Different Types of Cranes Available for Hire on the Sunshine Coast

All-Terrain Cranes: Versatile for On-Road & Off-Road Projects

All-terrain cranes combine the mobility of a truck-mounted crane with the off-road ability of a rough terrain crane. Built for both highway driving and rugged job sites, they’re a practical choice for projects in variable Sunshine Coast conditions—from coastal builds to inland development zones.

These cranes typically offer:

• Strong lifting capacity for medium to heavy loads.
• Telescopic booms for reaching difficult or elevated areas.
• Rapid deployment with minimal site prep.

Commonly used for civil infrastructure, bridge construction, and remote building sites, all-terrain cranes provide flexibility across changing landscapes.

Franna Cranes: Perfect for Tight Sunshine Coast Sites

Franna cranes, or pick-and-carry cranes, are widely used on Sunshine Coast construction sites due to their agility and compact design. Unlike tower or crawler cranes, Frannas are not fixed in one position—they can lift, carry, and transport loads across a site without the need for outriggers.

Key benefits include:

• Excellent manoeuvrability in restricted spaces.
• Quick mobilisation and set-up time.
• Ideal for short, repetitive lifts.

They’re commonly hired for residential builds, utility repairs, and plant relocation tasks where accessibility and speed matter.

Rough Terrain Cranes: Built for Uneven Conditions

As the name suggests, rough terrain cranes are designed to handle job sites with loose, uneven, or sloping ground. They’re equipped with large rubber tyres and 4-wheel drive, making them well-suited to undeveloped or off-grid Sunshine Coast locations.

Features include:

• Single-cab operation for driving and lifting.
• High ground clearance and robust suspension.
• Compact frame compared to similar capacity cranes.

Often seen in mining, pipeline, or environmental restoration projects, rough terrain cranes are ideal for remote or semi-developed areas.

Crawler Cranes: Heavy Lifting with Stability

Crawler cranes operate on tracks rather than wheels, offering excellent stability and weight distribution for heavy lifting. While slower to move and requiring more space to operate, they’re ideal for long-term builds where heavy materials need to be lifted regularly.

Advantages include:

• No need for outriggers thanks to wide track base.
• Able to lift while travelling (within limits).
• Strong load capacity for industrial tasks.

On the Sunshine Coast, crawler cranes are often used in major infrastructure works, energy projects, and large-scale commercial sites.

Mobile Cranes: Fast, Flexible & Frequently Used

Mobile cranes are one of the most commonly hired crane types across the Sunshine Coast. Their appeal lies in ease of transport, fast set-up, and adaptability to a wide range of tasks.

These cranes typically offer:

• Telescopic boom mounted on a roadworthy vehicle.
• Rapid deployment to various job sites.
• Versatility for everything from residential lifts to steel erection.

For contractors needing a crane for general lifting across multiple sites, mobile cranes offer a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance.

Tower Cranes: When Height Is a Priority

Tower cranes are a fixture of high-rise construction. Though not commonly hired for short-term or small projects, they’re essential for vertical builds where height and reach are critical.

These cranes are:

• Fixed to the ground or attached to the structure for stability.
• Able to reach significant heights and extend over large distances.
• Best suited for long-term projects in urban or commercial hubs.

While not as mobile as other options, tower cranes are essential for developers working on tall buildings or large commercial installations on the Sunshine Coast.

Truck-Mounted Cranes: Efficient for Urban Jobs

Truck-mounted cranes are mobile cranes affixed to a truck chassis, combining transport and lifting functions into a single vehicle. Their quick mobilisation and street-legal status make them a convenient choice for urban projects.

They are ideal for:

• Short-term jobs requiring quick lifts.
• Material deliveries to tight-access sites.
• Urban maintenance or signage installation.

Sunshine Coast contractors appreciate truck-mounted cranes for their quick turnaround and minimal site disruption.

Spider Cranes: Compact & Precise

Spider cranes are compact mini-cranes with articulated legs (like a spider) used for lifting in confined or indoor areas. While not common on major construction sites, they offer precision where space is limited.

Applications include:

• Indoor glass installation.
• Shopping centre maintenance.
• Work inside atriums or small courtyards.

For delicate or technical lifts on the Sunshine Coast, particularly in hospitality or retail settings, spider cranes offer a clever solution.

How to Choose the Right Crane for Your Project

Choosing the right crane depends on several factors:

• Load weight & height requirements
• : Heavier or higher lifts require greater capacity and reach.
• Site conditions
• : Uneven ground or tight access may require rough terrain or compact cranes.
• Project duration
• : Some cranes suit quick, short-term jobs; others are better for long-term staging.
• Location accessibility
• : Urban jobs may need compact, mobile options; remote work may need all-terrain mobility.

Consulting with a local Sunshine Coast crane hire provider can help match your project’s scope to the right equipment, saving time and preventing costly errors.

Why Work with Local Sunshine Coast Crane Hire Professionals

Working with local crane hire professionals offers advantages beyond equipment access. They bring a deep understanding of local conditions, council regulations, and site-specific logistics—ensuring your lift is planned, safe, and compliant.

A local provider can assist with:

• Site inspections and lift planning.
• Operator provision and safety compliance.
• Transport, delivery, and on-site set-up.

From small jobs to large infrastructure builds, local expertise adds value throughout the project lifecycle.

Looking For a Crane Hire Near You? Contact Us Today

At D & S Crane Hire & Rigging, we offer a wide range of crane hire options to suit civil, commercial, and industrial projects across the Sunshine Coast. From Frannas and all-terrain cranes to crawler and mobile units, our fleet is backed by experienced operators and tailored support. If you’re searching for dependable crane hire on the Sunshine Coast, we’re here to assist. Contact us today to discuss your lifting requirements and find the right solution for your site.