Find the Best Rough Terrain Crane Hire Near You

A rough terrain (RT) crane is a mobile crane designed for off-road and uneven sites, mounted on an undercarriage with four large rubber tyres, four-wheel drive, and multiple steering modes. It combines mobility, stability, and compactness, making it ideal for challenging construction environments.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Off-road capability – Four-wheel drive, oversized tyres, and high ground clearance allow navigation over rough terrain, slopes, and obstacles.
• Maneuverability – Multiple steering modes, including four-wheel and crab steering, enable precise movement in confined sites.
• Stability – H-pattern outriggers level the crane on uneven ground for safe lifting.
• Compact design – Single cab for both driving and lifting, with a compact frame suitable for tight spaces.
• All-in-one operation – Single engine powers both undercarriage and boom, reducing weight and operational costs.
• Durable construction – Rugged body and robust components designed to withstand harsh off-road conditions.

Rough terrain cranes are versatile, robust, and essential for lifting operations in remote, uneven, or confined locations.

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.

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.

Hiring a rough terrain (RT) crane in Australia typically costs $500–$2,200 per day, depending on crane capacity, hire type, and additional services. Hourly rates range from $170 to over $700 for wet hire (with operator) or dry hire (equipment only).

Typical Hire Rates by Crane Capacity

Factors Influencing Cost

• Hourly rates – Larger cranes may exceed $700 per hour for wet hire.
• Job complexity – Difficult or long-duration projects can increase costs.
• Location – Rates vary by region within Australia.
• Additional costs – Operator fees, transport, and permits may add to the base hire price.

Rough terrain cranes offer flexible and efficient lifting solutions for off-road, uneven, or hard-to-access sites, making them a cost-effective choice for many projects.

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.

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 crawler crane has tracks and can operate on much softer, wetter ground.

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.

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 Get a Quote tool can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your project's needs.

Rough terrain (RT) cranes are designed to operate on a wide range of challenging surfaces, making them ideal for off-road, remote, or uneven construction sites.

Suitable Ground Conditions

• Uneven and rugged terrain – Handles bumps, irregularities, and typical construction site surfaces.
• Muddy, wet, or soft ground – Oversized tyres and four-wheel drive provide traction and stability.
• Steep grades – Capable of operating safely on slopes and hilly areas.
• Remote or confined spaces – Compact design and manoeuvrability allow work in tight or hard-to-reach locations.

Important Considerations

• Ground stability – Assess firmness and compaction to prevent tipping or sinking.
• Site-specific hazards – Check for underground pipes, high groundwater, or obstacles before setup.
• Transportation – RT cranes are generally not road-legal and may require a trailer for transport to the site.

Rough terrain cranes combine mobility, stability, and versatility, allowing safe operation in a variety of off-road and challenging site conditions.

Rough terrain (RT) cranes typically have a lifting capacity ranging from 30 tonnes to 165 tonnes, depending on the model and configuration.

Typical Lifting Capacities

Factors Affecting Lifting Capacity

• Crane configuration – Boom length, counterweights, and outrigger setup influence maximum lifts.
• Load charts – Each crane has a manufacturer-provided load chart specifying safe lifting limits at different radii and angles.
• Lift height and angle – Capacity decreases as the boom extends or lifts at higher angles.

Rough terrain cranes offer versatile lifting solutions for uneven, off-road, or confined construction sites while maintaining safety and stability.

Yes. Rough terrain (RT) cranes are designed to operate on slopes using features like four-wheel drive, multiple steering modes, and a wide stance for stability. However, working on slopes requires strict adherence to safety protocols to maintain stability and safe lifting.

Features Enabling Slope Operation

• Four-wheel drive – Provides traction on uneven terrain, mud, or rocky surfaces.
• Multiple steering modes – Front-wheel, all-wheel, or “crab” steering improves manoeuvrability on slopes.
• Wide stance and large tyres – Enhances stability and ground clearance.

Safety Considerations

• Site assessment – Inspect ground for hazards such as soft soil, voids, or obstacles.
• Leveling – Deploy outriggers and crane mats to ensure a level base.
• Load placement – Position loads facing uphill when lifting to reduce tipping risk.
• Manufacturer guidelines – Follow load charts and operating limits, especially for side slopes.
• Operator experience – Only certified operators with slope-specific training should operate on inclines.

Rough terrain cranes combine mobility, stability, and lifting power, allowing safe operation on slopes when used with proper precautions