When it comes to heavy lifting crane hire in Melbourne, contractors often face a crucial decision — should they choose an all-terrain crane or a truck-mounted crane? Both machines are designed to handle demanding lifts, but they differ in mobility, setup speed, and lifting performance. Understanding these differences can help you choose the safest and most cost-effective solution for your next project.
At DV Mobile Crane Hire, we supply a modern fleet of all-terrain and truck-mounted cranes ranging from compact city models to 150-tonne heavy-duty units. Each crane is maintained to Australian safety standards and operated by qualified professionals for precise, reliable lifting.
Understanding the Two Crane Types
- All-Terrain Cranes
An all-terrain crane combines the best features of off-road and highway cranes. It is built for versatility — capable of travelling at highway speeds while also navigating rough or uneven terrain on construction and civil sites.
DV Cranes operates a wide range of All Terrain Cranes including 60T, 80T, 100T, 120T and 150T Liebherr models that deliver exceptional reach, power, and mobility for large-scale projects across Victoria.
- Truck-Mounted Cranes
A truck-mounted crane is fitted permanently to a commercial truck chassis, giving it excellent road mobility and fast setup times. These cranes are perfect for frequent lifts or multiple short jobs across different Melbourne locations.
Our Truck-Mounted Crane Hire service provides quick, flexible lifting for building materials, HVAC units, signage, and prefabricated structures.
Key Differences Between All-Terrain and Truck-Mounted Cranes
| Feature | All-Terrain Cranes | Truck-Mounted Cranes |
| Mobility | Designed for both highways and rough terrain | Ideal for paved roads and urban sites |
| Lifting Capacity | Up to 150 tonnes for major infrastructure lifts | Typically up to 60 tonnes depending on model |
| Setup Time | Requires outrigger deployment and stabilisation | Faster setup with minimal site preparation |
| Reach and Height | Longer telescopic booms and jibs for high reaches | Moderate boom length suited to shorter lifts |
| Best Use Case | Civil works, bridge construction, industrial projects | Residential or commercial material delivery and installations |
When to Choose an All-Terrain Crane
- Heavy Infrastructure and Civil Works :- For projects such as bridge beams, precast panels, or transformer installation, an all-terrain crane provides the high-capacity lift and stability required. See our Civil Works Services.
- Uneven or Off-Road Sites:- With multiple axles, all-wheel steering, and hydraulic suspension, these cranes travel effortlessly on rough surfaces, making them ideal for renewable energy or regional construction sites.
- Tall or Complex Lifts:- All-terrain models such as our 100T Liebherr Crane can lift heavy loads to great heights — perfect for high-rise or industrial installations.
When to Choose a Truck-Mounted Crane
- Short-Duration Lifts:- If your project involves multiple small lifts in one day, a truck-mounted crane is quick to mobilise and relocate between sites.
- Urban or Tight-Access Jobs:- Compact dimensions and fast setup make these cranes ideal for metropolitan areas such as Preston, Coburg, and Brighton.
- Cost-Effective Material Handling:- For light to moderate lifts such as roofing, pool installations, or equipment transport, truck-mounted cranes offer affordable efficiency.
Safety and Efficiency with DV Mobile Crane Hire
Every lift undertaken by DV Cranes follows rigorous safety standards. Our operators, Dogmen and Riggers, and Electrical Spotters ensure complete compliance with OH&S requirements on every Melbourne site.
We provide both Wet and Dry Crane Hire, allowing clients to choose full-service packages or equipment-only options. For urgent projects, our team offers 24/7 emergency response and Mobile Crane Hire across Melbourne and Victoria.
Choosing the Right Crane for Your Heavy Lift
When deciding between an all-terrain and truck-mounted crane, consider:
- Load Weight and Radius – heavier or higher lifts favour all-terrain models.
- Site Access and Ground Conditions – urban sites often suit truck-mounted cranes.
- Project Duration and Mobility Needs – short-term and multi-site jobs benefit from truck-mounted mobility.
- Budget and Setup Time – truck-mounted cranes are more cost-effective for smaller tasks, while all-terrain models deliver superior lifting power for large projects.
If you’re unsure which option fits your project, our experienced team can conduct a site assessment and recommend the most suitable crane configuration.
Book Your Crane Hire in Melbourne
Whether you need truck-mounted crane hire for short-term projects or all-terrain crane hire for major infrastructure lifts, DV Mobile Crane Hire provides safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for every construction or industrial site.
Request a quote through our online form or contact our team via the Contact Us page to discuss your project requirements.
Final Thoughts
Both all-terrain and truck-mounted cranes play vital roles in Melbourne’s construction and infrastructure projects. For maximum lifting power and off-road capability, choose all-terrain crane hire. For speed and cost-effectiveness on shorter jobs, opt for truck-mounted crane hire.
Whichever you select, trust DV Mobile Crane Hire for safe, efficient, and professional heavy lifting crane hire in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between an all-terrain and a truck-mounted crane?
All-terrain cranes combine off-road capability and high lifting power for major projects, while truck-mounted cranes offer faster setup and mobility for smaller lifts.
2. Which crane is better for heavy lifts in Melbourne?
For heavy infrastructure projects, an all-terrain crane is best suited due to its capacity and reach.
3. Are truck-mounted cranes cheaper to hire?
Yes. They require less setup time and lower mobilisation costs, making them more economical for short-term lifts.
4. Can all-terrain cranes operate on rough sites?
Absolutely. They feature multi-axle suspension and hydraulic outriggers for safe operation on uneven ground.
5. Do you provide operators with each crane hire?
Yes. All hires include qualified operators, riggers, and spotters to maintain safety standards.
6. Are your cranes available for short-term hire?
Yes. DV Cranes offers hourly, daily, and weekly hire options for both all-terrain and truck-mounted cranes.
7. What safety standards do you follow?
All equipment is maintained under CICA and CraneSafe guidelines and meets Australian OH&S requirements.
8. Do you offer crane hire outside Melbourne?
Yes. We service regional Victoria including Sunbury and Truganina.
9. What type of projects suit truck-mounted cranes best?
Residential construction, roofing, sign installation, and light commercial work.
10. How can I book a crane for my next lift?
Simply contact DV Mobile Crane Hire or submit your details via our booking form for a prompt quote.
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