Slewing vs non-slewing cranes
"Slewing" means rotating. A slewing crane turns its boom or jib around its base while it lifts, so it can set up in one spot and place loads around it. A non-slewing crane cannot rotate its boom on a turntable. The pick-and-carry cranes made by Franna are articulated instead: the machine pivots in the middle to steer and to swing the load (Terex AT-20 manual).
| Slewing mobile crane | Non-slewing mobile crane | |
|---|---|---|
| Boom movement | Rotates (slews) around the base | Does not slew; pick-and-carry types articulate |
| Victorian licence | C2, C6, C1 or C0 by capacity | CN (over 3 tonnes) |
| Example | Mobile slewing crane, crawler crane | Franna |
Licence classes: WorkSafe Victoria, "High risk work licence" and Safe Work Australia, "High risk work licence classes", checked 27 October 2026.
Slewing crane licence bands
Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations defines the mobile crane licence classes by the crane's rated capacity. The wording below follows Safe Work Australia; WorkSafe Victoria issues the licences here.
| Licence class (Safe Work Australia wording) | Common code |
|---|---|
| Non-slewing mobile crane with a capacity exceeding 3 tonnes | CN |
| Slewing mobile crane with a capacity of 20 tonnes or less | C2 |
| Slewing mobile crane with a capacity of 60 tonnes or less | C6 |
| Slewing mobile crane with a capacity of 100 tonnes or less | C1 |
| Slewing mobile crane with a capacity exceeding 100 tonnes | C0 |
| Vehicle loading crane with a capacity of 10 metre tonnes or more | CV |
Source: Safe Work Australia, "High risk work licence classes" and WorkSafe Victoria, "High risk work licence", checked 27 October 2026. The class follows the crane's rated capacity, not the weight of your load. More detail: crane licence classes in Victoria.
Other crane licences you may hear about
The same schedule lists separate licences for tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes, derrick cranes, portal boom cranes, and bridge and gantry cranes. These are not mobile cranes, so they do not apply to a Franna or truck-mounted slewing crane hire. Dogging and rigging are licensed separately as well: intermediate rigging, for example, covers rigging work involving cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators (Safe Work Australia, "High risk work licence classes").
Choosing between them
The right machine depends on the load weight, how far it must travel or reach, and the space on site. As a starting point:
- Non-slewing (pick and carry): lighter lifts on tight sites where the crane can drive with the load on the hook. See pick and carry crane sizes and Franna crane hire.
- Slewing on outriggers: heavier, higher or longer-reach lifts from one set-up position. See mobile crane hire.
- Slewing on tracks: soft ground or long jobs. See crawler crane hire.
Whichever type you pick, the operator should confirm the crane against its load chart for your actual lift. Mention powerlines and road access in your request, because they can rule a crane in or out (see cranes near powerlines and crane permits).
Checking the operator's licence
Ask to see the operator's high risk work licence and check that its class covers the crane being sent, not just the weight of your load. A 50 tonne slewing crane needs at least a C6 licence even if the load is 2 tonnes, because the class follows the crane's capacity. For crane trucks, the vehicle loading crane class applies once the crane reaches 10 metre tonnes, and it includes load estimation and slinging. Safe Work Australia notes that it is not a regulator: in Victoria, licensing questions go to WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe Victoria, "High risk work licence").
Frequently asked questions
What is a slewing crane?
A slewing crane can rotate (slew) its boom or jib around its base while lifting. Victorian licence classes for slewing mobile cranes run from C2 (20 tonnes or less) to C0 (over 100 tonnes).
What is a non-slewing crane?
A non-slewing crane's boom cannot rotate on a turntable. Pick-and-carry cranes such as a Franna are the common example, and over 3 tonnes they need a CN licence.
Is a crawler crane a slewing crane?
Crawler cranes slew their boom on a turntable, like truck-mounted slewing cranes, but travel on tracks instead of wheels.
Which should I hire?
Pick-and-carry (non-slewing) cranes suit lighter lifts on tight sites where the crane can drive with the load. Slewing cranes on outriggers suit heavier, higher or longer-reach lifts. The operator confirms the right crane from your lift details.
Crane hire services
Ready to hire? Compare mobile crane hire, crawler crane hire and Franna crane hire.