LinCon Expands National EWP Fleet with New Scania AWD Trucks

As LinCon celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, the Brisbane-headquartered business continues to strengthen its position as Australia’s leading provider of truck-mounted EWPs, with Scania playing an increasingly important role in the company’s national fleet strategy.

Operating from offices in every Australian state capital, LinCon manages a fleet of around 140 vehicles supporting EWP hire, sales, servicing and repairs. The fleet ranges from compact 13-metre units mounted on utility vehicles through to some of the largest truck-mounted EWPs operating in Australia, including bespoke 103-metre Palfinger platforms mounted on Tadano five-axle crane carriers.

LinCon first introduced Scania trucks into its fleet in 2006. Two decades later, that relationship continues to grow, with the company taking delivery of five new Scania vehicles this year and placing orders for a further 15 units.

According to LinCon Technical Sales Manager Tony Fish, Scania’s combination of power, fuel efficiency and off-road capability makes the brand particularly well suited to the company’s specialised operating environment.

“The nature of our work means our trucks must be able to travel long distances, operate in difficult terrain and run heavy PTO-driven equipment in extreme conditions,” Fish said.

“We’ve always specified higher horsepower engines because we need strong performance on long-distance runs and steep terrain. The Scania Super engine range has delivered the power we need while also providing excellent fuel economy.”

LinCon’s preferred platform is the Scania P-series, available in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 configurations. All-wheel drive capability is critical for the company’s operations, which regularly take crews and equipment into remote mining, energy and infrastructure projects.

Recent additions to the fleet include five 64-metre Palfinger EWPs mounted on Scania 6×6 chassis. LinCon has also ordered ten Scania 8×8 units equipped with 75-metre lifts, along with a further five 8×8 trucks carrying 64-metre Palfinger platforms.

The largest vehicles in the fleet can weigh approximately 36 tonnes once the EWP equipment is installed, prompting LinCon to specify Scania’s 500 hp Super 13-litre engine in its 8×8 trucks and the 460 hp version in its 6×6 fleet.

Fish said the partnership between Scania and Palfinger has also simplified the acquisition process for LinCon’s highly specialised equipment.

“When Scania completes the truck in Europe, it is delivered to Palfinger in Germany where the EWP is installed before being shipped to Australia,” he said.

“That close integration between Scania and Palfinger has worked extremely well for us.”

Scania chassis also underpin LinCon’s fleet of Barin under-bridge inspection units. Fish said the trucks’ full air suspension system contributes to stability when operating these highly specialised machines.

The company’s confidence in Scania recently extended beyond its EWP fleet with the introduction of its first Scania V8 prime mover. The new Scania R 660 has been purchased to transport LinCon’s largest equipment, including 103-metre Palfinger platforms used on major wind farm developments throughout Australia.

The R 660 will operate with a Drake widening low-loader and is expected to move combinations weighing up to 95 tonnes.

Fuel efficiency remains a major consideration for LinCon given the size and weight of its fleet.

“Aerodynamically these boom lifts are basically bricks on wheels,” Fish said.

“Everything we operate carries its full payload permanently because the boom is fixed to the truck. Any fuel saving delivered by Scania makes a real difference.”

That efficiency has already been noticed by drivers operating across the country.

Fish recalled one driver recently undertaking a Queensland-to-Perth trip in a Scania 6×6 before returning in a comparable competitor vehicle.

“He couldn’t believe the difference in fuel consumption,” Fish said.

“He was genuinely surprised by how efficient the Scania was compared with the other truck.”

LinCon’s specialised equipment can be found on projects ranging from telecommunications infrastructure and transmission line construction through to mining operations and renewable energy developments.

The company’s growing presence in Western Australia’s Pilbara region highlights the need for dependable all-wheel drive equipment. LinCon currently has multiple Scania-equipped EWPs supporting the construction of power transmission infrastructure servicing both mining operations and renewable energy projects near Newman.

The business also regularly undertakes work for utility providers including Powerlink and Ergon Energy, often deploying crews to remote locations for extended periods.

“For us, accessibility is everything,” Fish said.

“That’s why we buy all-wheel drive trucks. We need to reach places where conventional vehicles simply can’t go.”

Reliability has also reinforced LinCon’s continued investment in Scania.

“Scanias have been extremely dependable for us,” Fish said.

“We’ve built a very strong relationship with the Scania team at Richlands, and we know that if we need support, they’re there.”

Scania National Fleet Sales Manager Mark ten Broeke said LinCon’s operating profile demonstrates the strengths of the manufacturer’s all-wheel drive range.

“Our all-wheel drive rigid chassis and Super 13-litre engines are ideal for specialised operators such as LinCon,” ten Broeke said.

“They combine excellent fuel economy with strong torque delivery, making life easier for drivers while helping customers reduce operating costs.”

He added that Scania’s advanced driver assistance systems and standard-fit side curtain rollover airbags provide significant safety benefits for operators working both on and off road.

With major investments continuing across mining, power transmission and renewable energy infrastructure, the long-standing partnership between LinCon and Scania appears set to keep growing, ensuring specialised EWP equipment can reach even the most remote corners of Australia.