Selecting the right mobile crane is one of the most important decisions when planning a safe and efficient lift. Crane capacity alone does not determine whether a machine is suitable. The weight of the load, lifting radius, required height, ground conditions, site access and surrounding hazards must all be considered.
Choosing a crane that is too small can create serious safety and operational risks. Selecting equipment that is larger than necessary may increase mobilisation costs and require more space than the site can accommodate. The objective is to choose the crane that can safely complete the lift while providing the best balance between capability, access and cost.
Start With the Load
The first step in choosing the right mobile crane is confirming exactly what must be lifted. Important information includes:
- The total weight of the load
- The dimensions and shape of the item
- The designated lifting points
- The weight of rigging equipment, hooks and lifting beams
- Whether the load contains liquids or materials that may move
- Whether the lift involves one crane or a coordinated multi-crane operation
The stated capacity of a crane represents its maximum capacity under specific conditions. A 60-tonne crane cannot necessarily lift 60 tonnes at every distance or boom length. As the working radius increases, the crane’s available lifting capacity generally decreases.
Accurate load information allows the crane provider to review the relevant load chart and identify a machine with sufficient capacity and an appropriate safety margin.
Consider the Lifting Radius
Lifting radius is the horizontal distance between the crane’s centre of rotation and the load. It is often more important than the load’s weight when selecting a crane.
A relatively light load may require a larger crane if it must be lifted over a building, positioned behind an obstruction or placed a considerable distance from the crane. The crane may also need to operate from a designated setup area because of access restrictions or ground limitations.
When requesting a crane, provide measurements showing:
- Where the crane can be positioned
- Where the load will be collected
- Where the load must be placed
- Any buildings, fences, powerlines or structures between these points
Even approximate site measurements can help with initial planning, although critical lifts may require a formal site inspection.
Confirm the Required Height and Boom Length
The crane must have sufficient boom length to reach the required height while maintaining the correct operating radius.
For example, lifting air-conditioning equipment onto a commercial roof may involve a moderate load but require considerable boom reach. Tilt-up panels, structural steel and civil components may require different combinations of capacity, height and radius.
ABC Crane Hire’s fleet includes mobile cranes suited to a broad range of lifting requirements. The compact 60-tonne Demag AC 60-3 provides excellent manoeuvrability and a main boom extending to approximately 50 metres. Larger all-terrain cranes provide additional capacity and reach for major construction, infrastructure and industrial projects.
The required boom configuration should always be checked against the manufacturer’s load chart before the lift proceeds.
Assess Site Access
A crane must be able to reach the setup area safely. Access considerations include:
- Gate and driveway widths
- Turning space
- Overhead clearances
- Road and bridge limits
- Soft verges or narrow access roads
- Underground services
- Space required for outriggers
- Nearby buildings, vehicles and stored materials
Compact city cranes are well suited to urban sites, restricted access areas and projects where space is limited. Their smaller footprint and manoeuvrability can make them a practical choice for mechanical equipment, residential construction and commercial maintenance work.
All-terrain cranes provide greater capacity and reach while remaining capable of travelling between sites. They are commonly used for structural steel, precast concrete, civil components, industrial shutdowns and larger construction projects.
Check Ground Conditions
A crane’s lifting capacity depends on having a stable and properly prepared setup area. Ground that appears firm may still contain uncompacted fill, underground services, drainage infrastructure or voids that cannot support concentrated outrigger loads.
Before mobilisation, consider:
- Soil type and compaction
- Recent excavation or backfilling
- Underground pipes, tanks and services
- Sloping or uneven ground
- Waterlogged or weather-affected areas
- Pavement and slab load limits
- Space for outrigger mats or support materials
Responsibility for confirming ground-bearing capacity should be clearly addressed during lift planning. Additional engineering advice may be required for heavy lifts or uncertain ground conditions.
Decide Whether the Load Must Be Carried
Some projects require a crane to pick up a load and travel with it. A Franna pick-and-carry crane may be the most effective solution in these circumstances.
Franna cranes are commonly used for:
- Moving equipment around industrial sites
- Machinery relocation
- Construction-site logistics
- Loading and unloading operations
- Shutdown and maintenance work
- Projects requiring frequent repositioning
ABC Crane Hire’s 22-tonne Franna provides flexibility where loads must be moved across a site. However, pick-and-carry operations require suitable travel paths, controlled gradients and careful assessment of ground conditions.
Account for Site Hazards
The lift area should be reviewed for hazards that may affect the crane, load or personnel. These may include:
- Overhead powerlines
- Nearby buildings and structures
- Public roads and pedestrian areas
- Operating machinery
- Excavations and trenches
- Wind exposure
- Restricted exclusion zones
- Simultaneous construction activities
Wind conditions are particularly important when lifting large panels, roofing materials or other loads with significant surface area. A load that is manageable in calm conditions may become unsafe when exposed to strong or unpredictable winds.
Match the Crane to the Project
Different cranes are suited to different operating environments.
City Cranes
City cranes offer compact dimensions and strong manoeuvrability for restricted-access sites. They are well suited to urban construction, mechanical services, residential projects and commercial maintenance.
Franna Pick-and-Carry Cranes
Franna cranes are designed to lift and transport loads around a worksite. They are valuable for machinery movement, site logistics and industrial maintenance.
Medium All-Terrain Cranes
Medium-capacity all-terrain cranes provide a practical combination of reach, lifting power and mobility. ABC Crane Hire’s 60-tonne and 70-tonne cranes are suited to structural work, civil construction, industrial projects and lifts requiring extended boom reach.
Heavy-Lift Mobile Cranes
Larger cranes, including ABC Crane Hire’s 100-tonne Liebherr, provide the capacity and reach required for major construction, precast installation, heavy structural components and complex industrial lifts.
Provide Complete Information When Requesting a Quote
Providing accurate information helps the crane company recommend the correct equipment and prepare a reliable quotation.
Where possible, include:
- Load weight and dimensions
- Collection and placement locations
- Required lifting height
- Estimated working radius
- Site address
- Photographs or site plans
- Access restrictions
- Ground information
- Preferred lift date and time
- Details of known hazards
Clear information reduces the risk of delays, unsuitable equipment arriving on site or unexpected changes to the lift plan.
Get Professional Advice Before the Lift
Choosing the right mobile crane requires more than selecting a tonnage from a fleet list. Every lift involves a unique combination of load, reach, access, ground conditions and site hazards.
An experienced crane hire provider can review the project requirements, assess the available setup area and recommend the most suitable machine. For complex or higher-risk work, this may include a site inspection, engineered lift planning and coordination with other contractors.
ABC Crane Hire provides professional mobile crane hire across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham and the Peel region. With a versatile fleet ranging from compact city cranes and Franna pick-and-carry equipment to 60-tonne, 70-tonne and 100-tonne mobile cranes, the team can match the equipment to the operational requirements of your project.
Contact ABC Crane Hire to discuss your load, site conditions and lifting requirements. Careful planning and the right crane will help your project proceed safely, efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
