Lifting Q&A

Premium Content

06 May 2008

Johan Michielsens General manager, Michielsens Crane

Johan Michielsens General manager, Michielsens Crane

How long have you been in the industry?

Since I was born, I was born in this industry. On the weekends when there was no school, I hung out in the yard and played there.

What has been the most significant development in your time?

My two children, on a personal level.

What is your favourite-ever crane?

I see the Liebherr LTM 1070 with the 42 metre boom as my favourite: it is the first, more or less, all-terrain, has exceptional lifting capacities and is a great crane overall.

Is the crane industry safe?

Yes, there have been tremendous changes such as LMIs and the wearing of protectives. But also, changes in operator comfort, such as noise level, comfortable cabins and general use of the cranes.

What disappoints you most in the industry?

Nothing, I love it, it is my hobby.

Where do you see the industry in 20 years' time?

Maybe 20 years is too far ahead to see.

Is total cost of ownership now the real measure of equipment value?
As sustainability pressures, technology and rising operating costs reshape construction economics, contractors are looking beyond purchase price to understand what machines truly cost over their lifetime
How Donaldson is putting the seal on innovative filtration
When you’re working with machinery, uptime is money – so why allow downtime on a jobsite to be triggered by something as unglamorous as an air filter?
Smart lifting: How to balance cost and safety
Rental experts discuss equipment strategies for today’s complex lifting challenges