Why should you choose a mini crane for glass installation?
A mini crane is a small crane that is specifically designed for working in small areas, confined spaces and challenging terrain. They are the useful, jack of all trades of the crane family; and whilst they may be little in size, they can undoubtedly pull (or lift) their weight. Mini cranes are usually mounted on a chassis with a crawler style track; they have spider-like outriggers which means you can use them on uneven and rugged terrain with maximum stability.
A modern mini or spider crane can be operated on the crane, by a remote control or through stand-up access levers, enabling it to be utilised in a variety of different ways to suit a multitude of applications. Let's take a look at some of the top benefits of the mini crane and how hiring one will save you in time, money and effort.
Mini Crane Benefit #1 – Tonnage or Lift Weight
Even though they are small in size, the mini crane can lift significant tonnage. The Nippon Sharyo Mini Crawler Crane in the Lindores Mobile Crane Fleet can lift up to 4.8 tonnes and has a maximum boom length of 12.8m – certainly not what most people would expect from a "mini" crane.
Mini Crane Benefit #2 – Safety
When it comes to cranes, the closer the crane gets to the item being lifted, generally, the safer the lift. One massive benefit of the mini crane is that it can access all different types of sites enabling close crane set up and a safer lift. The outriggers of the mini crane (often what gets them labelled as the "spider crane") enable unparalleled safety and stability on uneven surfaces.
Mini cranes can also be used in situations to decrease risk on a construction site, such as replacing scaffolding. The crawler tracks on a mini crane also provide added stability when using the crane.
The different operation options also allow for increased safety when using the mini crane. In situations where the safety of workers is uncertain, or visibility is limited, some cranes such as our 2.8tonne mini crane, can be operated using the remote control.
Many work and construction sites are also concerned about emissions when it comes to equipment being operated on site. Mini cranes have a variety of power options, including battery power, which is perfect when the crane is being used indoors.
Mini Crane Benefit #3 – Saves Money
Cranes, even mini ones, are expensive pieces of machinery to purchase and maintain. The release of capital required for the outright purchase of a crane could be redirected into other areas of your business. Even if you hire cranes regularly for your operations, hiring costs are fixed and provide peace of mind when budgeting. Hiring a mini crane means that you only have to pay the hire cost when you need to use the equipment. There is no maintenance and no downtime or depreciation to be considered. When you are planning your project, you can hire for only the time required – leading to incredible savings.
Mini Cranes also save money on a work site by replacing multiple human resources when it comes to heavy lifting. The added safety of moving and placing glass with a mini crane means fewer breakages, and less breakages equals money saved.
Mini Crane Benefit #4 – Saves Time
Mini cranes can be used in areas that are difficult to otherwise access. You could spend hours transporting your equipment and supplies manually into your challenging to access build location, or you could use a mini crane. With all-terrain caterpillar tracks, the mini crane can make short work of your transportation requirements, saving you valuable time.
Mini cranes are versatile and can be used in a variety of different situations; the one mini crane hire on a construction site could be used for moving building materials, accessing a difficult part of the worksite, as a substitute for scaffolding and to place glass or other building materials in a second storey. Such a versatile piece of equipment can save you significant time across your project.
At Lindores Mobile Cranes we have a fleet of mini cranes ready to help you with your next project. Whether it be commercial, industrial or domestic, a mini crane could be just what you need, and hiring is the perfect low-risk alternative. We have a crane to suit just about any worksite and job. If you're not sure if a mini crane can help you, why not just ask? Our customers are always surprised by what the littlest members of our mobile crane fleet get up to around Brisbane. Give us a call to discuss which model in our fleet is best suited to your needs and arrange a quote.
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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