Knuckle boom crane operators battled it out Sept. 7 at Falcon Equipment as part of the third annual Falcon Crane Rodeo.
Falcon Equipment hosted competitors and spectators on the company's big yard on 96th Avenue in Port Kells.
Knuckle boom cranes look similar to straight-boom cranes, but have two booms, a main boom and an outer boom connected by a “knuckle,” hence the name.
Operators competed for cash, prizes, and bragging rights over four events: Hook n' Hoop, Forklift Ring Toss, Rail Spike Throwdown, and a three-wheel forklift obstacle course.
Ferlin Fransz, Falcon’s service manager, said the rodeo was a big hit with both competitors and spectators.
“Today has been great,” said Fransz. “We’ve had people coming and going all day. Everyone’s been having a good time. A lot of people have brought their families down.”
He said because Falcon Equipment is 30-plus years old, many of their customers have relationships with Falcon that stretch back decades. He said the rodeo is as much about competition and fun as it about showing some customer appreciation.
Fransz said they changed up the events a little bit this year, they do every year, as they like to offer the operators variations on old events and new challenges.
In their back lot, Falcon set up a three-wheel forklift course. Fransz said it took them two days to clear the large area.
“That’s where we work,” said Fransz. “So, it actually gave me an opportunity to clear my yard. It's never looked like that ever.”
Fransz added the happy by-product of creating the three-wheel forklift course is a “fresh start” for work the next week.
“We get to redesign (the yard) the way it needs to be.”
Christina Matthews, Falcon’s Surrey branch manager, plans the crane rodeo along with Kelsey Patrick and Fransz.
She said several crane operators commented about how challenging the events were this year.
“To me, that’s a success," Matthews said. "That means we’ve delivered on what they asked for,”
She noted many operators told her adding a jib attachment to the crane was an additional challenge, as many of them don’t use it in their day-to-day work. A jib attachment is a little hook-shaped piece that is attached to the end of the crane arm.
“It’s a little more challenging,” explained Matthews. “But they liking the additional challenge.”
She added all the events were very competitive with winners coming out ahead only by small margins.
Patrick said it was great to see Falcon’s customers and members of the community come out to support the crane rodeo.
“There is nothing like this in our industry,” Patrick noted. “So many of the crane operators are really excited to be here today. This is something that showcases their skills.”
Patrick added that it was the second year Falcon hosted a “kids’ zone” at the rodeo and it was another hit.
“Families love it, because there is so much for the kids.”
Along with the fun and competitive rodeo aspect, the event also features some big-machine education and recruitment.
BCIT brought in their trailer with simulators. Rodeo-goers were then able to run simulators for earth-moving equipment. Skilled Trades B.C. and Fulford Certification (a certification program for crane operators) were also onsite.
Matthews said that she, Fransz, and Patrick have their work cut out for themselves in regards to the 2025 crane rodeo.
“How do we top it?” she asked. “We’re going to have to expand our committee!”
For info on Falcon’s 2025 crane rodeo, visit falconequip.com.
