What It's Like To Be A Crane Operator
While there's ups and downs in just about every type of job, a typical day in the life of a crane operator isn't necessarily what you would expect.
In Australia, the construction sector is big business. To describe what the industry encompasses, the term generally focuses on the construction, demolition, renovation, maintenance or repair of buildings and infrastructure. It covers a wide range of services, from planning and surveying to structural construction and even to finishing services such as painting and decorating.
The construction industry also generates over $360 billion in revenue every year, producing around 9% of Australia’s gross domestic product, and has a projected annual growth rate of 2.4% in the next five years. If you’re new to the workforce or are considering a career change, one of the most exciting ways to jump on the construction bandwagon is by becoming a crane operator - but what exactly does it involve?
Your Guide To Working As A Crane Operator
In today’s construction landscape, a crane is a machine that is used to lift and move heavy loads, other 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 that are generally controlled by pulleys and cables, and are either truck mounted or a complete machine with the boom attached, such as the Humma crane. However, these glorious machines need someone to guide them as a means to safely get the job done, which is where the knowledge and skills of a crane operator come in.
In a nutshell, the day to day duties of a crane operator are to safely and efficiently move and deliver large objects and equipment using a crane. Though it may sound simple enough, this job comes with a range of responsibilities such as:
- Checking that ground conditions are suitable for the lift before the crane is set up
- On site set up of the crane such as the set up and levelling of outriggers
- Ensuring that the capacity of the crane is sufficient to safely carry the load
- Checking that weather conditions are suitable for the lift
- Identifying and addressing any obstructions that could potentially hinder the lift
- Inspecting the crane before use to ensure that it’s in good working condition
- Positioning the hook for doggers to attach loads, and chains, etc.
- Controlling the movement, speed, and positioning of the load
- Checking for damage or wear, lubricating ropes and winches and replacing worn cables
- Ensuring that all associated safety procedures are followed
If you’re considering a new career as a crane operator, the good news is that these types of positions have a very favourable 5.4% job growth outlook over the next five years. Along with some pretty hefty salary options on offer depending on your experience and qualifications, it’s even more interesting that Seek also reports that crane operators rank their job satisfaction at 4.1 out of 5 on average.
Ultimately, a good crane operator is someone that is mechanically minded, knows how to communicate effectively, pays attention to detail, and always puts safety first. A reputable industry professional will not only have the credentials and licencing to back this up, but will also be all too happy to show these to potential clients as well.
Working With A Reputable Mobile Crane Hire Supplier
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.