Naval Beast Crane Restored by the Hastings Deering Team.

Known for its supply of Caterpillar heavy equipment and construction machinery, the Hastings Deering team have been involved in the manufacture of some incredible machinery throughout the business' history. Last year, the Hastings Deering team embarked on the restoration of a Beast Crane that was manufactured and used on the HMAS Melbourne. The restoration project focused on repairing the crane to its former glory, and it has been a complex and extensive undertaking that required a high level of technical expertise and attention to detail.

The Beast crane used on the HMAS Melbourne has a fascinating history, with a unique story surrounding the tractor that powered it. The tractor, which came from A.T. Osborne Ltd/County Tractor Spares Ltd in Hampshire, is a County FC654 – a forward controlled, four-wheel drive conversion of the Ford 5000 tractor. What makes the tractor used in The Beast a rare find is the Ford Select-O-Matic powershift transmission fitted to it.

The tractor is one of only three known FC654 tractors with this gearbox, making it a unique and valuable example. The Ford Select-O-Matic powershift transmission was an advanced gearbox for its time, offering ten forward speeds and two reverse speeds. Its quick and smooth gear changes made it a significant advantage when powering heavy equipment like the Beast crane. Its durability also made it ideal for use in tough and demanding conditions.

This particular tractor was built in mid-1967 by County Commercial Cars Ltd, the company that specialized in producing four-wheel drive conversions of Ford tractors, including the 654 and FC654 models. A crane attachment was then designed and fabricated by the Hastings Deering Group of Companies in Sydney in the late 1967 for the HMAS Melbourne.

The HMAS Melbourne was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1955 until 1982 and was under refurbishment works at the time, and hence “the Beast” was born. The Beast crane was a formidable machine, capable of lifting heavy loads with ease. It was extensively used on the HMAS Melbourne for the retrieval and placement of the aircraft and loads on the deck of the ship.

The restoration project was conducted in stages, with the initial focus being on repairing the cab, structure, and frame of the crane. The team replaced the old and rusted-out panels and skin on the cab with new ones to give it a fresh and updated look. One of the most significant challenges of the restoration project was dealing with the air system and brakes fitted for the crane attachment. The team rebuilt and replumbed the entire air system due to corrosion and certification requirements, and they fabricated new brake and air tubes to replace the corroded ones. 

The team paid attention to the machine's electrical system, replacing any damaged or faulty components. The dash and cab interior were also restored, with repairs and replacements conducted where necessary to improve functionality and aesthetics. The restoration project has been a remarkable achievement for Hastings Deering. The team's attention to detail and technical expertise has been critical in restoring the machine to its original state.

The restored Beast Crane serves as a testament to the expertise and dedication of the team at Hastings Deering. The project has been a testament to the company's commitment to excellence and quality, and it will undoubtedly stand as a remarkable achievement in the company's history - no body rebuilds better.