines in a short time. The mini crane can count on a sophisticated and cutting-edge stabilisation system. The outriggers, directly operated with the radio remote control, feature hydraulic rotation between 0° and 45° and telescopic hydraulic extension, for endless operational configurations. Depending on the opening angle and the extension of the stabilisers the software can define in real time the maximum safe working load in a specific point, with seven load charts for each crane configuration. Thanks to the new digital electro-hydraulic Danfoss distributor, the machine smartly and autonomously regulates oil pressure and flow rate according to movement, load and movement’s speed. Movements are move smooth and precise, giving the operator a greater feeling of control, and it’s possible to work simultaneously with three functions. SPX1280 is equipped with a 1.5-tons hydraulic jib, which features compact dimensions and clean design thanks to inner cylinders and can work with a negative angle up to -10°, and with a 3.5-tons runner jib which can reach the narrowest corners (both of them with plug & play attachments). The control of this precise and powerful machine is totally in the operator’s hands thanks to the new user-friendly radio remote control, with a software developed internally by Jekko, which allows to directly activate or deactivate all crane functions and tools. The power of lithium The 20 kW three-phase engine is powered by a custom designed 96 V lithium battery pack with a capacity of 400 Ah. A triple battery charger is installed on board the machine, to charge with mono-phase (230 V) or three-phase (400 V) current. The machine can be operated while the battery is under charge. All battery parameters and errors can be easily visualized on the display of radio remote control. Thanks to the electric engine, the new version of SPX1280 can operate also indoor or in delicate job sites with no emission. Lithium batteries allow unchanged and constant performance even in case of intense use for the whole charge duration, and they have longer life as compared to lead acid batteries. Moreover, a lithium battery-powered electric engine implies less maintenance costs than a standard diesel engine. “Jekko has always believed in the concept of battery-powered electric mini crane, efficient and ecological. The technological frontier is now moving towards lithium batteries, which allow better performance and have a great value for money. Jekko is investing a lot in this new technology and our efforts are being rewarded by an excellent market response – comments Mr. Alberto Franceschini, Jekko Sales Director – The diesel version of SPX1280 has been a great success from the very beginning. Now the availability of the lithium battery-supplied version is creating even more opportunities, because it meets the needs of an ever-increasing share of customers caring not only about crane performance, but also about environmental sustainability”.

Jekko’s bestseller articulated crane JF545 is the newest member of the Goitese Trasporti fleet, a Mantuan company with more than 40 years of experience in the transport and lifting industry. This purchase is a significant step for Goitese. Their new JF545, as well as being the company’s first Jekko, is a fully-equipped model. Its layout includes an aerial working platform, vacuum lifters for glass panes, and a 20-ton capacity lifting beam. The crane fits the most performing winch for this machine, a 3-ton capacity (single-line) V30, and an additional cooling system. Moreover, this JF545 shows Goitese colours. “We have chosen Jekko because, among all the lifting solutions available on the market, it has many strengths, like an astonishing stabilising system, and it delivers excellent performance. – explains Diego Brutti from Goitese – We think the JF545 offers many possibilities and high versatility, and we look forward to using our new machine. We have already received some commissions in construction, and we are going to use the Jekko crane also for maintenance and to move machinery, an industry we are specialising in.” With a maximum lifting capacity of 15.5 tons, a maximum working height of 30 m, and an advanced stabilisation system, JF545 has the strengths of both mini cranes and articulated cranes, and it’s the best solution for every situation.    

Jekko’s dealer Hocap received the first unit of new SPX650 to be delivered in the Netherlands The new multifaceted mini crane SPX650 has landed in the Dutch market. With a maximum reachable height of 23.5 m, compact dimensions, a lithium battery power supply, cutting edge stabilisation and hydraulic systems, the new 5-ton mini crane had already captured the attention of the international market after the official launch last year. After the first tests with the machine, Hocap comments: “We are proud of having the first unit of SPX650 in the Netherlands! The machine is characterized by its elegant Italian design, its high safety standards and embodies all the latest major innovations. Literally every function of the crane can be controlled from the radio remote control. Furthermore, this Jekko has a boom that every crane operator is dreaming about. This new model is fully in line with the SPX532 and both machines stand for a new generation of mini cranes, achieving the maximum performance”.  SPX650 embodies the most advanced technical solutions: it can count on a sophisticated hydraulic system by Danfoss, 100% electronically-operated, which allows smooth and accurate crane movements, and on a new stabilisation system for endless operating configurations. The crane features also a new 1.2 tons hydraulic jib with 3 extensions and a new 2 tons runner jib. Last but not least, SPX650 is equipped with a custom designed 48 V lithium battery pack which allows unchanged and constant performance even in case of intense use with heavy loads and the possibility of operating indoor without any kind of emission. Looking ahead to the next steps, Hocap adds: “In the upcoming months we will present this new model to the market with demo and events. We believe that the new 5-ton mini crane has many chances to succeed in the Dutch market and will stand out in the lift and handling sector”.

The first weeks of 2021 have brought important news at Jekko. The Treviso-based mini cranes producer has just signed a new dealership agreement with the Danish company Stiholt Hydraulic, 30-year-old company of Stiholt Group, specialised in sale and assistance for Scania and from 1st February 2021 for Fassi cranes too.. “We are glad of becoming part of Jekko’s dealers network – comments Mr. Kurt Nielsen, Sales Agent at Stiholt – We are setting up a dedicated sales and services structure with demo machines, to offer new and regular customers the best support”. “Mini cranes sector is new for Stiholt, but we can detect many synergies with our established business” adds Mr. Jens Holger Pedersen, Stiholt Sales and Marketing Director.   Mr. Alberto Franceschini, Jekko Sales Director, expresses full satisfaction about the new partnership too: “Central and Northern Europe is a really strategic area for Jekko, it is an established market but still with a great potential. Some Jekko machines were already sold in Denmark in the past, but due to the lack of a dealer our presence was not as strong as wished. For this reason this new partnership is extremely important for us, we have big expectations and we believe Stiholt will give customers the proper support”.

With the new V-Max, Jekko paves the way to new applications for its bestselling JF545 model. V for versatility, Max for maximum. Not a pun but the latest proposal by Jekko: the new version of the JF545 articulated crawler crane – flagship of the Treviso-based company – raises the bar of versatile and multitasking machines to the very top with the optional installation of even more tools than the standard version. NEW DEDICATED HYDRAULIC LINES MEAN MORE TOOLS The trump card of the new JF545 V-Max is a jib fitting a wide range of tools whose operation require elevated quantity and pressure of oil such as an auger, a grapple saw or a clamshell bucket. An additional and independent hydraulic circuit with cooling radiator prevents oil overheating during operation and keeps a constant temperature even during intensive hydraulic use. This innovative and unequalled solution ensures a more effective and professional exploitation of the tools.   ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF THE JF545 MODEL The V-Max version features all the characteristics of the JF545 standard model, highly appreciated by the sector insiders: endless stabilization configurations, compact size for maximum accessibility in confined spaces, great lifting capacity (15.5 t) combined with outstanding reach (28 m), elevated maximum operating height (30 m), triple articulated boom (when jib is installed), removable counterweight, precise and smooth operation for the most delicate tasks. The use of all the options available for the JF545 is still possible: the work platform and the man basket, the vacuum manipulator for glazed panes and the winch, among many others.   COMPETITIVE EDGE The operator of a JF545 V-Max can choose from a wide range of applications. The standard model is already strongly versatile and it easily adapts to manifold operational environments but the V-Max version allows for even more vast and varied applications: from its traditional use in constructions, industry, logistics and handling or laying in confined spaces to more innovative uses with the grapple saw such as in green areas maintenance. “The JF545 V-Max has a huge potential and we believe it will be a very catchy solution for both our established customers and new buyers. We’re already receiving many requests – remarks Alberto Franceschini, Jekko’s Export Manager. – While developing this version, we’ve been inspired by the concept of multi-tool machine, extremely versatile, professional and suitable to be used with many different tools still being user-friendly. In short, a perfect mate for no matter what daily challenge!”   CASE HISTORY A new approach to green space management with the JF545 V-Max and the grapple saw

Italian mini cranes manufacturer Jekko is glad to announce the establishment of a new subsidiary in Germany: the company will be named Jekko Deutschland and will allow a more widespread presence in the German speaking areas. 15 years have already passed since the first Jekko mini crane landed in Germany. From that moment on, the German market has become increasingly important and now Jekko mini cranes are widely appreciated, also thanks to the precious work of NordKran, Jekko’s official dealer for Germany and Austria in the past five years. The strategic importance gained by the market and the wish of having a more direct supervision of the German speaking areas led Jekko to the decision of establishing a subsidiary in Germany, named Jekko Deutschland and headquartered in Witten. Besides Jekko, the new company has two other shareholders: Mr. Carsten Bielefeld, formerly Sales Agent at NordKran, and Mr. Andreas Krome of Lift Service Krome, which manages Jekko after sales services in Germany. NordKran will keep on supporting Jekko as a dealer in Northern Germany.   Jekko’s CEO, Mr. Diego Tomasella, expresses full satisfaction with the new project: “With the establishment of Jekko Deutschland we want to make a step forward in the German market, which has always been attractive and challenging for Jekko due to its high quality demand. We have done a very good job in the last 5 years with our partner NordKran, that will remain not only our local dealer for a wide region in the Northern Germany but will extend and improve its products and services range for its customers. Our goal will the local company Jekko Deutschland is to be more reactive and present both in sales and after sales for all kind of customers, from a single end user to a big rental company. Jekko’s range is growing with the introduction of a wide range of products and we believe that the German market will react in a positive way to our proposals.”   Mr. Alberto Franceschini, Jekko Export Manager, adds: “This decision is not exclusively a matter of sales. The German customer has always shown appreciation for the technology, the refinement and the stylistic choices of a Made in Italy product such as Jekkos. The German market requires high levels of reliability, responsiveness and customer support. We wanted to raise the bar on the quality of our service for our valued German customers and the only way was to have a direct presence and to rely on industry professionals such as Carsten Bielefeld, Andreas Krome and Maik Buchtmann. We believe that end users will benefit from this choice and Jekko brand reputation will be improved as well. On the other hand, when Italian fantasy and creativity meet German pragmatism and organisation only great things can happen!”.    “Thanks to the activities carried out by NordKran in the last five years, Jekko has earned an important place in the German market. Our goal from the beginning was to become market leader in a short time, now the goal is in sight and Jekko has to do the next step forward.- comments Mr. Bielefeld – I am happy to be part of this new team. Together with NordKran and new Jekko Deutschland we will send the strong and clear message that our goal is a much stronger presence in Germany and Austria. With NordKran as our dealer in the North we have a great partner at our side.”  Talking about future projects, he adds: “The plan is to find some more dealers in the other parts of Germany and Austria, to give the best support to all customers and to bridge the distance.”   After sales service plays an important role in the project too and in this regard Mr. Andreas Krome says: “I’m very happy to be a part of the restructuring of sales & support for Jekko products in Germany and I will be deeply committed to the successful implementation of the team’s goals. Our task, into which we have already grown in recent years, will be the technical support of Jekko cranes in connection with the spare parts supply. Supporting our customers with all the necessary information to ensure a long, efficient and safe use of Jekko mini cranes will be our main focus of activity. We are convinced that a good exchange and trustful communication between the after-sales department in Italy, our customers and us is indispensable for this.”   On his part, Mr. Maik Buchtmann underlines the full commitment of NordKran: “We look forward to the cooperation and the opportunities that arise with the establishment of Jekko Deutschland. The new role as a dealer in Northern Germany and in the area reaching up to Berlin has great potential for us. With locations in Delmenhorst, Hamburg and Papenburg, we see ourselves well equipped for the new situation. The possibility of further expanding the end customer business and finding special solutions with customers is becoming increasingly important. The motto is “quality instead of quantity”. We look forward to a close, respectful and cooperative partnership between Jekko Deutschland and NordKran as well as to the contact with Jekko in Italy that has existed for over five years. Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic, the forecast for the machine trade is still being worked out. A fleet of storage machines is of course available for immediate delivery. The NordKran and Buchtmann group currently has more than 30 mini cranes for rent and in stock.”