Frequently Asked Questions

- Cranes
 

Question: What types of vehicle loading cranes does CraneCo Australia offer?

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CraneCo Australia: We can help match you with the right crane style for your work. Options include compact material-handling cranes, straight-boom winch cranes for precise lifting, and knuckle-boom cranes for loading, unloading and higher-reach applications.

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Question: How do I know what crane size I need?

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CraneCo Australia: Start with the heaviest load you need to lift, including lifting gear, and the maximum distance or height you need to reach. Crane capacity is measured in tonne metres: load weight multiplied by lifting radius. We’ll help assess the complete job so the crane has the capacity you actually need.

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Question: Should I choose a telescopic boom or a knuckle-boom crane?

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CraneCo Australia: It depends on the work. Telescopic, winch-equipped cranes are excellent for precise vertical lifting, deep-hole work and lifting heavy loads close to the vehicle. Knuckle-boom cranes are well suited to routine loading and unloading, and can provide excellent up and over reach, particularly with a fly jib.

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Question: Can a crane’s load chart tell me everything I need to know?

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CraneCo Australia: Load charts are essential, but they need to be interpreted carefully. For knuckle-boom cranes, lifting capacity can reduce as boom angles and hook height change. We review the real lifting scenario—not just weight and distance—to make sure the crane can safely complete the job.

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Question: Why shouldn’t I simply buy the crane with the longest boom?

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CraneCo Australia: Extra boom length adds cost and weight, uses payload and can reduce lifting capacity at reach. We recommend selecting the reach you genuinely require, rather than carrying more boom than the application needs.

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Question: Should I pick a crane or truck first?

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CraneCo Australia: Select the crane first, based on your lifting requirements, then match it to a suitable truck. The vehicle must safely carry the crane and payload, meet axle-load requirements and provide sufficient stability during lifting operations.

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Question: Can any truck carry a crane of the right capacity?

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CraneCo Australia: Not necessarily. Truck wheelbase, axle configuration, payload, crane mounting position and stabiliser arrangements all affect legal compliance and stability. We assess these factors before recommending a crane-and-truck combination.

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Question: Is there a quick guide to matching a crane and truck?

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CraneCo Australia: As a general guide, a front-mounted crane’s tonne-metre capacity should usually be no greater than the truck’s available payload. For rear-mounted cranes, allow a further margin. However, this is only a starting point—each installation needs proper assessment.

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Question: What Australian Standards apply to vehicle loading cranes?

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CraneCo Australia: The key standards are AS 1418.11, covering vehicle loading crane design, installation and pre-delivery inspection, and AS 2550.11, covering safe use, maintenance and major inspections. CraneCo Australia can help ensure your project is planned with applicable requirements in mind.

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Question: Can I fit a crane to my own truck?

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CraneCo Australia: Vehicle loading crane installation is specialised work. It involves hydraulic systems, subframe design, safety and stability systems, electrical integration, load testing and commissioning. We strongly recommend using competent, appropriately trained professionals.

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Question: Do I need a crane operator’s licence?

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CraneCo Australia: Licensing requirements depend on the crane’s rated tonne-metre capacity and the regulations in your state or territory. Even where a formal licence is not required, operators should receive proper training in safe operation, inspections and care of the crane.

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Question: How often does my crane need to be inspected?

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CraneCo Australia: Operators should complete daily visual checks and keep records. A competent person should carry out annual inspections, and a detailed inspection is needed after events such as a shock load, road accident or lightning strike. Major inspections are generally required after 10 years of service, in line with the applicable standard and manufacturer guidance.

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Question: Can CraneCo Australia help if I’m unsure which setup is right?

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CraneCo Australia: Absolutely. We’ll work with you to understand your loads, lifting radius, required height, vehicle requirements and operational needs, then recommend a practical, safe and compliant crane solution.

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