60T, 80T or 100T? Choosing the Right Heavy Crane for Your Project

80t crane

80t crane

Every lifting project is different. From civil works and commercial developments to factory relocations and high-rise builds, choosing the right crane size is critical for both safety and efficiency. For many projects in Melbourne, the decision often comes down to whether a 60-tonne, 80-tonne, or 100-tonne crane offers the best balance between capacity, reach, and site accessibility.

At DV Mobile Crane Hire, we operate a modern fleet of Liebherr all-terrain cranes ranging from 60T to 150T, designed to handle Melbourne’s most complex lifting challenges. This guide will help you understand the differences between 60T, 80T, and 100T cranes and how to choose the right model for your next project.

Understanding Heavy Crane Categories

A heavy crane (60T and above) is engineered for demanding lifting tasks that require exceptional stability, long boom reach, and the ability to perform under varying site conditions.

Our 60T Liebherr Crane, 80T All Terrain Crane, and 100T All Terrain Crane each offer advanced hydraulic systems, multi-axle steering, and computerised safety controls for precision lifting across civil, industrial, and commercial sites.

60T Liebherr Crane – Reliable Power for Mid-Scale Projects

The 60-tonne Liebherr crane is one of the most versatile all-terrain cranes in our fleet. Compact yet powerful, it’s ideal for projects requiring moderate lifting capacity combined with mobility.

Typical uses include:

  • Structural steel and precast panel installation 
  • Medium-rise commercial buildings 
  • Plant and machinery relocation 
  • Rooftop air-conditioning and mechanical unit lifting 

Its smaller footprint makes it suitable for tight access sites in urban areas like Brighton, Coburg, and Preston.

With excellent road performance and quick setup times, the 60T crane is the perfect balance between strength and agility.

80T All Terrain Crane – Heavy Lifts with Greater Reach

When your project involves longer reach or heavier loads, the 80-tonne all-terrain crane steps up as a dependable solution.

With its extended boom length and higher lifting charts, it’s commonly used for:

  • Bridge beam placement and infrastructure works 
  • Precast concrete and large steel frame installations 
  • Multi-storey construction 
  • Industrial and factory lifts 

Thanks to its advanced all-wheel drive and steering, the 80T crane handles challenging site conditions across areas such as Dandenong, Epping, and Campbellfield.

It’s a popular choice for contractors balancing capacity, mobility, and cost-efficiency.

100T All Terrain Crane – Maximum Power for Complex Lifts

The 100-tonne all-terrain crane is designed for major infrastructure and commercial development projects that demand the highest lifting strength and precision.

It’s ideal for:

  • Bridge and road construction 
  • Large industrial equipment and transformer installation 
  • High-rise building construction 
  • Civil works involving heavy precast or steel structures 

With advanced load monitoring and computer-assisted controls, our 100T Liebherr Crane ensures optimal safety and lift accuracy even in confined Melbourne job sites.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between 60T, 80T and 100T Cranes

1. Weight of the Load

Determine the heaviest item that needs to be lifted. For example:

  • Up to 30 tonnes: 60T crane 
  • 30–60 tonnes: 80T crane 
  • 60–90 tonnes: 100T crane 

2. Height and Radius

Lifting at greater heights or longer radii reduces the effective capacity. For high-reach or distant lifts, the 100T crane provides greater stability.

3. Site Conditions

Tight urban access, uneven ground, or soft soil can affect crane setup. Our team conducts site inspections to ensure the correct crane configuration and outrigger positioning.

4. Duration and Frequency of Lifts

For repetitive, long-term projects, selecting a larger crane may improve efficiency by reducing setup changes and repositioning times.

5. Project Budget

While larger cranes have higher mobilisation costs, they can complete lifts faster and more safely, ultimately saving time and labour.

Learn more about our Wet and Dry Crane Hire options for flexible packages tailored to your needs.

Why Choose DV Mobile Crane Hire in Melbourne?

  • Modern Fleet Maintained to Industry Standards

DV Cranes operates a modern range of Liebherr all-terrain and crawler cranes, regularly serviced and compliant with CICA and CraneSafe standards.

  • Experienced Operators and Safety-Certified Team

Every crane hire includes qualified operators, dogmen, and Electrical Spotters to ensure safe lifting near power lines or confined job sites.

  • 24/7 Availability and Emergency Support

Our team is available around the clock for scheduled and Emergency Crane Hire throughout Melbourne and Victoria.

  • Broad Service Coverage

DV Cranes provides mobile crane hire across major suburbs including Craigieburn, St Albans, and Tullamarine, ensuring fast response and local expertise.

Applications for Heavy Crane Hire in Melbourne

Heavy cranes between 60T and 100T are commonly used for:

  • Civil and infrastructure works 
  • High-rise and commercial construction 
  • Precast concrete and structural steel installation 
  • Machinery relocation and industrial plant upgrades 
  • Transformer and switchboard lifting 
  • Container and modular building placement 

Explore our specialised services for Transformer and Switchboard Lifting, Machinery Relocation, and Concrete Panel Installation.

Book the Right Heavy Crane for Your Next Project

Whether your lift requires a 60T, 80T, or 100T all-terrain crane, the team at DV Mobile Crane Hire will help you choose the right model based on your load weight, site layout, and project schedule.

Request a quote with our team via the Contact Us page to plan your next heavy lift with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right crane—whether 60T, 80T, or 100T—is essential for the success of any construction or industrial project. By partnering with DV Mobile Crane Hire, you gain access to advanced equipment, experienced operators, and Melbourne’s most dependable heavy-lifting service.

For safe, efficient, and affordable heavy crane hire across Victoria, trust the specialists at DV Mobile Crane Hire.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main difference between 60T, 80T, and 100T cranes?
The difference lies in lifting capacity, boom reach, and setup requirements. The 60T suits mid-range projects, the 80T balances capacity and reach, and the 100T handles the heaviest, most complex lifts.

2. Which crane is best for high-rise construction in Melbourne?
The 100T all-terrain crane offers superior height and stability for lifting heavy materials on multi-storey projects.

3. Can 80T or 100T cranes operate in tight spaces?
Yes. DV’s Liebherr cranes feature all-wheel steering and compact outrigger footprints, allowing operation in restricted Melbourne sites.

4. Are these cranes available for short-term hire?
Yes. DV Cranes offers flexible wet and dry hire packages from a few hours to long-term contracts.

5. How do I determine which crane size I need?
Our team provides site assessments and lift planning to ensure you get the correct crane for your project safely and cost-effectively.

6. Do you supply operators and riggers with the crane?
Yes. All hires include licensed operators, dogmen, and riggers for safe lifting.

7. What safety measures are followed during heavy lifts?
DV Cranes follows strict OH&S protocols, load monitoring, and certified rigging practices to ensure safe operation.

8. Can I book crane hire after hours or on weekends?
Absolutely. We provide 24/7 service and Emergency Crane Hire across Melbourne.

9. Do you offer crane hire in regional Victoria?
Yes, we serve Melbourne and surrounding regions with fast mobilisation for large-scale projects.

10. How can I get a detailed quote for heavy crane hire?
Simply submit your project details online or contact our support team for a customised quote.

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