Wondering how much it costs to hire a crane truck (Hiab) in Melbourne? While it’s difficult to estimate an accurate figure, most projects that require a standard crane truck hire typically range from $100 to $250 per hour or $1,200 to $2,000 for a full day.

However, this is just a ballpark figure. The final cost of crane hire services in Melbourne depends on several factors, including the crane type and lifting capacity required, site access, project duration, transport, permits, and whether the hire includes an operator and rigging crew.

Quinlan Cranes can tailor solutions for all your crane transport needs.

Read more about our crane trucks here.

 

What Drives the Cost of Crane Truck Hire in Melbourne?

Crane truck hire costs in Melbourne are influenced by several key factors, each contributing to the final cost based on various project specifics.

Crane Size and Lifting Capacity

A 10-tonne crane truck designed for heavy-duty loads will command a higher premium than a 3-tonne truck due to the differences in the truck’s power and size.

Duration

Short-term hires (often under four hours) tend to hit minimum charges equivalent to a half-day hire, while a longer booking can effectively reduce hourly rates.

Site Access and Complexity

Tight urban sites, narrow laneways, or overhead obstacles demand compact crane trucks, plus extra planning and setup time leads to additional costs. In contrast, clear, open sites allow standard crane trucks at a lower cost.

Travel and Mobilisation

Distances from the depot, for instance, from our depots in Laverton or North Geelong to the Melbourne CBD or outer suburbs can incur transport costs. Likewise, you might incur fuel surcharges during peak demand periods.

Permits and Compliance

Road closures or council approvals can also add $$$ in fees and administrative time. Moreover, high-risk sites require spotters and engineers, which further inflates quotes to adhere to WorkSafe Victoria guidelines.

Operator Expertise

Crane trucks must be hired in conjunction with a specialist driver due to the complexity of the machinery. Senior operators come with higher premiums.

 

4 Ways to Keep Your Crane Truck Costs Under Control

Hiring a crane truck can be a costly business expense, but it is still the better alternative to purchasing one outright.

Improve Project Scheduling and Site Prep

A well-prepared site reduces delays and overall hiring costs. Moreover, consider grouping multiple lifts into the same booking to reduce overall hire costs.

Review Quotes and Included Services Carefully

Comparing quotes from different providers helps identify the best value for your specific need.

Book Ahead and Avoid Peak Demand

Early bookings can help secure better pricing. Last-minute, unplanned bookings tend to result in higher rates and reduced equipment availability.

Partner with Quinlan Cranes

Always partner with an experienced crane truck hire company! Working with Quinlan Cranes helps ensure you get the right equipment for your project.

 

FAQ

What is the minimum hire period for a crane truck in Melbourne?

Typical operators charge a minimum of 2-4 hours. We recommend confirming this with the supplier to avoid any surprises upon receiving your invoice.

Is crane truck hire charged by the hour or by the job?

Both! Short-term projects lend themselves better to hourly rates, whereas for long-term crane transport commitments, or well-defined projects, fixed-rates will be better-suited.

 

Get Your Project Moving with Quinlan Cranes

One of the biggest factors affecting mobile crane truck hire costs is choosing the right crane for the job, and that’s where the team at Quinlan Cranes can help.

Our expert-led team has 25+ years of experience in Melbourne, and will assess your project requirements, site conditions and load weight to recommend the most cost-effective solution.

To get started with a tailored crane truck hire quote, contact Quinlan Cranes on 03 8368 2800 and speak with our team today.

Hiring a telehandler in Melbourne is a cost-effective way to support construction and lifting projects without the expense of outright ownership.

While pricing can vary depending on factors such as machine type and capacity, site access, project duration, transport requirements, permits, and whether the hire includes an operator and attachments, telehandler hire in Melbourne typically starts from around $350 per day for smaller machines.

Weekly hire rates can reach $2,000 or more, depending on the telehandler capacity, project requirements, and supplier.

With telehandlers suited to a wide range of residential and commercial applications, Quinlan Cranes provides tailored lifting and material handling solutions across a range of projects.

Read more about our telehandlers here.

What Affects the Cost of Telehandler Hire in Melbourne?

Telehandler hire in Melbourne is usually driven by how far and how high the machine needs to work, along with how easy it is to get the unit on site. In general, bigger capacity and higher reach means hire rates. However, long delivery and distances can all add up to the final price.

Reach Height

The higher the telehandler needs to lift, the more specialised the machine needs to be. For instance, a small six-metre unit may suit basic material moves, but if you need upper-floor placement or significant forward reach, you’ll likely need a 12m+ lift height model.

Load Capacity

Telehandlers with higher safe working loads typically cost more as they are built for tougher jobs. If your job only necessitates light moving, a smaller machine might be better suited than a large capacity telehandler.

Wet vs Dry Hire

Wet hire usually costs more because it includes an operator, which is the more common arrangement for construction and site work. Dry hire is cheaper upfront, but you’re responsible for supplying the operator and usually carrying more responsibility for the machine’s use and care. For many Melbourne-based projects, wet hire is preferred as it reduces overall risk and simplifies project coordination.

Hire Duration

Short-term telehandler hire often comes with a higher effective daily cost, as transport, delivery, pickup, and setup expenses are spread across a shorter hire period. If your project requires equipment for several days or longer, weekly telehandler hire can often provide better overall value compared to booking day by day.

Site Accessibility

Tight access, uneven ground, narrow entries, or busy, urban environments can push costs up due to the supplier needing more specialised machinery ot extra planning. If the site is easier to enter and/or operate in, hiring is usually simpler and cheaper.

Travel Distance

Transport distance can have a noticeable impact on telehandler hire costs, with delivery and pickup fees generally increasing the further the equipment needs to travel from the supplier’s depot. Projects located in outer Melbourne suburbs or regional areas may attract higher transport costs due to additional travel time and logistics requirements.

How to Save Money When Hiring a Crane in Melbourne

Hiring a crane can be a costly business expense, but it is still the better alternative to purchasing one outright.

Select the Right Crane for the Job

Choosing the right crane size helps avoid paying for unnecessary lifting capacity. Consider working with an experienced crane hire provider to ensure you select the most suitable crane for your project.

Improve Project Scheduling and Site Prep

A well-prepared site reduces delays and overall hiring costs. Moreover, consider grouping multiple lifts into the same booking to reduce overall hire costs.

Review Quotes and Included Services Carefully

Comparing quotes from different providers helps identify the best value for your specific need.

Book Ahead and Avoid Peak Demand

Early bookings can help secure better pricing. Last-minute, unplanned bookings tend to result in higher rates and reduced equipment availability.

Partner with Quinlan Cranes

Always partner with an experienced crane hire company! Working with Quinlan Cranes helps ensure you get the right equipment for your project.

Choosing the Right Telehandler Hire Option

Choosing the right telehandler for your project can make a significant difference to both cost and productivity. Factors like reach height, lifting requirements, site conditions, and material handling needs all play an important role in selecting the most cost-effective option.

Identify the perfect crane for your project using our crane calculator. With just a few key details, you’ll receive a rough estimate of the crane size you’ll require.

Choose Quinlan Cranes for Melbourne Telehandler Hire

One of the biggest factors affecting telehandler hire costs is choosing the right machine for the job, and that’s where the team at Quinlan Cranes can help.

Rather than paying for oversized equipment or attachments you don’t need, our experienced team will assess your project requirements, site access, lift height, load capacity, and material handling needs to recommend the most practical and cost-effective telehandler solution.

With a wide range of mobile cranes, Franna cranes, rough terrain cranes, crane trucks, and telehandlers available across Melbourne and Geelong, we can match your project with equipment that supports both project efficiency and budget.

To get started with a tailored mobile crane hire quote, contact Quinlan Cranes on 03 8368 2800 and speak with our team today.

Wondering how much it costs to hire a mobile crane in Melbourne? While it’s difficult to estimate an accurate figure, most projects tend to typically range from $220 to $350 per hour for standard mobile crane hire. However, this is just a ballpark figure. Smaller cranes may cost less, while larger cranes designed for heavy or complex lifts can attract significantly higher rates.

The final cost of crane hire services in Melbourne depends on several factors, including the crane type and lifting capacity required, site access, project duration, transport, permits, and whether the hire includes an operator and rigging crew.

With fleets ranging from 10 to 250 tonnes, Quinlan Cranes can tailor solutions to everything from small residential lifts to major infrastructure projects.

Read more about our mobile cranes here.

What Affects Mobile Crane Hire Costs in Melbourne?

Mobile crane hire costs in Melbourne are influenced by several key factors, each contributing to the final cost based on various project specifics.

Crane type and lifting capacity

A larger crane with higher capacity will command a higher premium. This is due to the crane’s power and size. For example, a 25-tonne mobile crane will be a lot more affordable to hire than a 100-tonne one that is able to handle heavier loads and travel over greater distances.

Wet hire vs dry hire

Here’s the difference: wet hire includes a certified operator and rigging gear, while dry hire means you need to supply the operator and be responsible for liability and maintenance costs. This distinction makes wet hire a lot costlier compared to dry hire.

Duration

Short-term hires (often under four hours) tend to hit minimum charges equivalent to a half-day hire, while a longer booking can effectively reduce hourly rates.

Site access and complexity

Tight urban sites, narrow laneways, or overhead obstacles demand compact cranes like Frannas, plus extra planning and setup time, adding approximately 20–50% to base rates. In contrast, clear, open sites allow standard mobile cranes at a lower cost.

Travel and mobilisation

Distances from the depot, for instance, from our depots in Laverton or North Geelong to the Melbourne CBD or outer suburbs can incur transport costs that will be significantly higher for heavier cranes. Likewise, you might incur fuel surcharges during peak demand periods.

Permits and compliance

Road closures or council approvals can also add $$$ in fees and administrative time. Moreover, high-risk sites require spotters and engineers, which further inflates quotes to adhere to WorkSafe Victoria guidelines.

How to Save Money When Hiring a Crane in Melbourne

Hiring a crane can be a costly business expense, but it is still the better alternative to purchasing one outright.

Select the Right Crane for the Job

Choosing the right crane size helps avoid paying for unnecessary lifting capacity. Consider working with an experienced crane hire provider to ensure you select the most suitable crane for your project.

Improve Project Scheduling and Site Prep

A well-prepared site reduces delays and overall hiring costs. Moreover, consider grouping multiple lifts into the same booking to reduce overall hire costs.

Review Quotes and Included Services Carefully

Comparing quotes from different providers helps identify the best value for your specific need.

Book Ahead and Avoid Peak Demand

Early bookings can help secure better pricing. Last-minute, unplanned bookings tend to result in higher rates and reduced equipment availability.

Partner with Quinlan Cranes

Always partner with an experienced crane hire company! Working with Quinlan Cranes helps ensure you get the right equipment for your project.

Choosing the Right Mobile Crane Hire Option

Not every lift requires the largest crane on site. The most cost-effective mobile crane hire solution depends on factors such as:

• Load size
• Lift radius
• Ground conditions
• Access restrictions
• The speed at which the crane needs to move around the site.

Choosing the right crane type can help reduce setup time, transport costs, and overall project expenses while improving efficiency and safety.

Identify the perfect crane for your project using our crane calculator. With just a few key details, you’ll receive a rough estimate of the crane size you’ll require.

Choose Quinlan Cranes for Melbourne Crane Hire

One of the biggest factors affecting mobile crane hire costs is choosing the right crane for the job, and that’s where the team at Quinlan Cranes can help.

Rather than overpaying for unnecessary lifting capacity or the wrong equipment, our experienced team will assess your project requirements, site conditions, lift height, and load weight to recommend the most cost-effective solution.

With a wide range of mobile cranes, Franna cranes, rough terrain cranes, crane trucks, and telehandlers available across Melbourne and Geelong, we can match your project with equipment that supports both project efficiency and budget.

To get started with a tailored mobile crane hire quote, contact Quinlan Cranes on 03 8368 2800 and speak with our team today.

 

Ultimately, an all-terrain crane and a rough terrain crane are designed to transport materials safely and efficiently. But, depending on your project’s requirements, they will be slightly different in mobility, travel and which type of site condition they are best suited for.

At Quinlan Cranes, we’ve been servicing Melbourne with its crane needs since 2002. With our ISO accreditation, we ensure that the cranes we provide are high-quality, safe and inspected before they reach your site.

The main difference between the two is in the name! But let’s break down what the key differences really are.

What Is A Rough Terrain Crane?

Our rough-terrain cranes are designed for successfully navigating uneven and challenging terrain. They are single-engined and rubber-tyred, built for stability and optimal performance on uneven or rough terrain. They are most suitable for:

• Off-road conditions
• Wet and dry hire requirements
• All weather conditions

These cranes operate with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer, so they can maneuver with ease on site. They are often used on construction sites, industrial yards and muddy sites.

What Is An All-Terrain Crane?

Mobile cranes/all-terrain cranes are heavy-duty cranes that are versatile for all types of terrain and site condition navigation. They are suitable for major construction works, civil infrastructure and heavy lifting requirements. Mobile cranes are:

• Capable of lifting between 10 and 250 tonnes
• Equipped with advanced safety features and blind spot cameras
• Highly versatile

With higher lifting capacities than most cranes, they are well-suited to multi-site projects, particularly as they can travel via road.

The Key Differences:

Although both cranes are designed for navigation and lifting, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and ensure that you choose a crane that is right for your project.

How To Choose The Right Crane?

Choosing the right crane for your project is important, as it ensures that your job gets done exactly as you envisioned it. No delays, no hassle and no mistakes when you choose the right crane for hire. So, how do you choose the right one? You should consider the following elements:

1. Load: Start by understanding the weight you will need to transport, the radius, and the lifting height that you will need to complete the project. You’ll want to ensure that your crane can carry the loads you will be dealing with during the project.
2. Site Conditions: Will your site involve stable ground, access restrictions or obstacles? Assess your site conditions to ensure that the right crane can navigate your site safely.
3. Project Objective: What are the exact needs of your project? Is it a mining project, construction or landscaping project? Not all cranes are adequate for different industries and types of jobs, so it is important to determine the precise objective for your project.

Experience The Difference With Quinlan Cranes

We have a crane for each one of your needs. Not every project is the same, and our cranes ensure that your project succeeds on time, every time. And, we don’t let you figure it out alone. If you don’t know where to start or which crane you need, contact us on 03 8368 2800; we’ll get your project on the road.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can rough terrain cranes travel on the roads?

No. They are not road-registered, so they require to be transported via a low-loader.

What lifting capacities do rough terrain cranes have?

Rough terrain cranes generally range from 10 to 130 tonnes, covering the majority of lift requirements on projects.

Are rough terrain cranes suitable for urban sites?

Yes, as they are compact and can turn on a tight radius, they are well-suited for urban sites. 

How do I know which crane to hire for my project?

It’s important to consider site conditions, lifting weight requirements, access requirements and your general project before choosing a crane. However, at Quinlan Cranes, we’re proud to help you choose the right crane every time, so you don’t need to figure it out all alone. Let our team handle it.

A crane truck (or sometimes referred to as a truck-mounted crane) is a heavy-duty vehicle with a crane permanently attached to its chassis. Unlike standalone mobile cranes, crane trucks do not require a separate transport vehicle to relocate from site to site. They can drive to the site, perform the lift, move to the next site, and so on without any additional setup requirements.

Across Melbourne and Geelong, crane trucks are widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential projects. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common uses of crane trucks to help you decide when they’re the right fit for your project.

Contact us today if you’re keen on hiring a crane truck!

1. Construction Material Delivery and Placement

One of the common and popular uses for crane truck hire in Melbourne is delivering and placing construction materials on job sites. Rather than relying on a separate delivery truck and separate lifting equipment, a crane truck can deliver and position materials in one swift operation.

Basically, it’s the best of both worlds.

2. Portable Building and Site Office Placement

If you didn’t already know, crane trucks are the industry standard for placing portable buildings and temporary structures. Their ability to transport and lift in one trip makes them ideal for quick setups. This is especially true in urban areas or regional locations where access is limited.

Common applications include:

• Site offices
• Lunch rooms
• Amenities blocks
• Portable classrooms
• Modular structures

For projects searching for crane truck hire near me, this is one of the most common and cost-effective solutions.

3. Machinery Loading, Unloading, and Relocation

Crane trucks play an important role in handling heavy machinery and equipment across industrial and commercial environments. 

Typical uses include: 

• Loading and unloading plant equipment from transport vehicles
• Moving machinery within a site
• Relocating equipment between facilities

With truck-mounted crane hire, businesses can safely move equipment without needing multiple machines or complex logistics.

4. Infrastructure and Utilities Work

Crane trucks are popularly used in civil construction and infrastructure projects, particularly where space is tight and access is restricted.

Typical tasks include:

• Installing drainage systems
• Placing concrete lids
• Handling utility infrastructure

Compared to larger cranes, crane trucks are designed to be more agile and practical for suburban locations and regional projects across Melbourne and Geelong.

5. Waste and Recycling Industry

In the waste and recycling industry, crane trucks are key for repetitive lifting and material handling tasks.

Common applications include:

• Lifting and emptying large bins and skips
• Handling scrap materials and recycling loads
• Operating in transfer stations and recycling facilities

Their lift-and-carry mechanism makes them particularly ideal for high-volume operations where speed and efficiency are important.

6. Emergency and Urgent Lifting Situations

Crane trucks are often the go-to choice for urgent or unplanned emergency lifting operations. This is largely due to their fast mobilisation.

Key examples include:

• Clearing blocked access
• Removing fallen materials
• Emergency equipment removal
• Storm or incident response

With 24/7 crane truck hire in Melbourne, when you choose us, we help provide a practical solution when speed is more important than maximum lifting capacity.

Contact Quinlan Cranes for a Quote

Proudly serving Melbourne, Geelong, and all of Victoria, our extensive fleet of crane trucks is ready to meet your project requirements. With 24/7 availability, urgent hire options, ISO-accredited safety standards, and a team of experienced operators, you can rely on us to make your crane hire experience smooth and hassle-free.

Need a different crane? Use our Crane Capacity Calculator to estimate the perfect crane for your lift, helping you plan safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Whether it’s a mobile crane, franna crane, rough terrain crane, or truck-mounted crane, our experts can help you select the right equipment and provide professional, reliable service every step of the way. Contact us to get started today.

The construction industry is constantly developing and demanding new technology and approaches. And with projects that handle heavy loads, telehandlers are essential. They ensure that heavy materials can be safely transported across your job site and beyond, if required.

The truth is, during a project, there may be unforeseen demands and tasks that require versatility and adaptability. That’s where telehandlers are the perfect crane for your project.

At Quinlan Cranes, we have a wide range of cranes available, designed to ensure your project has the power and agility it needs to succeed. We’ve been servicing Melbourne with its crane needs since 2002. With our ISO accreditation, we ensure that the cranes we provide are high-quality, safe and inspected before they reach your site.

So, if you’re considering a telehandler for your project, let’s break down what they are and what they do!

What Is A Telehandler?

Telehandler cranes are capable of handling a wide range of functions, such as:

• Transporting materials across sites
• Clearing heavy debris
• Supporting temporary structures and scaffolding

They are road-registerable cranes, allowing you to use them for both on and off-road applications. They have a lift height of up to 17.6 metres, making them suitable for landscaping, mining and other large infrastructure projects.

How Does It Work?

Telehandlers have telescopic booms that allow them to reach over obstacles and heights, which is something that standard forklifts are unable to do. It also has interchangeable attachments that make it versatile and adaptable to most projects and demands, including:

• Forks
• Buckets
• Work platforms
• Lifting jibs

And, telehandlers are suitable for most terrains and surfaces, which is something that not all cranes can do! With their 4-wheel drive and steering, they are great for navigating uneven, muddy or challenging surfaces, so you don’t need to worry about your crane not making it all the way!

What Are The Benefits?

Telehandlers are the go-to crane for a project that is likely to have varying requirements and demands. They are powerful and agile, ensuring that your project has the best crane that it needs to succeed. So, what are the benefits of hiring a telehandler?

• Versatility: With an array of attachments, telehandlers can do the job of a forklift, small crane and tractor.
• High Load Capacity: Telehandlers are able to lift heavy materials to significant heights, making material delivery to scaffolding or building rooftops far easier.
• On-Site Safety: With built-in safety features such as stabilisers and outriggers, telehandlers are prepared to handle a wide range of tasks safely and efficiently.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: By renting one multi-purpose machine, you save money and time, also reducing the congestion of multiple vehicles on-site.

Why Choose Quinlan Cranes?

If you’re looking for a trustworthy crane hire service, Quinlan Cranes is your answer. Do you need a mobile crane for heavy material lifting, a franna crane for an urban project, or a telehandler for on-road transportation? We’ve got what you need.

• Excellent safety record
• Expert hire team
• Proven reputation
• Established in 2002
• ISO Certified
• Team available 24/7

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements, and our team will equip you with the right crane.

Quinlan Cranes: Telehandlers and More

The best part about hiring with Quinlan Cranes is that you don’t need to figure out which crane you need all alone. We’ll point you in the right direction.

Our experts will understand the needs of your project to ensure that you choose a crane that benefits your project’s completion and success. We have a range of cranes available for hire, so you can be sure that at least one fits your needs.

To get the ball rolling on your project with equipment you can trust, contact us on 03 8368 2800.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the main difference between a telehandler and a standard forklift?

The main difference is that standard forklifts can only lift loads vertically, whereas a telehandler has a telescopic boom that extends forwards and upwards, so they can reach over obstacles and move materials to precise heights.

Some projects operate in smaller and tighter environments, so how do you navigate cranes around these spaces? That’s where Franna cranes come in. They get the job done safely, navigating your smaller space with agility and precision. We provide you with the right crane for your project, so you can still get what you need done.

At Quinlan Cranes, we’ve been servicing Melbourne with its crane needs since 2002. With our ISO accreditation, we ensure that the cranes we provide are high-quality, safe and inspected before they reach your site.

So, if you’re considering a telehandler for your project, let’s break down what they are and what they do!

What Is A Franna Crane?

Franna cranes are ideal for project sites with restricted space or confined areas. They are:

• Agile
• Compact

So, in areas with limited head height and minimal maneuvering capacity, franna cranes are the go-to choice.

How Do They Work?

Franna cranes use articulated steering to give it a tight turning circle and act as a slewing mechanism for the boom. Despite their smaller structure, they are driveable, travelling at road speeds to ensure that they get to your site without causing delays. They’re easy to operate and complete your project efficiently.

What Is It Used For?

Franna cranes are recognised as the ideal crane for confined spaces or projects with limited spacial access, for example, indoor warehouses and narrow alleys. However, they are used across a number of industries for different reasons, including:

• Machinery Relocation and Moving: They are perfect for driving into factories or workshops and picking up heavy equipment.
• Construction: Franna cranes are ideal for transporting steel, pipes or concrete barriers across uneven job sites as they have excellent off-road transportation abilities.
• Mining and Infrastructure: They are suitable for handling maintenance and moving heavy components.

The Benefits of Hiring A Franna Crane:

Choosing the right crane for your job ensures that it gets done correctly, efficiently and safely. So, it’s important to identify the specific requirements of your project to choose the right crane.

The main benefits of hiring a franna crane include:

1. Versatility: With a franna crane, you don’t need to worry about hiring a crane and a truck for heavy lifting, It can do both, streamlining your projects success.
2. Fast Setup: Franna cranes arrive ready to work when they’re on your site, so you save time with complex setups.
3. Maneuverability: With the articulated frame and the high ground clearance, franan cranes make rough terrain and tight spaces easy to navigate.

Why Choose Quinlan Cranes?

If you’re looking for a trustworthy crane hire service, Quinlan Cranes is your answer. Do you need a mobile crane for heavy material lifting, a franna crane for an urban project, or a telehandler for on-road transportation? We’ve got what you need.

• Excellent safety record
• Expert hire team
• Proven reputation
• Established in 2002
• ISO Certified
• Team available 24/7

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements, and our team will equip you with the right crane.

Hire A Franna Crane With Quinlan Cranes

The best part about hiring with Quinlan Cranes is that you don’t need to figure out which crane you need all alone. We’ll point you in the right direction. Whether you need a franna crane for confined space navigation, or another crane, we’ll get you sorted.

Our experts will understand the needs of your project to ensure that you choose a crane that benefits your project’s completion and success. We have a range of cranes available for hire, so you can be sure that at least one fits your needs.

Equip your project with high-equality equipment that you can rely on and contact us on 03 8368 2800.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much weight can a crane lift?

It depends on the crane. However, our lifting experts will help you caulcutae exactly how much weight can be lifted before you hire the crane and begin your project.

Can a franna crane drive on public roads?

Yes! Franna crane can be road-registered and they’re capable of travelling at highway speeds.

What is the difference between between a franna crane and a standard mobile crane?

Standard mobile cranes needs to deploy outriggers (stabilising legs) and remain still while lifting a load. However, franna cranes can pick up heavy loads and drive across your job site to move and place the load exactly where you need it to be.

Hiring the right crane can determine the success of your construction project. More importantly, choosing the right one keeps your team safe, maximises efficiency, and helps keep costs controlled.

Construction projects across Melbourne, Geelong, and just about anywhere in Victoria often require specific crane solutions depending on the load, height, and site access requirements.

Hence, this guide will help you understand the common types of cranes we offer, their typical applications, and which one is best suited for your project.

Contact us on (03) 8368 2800 for Melbourne or (03) 5275 8595 for Geelong to speak to one of our team members.

Mobile Cranes (All Terrain Cranes)

Mobile cranes are cranes mounted on a truck chassis, designed to travel on public roads and operate on uneven or unprepared ground. They are perfect for projects where lifting needs to happen across multiple sites.

Key Features:

• Drive on public roads for easy relocation between job sites
• Operate on rough or uneven terrain without extra equipment
• High lifting capacities with reach options for medium-to-large-scale jobs

Capacity Range: Our mobile crane fleet ranges from 20t to 250t, including common lifts of 40t, 60t, 100t, 130t, 200t, 220t, 230t, and 250t.

Best Suited For:

• Short-term jobs
• Infrastructure projects
• Multi-site construction requiring frequent relocation

Important note: Avoid them for jobs in rough, off-terrain locations.

When to Choose?

Opt for a mobile crane when you need to lift something quickly and require utmost mobility, especially on urban or multi-site jobs.

Franna Cranes (Pick and Carry Cranes)

Originating in Australia, franna cranes are pick-and-carry cranes designed for moving loads across short distances without outriggers. They combine lifting and transportation in one compact crane, making them ideal for constrained spaces.

Key Features:

• Can carry loads while moving
• No outriggers required
• Highly maneuverable in tight sites

Available Sizes: 20t and 25t

Best Suited For:

• Confined construction sites
• Workshops, warehouses, and transport depots
• Low headroom areas where space is limited

Important note: Limit use to firm, flat surfaces only. Avoid soft, uneven, or undulating ground, as the lack of outriggers increases overturning risk and reduces safe lifting capacity.

How does it compare to Mobile Cranes?

Franna cranes sacrifice some lifting capacity for mobility and compactness, making them perfect when site access is a priority.

Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are specially built for uneven, dangerous, or off-road surfaces. Unlike mobile cranes, they cannot travel on public roads under their own power, but they excel in challenging terrain. They’re designed to bridge franna cranes and crawlers (extreme terrain cranes), prioritising 4WD agility over road travel.

Key Features:

• Superior stability and off-road capability
• Typically transported to the site on a truck or trailer
• Strong lifting performance on soft or uneven ground

Best Suited For:

• Remote construction, mining projects, and undeveloped land
• Early-stage construction projects
• Industrial maintenance works

Available Sizes: 35t to 130t capacities

Important note: Reserve for moderately uneven sites with good access. While more stable than franna cranes, they still need firm ground for outriggers.

When to Choose?

Select a rough terrain crane for projects where off-road mobility is more important than self-driving on public roads.

Crane Trucks (Truck-Mounted Cranes)

Just as its name suggests, a crane truck combines a truck and a crane in one machine. They provide both transportation and lifting capabilities. These cranes are ideal for smaller projects where speed and cost control matter. With a single operator and vehicle, crane trucks effectively reduce labour and transportation costs, making them well-suited for simple palms across Melbourne and Geelong.

Key Features:

• Lift and carry materials (without the need for any additional vehicles)
• Easy to operate and set up
• Flexible and portable for use within urban environments

Best Suited For:

• Delivering and placing construction materials
• Installing portable building materials and machinery
• Short-distance lifts across multiple locations

Available Sizes: 10t to 30t
Important note: Best for urban/paved sites with good road access. Due to their limited off-road ability and lower capacities, they’re unsuitable for rough terrain or heavy lifts over 30t.

When to Choose?

Choose a crane truck when your project necessitates a quick, straightforward lift on flat, urban sites with good highway access.

How to Choose the Right Crane for Your Construction Job

Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Determine the load weight and height. This will narrow down your options between mobile, franna, rough terrain, or crane trucks.
2. Determine site access and ground conditions. For instance, a Franna crane will excel in tight spaces while a rough terrrain crane works best in rough terrain.
3. Determine the distance between lifts or job sites. For example, mobile cranes are ideal for multiple sites due to their road mobility, whereas rough terrain cranes need transport to move.
4. Determine the number of lifts. Projects with frequent or repeated lifts may benefit from cranes with faster setup and higher efficiency.

Quick Tip: Not sure which crane is right for your project? Use our Crane Capacity Calculator to estimate the perfect crane for your lift, helping you plan safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Contact us for more information.

Contact Quinlan Cranes for a Quote

Proudly serving Melbourne, Geelong, and all of Victoria, our extensive fleet of cranes is ready to meet your project requirements. With 24/7 availability, urgent hire options, ISO-accredited safety standards, and a team of experienced operators, you can rely on us to make your crane hire experience smooth and hassle-free.

Whether your project requires a mobile crane, franna crane, rough terrain crane, or truck-mounted crane, our experts can help you select the right equipment and provide professional, reliable service every step of the way.

Contact us to get started today.

In modern construction and infrastructure, cranes are a key element of the project. Ensuring that the project has the relevant tools to succeed and the job gets done safely, cranes are essential. The truth is, when it comes to choosing a crane, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each project and requirement will require a different crane, dedicated to the specific task.

At Quinlan Cranes, we’ve been servicing Melbourne with its crane needs since 2002. With our ISO accreditation, we ensure that the cranes we provide are high-quality, safe and inspected before they reach your site.

If you’re navigating our website and you’re not sure which crane you need, let’s break down our cranes available for hire.

Mobile and All-Terrain Cranes:

Mobile cranes are heavy-duty cranes that are versatile for all types of terrain and site condition navigation. They are suitable for major construction works, civil infrastructure and heavy lifting requirements. Mobile cranes are:

• Capable of lifting between 10 and 250 tonnes
• Equipped with advanced safety features and blind spot cameras
• Highly versatile

Franna Cranes:

Franna cranes are ideal for project sites with restricted space or confined areas. They are:

• Agile
• Compact

So, in areas with limited head height and minimal maneuvering capacity, franna cranes are the go-to choice.

Rough Terrain Cranes:

Our rough-terrain cranes are designed for successfully navigating uneven and challenging terrain. They are most suitable for:

• Off-road conditions
• Wet and dry hire requirements
• All weather conditions

Crane Trucks:

Our classic crane trucks combine heavy lifting and agile transportation to bring you the best of both worlds. They can lift to 20 tonnes, ensuring that you can get the job done with just the one truck and transport materials across your job sites and locations.

Telehandlers:

Telehandler cranes are capable of handling a wide range of functions, such as:

• Transporting materials across sites
• Clearing heavy debris
• Supporting temporary structures and scaffolding

They are road-registerable cranes, allowing you to use them for both on and off-road applications. They have a lift height of up to 17.6 metres, making them suitable for landscaping, mining and other large infrastructure projects.

How To Choose The Right Crane?

Choosing the right crane for your project is important, as it ensures that your job gets done exactly as you envisioned it. No delays, no hassle and no mistakes when you choose the right crane for hire. So, how do you choose the right one? You should consider the following elements:

1. Load: Start by understanding the weight you will need to transport, the radius, and the lifting height that you will need to complete the project. You’ll want to ensure that your crane can carry the loads you will be dealing with during the project.
2. Site Conditions: Will your site involve stable ground, access restrictions or obstacles? Assess your site conditions to ensure that the right crane can navigate your site safely.
3. Project Objective: What are the exact needs of your project? Is it a mining project, construction or landscaping project? Not all cranes are adequate for different industries and types of jobs, so it is important to determine the precise objective for your project.

Why Choose Quinlan Cranes?

If you’re looking for a trustworthy crane hire service, Quinlan Cranes is your answer. Do you need a mobile crane for heavy material lifting, a franna crane for an urban project, or a telehandler for on-road transportation? We’ve got what you need.

• Excellent safety record
• Expert hire team
• Proven reputation
• Established in 2002
• ISO Certified
• Team available 24/7

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements, and our team will equip you with the right crane.

Quinlan Cranes: A Crane For Every Project

The best part about hiring with Quinlan Cranes is that you don’t need to figure out which crane you need all alone. We’ll point you in the right direction.

Our experts will understand the needs of your project to ensure that you choose a crane that benefits your project’s completion and success. We have a range of cranes available for hire, so you can be sure that at least one fits your needs.

To get the ball rolling on your project with equipment you can trust, contact us on 03 8368 2800.

A constantly developing and growing sector is construction, infrastructure and the industrial sector. Whether your project is in the CBD or in the outer suburbs, lifting heavy materials will likely be required. And, when you need to do this safely and efficiently, you’ll need a crane.

At Quinlan Cranes, we’ve been servicing Melbourne with its crane needs since 2002. With our ISO accreditation, we ensure that the cranes we provide are high-quality, safe and inspected before they reach your site.

But, how do you navigate our options and hire the right crane for your needs? Let’s break it down.

Assessing Your Project Site:

The right crane will work well for your site conditions, so it is important to evaluate the specific conditions of your site through the following key factors:

• Site Access: Determine if you’re in a confined space or a larger outdoor area, to understand which crane will be best suited to navigation.
• Ground Conditions: What does the ground look like? Is it muddy and uneven or concrete and smooth? Some cranes are more appropriate for rough terrain than others.
• The Load: Will your project involve heavy loads? How high do you need to transport your load? This will help match you to the right crane to get the job done safely.

Choose From Our Cranes:

Mobile and All-Terrain Cranes:

Mobile cranes are heavy-duty cranes that are versatile for all types of terrain and site condition navigation. They are suitable for major construction works, civil infrastructure and heavy lifting requirements. Mobile cranes are:

• Capable of lifting between 10 and 250 tonnes
• Equipped with advanced safety features and blind spot cameras
• Highly versatile

Franna Cranes:

Franna cranes are ideal for project sites with restricted space or confined areas. They are:

• Agile
• Compact

So, in areas with limited head height and minimal maneuvering capacity, franna cranes are the go-to choice.

Rough Terrain Cranes:

Our rough-terrain cranes are designed for successfully navigating uneven and challenging terrain. They are most suitable for:

• Off-road conditions
• Wet and dry hire requirements
• All weather conditions

Crane Trucks:

Our classic crane trucks combine heavy lifting and agile transportation to bring you the best of both worlds. They can lift to 20 tonnes, ensuring that you can get the job done with just the one truck and transport materials across your job sites and locations.

Telehandlers:

Telehandler cranes are capable of handling a wide range of functions, such as:

• Transporting materials across sites
• Clearing heavy debris
• Supporting temporary structures and scaffolding

They are road-registerable cranes, allowing you to use them for both on and off-road applications. They have a lift height of up to 17.6 metres, making them suitable for landscaping, mining and other large infrastructure projects. 

Wet Dry Vs Dry Hire

Understand which type of hire will be best suited for your project. For example:

• Dry Hire: This type of hire means that you only get the machine, and you are required to get a licensed operator to operate the machine.
• Wet Hire: Wet hire is our recommendation, where you hire the machine and a highly skilled operator and rigger.

Why Choose Quinlan Cranes?

If you’re looking for a trustworthy crane hire service, Quinlan Cranes is your answer. Do you need a mobile crane for heavy material lifting, a franna crane for an urban project, or a telehandler for on-road transportation? We’ve got what you need.

• Excellent safety record
• Expert hire team
• Proven reputation
• Established in 2002
• ISO Certified
• Team available 24/7

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements, and our team will equip you with the right crane.

Crane Hire With Quinlan Cranes

The best part about hiring with Quinlan Cranes is that you don’t need to figure out which crane you need all alone. We’ll point you in the right direction.

Our experts will understand the needs of your project to ensure that you choose a crane that benefits your project’s completion and success. We have a range of cranes available for hire, so you can be sure that at least one fits your needs.

To get the ball rolling on your project with equipment you can trust, contact us on 03 8368 2800.