February 2009

Standing by his International 7600 is Eugene Marais of EM Moving and Rigging while Dylan Lewis’ rhino is lifted in the background.

The multiple role trucking plays in society never ceases to amaze us. While most people see trucks as a nuisance on the roads, few fully realise the incredible contribution they make to people’s enjoyment of life.

An example of this role came about when 27 lifesize wildlife sculptures of local and internationally acclaimed sculptor, Dylan Lewis, had to be moved into place to various locations in and around Stellenbosch so as to bring Lewis’ art to the locals. Eugene Marais of EM Moving and Rigging was called in and arrived with his International 7600. The crane fitted to the rig is capable of lifting up to nine tons so the heaviest sculpture, which weighed in at 3 tons, was no problem for this rig. 

“I’ve been contracted to lift a lot of things in my career but this was one of the more unusual assignments so far - and also one of the most fun,” says Marais. 

Thanks to Marais and ‘trusty truck’, art lovers in the Stellenbosch area can now view Lewis’ extraordinary artwork which is being exhibited at the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch until April 2009.