Using Spider Cranes for Commercial Construction

Spider cranes are an extremely versatile piece of equipment for many constructions sites. Also known as mini crawler cranes, hydraulic track cranes or “Maeda cranes” (the brand name), spider cranes get their name from their unique spidery shape. They have multiple legs that extend to provide additional support and stability when lifting, including on slightly uneven ground.

These small mobile cranes are often able to access areas other cranes can’t, such as interiors. Maeda cranes can even be beneficial in situations where other cranes could operate, such as the tops of tall buildings. A Maeda crane can achieve many of the same tasks as larger cranes but at greatly reduced cost and compliance burden.

DPS Cranes have chosen to specialise in a few specific Maeda crane models that enhance the capabilities our overall mobile crane services. These spider crane models are particularly useful where access is limited. The largest heavy lifting crawler crane available in this range is 3.0 tonnes; the maximum allowable for use with a C class license.

DPS cranes offer hire of the following models;

The Maeda Crane MC305 offers a maximum lifting height of 12.52 metres and maximum working radius of 12.16 metres. When configured for travel they have a width of 1280 mm and height of 1695 mm.

The Maeda MC355 provides a maximum lifting height of 11.80 metres and maximum working radius of 12.13 metres. When configured for travel the MC355 has a width of 1300 mm and height of 1845 mm.

The Maeda MC285 offers a maximum lifting height of 8.70 metres and maximum working radius of 8.20 metres. When configured for travel they have a width of 750 mm and height of 1470 mm.

Each cranes small size and relatively light weight allows them to be used for a variety of purposes;

• Small size. Highly suitable for use as indoor cranes.
• Light weight. Can be utilised on suspended slabs or areas where ground pressure may be an issue, due to their light weight.
• Narrow width. Small width and height dimensions allow these cranes to access areas that most larger crane cannot. The Maeda MC285 model, in particular, is narrow enough to fit through a standard door frame.
• Very manoeuvrable. They can easily be moved into tight spaces or to new locations with minimal setup time.
• Dry hire. They can be dry hired without an operator. This makes them especially suitable for more flexible long-term hire on large commercial projects.

To clarify, “dry hire” means the ability to hire a mobile crane without the need for a specially trained operator, as with heavier cranes. To legally operate any of our Maeda spider cranes, users simply require a standard car (Class C) driver’s license. Of course, you still need to adhere to the standard safe operating procedures.

Whilst we can, of course, still provide operators for our Maeda cranes, dry hire offers a more affordable and flexible longer-term hire option for many construction projects. Keeping a spider crane permanently on site means that they can be mobilised and used at very short notice for a wide range of tasks. This is especially the case when they can be used by an in-house operator.

If you are interested in large mobile crane options, explore our NSW Southern Highlands crane fleet page. Alternatively, read more about using mobile cranes on your residential projects.

DPS Cranes operate exclusively in the Southern Highlands of NSW. If you are interested in mobile crane hire for your projects, including spider crane hire, please enquire with us.