Crane truck hire is often mistaken for mobile crane hire, but these two services offer very different capabilities. Choosing the wrong one can result in operational delays, increased costs, and equipment that isn’t fit for purpose. In this guide, we break down the key differences between crane trucks and mobile cranes, helping you make the best decision for your next lifting project.
Whether you’re handling a one-off lift or a long-term infrastructure project, understanding how these crane types work—and when to use each—is essential. From lifting capacity and mobility to hire flexibility and setup time, this comparison will save you time and money on the job site.
Crane Truck Hire – Built for Fast, Flexible Lifting
What Is a Crane Truck?
A crane truck is a rigid vehicle equipped with a hydraulic crane, typically mounted behind the cab. These vehicles can both transport loads and lift them on or off their tray, eliminating the need for separate equipment or multiple hire services.
Because they are fully road-registered, crane trucks are ideal for quick-response jobs and deliveries in metropolitan areas like Melbourne. With fast loading and unloading capabilities, they keep projects moving and minimise delays.
Best Use Cases for Crane Trucks
- Delivering steel beams or structural components to urban job sites
- Installing commercial air conditioning units or rooftop signage
- Relocating construction materials between locations
- Handling restricted access sites where manoeuvrability matters
Key Advantages
Speed & Convenience: Crane trucks reduce the need for separate transport, making them highly efficient for urban jobs.
Mobility: Being road-legal, crane trucks travel directly to site without special permits.
Cost-Effective: Combining lifting and delivery in one vehicle cuts down hire and labour costs.
Considerations
- Lift Height Limitations: Typically limited to around 10–20 metres.
- Weight Restrictions: Suited for light to medium loads, depending on truck configuration.
Mobile Crane Hire – Power and Precision for Heavy Lifts
What Is a Mobile Crane?
A mobile crane is a self-propelled lifting machine designed solely for hoisting and moving heavy materials. It features telescopic booms, counterweights, outriggers for stability, and a rotating superstructure. Unlike crane trucks, mobile cranes usually require transport via a float and are assembled on-site.
These machines are essential for tasks requiring high lifting capacity, extended reach, or precision placement. Mobile cranes are commonly seen in major construction projects, infrastructure builds, and industrial sites.
Best Use Cases for Mobile Cranes
- Erecting steel frameworks for multi-storey buildings
- Bridge construction or large-scale infrastructure projects
- Installing heavy machinery and equipment
- Working on sites with complex lifting plans or height constraints
Key Advantages
Lifting Power: Mobile cranes can lift anywhere from 20 tonnes to over 500 tonnes, depending on the model.
Reach & Flexibility: Telescopic booms offer reach beyond what most crane trucks can achieve.
Specialised Capability: Designed for heavy-duty lifting, high precision, and complex rigging setups.
Considerations
- Setup Time: Requires transportation, assembly, and certified operators.
- Cost: Typically more expensive due to size, complexity, and labour needs.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Crane Truck Hire | Mobile Crane Hire |
| Lifting Capacity | Light to Medium (1T – 12T) | Medium to Heavy (20T – 500T+) |
| Reach/Height | Up to 20m | 30m+ with Telescopic Boom |
| Road Legal | Yes | No (Requires float transport) |
| Setup Time | Minimal | Requires assembly |
| Operator Requirement | Optional (Dry Hire Available) | Mandatory Certified Operator |
| Use Cases | Quick delivery + lift jobs | Complex builds, large equipment |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Hire Terms | Flexible, short-term friendly | Best for longer-term or larger jobs |
How to Choose the Right Crane Truck Hire for Your Project
Key Questions to Ask
- What is the weight and size of the load?
- If under 10 tonnes and within 20 metres lift height, a crane truck may be sufficient.
- What are the access conditions on site?
- Tight access = crane truck. Open area with rigging space = mobile crane.
- Do you already have an operator or need wet hire?
- Mobile cranes always require certified operators. Crane trucks can be dry hired.
- How quickly do you need the job done?
- Crane trucks are faster to mobilise and require minimal setup.
Real-World Examples
- Crane Truck Hire: Delivering pallets of bricks to a second-storey renovation project in a Melbourne suburb.
- Mobile Crane Hire: Installing a prefabricated lift shaft on a six-storey commercial building in the CBD.
Why Choose Crane Lift Australia?
Trusted by Melbourne for Over 25 Years
Crane Lift Australia has provided lifting and transport solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Victoria and beyond. Our expert team ensures each job is safely planned and professionally executed.
Large, Maintained Fleet
From city-friendly crane trucks to high-reach mobile cranes, every vehicle is inspected, serviced, and maintained to the highest safety standards.
Wet & Dry Hire Options
Need just the machine? Or a certified crew to go with it? We offer both dry hire and wet hire to suit your project needs.
Project Management & Lift Planning
We don’t just deliver equipment — we help plan your entire lift, using CAD-based studies to ensure safe execution with minimal disruption.
Fast Dispatch Across Melbourne
With depots across Victoria and a dedicated operations team, we ensure fast mobilisation and prompt service when you need it most.
Final Thoughts
When comparing crane truck hire and mobile crane hire, it comes down to your project’s load, height, site access, and urgency. For quick lifts and urban deliveries, crane trucks offer unbeatable flexibility. For large-scale, heavy-duty lifts, mobile cranes provide the reach and strength required.
Still unsure? Let Crane Lift Australia help you select the right crane for your next lift. With 25+ years of experience, we’ll match your project with the perfect equipment — on time, on budget, and ready to go.
Call us now or request a quote online.
