Should I hire a mobile crane or a fixed crane
A mobile crane is a versatile and flexible option when it comes to crane hire, often rivalling a fixed tower crane for lift weight and height. When it comes to choosing which type of crane is the right choice for your project, it is important to consider what your project will require both in terms of lift capacity as well as timelines, site location and other project management constraints. In this article we will take a look at the difference between a fixed crane and a mobile crane and the benefits along with the disadvantages of each.
What is a mobile crane?
A mobile crane is a crane that is part of a vehicle and is able to be driven to the worksites. Mobile cranes come in lift capacities from 2 tonnes through to 500 tonnes. A mobile crane can be driven on ordinary roads as well as on difficult terrain such as sand and gravel.
What is a fixed crane?
A fixed crane, as the name suggests, is a crane that is fixed to the ground in a particular location to enable greater stability and lift capacity than a mobile crane. Fixed cranes include Bridge/Overhead Cranes, Bulk-handling Cranes, Hammerhead Cranes, Stacker Cranes and Tower Cranes.
The tower crane is the most commonly used crane for construction and is the crane most often being compared to a mobile crane for weight lift and efficiency.
Pros and Cons of a Tower Crane
Benefits of a tower crane
Disadvantages of a tower crane
Pros and Cons of a Mobil e Crane
Benefits of a mobile crane
Disadvantages of a mobile crane
Why choose Lindores Mobile Cranes?
Give the team at Lindores a call on 07 33760611 to talk cranes.
What is a mobile crane?
A mobile crane is a crane that is part of a vehicle and is able to be driven to the worksites. Mobile cranes come in lift capacities from 2 tonnes through to 500 tonnes. A mobile crane can be driven on ordinary roads as well as on difficult terrain such as sand and gravel.
What is a fixed crane?
A fixed crane, as the name suggests, is a crane that is fixed to the ground in a particular location to enable greater stability and lift capacity than a mobile crane. Fixed cranes include Bridge/Overhead Cranes, Bulk-handling Cranes, Hammerhead Cranes, Stacker Cranes and Tower Cranes.
The tower crane is the most commonly used crane for construction and is the crane most often being compared to a mobile crane for weight lift and efficiency.
Pros and Cons of a Tower Crane
Benefits of a tower crane
- Tower cranes can lift more than almost any other type of crane
- They are constructed on-site so they are stable and can be built to the height that is required for the build. This means that they are perfect for large scale developments such as high rises.
Disadvantages of a tower crane
- Tower cranes are extremely expensive to install
- Click To Paste
- Tower crane installation is complex and takes a significant amount of time
- Tower cranes have high maintenance costs
- Tower cranes can take up significant space within the worksite
Pros and Cons of a Mobil e Crane
Benefits of a mobile crane
- Mobility. A mobile crane can be moved to the exact location it is required on the worksite and when the lift is complete, the mobile crane can be removed, leaving the worksite free for other aspects of the project.
- Versatility. Mobile cranes versatility is what makes them so popular. They can even be used internally to complete fit-outs or to complete upper floors of multi-storey buildings.
- Quick Setup. Mobile cranes are able to be driven to the location, setup and after a safety check, are ready to be used. Their setup is quick and simple.
- Cost-Effective. The increased convenience of a mobile crane makes them a very cost-effective alternative to a fixed crane. The savings are not just in the hiring fee, which is much less, but also in the fact that you only hire a mobile crane on the days you need it for your project, instead of for the whole project.
Disadvantages of a mobile crane
- Less lift capacity. Mobile cranes can lift much heavier weights than most people first think, in fact, at Lindores we have access to mobile cranes that can lift up to 500 tonnes.
- Less height capacity. A mobile crane will be able to lift to a maximum height of 100 metres.
Why choose Lindores Mobile Cranes?
At Lindores Mobile Cranes, we have been in the crane industry for more than 40 years. Our company has pioneered mobile crane technology in Australia and have seen how mobile cranes can be used on virtually any project. We know our fleet; it’s capacity and its potential, and we are able to share the knowledge with you to ensure your project reaches new heights.
Give the team at Lindores a call on 07 33760611 to talk cranes.
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.
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.
Learn how Lindores Mobile Cranes ensures safe, efficient crane hire through expert preventive maintenance. Servicing Brisbane & South East Queensland.