A Guide To Using A Crawler Crane
Not all mobile cranes were created equally. Some jobs require extra horsepower than others, which is when the help of a crawler crane can be invaluable.
What we recognise as a crane, is a machine that is used to lift and move heavy loads, machines, materials, and goods for a variety of purposes. From construction to manufacturing to shipbuilding and material loading, cranes are used in a wide variety of settings, sectors and projects.
Mobile cranes are an instrumental piece of equipment, mounted on a truck base and controlled by pulleys and cables. One of the biggest benefits that mobile cranes provide is their level of flexibility and movability, especially in situations where multiple obstructions are present. Mobile cranes can be used to access narrow passages and sites that have limited space, making them a practical solution for many job sites.
Cranes are often required for extremely heavy yet delicate jobs, and sometimes even a standard mobile crane isn’t enough to conquer the task at hand. At this point, many turn to using a crawler crane as a means to an end - but what are they, and how do they work?
An Introduction To Crawler Cranes
Crawler cranes are purposefully designed to make short work of the toughest jobs. They are available in a broad range of lifting capacities for applications in a wide variety of fields, and are commonly used for heavy-duty foundation work.
In essence, a crawler crane is a form of mobile crane, but is regarded as the smallest and largest possible varieties. Crawler cranes are cranes mounted on an undercarriage with a set of tracks, or crawlers, that provide stability and mobility. Fundamentally, they are heavy duty machines that utilise ‘tank-like’ treads in order to move throughout a construction site, and can lift in excess of 2500 tonnes.
While a crawler crane can lift the heaviest of loads, they also require the most on-site assembly out of all the mobile crane varieties. Depending on the size of the crane and weight of loads it is intended to lift, onsite assembly may include attaching the tracks, assembling the lattice boom and any additional counterweights. Due to their sheer size and treads, crawler cranes are not road legal.
As previously mentioned above, crawler cranes use tracks for movement, such as those found on a tank. Unlike other cranes, crawler cranes do not use outriggers for stability. The lattice boom is lighter than booms found on other cranes, so crawler cranes have a wider operating radius due to the lesser boom weight.
One of the features that enables the crawler crane to lift enormous weights is the counterweight. The counterweight provides the needed stability and support when the crane is used for lifting heavy items. Some large crawler crane models are equipped with counterweights that can be up to several tonnes. There are also crawler cranes with custom made booms that can reach several hundred metres into the air, which makes them ideal for large-scale construction projects.
The primary advantage of using a crawler crane is that since the crane is stable on its tracks with no outriggers, they can move around on site and perform each lift with little set-up.
Sourcing A Mini Crawler Crane In South East Queensland
Lindores Mobile Cranes (LMC) is a mobile crane and labour hire business that has unequalled experience in the construction industry spanning two generations. In operation since 2009, we’re a family owned business and are also proud owners of Brisbane’s only Humma crane.
At LMC, we pride ourselves on knowing what our customers require, and aren’t afraid to think outside of the box with suggestions in order to reduce costs and increase productivity. If you would like to explore your options regarding crane hire in South East Queensland or aren’t quite sure where to start, get in touch with us today.
The Liftout
When people think of crane hire, they often picture towering construction sites or major infrastructure projects. But across Southeast Queensland, an increasing number of residential builders are considering mobile cranes as an essential tool onsite. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we’ve seen first-hand how reliable crane hire can simplify and speed up residential builds. Smarter Lifting for Modern Home Builds As homes get larger, blocks get smaller, and architectural designs become more complex, the need for precision lifting has never been greater. Roofing materials, structural steel, and even prefabricated walls often need to be placed quickly and safely in hard-to-reach locations. Our mobile cranes, including Mini Crawlers and Frannas , make light work of these tasks. This saves builders time, reduces manual handling, and improves site safety. With our experienced operators on board, there’s no guesswork, no delays, and no unnecessary risk. Explore our mobile crane fleet Tight Access? No Problem. Many of Brisbane’s older suburbs, like Paddington, Spring Hill, and Petrie Terrace, come with tight driveways, steep slopes, and minimal space for materials. That’s where compact mobile cranes and mini crawlers shine. They’re designed to work in confined spaces without compromising lifting capacity or site safety. We regularly help builders lift roofing, frames, pools, and more into hard-to-access sites, without the need for expensive site modifications or lengthy manual labour. Supporting the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Residential Market It’s not just Brisbane where we’re seeing demand. Across the Sunshine Coast, with its steep hinterland blocks, and the Gold Coast, where many homes are built close to canals or high-density zones, mobile crane hire is becoming a key part of building smarter, safer homes. Crane Hire That Fits the Residential Build Schedule We know how critical timing is for builders. Delays in lifting can hold up entire stages of the project. That’s why we offer flexible booking options, fast response times, and a commitment to showing up when we say we will. It’s part of the reason why so many residential builders across Southeast Queensland trust Lindores Mobile Cranes for their lifting needs. Ready to Lift Smarter on Your Next Build? No matter the project, our team has the equipment and expertise to help. Contact our team today by calling us on 07 3376 0611 or email lmcops@lmcranes.com.au.
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.
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.