Have You Considered a Franna Crane Hire for Your Next Project?

Let’s start by clearing up any confusion – Franna cranes are pick and carry cranes. Pick and carry refers to the functionality of this style of crane. They are able to pick up loads and travel with them, a little like a giant forklift. Depending upon the worksite needs, this can provide considerable benefits over a typical fixed slew crane.

A Franna Crane is effectively a cross between a truck and a crane. It is equipped with large wheels and the body is articulated in the middle, though it lacks outriggers. This configuration offers a mobile crane that is extremely manoeuvrable and capable of accessing relatively tight spaces. It is a versatile crane hire option for many types of projects.

The “Franna” can be rightly classified as an Australian success story. It was created in Australia by engineer Dave Francis. The first prototype of this pick-and-carry crane was made using existing truck components that were already available in the marketplace.

The name “Franna” originates from a combination of “Francis” and “Anna”, who was Dave’s wife. Since then, the name “Franna Crane” has become synonymous with this style of mobile pick and carry crane. They are used all around the world for a wide range of purposes.

There are numerous reasons to consider a Franna hire.

Manoeuvrability and mobility. As an articulated crane with great mobility, they are able to navigate around worksites and into places other cranes have difficulty reaching.

High relative lifting capacity. Although they are a relatively small crane in terms of overall size, they definitely punch above their weight with lifting capacity.

Versatility of use. From material handling and loading and unloading trucks, to lifting heaving equipment or construction parts Franna cranes can switch jobs as required.

Safe crane features. Frannas come installed with a number of innovative crane safety features including load limits. This helps ensure safe crane operation on every work site.

Fast commissioning. Because they don’t require outriggers or other supports to be setup, they are much faster to get them commissioned on a project.

Cost-effective. Franna crane hire rates are usually very reasonable. These cranes are designed to be relatively low maintenance which helps keep down the overall cost of operation.

Many types of industries and projects can benefit from Franna crane hire. Most importantly, their ability to travel provides great flexibility and benefits compared with fixed slew cranes or even other styles of mobile crane that need outriggers

Construction and infrastructure. Moving important components around a worksite and lifting into place.

Equipment commissioning. Indoors or tight access to maintain or install heavy machinery.

Material handling. Efficiently moving work materials around a site with good load capacity and manoeuvrability.

Shipping and logistics. They are an ideal crane for moving shipping containers and loading or unloading onto transport.

Mining. The ability to travel whilst carrying a load is an important consideration for most mine sites.

General lifting jobs. A great mobile crane for a wide range of purposes.

This style of crane must always be driven by an experienced crane operator. As an articulated crane it manoeuvres quite differently than other vehicles, though this is also one of its benefits.

Another consideration for pick and carry cranes are their lack of outriggers or stabilising legs. This means that they can only be operated on firm and level surfaces. Use on uneven surfaces can greatly increase the risk of overturning. Once again, this limitation also delivers the benefit of quick setups and great flexibility.

Pick and carry cranes also have a lower lifting capacity than typical slew cranes or other mobile cranes. Their benefit is in their versatility and ability to travel with a load rather than maximising lift capacity.

If you are looking for hire cranes in the Highlands, come and speak with us at the DPS Group. We offer a MAC 25t Franna crane hire option which we find is an ideal balance between lift and flexibility. Your Franna hire comes inclusive of an experienced Franna operator. Additionally, our mobile crane fleet also contains a range of all-terrain heavy cranes, spider cranes and city cranes.