The Franna crane, a familiar sight on Australian worksites and globally recognized for its “pick and carry” capabilities. It boasts a history rooted in innovative design right here in Aus!
From Workshop Innovation to Industry Leader
The story begins in 1978 with Dave Francis, an Australian engineer and workshop owner. Frustrated by the limitations of existing, often unstable, tractor cranes, Francis envisioned a better solution. He set about designing a mobile crane that could lift and carry loads without the need for outriggers, using readily available truck components. This ground breaking prototype marked the birth of the Franna.
The name “Franna” itself is a blend of Francis’s surname and his daughter Anna’s first name.
Growth and Technological Advancements
Through the early 1980s, Francis refined his design, with initial models such as the 8-tonne capacity crane taking shape. A pivotal moment came in around 1983 when Francis sold his business to Lou Parolin and Brian Hain. They established Franna Cranes Pty Ltd, significantly ramping up production. They quickly saw the immense potential of the pick-and-carry design, particularly for Australia’s diverse construction and mining sectors.
The mid-1980s to 1990s saw rapid technological advancements:
- 1986: Franna cranes incorporated more robust components, like the HINO EH700 engine, boosting their speed.
- 1987: The 4WD-12 tonne model was introduced, with optional Allison automatic transmissions.
- Mid-1990s: Franna was an early adopter of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), leading to more precise engineering and the development of popular models like the MAC 14 and the larger MAC 25.
- Safety systems evolved significantly: from basic radius load charts (1978) to articulated load charts (1992), and then to electronic Load Moment Indicators (LMIs) in 1995, providing real-time load data. Deration charts for side slopes were added in 2001.
The Terex Era and Ongoing Innovation
Franna’s success didn’t go unnoticed. In 1999, the U.S.-based Terex Corporation acquired Franna Cranes Pty Ltd. While now part of Terex and often referred to as Terex-Frannas, the original “Franna” name remains deeply embedded in the industry’s lexicon worldwide.
Innovation continued under Terex. A major safety leap came in 2013 with the patented Dynamic Load Moment Indicator (DLMI) system, offering real-time stability monitoring. More recently, in 2024, Franna introduced its patent-pending Safety Radar system, further enhancing on-site safety.
Today, Franna cranes are celebrated for their strength, reliability, agility, and speed. Their ability to travel efficiently on public roads and quickly deploy on job sites has earned them the affectionate nickname of “taxi” cranes, making them a cornerstone of many operations, especially in their homeland of Australia.