What is a spider crane, and when do you need one?

Spider crane hire solves one of the most common problems on Australian job sites: you need to lift something heavy, but there is no room for a standard crane. Glass installations, rooftop HVAC units, basement plant rooms, and tight urban builds all share the same challenge. A full-size mobile crane cannot get close enough. A spider crane can.

This guide covers what a spider crane is, when it is the right choice, how much it costs to hire one, and what to check before you book. If you are trying to decide whether spider crane hire is right for your next job, you will have a clear answer by the end.

What is a spider crane?

A spider crane is a small, self-propelled lifting machine built for precision work in confined spaces. The name comes from its four extendable stabiliser legs, which splay outward like a spider to create a stable lifting platform on uneven or restricted ground.

Unlike a mobile crane, a spider crane runs on rubber tracks. This protects finished floors and allows them to operate indoors without damaging surfaces. The machine folds down to pass through standard doorways, ride in goods lifts, and move through corridors that no conventional crane could enter.

Key characteristics of a spider crane include:

• • Rubber track drive: safe on polished concrete, tiles, and timber floors

• • Extendable spider legs: stabilise the machine without large outrigger mats

• • Compact folded width: typically 700 mm to 900 mm, fitting through most doorways

• • Lifting capacity: most models lift between 1 and 12 tonnes at varying radii

• • Remote control operation: allows the operator to work from a safe position

Spider cranes are manufactured by brands such as Maeda, Jekko, and Unic. The Maeda 405 is one of the most widely hired models in Australia, offering a 2.93-tonne lifting capacity in a machine that folds to under 800 mm wide.

When do you need spider crane hire?

A spider crane is the right choice when site access rules out a larger crane. If the lift is indoors, underground, on a rooftop, or on a site with restricted entry, a spider crane is almost always the answer.

Common applications include:

• • Indoor factory and warehouse lifts: relocating heavy plant and machinery without shutting down external access

• • Rooftop HVAC and mechanical installations: lifting air conditioning units, chillers, and plant room equipment onto building rooftops

• • Basement and underground car park work: installing or replacing equipment in spaces that no truck-mounted crane can reach

• • Urban construction in tight sites: lifting materials through narrow alleys or over heritage building facades

• • Glass and curtain wall installations: the low swing radius reduces the risk of contact with surrounding structures

• • Swimming pool craning over houses: moving a pool shell through a side gate or over a roofline where a mobile crane has no access

• • Shopping centre and hospital work: lifting equipment inside operating buildings with minimal disruption

If the lift is outdoors and the load exceeds 12 tonnes, a mobile crane will be more cost-effective. Spider cranes are built for access and precision, not for heavy lifting at height.

Spider crane vs mobile crane: which is right for your job?

The decision comes down to access, weight, and site conditions. Spider cranes win on access. Mobile cranes win on capacity.

In practice, the two machines often complement each other. A mobile crane lifts heavy structural elements on the external perimeter of a building, while a spider crane handles the precision indoor work that follows. If you are not sure which machine your job requires, the lift specs will confirm it. A brief conversation with a crane company will settle the question quickly.

How much does a spider crane hire cost?

Spider crane hire rates depend on the machine size, hire duration, and whether you need a licensed operator included. Smaller machines with lower capacity cost less per day. Larger models with a longer reach cost more.

Factors that affect the final price include:

• • Crane capacity and model: a 2-tonne machine costs less than a 10-tonne model

• • Hire duration: daily hire suits one-off lifts; weekly hire is more cost-effective for multi-day jobs

• • Wet hire vs dry hire: Wet hire includes a licensed operator; dry hire requires you to supply one

• • Travel and mobilisation: sites further from the depot attract a travel component

• • Permits and traffic management: if access requires road closures or permits, this adds to the overall cost

Weekly spider crane hire generally works out significantly cheaper than booking individual days. If your job spans three or more days, ask for a weekly rate. It is almost always the better value.

What to check before booking a spider crane hire

A spider crane can fail to perform on-site if the access conditions have not been confirmed in advance. Check these details before you book:

• • Floor load rating: Confirm the floor can carry the weight of the crane plus the load, especially in basements and upper levels

• • Entry dimensions: measure the narrowest doorway, corridor, or lift the crane must pass through. Most spider cranes need a 700 mm to 900 mm width.

• • Lift weight and radius: know the weight of the load and the horizontal distance from the crane’s centre to the lift point.

• • Hire duration: Confirm whether you need the crane for hours, a full day, or multiple days

• • Wet hire or dry hire: decide whether you are supplying a licensed operator or need one included

• • Site permits: check if any permits are required for crane operation on your site

If you are unsure about floor ratings or access, a site inspection can be arranged before hire is confirmed. This avoids surprises on the day and ensures the right machine is selected.

Spider crane hire in Melbourne and across Victoria

Cranelift operates spider crane hire across Melbourne and regional Victoria from its depot in Laverton North. The fleet includes compact models suited to tight indoor access and larger machines for heavier rooftop and mechanical installations.

Short-term and weekly hires are both available. Wet hire options include experienced, licensed operators with regular spider crane experience on commercial and industrial sites. Cranelift can also assist with lift planning for complex indoor or access-restricted jobs.

Ready to book a spider crane hire?

Tell us the lift weight, access conditions, and hire duration. Cranelift will confirm the right machine and provide a clear, itemised quote.