A Franna crane — more formally known as a pick and carry crane — is a mobile, single-engine crane designed to lift a load and drive it to where it’s needed, without outriggers or set-up time. It’s one of the most common cranes on Australian construction sites, in mining, factories and workshops, and for heavy equipment installations.
“Franna” is actually a brand name. The Australian manufacturer Franna (now a Terex brand) made this class of crane so popular that the name is used generically for almost any articulated pick and carry crane — much like “Esky” or “Ute”.
How does a pick and carry crane work?
Unlike a slewing mobile crane, a Franna doesn’t lift from a fixed position. It picks up the load on its boom and carries it across the site, steering via an articulated joint in the middle of the chassis. That makes it ideal for:
Moving plant, machinery and materials around job sites, workshops and factories — indoors and out
Loading and unloading trucks
Machinery installations and factory relocations
Working in tight-access areas where a larger crane can’t set up
Pick and carry cranes can travel up and down grades and manoeuvre around corners with a load on the hook, although this always depends on site conditions and the crane’s load chart.
What sizes do Franna cranes come in?
Pick and carry cranes typically range from 12 tonne to 40 tonne capacity. Which size you hire depends on the load weight, lift height, load dimensions and site access.
Access is often the deciding factor. As a guide, Franna crane widths run from about 2.5 m to 2.75 m, with travel (boom-stowed) heights from about 2.6 m to 3.5 m — compact enough to work inside many factories and warehouses.
At the top of the range, the Franna AT40 is the largest pick and carry crane in the Franna line-up, built for higher-capacity lifts with 44% more load moment capacity than the Franna MAC 25. Its 3-axle design eliminates the need for a removable counterweight, and the third-axle control system raises axle 3 on site for a smooth turning circle.
How much can a Franna crane lift?
Every pick and carry crane has a manufacturer’s load chart specific to that model. Rated capacity is only available at minimum radius — as boom length, boom angle and load radius increase, the safe working load decreases. The operator ensures every lift stays within the chart for that crane, after allowing for the weight of rigging gear (chains, slings, spreader bars and the like).
Who operates a Franna crane?
A Franna is operated by a single licensed crane operator, working with a qualified dogman or rigger who slings the load and directs the lift. Where work is near powerlines or electrical infrastructure, an electrical spotter is also used to maintain safe clearances and keep the job compliant with crane and electrical safety standards. Both operator and rigger monitor the load through every stage of the lift and carry.
How is a pick and carry crane operated safely?
Because a Franna lifts and travels at the same time, stability is managed differently to a stationary crane. Key operating principles include:
Minimum practical boom length and boom angle — keeping the boom tip as close to the ground as practical.
Minimum practical articulation — the crane side-tilts as it steers, moving the hook towards the direction of articulation.
Load on the uphill side wherever possible, especially when articulated — a load suspended on the downhill side increases the working load radius.
Controlling load swing — swing greatly reduces stability, so taglines are used to prevent pendulum motion, and travel and crane movements are applied gently.
When should you hire a Franna crane?
A pick and carry crane is usually the fastest, most cost-effective option when you need to lift and move loads up to around 40 tonnes on a site with reasonable ground conditions — plant relocations, truck loading, steel erection support and machinery installs. For heavier lifts, longer reach or confined single-position lifts, a slewing mobile crane may suit better.
Need to hire a franna crane?
Combination cranes & Transport can provide you a quote to get your project done on time, and budget - and we handle permits and traffic management when the job needs them
FAQ
What is the minimum crane hire period?
Most crane companies apply a minimum hire of 3–4 hours , which usually includes travel to and from your site. Short lifts are charged at the minimum; longer bookings achieve better effective hourly rates.
Is the operator included in crane hire?
With wet hire, yes — the rate includes a licensed crane operator, and usually a dogman or rigger. Dry hire is the machine only, and you must supply licensed personnel.
Do I need a permit to hire a crane?
Not for lifts performed entirely from private property. If the crane sets up on a road, footpath, or nature strip, a council road occupation permit and traffic management are required — your crane company can arrange these.
How far in advance should I book a crane?
For standard lifts, a week is usually enough, however the earlier the better. If the lift needs a road closure permit, allow two to four weeks for council approval.
