What is a crawler crane?
A crawler crane moves on tracks instead of wheels, which spreads its weight and helps on soft or uneven ground. Larger crawlers are transported to site and assembled for longer jobs. Mini crawler cranes are compact versions used for tight access; see mini crane hire and spider crane hire. For short lifts with road access, a mobile slewing crane is often quicker to set up.
How our crane hire referral works
- Tell us the lift: what, how heavy, where.
- We match a local operator with the right crane for the job.
- They call you with a price and book the lift.
Lift capacity at a glance
Builds, steel, panels, HVAC on tight urban sites.
Long reach and heavy lifts on outriggers.
Glazing, indoor and narrow-access lifts.
Deliver and lift in one visit.
Suburbs served
- Melbourne CBD
- Docklands
- Dandenong
- Campbellfield
- Keysborough
- Cranbourne
- Berwick
- Pakenham
- Footscray
- Sunshine
- Coburg
- Box Hill
- Ringwood
- Frankston
- All metro Melbourne
Crane hire cost guide (Melbourne)
Indicative Melbourne wet-hire rates (operator and rigger included, ex GST), from iseekplant (30 June 2026). They exclude travel to and from the depot, extra rigging labour, permits and traffic management. Your quote depends on the lift.
| Crane | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Franna 12t | $160–$195/hr |
| Franna 20t | $195–$235/hr |
| Franna 25t | $220–$265/hr |
| Mobile slewing 50t | $330–$430/hr |
| Mobile slewing 100t | $480–$630/hr |
Same source: most Melbourne suppliers apply a 4-hour minimum for Frannas and a full day for larger slewing cranes. Rates for spider cranes are not covered; they are quoted on request.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need a crawler crane?
Consider a crawler crane when the ground is soft or uneven, when the crane needs to move around the site with a load, or for long-running jobs. Tracks spread the crane's weight. For short lifts on firm ground with road access, a wheeled mobile crane is usually faster to set up.
How much does crawler crane hire cost in Melbourne?
Crawler crane pricing depends on the crane size, transport and assembly, and how long the job runs, so each job is quoted on request. Send your lift details, site conditions and expected duration and the local operator will price it.
How does this crane hire referral service work?
You send your lift details once through the form or by phone. We pass the request to one independent local crane operator suited to the job, and that operator contacts you directly with a price and books the lift. We are a referral service, not a crane company, and the request is free with no obligation.
What details do I need for a crane quote in Melbourne?
Give the load weight, the lift height and distance from where the crane can set up, the site suburb and street, ground and access conditions, and your preferred date. Photos of the site and load help. Operators use this to choose the crane size, check if permits are needed and price the lift accurately.
Related crane hire services
- Crane hire Melbourne (all cranes)
- Franna crane hire Melbourne
- Mobile slewing crane hire Melbourne
- City and CBD crane hire
- Spider and mini crane hire
- Crane hire in Dandenong and the south-east
- Crane truck hire Melbourne
- Hiab truck hire Melbourne
- Mini and small crane hire
- Crane hire cost and rates Melbourne
- Crane hire in Campbellfield and the north