When your construction job requires the use of a crane to lift huge loads, you generally have two choices. You can either go through the huge hassle of getting a tower or fixed crane delivered and set up or you could choose the easy way. Pick and Carry cranes, also known as mobile cranes, are a much easier option.
Pick and Carry cranes are machines that are mounted on trucks and are driven to the job site. One of the most popular brands in Australia is Franna. In recent years, Franna crane hire has become a popular choice in the construction industry.
The Benefits of Using a Mobile Crane
Arranging different machines to do the work required on your construction site can be quite challenging. However, arranging crane hire in Melbourne is as easy as picking up the phone and making a call to a crane hiring company.
There are several key reasons why you should consider using a mobile crane on your job site. Some of those reasons include the following.
Easy to Move Around
Since mobile cranes are not fixed in a specific position, it’s very easy to move them around if they are in the way of other work being done. Mobile cranes, like the Franna brand hired in Melbourne, can move around the site in spaces as narrow as a normal street. They can also easily fit into narrow entrances.
Quick to Set Up
Setting up a mobile crane is a lot easier than using the time and effort that go into having a tower crane erected. The space required to set up stabilisers is also a lot smaller than the space required setting up tower cranes. Work can also be completed a lot faster.
Little Space Required
Construction sites are usually big enough for different heavy machinery to be used with some ease. Construction in the city however can limit the space available. A big plus point with a mobile crane is that it doesn’t require a lot of space to perform any lifting tasks.
Can Handle Different Hoisting Tasks
In general, mobile cranes are smaller than the usual types of cranes that are used on job sites. But, just because they are smaller in size, doesn’t mean they’re less powerful. Multiple axles with improved hydraulic power enable mobile cranes to easily lift heavy materials to extensive heights.
Cost-Efficient
When it comes to cost, size definitely does matter. Fixed cranes require trained staff to erect them, which will mean additional costs on your behalf. Mobile cranes on the other hand can drive into your job site, set up, perform the job, and drive away as soon as the task is complete.
Safer to Use
Ultimately, the more mobile or flexible a crane is, the safer it will be to use. Because there is virtually no set up required (other than the stabilisers), there is less risk of injury. Mobile cranes minimise pollution rates, are radio controllable and generally emit less noise. This makes it a better option for environmental control.
Types of Mobile Cranes in the Franna Range
Since Franna is one of the leading crane brands in Australia, we’ve decided to share some of the models available for hire in Melbourne:
- Franna AT40: Currently this model has a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tons. With a noticeable 3-axle design of the AT40, this mobile crane gives a comparable turning band to that of the MAC25.
- Franna Mac25-Superlift: This machine has a hoisting capacity of 25 tons. This crane offers adaptability in tight places which makes it perfect for machinery transfer. They also have extra road skills. The Super lift kit works with the existing MAC25 counterbalance. This results in an increase in the machine’s ability by up to 30%.
- Franna AT22: This crane carries loads of up to 22 tons. It has a working capacity radius of 22ft@1.4m. Due to its compact frame and swiftness, it’s very effective for quickly carrying freight loads to their destinations.
- Franna 12T: This powerful little crane has a maximum hoisting capacity of 12 tons. This machine has been used in the building industry for several years. It has a 1.53m working capacity radius making it appropriate for all types of worksites that require a quick and proficient machine to handle any hard-to-reach tasks.
Do You Need a License to Operate a Crane?
If you’re going to operate the mobile crane yourself, you might be wondering if you need a specific license to operate it.
Australian law directs that to drive any mobile non-slewing crane, you’ll need to get the applicable crane licenses. You’ll need to acquire a license that allows you to operate a boom or jib.
A Final Thought on Mobile Cranes
As you can see from our list, mobile cranes are definitely a more feasible solution to your crane requirements. By being easy to move around on the job site, cost effective and quick to set up, it’s definitely a good idea to consider a mobile crane the next time you need a crane on site!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.