Kids of all ages had an opportunity to climb aboard Brutus, a large hydraulic crane flying a large American flag at the 2022 Pratt County Fair. The sight extended more than 35-feet up into the sky above the fairgrounds throughout fair week, July 19-23.
The crane, owned by Trand, Inc. of Pratt, is part of a large arsenal of rental cranes (and operators) that serve wind, gas, millwright, oil, construction and more industries all over Kansas, the United States and even Canada, from their company which has been based in Pratt for more than 30 years.
Brutus is also the first Liebherr LG 1750 latice-boom mobile crane in the United States.
“We are here at the fair because we feel it is important to make local connections and show our support especially for the youth of our community,” said Andrea Arnett, Vice President of Operations for Trand, Inc. “We are well-known all over the world for our large cranes, but sometimes I think people in Pratt don’t really know much about us.”
Arnett said that Trand is always looking for more good employees to work as operators, drivers and mechanics. Their business is booming and hasn’t been affected by the same economic difficulties that many other industries have experienced during pandemic and post-pandemic times.
“We currently have 17 employees doing what other companies like ours do with 30-40 people,” Arnett said. “This is a great career move for young people to look into. The money is good and the opportunities are excellent for someone who wants to learn about the business and is a good worker.”
Arnett said their immediate need was for more drivers, those with CDLs already in hand, or even those willing to train and work towards that certification.
“We are willing to work with young people to get them certified if they are willing to work,” Arnett said.
She said that drivers often move up to rigger, operator and mechanical positions as they show dedication to the company. More than 90 percent of crane work is currently contracted with the wind energy sector, Arnett said. But gas companies and other varied industries continue to bring stability and notice to the company.
Last month, Brutus was used to set a 24,200-lb. HVAC unit onto a roof at a 450-degree radius for a processing facility in Dodge City.
According to operator Ken Cornelson, Trand used the 850-USt crane for the job because the plant’s layout didn’t allow a smaller crane to get close enough to place the HVAC unit.
The Brutus LG carrier has 8 axles, and its four swing-out outriggers form a lifting footprint that’s 52’6” x 52’6”. For this lift there was only one place the crane could fit and still allow the company to continue functioning as normal. The crane was rigged 184’ boom at a 47-degree angle and 344’ of luffing jib at a 25-degree angle.
“Our LG 1750 is unique from other LG 1750s in the U.S. because we purchased the luffer assembly, which has allowed us to do a wide variety of jobs that are very challenging.”
Arnett said Trand services are in demand not only in Kansas and surrounding states, but they recently returned from jobs in Canada and North Dakota.
At www.TrandInc.com, the business focus of Trand, Inc. is lifting objects, but as a beacon on a hill for the 75th Annual Pratt County Fair this past week, it became apparent that lifting people and community spirit is also important to this company.
Job seekers are welcome to contact Arnett and company on Facebook or at the company’s website for more information about employment opportunities.