What is a rough terrain crane?

A rough terrain crane is a wheel mounted crane able to maneuver across difficult terrains and sites throughout the commercial, civil, and mining construction sectors. They are a more compact crane with greater maneuverability and site access capabilities.

What is the difference between a rough terrain crane and an all-terrain crane?

While rough terrain cranes can easily move across difficult sites and terrain, they cannot drive to and from site and need to be floated. All-terrain cranes can drive to and from site and have larger lifting capacities as they are not as compact as the rough terrain crane.

What is the lifting capacity of a rough terrain crane?

Rough terrain cranes have varying lifting capacities, typically 30 to 120 tonnes. The specific capacity depends on the crane model and manufacturer. Larger models like the Liebherr LRT 1100-2.1 can lift 100 tonnes, while smaller models may lift around 30 to 50 tonnes. Choosing a crane with a capacity that matches your project's requirements is crucial in this regard.

How much does it cost to hire a rough terrain crane in Australia?

The cost of hiring a rough terrain crane in Australia varies based on the crane's capacity, model, and rental duration. On average, daily hire rates can range from approximately $1,000 for smaller cranes to over $3,000 for larger, more advanced models. Weekly or monthly hire rates often provide better value, but prices vary widely depending on the supplier and specific project needs.

What are the safety requirements for operating a rough terrain crane?

To operate a rough terrain crane safely, operators must possess a valid High-Risk Work License (HRWL), specifically endorsed for crane operations. The specific categories, such as C2, C6, C1, or CO, correspond to the crane's lifting capacity, ensuring the operator has received the proper training and assessment. Continuous education and updated safety training are crucial for maintaining compliance with current safety standards and operational procedures. Regular maintenance and safety inspections are mandatory to ensure the crane's mechanical integrity and operational readiness, adhering to both the manufacturer's guidelines and industry best practices. Strict observance of load limits, proper rigging techniques, and effective on-site communication are also essential. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE) by all personnel involved in crane operations to minimize accident risks and ensure a safe working environment.

Can rough terrain cranes operate on uneven ground?

Rough terrain cranes are specifically designed to operate on uneven and rugged terrain, but the terrain still needs to be relatively compact. They are equipped with large, robust tyres and a four-wheel drive system, providing stability and mobility on rough surfaces. However, it's crucial to assess ground conditions and ensure they are within the crane's operational limits for safe usage. By comparison, a <a href="https://www.iseekplant.com.au/crawler-crane-hire">crawler crane</a> has tracks and can operate on much softer, wetter ground.

What are the advantages of hiring a rough terrain crane over other types of cranes?

Hiring a rough terrain crane offers several advantages, including superior manoeuvrability on uneven surfaces, compact design for tight spaces, and relatively quick setup times. They are ideal for projects with limited access or rough terrain where other cranes might struggle. Additionally, their all-terrain capabilities eliminate the need for additional transportation equipment.

How do I choose the right rough terrain crane for my project?

To choose the right rough terrain crane, consider your project's specific requirements, including the weight of the materials to be lifted, the height of the lift, and the worksite terrain. Assess the crane's lifting capacity, boom length, and manoeuvrability. Consulting with experts using our <a href="https://www.iseekplant.com.au/get-rates">Get a Quote tool</a> can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your project's needs.

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227 Rough Terrain Cranes for Hire on iseekplant

At iseekplant, we connect you with an extensive selection of 227 rough terrain cranes from trusted suppliers across Australia. Colloquially, these workhorses are called ‘roughies’ or RT cranes. These cranes are ideal for challenging terrains and complex lifting tasks and are crucial to numerous construction, mining and industrial projects. Our crane range spans various capacities and sizes to meet specific project needs.

Whether facing uneven ground or restricted access, the diverse fleet on our network ensures the right fit for your project. From small-scale operations to large commercial ventures, find the perfect rough terrain crane easily on our platform.

Rough Terrain Crane Hire Rates Guide

Understanding the cost is crucial when hiring rough terrain cranes. This table provides a general idea of the hire rates:

Crane Capacity	Dry Hire Rate (Per Day)	Wet Hire Rate (Per Day)
Up to 20 Tonnes	$500 - $700	$800 - $1,000
20 - 50 Tonnes	$700 - $1,000	$1,200 - $1,500
50 - 100 Tonnes	$1,000 - $1,500	$1,800 - $2,200

Note: Rates are indicative and subject to change based on location, crane model and availability. All prices exclude GST and are in AUD.

A quick comment: Hiring RT cranes on a dry hire basis can get tricky. It's hard (but not impossible) because you have to be an exceptionally well-qualified operator to operate a crane, and working at heights is some of the most dangerous work in construction. Very few crane owners will trust anyone to operate their equipment.

For this reason, most crane companies hire themselves as a subcontracted service (or wet hire), not a dry hire arrangement. Also, before any lift, lift studies, risk assessments and other types of preparatory paperwork must be completed. At times, getting council approval is even necessary before the project commences.

Additional Costs to Consider in Rough Terrain Crane Hire

Hiring a rough terrain crane involves more than just the base rate. Consider these extra costs for a comprehensive budget:

Additional Cost	Average Rate	Description
Transportation	$200 - $2,000	Depends on the distance to the site
Operator Fees	$50 - $100 per hour	Skilled operation costs
Insurance	5% - 10% of hire cost	Essential for covering potential risks
Site Preparation	$200 - $500	Necessary for safe and efficient crane setup
Environmental Compliance	Varies	Costs for meeting environmental regulations
Standby Charges	Varies	Fees for crane downtime or standby
Emergency Call-Out Fees	Varies	For urgent or unexpected crane services
Extended Hire Surcharge	10% - 20% of hire cost	Additional costs for prolonged rental period

To ensure you're fully informed about the costs of your rough terrain crane hire, use our Get a Quote tool to help streamline this process. It connects you with our suppliers, providing a customised quote that accounts for all aspects of your project.

Need a different crane? Check out our full crane category for thousands of cranes of all types, sizes and locations.

Everything You Need to Know About Rough Terrain Cranes: Specs, Pros and Cons

When choosing a rough terrain crane, understanding the distinct features of leading manufacturers is crucial. Terex, Grove and Tadano each bring unique strengths to the table:

Terex: Terex cranes are known for their advanced engineering and reliable performance. They offer a range of capacities suitable for varied lifting needs.
Grove: Grove cranes stand out for their innovative design and versatility. They are widely recognised for their robust build and efficient operation.
Tadano: Tadano specialises in producing cranes with high lifting capacities and state-of-the-art technology. Their cranes are preferred for complex lifting operations due to their precision and safety features.

This table details the popular models from these brands and their specifications:

Brand	Popular Model	Quick Specs	Pros	Cons
Terex	RT345XL	Capacity: 45 Tonnes, Height: 32 m	Manoeuvrable in tight spaces, suitable for diverse lifting tasks	Limited weight capacity, not ideal for very heavy loads
Grove	RT650E	Capacity: 50 Tonnes, Height: 32 m	Powerful and versatile, with advanced technology for efficiency	Requires skilled operation in confined spaces, not best for urban use
Tadano	GR-550XL	Capacity: 55 Tonnes, Height: 34.4 m	Exceptional lifting ability, equipped with safety features	Larger size may be challenging in compact areas, complex controls require skilled operators

Rough Terrain Cranes vs. Other Crane Types

Rough terrain cranes are unique in their ability to navigate and operate on uneven surfaces, but alternatives exist for different project needs. Understanding how rough terrain cranes compare to other types helps you select the right equipment for specific tasks. In this section, we explore viable alternatives and how they stack against rough terrain cranes.

All Terrain Crane: Offers high mobility and load capacity across various terrains, including roads. All terrain cranes blend on-road flexibility with off-road capability. Ideal for sites requiring both mobility and high lifting capacity.
Crawler Crane: Best for heavy lifting on stable surfaces. Crawler cranes provide exceptional lifting capacity. Their tracks offer stability on solid ground but lack the mobility of rough terrain cranes.
Tower Crane: Suitable for vertical lifting in confined urban spaces. Tower cranes excel in height and reach for city projects. They're not mobile but ideal for high-rise construction.
Franna Cranes: Known for their versatility and speed on-site without requiring setup. Franna cranes can move quickly around a site with loads, bridging the gap between mobile and rough terrain cranes in terms of mobility and flexibility.

This table provides a quick overview of these different crane types and how they compare versus rough terrain cranes:

Alternative Equipment	Popular Model	Quick Specs	Pros	Cons	Vs. Rough Terrain Cranes
All Terrain Crane	Liebherr LTM 1040-2.1	40-tonne capacity, 35 m max lift height	High mobility, versatile	Higher cost	More versatile but less rugged
Crawler Crane	Manitowoc MLC300	300-tonne capacity, 96 m max lift height	Very high capacity, stable	Limited mobility	Higher capacity, less mobile
Tower Crane	Potain MDT 219 J10	10-tonne capacity, 60 m max lift height	High vertical reach, stable	Fixed position	Suited for vertical tasks
Franna Cranes	Terex Franna AT-20	20-tonne capacity, mobile crane without setup	Versatile, quick on-site movement	Less reach than a crane	Offers speed and versatility on-site, less suitable for uneven terrain

Moving Rough Terrain Cranes to Your Site

Transporting rough terrain cranes to a project site requires careful planning and coordination. The process involves several critical steps to ensure the crane arrives safely and is ready for operation. Some rough terrain cranes are road registered and are allowed to move on paved roads in very certain settings, and on a limited number of roads in metro and regional areas. Others need to be transported to the site on a mobilisation vehicle.

Assess Accessibility

Carefully evaluate the most feasible route for crane transport, accounting for the crane's size, road conditions, and the site's accessibility. Identifying potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads or sharp turns is critical to safe transport.

Choose Appropriate Transport

The right transport vehicle is essential for the safe and efficient transit of the rough terrain crane if unable to operate it on a paved road. Many larger cranes need disassembling before they are moved, and many are moved once to a site and left there for the long term. Moving these beasts involves using specialised vehicles like low loaders or drop deck trailers designed to handle the weight and dimensions of the crane elements, ensuring secure transportation.

Secure Permits and Comply with Regulations

Obtain all necessary permits, such as Oversize Load Permits, and ensure compliance with local and national transportation regulations. This step is crucial to transport large cranes legally and might require coordinating with multiple jurisdictions, especially for long-distance or interstate transports.

Safety and Insurance

Implement stringent safety measures, including risk assessments, to address potential hazards during transport. Ensure comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against any risks or damages during the transportation process, providing peace of mind and financial security.

These steps play a vital role in the logistics of moving rough terrain cranes. Proper execution of these steps ensures compliance with legal requirements and significantly reduces the risk of accidents or delays, contributing to the smooth progress of your construction project.

Elevate Your Project with Reliable Rough Terrain Crane Hire

Choosing the perfect rough terrain crane hire can be complex, but iseekplant simplifies this process. We connect you with Australia's leading craneage companies, ensuring durable, efficient machinery for your project. Our network has the solution, whether a construction site in a remote area or a challenging terrain project.

Need additional support for your project? We also provide access to various construction equipment, from telehandlers to dozers and excavators, to complement your crane hire.

If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out to us at projects@iseekplant.com.au or give us a ring at 1300 691 912. When you're ready to take your project to new heights, click 'Get a Quote' to find the best rough terrain crane hire options.

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