Cranes are among the top machines that you’ll find on construction sites of all sizes. As with other types of equipment, cranes are available in a wide range of sizes and capacities, which have been designed to suit different job requirements. This makes finding the best model for your specific needs considerably easier.
When you decide to opt for the crane hire Melbourne rental agencies recommend, then there are often two key crane types to choose from. Australian project managers often have to choose between Franna pick-and-carry versions or the equally versatile Liebherr all-terrain cranes.
Choosing the Perfect Crane For Your Next Lifting Job
Ensuring that your next lifting job happens as effectively and safely as possible starts with choosing the best crane model for the type of job you’re doing. As you begin the selection process, our experts recommend assessing your exact needs. This will ensure that you opt for the right option from the beginning.
You should start by asking these key questions:
- What type of terrain will the crane be used on?
- How long will the project take to complete? Will it be better to purchase or rent?
- What is the type and weight of the materials being lifted and moved around?
- Do you require any specific technologies or machine specs to do the job?
Assessing your project’s specific needs will make your list of potential options much easier to navigate. It’s crucial to choose an option that ticks all the boxes on your requirements list.
This will avoid you having to rent more than one unit halfway through the project. To help you make the most informed choice, our experts have compiled a quick comparison between the Liebherr and Franna versions.
Liebherr All-Terrain Cranes
The ever-popular German Liebherr model was invented in 1977 as an all-terrain crane. Available in a variety of sizes, the Liebherr machines are well-known for their cab safety, ease of lifting high loads, and overall performance. Low noise levels and environmentally friendly properties also add to the list of reasons why these models are so popular.
Liebherr models are popular for being able to function and manoeuvre on rough and flat terrains with the same ease. Modern, automated technologies ensure that all Liebherr models can work on surfaces covered in the following:
- Gravel
- Sand
- Shrubbery areas
- Grass
- Stone
- Asphalt
Benefits of Opting for Liebherr All-Terrain Cranes
There are many benefits to opting for an all-terrain crane. In addition to the top-notch technology used in these machines, Liebherr offers the following benefits to look forward to:
- Ease of mobility: These machines can easily move around on various surfaces such as asphalt, sand, and gravel.
- High lifting capacity: All-terrain cranes can lift from 60 to 450 tons of weight.
- Versatile: These cranes are very versatile because of their extendable booms, which can perform a variety of lifting functions.
- Comfortable and safe cabs: Liebherr cranes offer adjustable seating, soundproof cab, heating, and air conditioning, offering an operator-friendly cab interior.
- Reduced operating costs: All-terrain cranes use engines that reduce energy consumption and minimise operating costs.
- Large models available: Bigger models like the LTM1250 have multifunctional folding jibs to make larger jobs that much easier.
Australian Made Franna Cranes
Released for the first time in the 1980s, Franna cranes are reputable for being the most reliable Australian pick and carry cranes. Franna cranes display unparalleled manoeuvrability with exceptionally high travel speeds.
With cage capacities varying from 10 to 25 tons, Franna models are popular choices in the mining and construction industries across all parts of Australia. Franna cranes are compact enough to make them ideal for use in lifting, moving, and shifting, and placing loads up to a maximum weight of 25 tons.
These innovative cranes are highly manoeuverable and are regarded as a more practical alternative to forklifts. Additionally, Franna cranes are easily used by farmers. This is because various attachments can easily be added to assist with digging, planting, and foliage removal.
Benefits of Modern Franna Cranes
Several benefits highlight why Franna is the ideal choice for just about any project:
- Easy to move around: Franna cranes can drive on public roads, making it easy to get them where they’re needed.
- Quick set-up: These cranes feature a simple set-up that only requires putting stabilisers in place.
- Ideal for small spaces: Franna cranes can easily manoeuvre around narrow spaces and also turn around in their own spaces.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best crane for your next project starts with a comprehensive assessment of the overall project, requirements, and terrain of the job site. If you’re working on smaller sites, experts recommend opting for the very versatile Franna cranes. Tougher terrain jobs may require the more robust all-terrain units.
Speak to your crane retail agent for assistance in choosing the best model for your unique site requirements. Whether you opt for a small Franna or a much larger Liebherr, you’ll have assurance that your lifting job is going to happen as effectively as possible!
