Lifting and Rigging Equipment Hire in Australian Capital Territory is shaped by industrial shutdowns and machinery moves. The ACT's work is dominated by Canberra: government and defence facilities, light rail, suburban infill, commercial fit-outs and utilities, delivered under well-documented site and approval requirements.. Brief suppliers on the outcome, access and ground, and confirm where the machine will travel from.
Local conditions in Australian Capital Territory
Variable clays, weathered rock and volcanic formations; rock is common on hillside suburbs.
Hot summers and cold, frosty winters.
Winter frosts affect concrete and compaction scheduling.
Oversize and overmass permits are issued through the NHVR, with Transport Canberra and City Services consent.
Major demand for lifting and rigging gear in Australian Capital Territory comes from government, construction, utilities, transport. Metropolitan depots around Canberra generally carry the widest fleet; regional jobs should confirm mobilisation distance, transport charges and field-service support before comparing rates.
All rigging gear must be rated, tagged and inspected. Working load limits change with sling angles and hitch type, so plan rigging with a qualified rigger.
Machinery moving—relocating presses, transformers or plant inside buildings—often combines jacks, skates and gantries rather than a mobile crane.
Lifting & rigging classes and sizes
The table below lists the classes of lifting and rigging gear most commonly available for hire in Australian Capital Territory. Exact specifications vary by make and model—confirm dimensions, weight and capacity with the supplier before booking.
| Class | Size / spec | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Chain blocks / lever hoists | 0.5–20 t | Vertical and horizontal pulling |
| Slings & shackles | Chain, wire, synthetic | Attaching loads to hooks |
| Spreader & lifting beams | Adjustable | Controlling long or awkward loads |
| Gantry crane | Portable | Workshop and machinery lifts |
| Jacks & skates | Hydraulic | Machinery moving without cranes |
How to choose the right machine
Confirm WLL and angles
Sling angle reduces capacity. Plan hitch type and angle with a rigger.
Inspect before use
Check tags, inspection dates and condition on arrival.
Match to the lift method
Crane lifts, gantries and jacking require different gear.
Protect the load
Use edge protection and soft slings on finished surfaces.
Licences, tickets and compliance
- Rigging work requires the relevant rigging (RB, RI, RA) or dogging (DG) High Risk Work Licence.
- Lifting gear must be tagged with WLL and inspected in line with AS 2550 and manufacturer requirements.
See our plant licences and tickets guide for the full list of High Risk Work Licence classes.
What drives the cost
The hire rate is only part of the total. On short hires these items often add 20–50% to the bill—ask every supplier to quote them the same way:
- Hire duration
- Inspection and certification
- Rigger labour
- Transport of heavy items
For indicative 2026 rates, see the plant hire cost guide.