40
| HIRE
AND
RENTAL
NEWS
| FEBRUARY 2013
CONVENTION PREVIEW
Grey market imports expose purchasers to machinery
that is noncompliant to Australian Standards
Purchasers risk livelihoods with ‘grey imports’
Australian equipment purchasers may
find themselves stuck with unusable
equipment, risking their livelihoods
and reputations and with no legal
recourse, due to so-called ‘grey market’
imports, according to the Construction
and Mining Equipment Industry Group
(
CMEIG).
This is an area the EWPA and TSHA
has been proactive about, educating
and informing members for many years
about the dangers associated with
non-Australian Standard compliant
imported machinery and equipment.
CMEIG advises equipment purchased
anywhere other than from an Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is
likely to be a ‘grey import’ machine,
making it unlikely to be able to be used in
Australia because it will not comply with
Australian Standards.
JCB Construction Equipment Australia
(
JCB CEA) National Telehandler Manager
Greg Sealey said telehandlers are
particularly popular with grey market
importers and the issue is a serious one that
affects around 100 JCB customers every
year.
“
JCB telehandlers are popular among
grey importers because we have a
reputation for quality. Around 100 people
buy these grey market telehandlers each
year, thinking they’ve purchased a genuine
JCB product with all the benefits that
entails, and the truth is, they haven’t,” Greg
said.
“
These grey importers bring in
telehandlers from overseas and sell them
as ‘new’, ‘unused’ or ‘low-hour’ machines,
which might be true. But what they’re
not telling their customers is the cheap
telehandler they’re buying will never be
able to be used legally in this country.
“
This means owners of grey market
machines may be refused entry to job sites,
their insurance may be invalid and they
will be personally liable for any incidents or
accidents.
“
When you consider the risk this poses to
your livelihood and professional reputation,
it’s hard to understand why anyone would
choose to purchase grey market equipment.
Sure you might save on the initial purchase
price, but it will cost you a lot more in the
long run.”
Greg said the reason these machines
can’t legally be used in Australia is because
they have been brought in from overseas
markets where the specifications and
standards are different.
“
Australia has some of the most stringent
safety standards in the world,” he said.
“
Features like ROPS, hose burst
protection, and state-of-the-art engine
and hydraulic systems are pretty standard
on telehandlers manufactured for the
Australian market. In other countries,
machines simply don’t have these features,
putting the machine operator at risk.”
The importers usually tell customers
to see the OEM to obtain a certificate of
compliance. This instruction often gives
peace of mind the machine will eventually
be able to be used legally. However, Greg
said this is not the case.
“
We can’t make the machines compliant
and we therefore can’t issue a certificate of
compliance. This leaves the customer with a
machine they can’t use,” he said.
Another problem encountered by people
who have purchased grey market machines
is a lack of readily available parts, which can
cause significant problems if the machine
breaks down and when it needs to be
serviced.
“
Often the machines either use outdated
technology or parts that were never
available in Australia. The owners come
to JCB dealerships looking for parts and
repairs but we literally cannot help them,
which can be distressing for everyone
involved,” Greg said.
Another key issue for customers is their
legal standing if the telehandler is involved
in an accident.
“
Put simply, the owner of the machine
bears full responsibility. There is no legal
recourse for you if you have one of these
machines in operation. The importer
bears no legal responsibility and insurance
companies may not cover you. You may be
fully liable both legally and financially if
there is an accident. That’s an awfully big
risk to take,” Greg said.
Greg’s advice to anyone looking to
purchase a telehandler is to look closely at
the compliance plate.
“
Every machine has a compliance
plate. Make sure it says the machine
complies with AS1418-19. If it doesn’t,
walk away before you spend your money
on a machine that is likely to cause you
significant problems.”
JCB’s UK-made Loadall series
telehandler range includes more than 20
models from the compact, 4m lift 515-40
model to the heavy duty, 17m lift 540-170
model.
Powered by the JCB Dieselmax engine,
the Loadall telehandlers offer fast
hydraulic cycle times and a transmission
disconnect button that instantly diverts
engine power to the pumps for greater
productivity.
“
Like all JCB machines, the telehandler
range was designed with operator comfort
and safety in mind and the attention to
detail really shows in the cab,” Greg said.
“
Built around the operator, the cab
includes a fully adjustable suspension seat
and steering column, mobile phone holder
and other comfort features. Ergonomically
positioned dials and switches are grouped
intelligently for intuitive use.
“
Possibly the most important feature
of the JCB Loadall telehandler range,
particularly where grey market customers
are concerned, is the low total cost of
ownership. These machines are reliable,
productive and efficient. Their long service
intervals and high residual value make
them a smart investment. And when
customers purchase from an accredited JCB
dealership, they get fast access to genuine
parts and servicing to maximise their
uptime something you don’t get with a
grey market machine.”
Greg said extended warranties, flexible
finance and insurance options and theft
minimisation features are also available
to customers who purchase through
authorised dealerships.
“
Buying a grey market machine may save
you a few thousand dollars in the initial
purchase transaction, but the overall value
of the machine, not to mention the possible
negative effects on your business and
reputation, simply doesn’t match up when
you consider the benefits of purchasing
a legitimate JCB telehandler from an
authorised dealer,” he said.
For more contact: 03 9797 3458 or visit:
www.jcbcea.com.au
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