If you’re in the construction business, it’s almost a certainty that at some point you’ll need a crane to move heavy materials around. If your plan is just to hire the biggest crane your budget will allow and hope it can do all the work you need, you would be doing yourself a big disservice.
Several factors will determine the type of crane that you should hire. The two most popular types being used for construction jobs around Australia are Franna pick and carry or Liebherr all-terrain cranes. Due to their versatility, Franna crane hire is the number one choice for getting local projects done in the quickest way possible. Which one should you pick?
The Right Crane for the Job
It’s crucial to assess all aspects of the project to be done to determine what crane will be best suited to the job. Choosing the right crane will ensure that the job gets done in the most efficient way possible.
Consider the following points before you start shortlisting your options.
- What type of terrain will the crane be used on?
- What is the type and weight of the materials being lifted and moved around?
- How long will the project take to complete? Will it be better to purchase or rent?
- Do you require any specific technologies or machine specs to do the job?
Once you have established your project requirements, it’ll be easier for you to determine what type of crane will best suit your job. There are different models for each of these types that can easily accommodate different weight lifting requirements.
Let’s have a look at some of the key differences between Franna pick and carry cranes and Liebherr all-terrain cranes.
Franna Cranes
Established in the early 1980s, Franna cranes have become the most popular Australian pick and carry cranes. Franna cranes display unparalleled manoeuverability with high travel speeds. Since their range capacities vary from 10 to 25 tons, they’re popular choices in both the construction and mining industries across Australia.
Most Common Use of Franna Cranes
Since Franna cranes are so compact, they’re primarily used for shifting, lifting, and placing loads up to a maximum weight of 25 tons around the job site. These cranes are very manoeuverable and are therefore a more practical alternative to telehandlers and forklifts.
Franna cranes are also used by farmers because of the various attachments that can be added to them. This is to assist with digging, planting, and removal of foliage, and shrubbery.
Benefits of Using a Franna Crane
Several benefits make these cranes the right choice for just about any project. Some of these include:
- Franna cranes can easily drive on public roads, making it easy to move them from one site to another.
- They’re easy to set up on any job terrain. Setup usually just requires putting the stabilisers in place.
- Franna cranes can easily manoeuvre around small spaces and can turn around in their own spaces.
- Since they’re smaller than most cranes, it’s easy to handle different hoisting tasks.
- These types of cranes are also more cost-efficient than fixed cranes since you can simply drive them to the required site.
- Franna hire is easily available from reputable crane hire services, with a variety of models available.
All-Terrain Liebherr Cranes
1977 saw the invention of the first German Liebherr mobile all-terrain crane. Since then, this particular brand has made waves in the engineering world. Liebherr is known for its ability to provide high load rates, performance, and cab safety. These cranes are also environmentally friendly and offer low noise levels.
Most Common Use of All-Terrain Cranes
The biggest advantage of Liebherr all-terrain cranes is their ability to manoeuvre and function on rough terrains. These cost-effective machines feature safety and automated technology that are easy to use on rough terrain which includes areas covered in asphalt, gravel, stone, sand, as well as grass and shrub areas.
Benefits of Using a Liebherr All-Terrain Crane
Several benefits make the modern-day Liebherr crane ideal for work that needs to be done in various rough terrains. The technology included in these cranes also goes a long way to ensuring that the job is done in the most economical and thorough way possible.
Some of these benefits include the following:
- Mobility is probably the greatest advantage. They can move on asphalt, sand and gravel.
- All-terrain cranes can lift 60 to 450 tons to different heights.
- These cranes are very versatile because of their extendable booms which can perform a variety of lifting functions.
- Liebherr cranes offer adjustable seating, soundproof cab, heating and air conditioning, offering an operator-friendly cab interior.
- All-terrain cranes use engines that reduce energy consumption and minimise operating costs.
- Bigger models like the LTM1250 have multifunctional folding jibs to make larger jobs that much easier.
A Final Thought on Choosing the Right Crane
So which crane would be best for your project requirement? A simple assessment of the project and the terrain will determine which type of crane will get the job done. All-terrain cranes are more suited for rough terrain areas, whereas Franna cranes are suitable for smaller job sites. The big advantage of Franna cranes is their compatibility.
Both crane types have reliable reputations in the heavy moving industry and using either one would be advantageous to your project!