Factors that Affect the Cost of Your Crane Hire
Are you looking for a crane for an upcoming project and want to understand the cost dependent factors of the overall crane hire?
These factors are size, weight, composition of the load you are planning to lift, the time of the project, relevant weather conditions and specific conditions and restrictions of the lifting site.
Load size and weight
Evidently, the most important and influential factor of your crane hire will be what you’ll be lifting. Generally, the heavier and larger the load is, the more expensive the crane hire will be. It is essential to know the weights, and dimensions of your load before you approach a crane hire company as this factor is dependent on the crane type. Each crane has different lifting capacities, and it is important to acquire the right crane for your load to ensure a seamless and safe operation.
Height of the lift
Height is another critical factor that affects the type of crane for the job. Higher lifts most definitely require a larger boom, and generally these are more expensive.
Site Conditions
Once both the height and lifting capacity has been determined, the site conditions are the next important variable to a safe and seamless operation. Firstly, the site must provide level, hard ground to allow for the outriggers, stabilising plates, and timbers (to level uneven ground) to be safely set up and lift.
Moreover, obstacles that the crane must navigate to execute the job will also directly affect the crane type and cost. If a crane must move through narrow spaces or if there are obstacles in the vertical space, such as power lines, these will need to be accounted for, and avoided. Thus, different cranes or accessories may need to be used in such complicated conditions, therefore increasing the cost of the crane hire.
Extra Equipment
Each extra piece of equipment required to move the load will result in additional costs. This auxiliary equipment includes but is not limited to man boxes, material cage, modular spreader bar, skates, equalizing sheaves and wire rope, and lastly brick and block cages. Once you have supplied your load specifications this equipment will be recommended if it is needed to execute the job.
Time
As with any hire the period you require the equipment will drastically influence the total cost. It is advised that pre planning and preparation is finalised prior to the crane arrival. Therefore, this ensures that there will be no wasted costs or materials for the crane being on site but inactive.
Notably, weather conditions can also extend hire times, so it is important to check the weather forecast before your crane hire.
If you are seeking a mobile crane hire for your next lifting job, contact our expert team at Lindores Mobile Cranes. We rise by lifting others.
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.