4 of the most versatile types of mobile cranes


What type of mobile crane should you choose to hire for your next project?

Cranes are versatile pieces of machinery that are utilised in the lifting and moving of heavy and awkward objects on a construction site, in warehouses and manufacturing, for glazing, landscaping or in a variety of other applications. A mobile crane has the advantage of being able to be moved to the exact position that the crane is required, leading to efficiencies for the project and a greater ease of use. Pick up and carry mobile cranes require virtually no setup or permits, pose fewer risks and disrupt the worksite far less than their more traditional counterparts. Mobile cranes also take up far less space on the worksite than larger fixed cranes and can be moved within the worksite to be used in different ways or for multiple purposes. Hiring a mobile crane is a cost-effective option as you can hire a crane for only the time it is needed in the project, saving valuable budget.

To work out what is the best crane for your next project, take a look at some of the most popular types of mobile cranes in the Lindores Mobile Crane fleet that can help you with any project you may have in the Greater Brisbane region.


Spider Crane
A spider crane is a versatile type of mini crane that is characterised by its spider-like legs that can be manoeuvred into difficult situations and stabilised on uneven terrain.  Whilst spider cranes are small in size they can be used to lift various weights depending on the size of the crane, making them a very versatile crane hire choice.


Crawler Crane
A crawler crane, as the name suggests, can move on a variety of different terrains using caterpillar crawler tracks. This type of crane is especially useful in landscaping, domestic construction and any situation where there may be difficult ground surfaces such as soft soils, football fields, tennis courts or any surface requiring extra care. There are some mini cranes with crawler tracks that can be an option should width or weight of the machinery be a consideration for the project.


Slewing Crane
The heavy-duty components of the Lindores crane hire fleet is the Slewing Cranes. Ranging from 30 to 100-tonne capacity, the slewing mechanism of the crane allows for both simple and more complex lifts. Slewing cranes are known for their safety and precision on the worksite. To operate a slewing crane in Queensland, you require a specific high-risk work licence. At Lindores, we have staff with the appropriate licensing, including VOC Certificates (Verification of Competency Certificates),  and experience in slewing crane operation to ensure the safety of your load and your worksite.


Truck Mounted Cranes
Truck mounted cranes are the older version of a slewing crane. Whilst still versatile they are not used in as many contexts due to the better options available in a more modern design slewing crane.

At Lindores Mobile Cranes, we specialise in the hiring of mobile cranes for many different applications and industries.  The best way to work out what type of crane is right for your particular situation is to get in touch with the friendly team at Lindores.

Lindores Mobile Cranes is a family-owned and operated business that has been servicing Brisbane and South East Queensland's crane requirements for more than 30 years. The team are a wealth of knowledge in both crane hire logistics and applications and are more than happy to assist you in planning your next project.

The Liftout

By JADE LINDORES June 24, 2025
Urban construction across Brisbane’s inner suburbs, like Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley and West End, presents a unique challenge. Limited street access, tight driveways, weight-restricted concrete slabs, and close proximity to neighbouring buildings mean that traditional mobile cranes simply won’t fit. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we’ve seen how mini crawler cranes are transforming the way construction is carried out on these sites. Compact, precise, and highly mobile, these machines are fast becoming essential for projects across Queensland . Rethinking Lifting for Urban Environments In city and suburban projects, space is at a premium. Construction teams often deal with narrow laneways, busy streets, or strict local council rules that make large-scale crane operations unfeasible. In some cases, access is so restricted that conventional lifting equipment can’t get anywhere near the job site. That’s where mini crawler cranes come in. Built specifically for tight and complex environments, these machines allow builders to lift heavy materials safely and efficiently, without the need for wide access or extensive setup areas. See our full fleet of mobile and mini cranes. Compact Size, Serious Capability Despite their size, mini crawler cranes don’t compromise on performance. Designed to operate in confined spaces, they’re able to move through narrow driveways and even fit inside buildings if required. Their rubber tracks reduce surface pressure, making them safe for use on rooftops or polished concrete slabs, and their zero tail-swing allows for safe manoeuvring in environments with little margin for error. These features make them ideal for everything from steel erection and glass installation to HVAC placement and residential renovations. We’ve supported projects as varied as boutique homes in New Farm and shopfront fit outs in Surfers Paradise , proving how versatile these compact machines really are. Designed for the Modern Job Site Mini crawler cranes are an increasingly popular choice for residential builds, renovations, and even commercial fit outs across Queensland. Their small footprint and fast setup time mean less downtime, lower costs, and fewer headaches when working in restricted-access environments. Ready to Lift Smarter in Tight Spaces? At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we’ve helped countless clients across Brisbane , the Gold Coast , and South East Queensland navigate complex job sites with ease. Our team can advise you on the right crane for your lift, organise pre-lift planning, and provide experienced operators who understand the ins and outs of working in urban environments. Contact our team today by calling 07 3376 0611 or email lmcorps@lmcranes.com.au.
By JADE LINDORES April 29, 2025
Need a mobile crane for tight access jobs in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast? Hire compact, powerful mini crawler cranes from Lindores Mobile Cranes. Fast, safe, and affordable.
By JADE LINDORES March 21, 2025
Learn how Lindores Mobile Cranes ensures safe, efficient crane hire through expert preventive maintenance. Servicing Brisbane & South East Queensland.