Find the Best Slew Cranes Near You

A slew crane, also known as a slewing crane, is a crane with a rotating mechanism, allowing it to pivot 360 degrees to lift and move loads. It differs from other cranes like tower cranes or mobile cranes in its rotating capability, making it ideal for projects requiring flexibility in lifting and placing loads. Slew cranes are versatile in handling various materials and are standard in construction, shipping and industrial applications.

In Australia, the wet hire rates for slew cranes, which include the expertise of a certified operator, are determined by various factors, including the crane's lifting capacity, model, and the duration of the hire. Wet hire rates generally range from approximately $1,000 to $2,400 daily. These rates can increase for larger-capacity cranes or more advanced models. The project complexity, location, and current crane demand also influence the rates.

It's important to note that wet hire provides the advantage of having an experienced operator familiar with the crane's operation, enhancing safety and efficiency on site. For the most accurate pricing tailored to your specific project needs, use our Get a Quote tool to request a detailed quote from our partners that considers all these variables.

To determine the right size and capacity of a slew crane for your project, consider the weight and dimensions of the materials that need lifting, the height and reach required and the working environment. Consulting with a crane hire expert is advisable to assess your project's needs, accounting for load charts, lift angles and site accessibility.

Yes, operating a slew crane in Australia is subject to strict safety regulations. Operators must hold a valid crane operator licence (C2, C6, C1 or CO categories, depending on crane capacity). Adherence to workplace health and safety standards, regular crane maintenance, and safety checks are also mandatory. These regulations ensure safe crane operation and mitigate risks on construction sites.

When hiring a slew crane, key features include lifting capacity, boom length, height reach and the crane's overall condition. It's also important to consider the crane's mobility, ease of setup and additional features like remote control systems or advanced safety mechanisms. Always verify that the crane meets your specific project requirements and safety standards.

Yes, slew cranes are versatile and can be used for various applications in both construction and industrial settings. They are handy for projects requiring precise load handling and placement, such as building construction, infrastructure projects, port material handling and manufacturing processes in industrial plants. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice across various sectors.

Slew crane hire in Australia typically ranges from $170 to $1,000 per hour for wet hire (including an operator), with daily rates from $1,000 to $2,400 depending on the crane’s size, type, and capacity. Additional costs for fuel, transport, permits, and attachments may apply.

Typical Hire Rates

Factors Affecting Cost

• Crane capacity – Larger or higher-capacity cranes cost more.
• Crane type – All-terrain, Franna, or crawler cranes have different rates.
• Wet vs. dry hire – Wet hire includes an operator; dry hire requires a separate operator fee.
• Job complexity – Difficult lifts may require specialised equipment or labour.
• Location & market – Rates vary by region.
• Project duration – Longer hires may offer discounted daily rates.

Additional Costs

• Mobilisation/demobilisation – Transport to and from the site ($100–$400 per trip).
• Operator fees – Required for dry hire.
• Fuel charges – Crane operation fuel costs.
• Permits & licensing – Site-specific approvals may be needed.
• Attachments – Special equipment like man baskets or spreader bars.

Slew cranes offer versatile lifting solutions for a wide range of construction and industrial projects, with costs influenced by size, complexity, and services included.

Slew cranes have a wide range of lifting capacities, from 7 tonnes for smaller models to over 100 tonnes for heavy-duty cranes, with some specialised cranes capable of lifting up to 1,600 tonnes. The exact capacity depends on the crane’s size, boom length, and load radius.

Typical Lifting Capacities

Factors Affecting Lifting Capacity

• Boom angle – Higher boom angles generally reduce the load a crane can safely lift.
• Load radius – Lifting capacity decreases as the distance from the crane’s centre of rotation to the load increases.
• Crane configuration – Counterweights, outriggers, and boom extensions all influence safe lifting limits.
• Manufacturer load charts – Each crane has a specific load chart detailing safe limits for different boom positions and radii.

Slew cranes are versatile and powerful, suitable for a broad range of construction, industrial, and heavy-lifting applications.

Slew cranes are widely used across construction, shipping, manufacturing, and heavy industry, where their ability to rotate and precisely position heavy loads is essential.

Common Applications

Construction

• Lifting and placing steel beams, concrete slabs, and building materials on high-rise projects.
• Assembling large infrastructure components such as bridges.
• Accessing hard-to-reach areas on confined or complex sites.

Shipping & Ports

• Loading and unloading cargo in shipyards.
• Moving containers and heavy goods in freight yards.

Manufacturing & Industrial

• Positioning heavy machinery and components in factories or industrial yards.
• Supporting assembly line operations for large-scale products.
• Handling materials in warehouses and storage facilities.

Other Uses

• Mining: Moving heavy equipment and materials on-site.
• Demolition: Assisting in the dismantling of structures.
• Landscaping: Precise lifting for tasks like tree removal or large landscaping elements.

Slew cranes are versatile and precise, making them suitable for a broad range of heavy-lifting tasks in diverse industries.