Three Sectors That Use Crawler Cranes
While crawler cranes have a well earned reputation for being tough yet safe machines, there are three key industries that often require them more than others.
It’s no secret that mobile cranes are an instrumental piece of equipment on a job site, and are mounted on a prime mover 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.
While mobile cranes are often required for extremely heavy yet delicate jobs, sometimes even a standard mobile crane isn’t enough to conquer the task at hand. It’s at this point that crawler cranes are usually the sub variety brought in to get the job done - but how do they work, and why are they more favoured in some industries than others?
How Crawler Cranes Are Used In Australia
Although crawler cranes are a type of mobile crane, they are regarded as the largest possible variety on offer. Crawler cranes are cranes mounted on an undercarriage with a set of tracks - otherwise known as “crawlers” - that provide the additional stability and mobility required for heavy duty tasks. Fundamentally, crawler cranes are machines that utilise ‘tank-like’ treads in order to move throughout a construction site, and can lift in excess of 2,500 tonnes.
While crawler cranes 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. In turn, they are more often deployed at job sites and projects that are deemed relatively long term, and are commonly favoured as the go-to mobile crane of choice for the following sectors.
Construction
- With the construction industry projecting an annual growth rate of 2.4% in the next five years, projects are getting bigger. In turn, they often require mobile cranes that are capable of working in such environments. Crawler cranes in construction are used when the project requires a heavy load to be lifted over long distances or at great heights, in hard to reach areas and in new instalments, or for job sites that are faced with poor weather conditions.
Oil And Gas
- Australia's oil and gas industry has held a critical place in the development of the country's present-day economy. Australia makes a small but valuable contribution to the world's global oil and gas supply with the production and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, and condensate. Whether a hoisting operation takes place in the middle of a muddy field or on a developed lot of land, crawler cranes are incredibly useful in the oil and gas industry.
Agriculture
- If a farm or large scale agricultural project requires silos, generators, or large feeders, this equipment can be difficult to install without the proper equipment. In addition, rough or muddy surfaces can make the task of moving equipment or installing new infrastructure particularly difficult, which is when crawler cranes are often called in for these types of agricultural projects thanks to their long boom and jib extensions.
In order to reap the benefits of hiring crawler cranes, the simple fact of the matter is that you need to avoid renting a lemon and to partner with a crane operator that truly values safety and actually knows what they’re doing.
More often than not, a less than ideal mobile hire company could very well cause more headaches than they do solutions, so it’s important for consumers to do their research and partner with a reputable provider - but where do you find one?
Sourcing Crane Hire Solutions With Lindores
Lindores Mobile Cranes (LMC) are a mobile crane and labour hire business that has unequalled experience in the construction industry spanning two generations. In operation since 2007, we’re a family owned business and are also proud owners of Brisbane’s only Humma crane.
Google reviews and even peers within the industry are always a good starting point to ensure that a mobile crane hire company is a reputable business provider. At Lindores, we’re only too happy to show you the feedback from our customers, as it’s something that we’re actually quite proud of.
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
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.
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