A Franna is an articulated, non-slewing pick-and-carry crane, commonly 20 t, 25 t or 40 t rated. It is always wet hired with a licensed operator and typically costs $180–$260 per hour for a 20 t machine, with a minimum call-out. Capacity drops quickly as the boom extends, so give the supplier the load weight, lift radius and height and let them confirm the right size from the load chart.
What a pick-and-carry crane does
Franna is a brand, but the name is used for any articulated pick-and-carry crane. They drive on the road to site at highway speed, set up in minutes without outriggers for many lifts, and can carry a load while travelling—ideal for steel, precast, plant, tanks and shipping containers around a site.
Because they do not slew (rotate), the crane must be positioned facing the lift. On a congested site, or where the load must swing over a building, a slewing all-terrain or city crane is the better tool.
Rated capacity vs what it will lift
A "20 tonne" Franna can lift 20 t only at minimum radius with the boom retracted. Extend the boom, lift higher, articulate the machine or carry the load on the move, and the safe working load reduces—often to a fraction of the rating.
Tell the crane company the heaviest load (including slings and spreader), its dimensions, how far it must travel, the lift radius from where the crane can stand, and the final height. They will select a crane from its load chart and may recommend a site visit.
Ground and access
Pick-and-carry cranes put heavy loads through their tyres. Soft ground, pits, service covers, fresh fill and suspended slabs are all risks. Confirm the travel path is firm and level, and identify overhead power lines and trees on the route and at the lift point.
People and paperwork
Franna cranes are hired wet: the operator holds a CN (non-slewing mobile crane) High Risk Work Licence. Loads also need a licensed dogman (DG) or rigger to sling and direct the lift; many companies supply one as part of the crew.
Expect a lift plan for anything non-routine, and a documented one for heavy, complex or critical lifts. The crane company will ask for site inductions, the SWMS and who the site contact is.
| Rated capacity | Typical use | Indicative wet hire |
|---|---|---|
| 20 t (e.g. AT-20) | Steel, precast panels, containers, general site lifts | $180 – $260 / hour |
| 25 t (e.g. MAC 25) | Heavier steel and plant, longer boom work | $200 – $290 / hour |
| 40 t | Heavy plant, large precast and industrial lifts | $260 – $380 / hour |
Indicative 2026 metro ranges ex GST. Minimum call-out (often 2–4 hours), travel time, dogman or rigger, after-hours loadings and permits are extra. Always obtain a written quote.
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Common questions
How much does Franna crane hire cost?
A 20 t Franna typically costs about $180–$260 per hour wet hire in metropolitan areas, with a minimum call-out and travel time. A dogman or rigger, after-hours work and permits are usually extra.
What licence is needed to operate a Franna?
A CN High Risk Work Licence for non-slewing mobile cranes over 3 t. Franna cranes are hired with an operator, so the crane company supplies the licensed operator.
How much can a 20 tonne Franna lift?
Up to 20 t only at minimum radius with the boom retracted. At working radius and height the safe load is much lower, so the crane company must check the load chart for your lift.
Franna or slewing crane?
Choose a Franna when it can drive to the load and face the lift, and when carrying loads around site helps. Choose a slewing crane when the load must rotate over obstacles, the crane must stay in one spot, or the lift needs more radius and height.