Crane Hire Costs in Melbourne: Prices and What Affects Your Quote
Whether you are planning a roof-truss lift, machinery relocation or pool installation, choosing the right crane hire in Melbourne begins with understanding the job. Every lift has different requirements. Crane type, working radius, site access, crew and preparation all influence the equipment and services needed for a safe and efficient operation.
Crane2U provides mobile crane hire across Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria, with Franna, all-terrain, spider and compact crane options. This guide explains what affects a crane hire quote, how to choose suitable equipment, and what information to provide before booking. For a machine suited to your actual lift, browse the Crane2U crane fleet.
How Much Does Crane Hire Cost in Melbourne?
Crane hire in Melbourne with Crane2U starts from $165 per hour for a crawler spider crane, $187 for a compact crane, $214.50 for a 20T Franna and $220 for a 30T all terrain crane, including GST and a licensed operator. Most smaller cranes have a 4-hour minimum, so a simple lift usually starts at around $750–$950 before extras. Large all terrain cranes cost $385 to $803 per hour with an 8-hour minimum.
Melbourne crane hire rates by crane type (2026)
| Crane type | Sizes | Hire from (inc GST) | Minimum hire | Minimum charge from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawler spider cranes | 2.8T–4T | $165–$198 per hour | 8 hours | $1,320 |
| Compact & bubble cranes | GF30, 7T slew, 13T–20T bubble | $187–$214.50 per hour | 4 hours | $748 |
| Franna cranes | 20T, 22T, MAC 25T, 40T | $214.50–$286 per hour | 4 hours | $858 |
| All terrain cranes | 30T–50T | $220–$286 per hour | 4 hours | $880 |
| All terrain cranes | 55T–60T | $313.50–$341 per hour | 6 hours | $1,881 |
| All terrain cranes | 70T–120T | $385–$544.50 per hour | 8 hours | $3,080 |
| All terrain cranes | 150T–250T | $599.50–$803 per hour | 8 hours | $4,796 |
| Crane trucks | Crane truck, tilt tray | $159.50–$198 per hour | 4 hours | $638 |
| Tracked carriers (dry hire) | 1.25T–4T | $440–$660 per day | 1 day | $440 |
Starting rates including GST, weekday hours. The price for each individual crane is on our crane hire rates page, and you can compare every machine on the crane fleet page.
What the hourly rate includes
Our crane hire rates are wet hire: the crane plus a licensed, experienced operator. Dogmen, riggers, electrical spotters and traffic controllers are added when the lift needs them, and tracked carriers are dry hire (no operator). Read more about wet and dry crane hire.
Extra Costs to Budget For
The crane rate is only part of the total. Depending on the job, these can be added:
| Extra | Price (inc GST) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime | $82.50 per hour, per worker | Outside 7am–3:30pm Mon–Fri, weekends, public holidays, or after 8 hours continuous hire |
| Fuel levy | 7% of crane hire | All cranes |
| Counterweight transport | $385–$693 each way | 60T and larger all terrain cranes (within 100 km of our depot) |
| VicRoads permit | $181.50 per trip | 80T and larger cranes |
| Dogman / rigger | From $137.50 per hour (4-hour min.) | When loads need slinging and directing |
| Electrical spotter | From $126.50 per hour (4-hour min.) | Lifts near powerlines |
| Traffic controller | From $132 per hour (4-hour min.) | Lifts on or beside roads and footpaths |
| Traffic guidance scheme | $467.50 per plan | Jobs that need a traffic plan |
| Council permit submission | $423.50 per permit, plus council fees | Road or footpath occupations; council fees vary |
| Engineered lift plan | From $192.50 per hour | Heavy, complex or critical lifts |
Example Crane Hire Costs in Melbourne
Three typical jobs, priced with our published starting rates on a weekday. Your quote may differ once we know the site.
1. Roof trusses on a new house in Werribee
A 20T Franna on site for 3 hours is charged at the 4-hour minimum: $858, plus the 7% fuel levy ($60.06). About $918 inc GST.
2. Rooftop air conditioning unit in Sunshine West
A 60T all terrain crane for 5 hours is charged at the 6-hour minimum: $2,046, plus fuel levy ($143.22) and counterweight transport both ways ($770). About $2,959 inc GST. If the crane has to stand on the road, add a traffic guidance scheme, permit submission, council fees and traffic controllers. See air conditioning crane lifting.
3. Glass panels through side access in Altona
A 3T crawler spider crane for a day (8-hour minimum): $1,320, plus fuel levy ($92.40). About $1,412 inc GST, plus a dogman if needed (from $550 for 4 hours).
Want a price for your own lift? Use the free crane calculator to see which crane suits your load, then call 0457 000 637 or request a quote.
Why crane hire quotes vary between projects
A crane hire quote should reflect your lifting requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all package. A straightforward on-site materials lift is different from a rooftop installation over a building or machinery handling in a confined industrial space. The correct equipment and supporting crew depend on the load, working radius, access, ground conditions and lift sequence.
For an accurate recommendation, send Crane2U the project location, load information, lifting height, site photographs and preferred schedule. The team can assess suitable crane options and confirm the relevant services through a project-specific enquiry.
Seven factors that affect your final crane hire quote
1. Crane type, lifting capacity and working radius
A 20T Franna crane is designed for pick-and-carry work, where the load is moved around a suitable site. A larger all-terrain crane usually sets up in one location and can provide additional height, reach or lifting capacity. The number on the crane is not the amount it can lift at every distance: usable capacity depends on the load chart, boom configuration and working radius.
For example, placing a rooftop unit behind a building may require a larger crane than moving a heavier item across an open yard. Supplying the load weight, dimensions, lift height and approximate distance from crane to load helps avoid quoting the wrong class of equipment.
2. Minimum hire period and on-site time
A short physical lift does not always mean a short booking. Allow for arrival, site induction, setup, inspection, rigging, lifting, packing down and any agreed travel or minimum hire period. A crane sitting idle while a delivery is late may still incur charges under the hire terms. Confirm minimum hours, overtime and standby rules before the job.
3. Travel and mobilisation
Travel distance and how equipment reaches the worksite influence mobilisation and planning. Crane2U operates from Maddingley and serves jobs across Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Werribee, Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and other locations by arrangement. Smaller road-going cranes and equipment needing a transport vehicle can have different mobilisation requirements. Check the service areas and confirm mobilisation arrangements when discussing the lift.
4. Access, ground conditions and outrigger space
Narrow streets, soft ground, restricted driveways, overhead obstructions and limited setup space can change the equipment needed. A tight factory or courtyard site might suit spider crane hire or compact crane hire after an assessment. A larger mobile crane may require room for outriggers, ground support and a safe exclusion area. Clear photographs and site dimensions make early planning easier.
5. Dogmen, riggers and specialist lift planning
Some lifts need additional qualified personnel, specific rigging gear or detailed engineering. Crane2U offers dogman and rigger services and engineered lift planning where the task warrants them. These are important project requirements that should be assessed on their merits. Ask which personnel, equipment and documents are included in the proposed scope.
6. Road occupancy, traffic management and electrical hazards
If a crane needs to occupy part of a public road or affect traffic, approvals and traffic management services may be required. Near overhead powerlines, the work must be assessed against Victoria’s No Go Zone requirements. Electrical spotter support may be required for certain work zones, but a spotter does not replace other required approvals or safe clearances. See Energy Safe Victoria’s guidance.
7. Timing, delivery coordination and weather
Weekend or after-hours work, restricted delivery windows, changed lift dates and adverse weather may affect the lift schedule and booking arrangements. For roof installations, machinery moves and pool placements, coordinate the delivery vehicle, installers and lifting crew for the agreed time. Your quote should explain what happens if the job is delayed or cannot proceed safely.
Which crane should you hire for your project?
20T and 25T Franna crane hire: useful for site handlingFor suitable short-radius lifting and moving loads around a clear worksite, Franna crane hire in Melbourne can be a practical option. Typical tasks include structural steel handling, machinery relocation, loading and general construction support. A Franna is not automatically appropriate for an over-building lift simply because the load seems light; assess access, turning room, the route and load chart first.
All-terrain cranes: height, radius and heavier loadsIf the load must travel up and over a building, onto a rooftop, or across a larger working radius, an all-terrain crane may be the better fit. Crane2U’s all-terrain crane range covers different equipment classes. The ideal crane is the one with suitable lifting capacity at the required radius and an achievable setup footprint—not simply the largest available machine.
Spider and compact cranes: restricted accessFor factory floors, confined yards and sites with narrow entrances, smaller specialised equipment can be more appropriate than a full-size mobile crane. Explore crawler spider cranes and compact lifting equipment. The ground and floor loading, headroom, door width and lift path still need a proper review.
Wet hire vs dry hire: what is included?Wet hire generally includes the crane with an appropriately qualified operator. Dry hire supplies equipment without an operator, subject to suitability and the required competencies. Neither term alone tells you whether dogmen, riggers, travel, lift studies, additional gear or traffic management are included. Crane2U offers wet and dry crane hire options for applicable equipment and projects; confirm the exact inclusions in writing.
For many construction and residential lifting jobs, having the operator, lifting crew and relevant planning coordinated together can make the booking simpler. The right choice depends on who is responsible for each part of the operation and what the site actually requires.
Three common lifting projects and their planning requirements
Rooftop air-conditioning unit replacementThe unit may be relatively light, but the crane might need to reach beyond the building edge from the street. Working radius, road occupancy, electrical hazards, removal of the existing unit and the delivery schedule all need attention before the lift. Learn about air-conditioning and HVAC lifting.
Machinery relocation in a warehouse or yardThe load weight, travel route and whether the crane needs to carry the item influence machine choice. A Franna may suit a clear pick-and-carry route; restricted access could point towards compact equipment. Include a route sketch, floor loading information and the load’s lifting points with your enquiry.
Fibreglass pool shell installationThe crane may have to lift a relatively lightweight but bulky shell over a house into a backyard. Distance and clearance can be more important than shell weight alone. Coordinate the pool delivery and crane crew carefully to avoid unnecessary site delays. See Crane2U’s pool lifting services for the site information to prepare.
How to get a more accurate crane hire quote
Before requesting a quote, send one clear job brief. It can help the team recommend suitable equipment and identify extra services early rather than revising the quote on the day.Address and preferred date: include suburb, site access times and any restrictions.
Load information: item description, confirmed weight, dimensions, lifting points and whether it is fragile or unusually shaped.
Lift geometry: approximate pick-up and set-down locations, lifting height, horizontal reach and any obstructions.
Site photos or drawings: show the street, driveway, entry width, intended crane setup area and overhead hazards.
Ground and access: note soft ground, slopes, suspended slabs, underground services and limited turning room.
Other site services: identify whether you need an operator, rigging crew, traffic control or a documented lifting plan.
Delivery coordination: tell the team when trucks, installers and other trades will be ready.
With this information, the Crane2U team can review options and prepare a job-specific quotation. You can also compare the available crane equipment before enquiring.
Crane Hire Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a crane per hour in Melbourne?
With Crane2U, crane hire starts from $165 per hour for a crawler spider crane, $187 for a compact crane, $214.50 for a 20T Franna and $220 for a 30T all terrain crane, including GST and a licensed operator. Large all terrain cranes cost $385 to $803 per hour.
What is the minimum charge for crane hire?
Most compact, Franna and smaller all terrain cranes have a 4-hour minimum, so the minimum charge starts at $748 for a compact crane and $858 for a 20T Franna (inc GST). 55T and 60T cranes have a 6-hour minimum, and 70T+ all terrain and crawler spider cranes have an 8-hour minimum.
Why do crane hire quotes vary so much?
The crane size is set by the load weight and the reach needed, not just the weight. Site access, ground conditions, working hours, travel, counterweight transport, crew and permits all change the total, so two jobs with the same load can need very different cranes.
Is it cheaper to hire a Franna or an all terrain crane?
For lifts a Franna can handle, it is usually cheaper: 20T Franna hire starts at $214.50 per hour with no outrigger set-up time. When the load is heavier or the reach is longer, a slewing all terrain crane is needed. Compare them on our crane fleet page.
Do I need to pay for council permits?
Only if the crane or the lift takes up a road or footpath. Then a council occupation permit and usually a traffic guidance scheme are needed. We can prepare the traffic plan ($467.50) and submit the permit ($423.50) for you; council fees are extra and vary by council.
More answers in our crane hire Melbourne FAQ.
Crane hire across Melbourne, Geelong and Western Victoria
Crane2U supports lifting projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Melton, Caroline Springs, Werribee, Bacchus Marsh, Geelong and Ballarat, subject to project requirements and availability. Whether you are booking a one-off residential lift or coordinating several construction lifts, accurate job details help the team recommend suitable equipment and plan the work effectively.For further guidance on machine selection, read Crane Hire Melbourne & Geelong and explore the specific service pages linked throughout this article.
