Partnering for Progress: How Palfinger Powers Swanson Transport's Success

At Swanson Transport, we’ve built our reputation over 80 years by focusing on what matters most: reliable service, innovation, fleet range, and safety. As a leading Auckland-wide transport company, we know the importance of strong partnerships—and one of our most valuable has been with Palfinger New Zealand. Their truck-mounted cranes have been instrumental in helping us deliver versatile, efficient, and safe transport solutions across the region.

A Legacy Built on Reliability

Our journey began in 1944, supporting local orchards serving Auckland’s fruit markets. What started with one truck and a small operation in the rural west has grown into a full-scale transport business with a fleet of over 60 trucks. We now provide a wide range of services, including curtain siders, flat decks, and of course, truck-mounted cranes—essential tools for the diverse jobs we handle every day.

“We’ve been in operation for 80 years now,” says our General Manager, Nick Longuet-Higgins. “From humble beginnings to where we are today, versatility and trust have driven our growth.”

The Beginning of a Long-Term Partnership

Our relationship with Palfinger goes back to the 1980s, when we purchased our first crane—the PK7000—to help load fruit baskets more efficiently. Even then, it was clear that Palfinger offered something special.

“It didn’t take long for us to see the advantages of the Palfinger cranes,” Nick recalls. “Since then, we’ve tried a few other brands, but ultimately our entire crane fleet is now made up of Palfinger units. That speaks volumes.”

Equipment That Meets Every Challenge

Our Palfinger-equipped fleet is designed to meet the wide-ranging demands of our customers. Whether it’s a residential spa pool that needs to go over the house or lifting frames for major developments, we’ve got the right gear for the job:

Four-wheelers with 12-metre reach for tight urban sites.

Eight-wheelers that extend to 21-metre reach for medium-scale projects.

Ten-wheelers with fly jibs capable of reaching 32-metres.

And the powerhouse: the PK 200.002, Palfinger’s largest crane on offer, with a massive 50-metre reach.

“No matter what the task is, Palfinger’s range gives us the flexibility we need to get it done safely and efficiently.”

Safety and Innovation: A Shared Priority

One of the key reasons we continue to invest in Palfinger equipment is their relentless focus on technology and safety. With each new model, Palfinger improves not just lift capacity, but the systems that keep our team safe.

“The safety features Palfinger offer give me peace of mind,” Nick says. “Knowing our operators have the best tools available means we can deliver confidently, no matter the conditions.”

A Service Team That Has Our Back

While we used to manage crane servicing in-house, we now partner directly with Palfinger’s service team to ensure every unit stays in top shape. Our workshop manager, Vince Weaver, works closely with Craig Bramble at Palfinger to manage regular servicing and inspections.

“This collaboration helps reduce downtime and keeps our cranes on the road and ready for action,” Nick explains.

Built on Trust and Performance

Looking at our fleet today, it’s clear how far we’ve come—and how crucial Palfinger has been to that journey. “The fact that our truck-mounted crane fleet is solely Palfinger is a testament to the product and the support they provide,” says Nick. “They’re more than a supplier—they’re part of how we deliver.”

From that first PK7000 to the towering PK 200.002, our partnership with Palfinger has evolved alongside our business, helping us scale and respond to the demands of Auckland’s ever-changing transport landscape.

The Road Ahead

As we look toward the future, Swanson Transport remains committed to delivering excellence—and we know Palfinger will continue to play a key role in that mission. Their innovative lifting solutions, built on decades of expertise, allow us to tackle every project with confidence and precision.

Need a lifting solution that delivers on safety, strength, and flexibility?
Trust the equipment we rely on every day. Explore Palfinger’s full range of truck-mounted cranes and discover how they can help power your business forward.

Watch our recent interview below with Palfinger.