How to plan for your crane hire

Working with our clients, we take these basic considerations into account and then move on to a more detailed plan for the lift, including a site survey and risk identification.
Site Inspection and Information
To help plan the lift, our clients must complete a full site survey. At Lindores Mobile Cranes we offer a free site inspection to all of our customers so that our experience can assist in making your crane hire as safe as possible. Many variables can be uncovered in a simple site survey that can dictate the requirements of the project or make changes to the type of crane that is needed. The site survey will include necessary details such as the address and design of the site, how the site is accessed and the dimensions of the access points if they are constricted. If you are using multiple sites, a risk assessment for each specific site will be carried out.
Other considerations in a site survey are where you plan to situate the crane on the site for the lift (often a diagram or site plan works best for this), the materials that will be used in the project, if any other activities will be concurrently happening on the work or project site and the planned material handling zone. The terrain also needs to be inspected and reported on to ensure that the environment is suitable for the type of crane proposed.
Hazard Identification and Assessment
This point is worth revisiting as it is an essential part of lift planning. Many smaller project crane hirers do not take enough time and effort to consider the risks that may occur and therefore do not undertake any steps to mitigate them. Some of the most frequently encountered hazards on the worksite that relate to crane usage are;
Planning your lift is an essential part of any mobile crane hire. It is necessary not to be complacent when it comes to safety and the more planning that you can do for both your lift and your project, the safer the project will be. Proper planning also helps to eliminate time redundancies and makes sure that you have the crane for the elements of the project that you need it for, saving both time and money. The team at Lindores Mobile Cranes are experts in planning lifts and assisting project managers in getting the most from their crane hire.
Site Inspection and Information
To help plan the lift, our clients must complete a full site survey. At Lindores Mobile Cranes we offer a free site inspection to all of our customers so that our experience can assist in making your crane hire as safe as possible. Many variables can be uncovered in a simple site survey that can dictate the requirements of the project or make changes to the type of crane that is needed. The site survey will include necessary details such as the address and design of the site, how the site is accessed and the dimensions of the access points if they are constricted. If you are using multiple sites, a risk assessment for each specific site will be carried out.
Other considerations in a site survey are where you plan to situate the crane on the site for the lift (often a diagram or site plan works best for this), the materials that will be used in the project, if any other activities will be concurrently happening on the work or project site and the planned material handling zone. The terrain also needs to be inspected and reported on to ensure that the environment is suitable for the type of crane proposed.
Hazard Identification and Assessment
This point is worth revisiting as it is an essential part of lift planning. Many smaller project crane hirers do not take enough time and effort to consider the risks that may occur and therefore do not undertake any steps to mitigate them. Some of the most frequently encountered hazards on the worksite that relate to crane usage are;
- Overloading the crane
- Overhead electrical power lines
- Other overhead hazards such as trees or buildings
- Uneven terrain and improper crane setup up to accommodate this
- Changing or extreme weather
- Incorrect configuration or placement of the crane from the lift object
- Breakages and falling materials
Many of these things can be eliminated with proper planning, and all others can be minimised with due care and consideration taken at the planning stage.
Planning your lift is an essential part of any mobile crane hire. It is necessary not to be complacent when it comes to safety and the more planning that you can do for both your lift and your project, the safer the project will be. Proper planning also helps to eliminate time redundancies and makes sure that you have the crane for the elements of the project that you need it for, saving both time and money. The team at Lindores Mobile Cranes are experts in planning lifts and assisting project managers in getting the most from their crane hire.
The Liftout

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.