Project Background
For hire operators, small generators need to do more than just supply power, they need to be safe, portable, compliant and usable across a wide range of environments. , Australia’s leading equipment hire and solutions company, had a preferred 3.2kVA generator in mind. The only problem? It wasn’t fit for a one-person lift.
In practice, this meant added strain on operators, risk of handling injuries, and increased downtime on sites that rely on fast, mobile setups. Beyond this, the generator’s standard power outlets weren’t site-compliant out of the box, they needed RCD protection and weatherproofing to meet project specs.
Crommelins was brought in to design a complete solution, one that delivered not just power, but safe handling, portability and compliance.
The Problem
Coates needed a mobile generator that could be:
- Lifted and moved by one person without compromising safety
- Compliant with RCD site safety requirements
- Physically protected from damage during transit and handling
- Operationally efficient for use across a wide range of work environments
The OEM model supplied the power they wanted, but not the portability or compliance they needed.
The Solution
Working closely with Coates, Crommelins custom-built a new frame solution for the Honda EU32i inverter generator, designed specifically for site-ready hire use.
This included:
- Compact protective roll frame designed to shield the generator in transit and on site
- Integrated lifting bar, allowing safe crane or hoist handling
- Retractable wheels and folding handle, making it a true one-person portable unit
- Modified power outlets, fitted with an RCD breaker inside a weatherproof enclosure for site compliance
The approach balanced compliance with practicality, ensuring the unit is compact, mobile and ready for daily use in demanding hire environments.
The Results
The upgrade transformed a static, two-person lift generator into a fully portable, compliant hire fleet asset:
- Designed to meet one-person lift and mobility requirements
- Suitable for use across commercial and construction sites
- Compliant with RCD safety and weatherproofing needs
- Protected from knocks and damage in transit
- Backed by Coates’ branding and built to its hire spec
The rollout has been a success, with Coates continuing to order additional units to expand and maintain their generator fleet. This project reflects Coates’ ongoing commitment to improving safety and efficiency across its national hire fleet.
Why It Worked
Rather than start with a compromise or settle for an off-the-shelf solution, Crommelins worked around the preferred model, improving it from the ground up.
By combining real-world handling insights with engineering-led problem solving, the result was a practical, robust and compliant system that still leveraged the performance of the trusted EU32i generator.
This project is another example of how Crommelins doesn’t just supply equipment, we adapt and build around how you actually use it.
Lessons for Other Hire Businesses
If you’re running a hire fleet, even small machines like generators can become daily bottlenecks if they’re awkward to move, or fail to meet safety expectations. Every extra lift, cable swap or workaround slows your crew down, and adds risk.
Crommelins works with hire companies across Australia to tailor equipment to suit site conditions, safety standards and fleet consistency. Whether it’s a generator, compactor or pump, we’ll help you deliver more uptime and less double-handling.
