When it comes to construction, or any project that requires heavy lifting, choosing the right crane is crucial. Among the popular options are Slew cranes and Franna cranes. Each serves different purposes and has unique features that make them suitable for certain jobs. In this blog, we’ll delve into the differences between these two types of cranes and help you determine which is best for your project.
Slew Cranes
Slew cranes, are characterized by their ability to rotate or “slew” around a vertical axis. This feature is particularly advantageous in various construction scenarios, especially when there’s a need for lifting and moving loads across a site without repositioning the entire crane.
Slew Crane Key Features
- Slewing Ability: The rotating arm can turn 360 degrees, allowing almost limitless motion in the horizontal plane.
- Height and Reach: Slew cranes, are capable of reaching varying heights and can providing an extensive reach depending on the size of the crane
- Capacity: Generally, these cranes have a high capacity for lifting heavy loads.
- Stability: They often require a specific setup time to ensure stability, particularly in windy conditions.
Slew Cranes Are Best For
Locations with Rotational Movement Requirements – Sites where full circular movement is beneficial.
Construction Sites – Ideal for urban construction projects where lifting materials to varying heights is necessary.
Infrastructure Projects – Suitable for projects such as industrial buildings where large lifting capabilities are required.
Franna Cranes
Franna cranes, a term widely recognized in Australia, refers to a pick and carry crane type. Unlike slew cranes, Franna cranes do not have a rotating superstructure. Instead, they are designed for mobility and versatility, making them highly favoured for projects requiring quick transportation of loads.
Key Features Of Franna Crane Hire
- Mobility: With wheels instead of tracks, Franna cranes can quickly move from one site to another without requiring setup or dismantling.
- Compact Design: Their smaller footprint makes them perfect for navigating tighter spaces and urban areas.
- Agility: These cranes can move through streets and crowded sites without the need for additional transport permits.
- Ease of Use: Simple operation and quick setup make them a favorite for smaller, straightforward tasks.
What Are Franna Cranes Best For?
- Short-Term, Quick Tasks – Projects that demand immediate execution, such as equipment relocation on a site.
- Urban Environments – Tight city spaces where larger cranes would be impractical.
- Maintenance and Minor Construction Tasks – Ideal for tasks such as plant maintenance and other light to medium-duty lifting.
Conclusion
- Choosing between a Slew crane and a Franna crane depends largely on the specific needs of your task. If your task involves heavy lifting, at significant heights or requires a full rotational capacity, a slew crane is likely your best bet. On the other hand, if your project demands mobility, versatility, and quick set-up in tighter spaces, the Franna crane might be the perfect solution.
- Each crane type offers distinct advantages, tailored to different types of work. By understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your project benefits from the right lifting equipment. For a successful operation, Big Rhino offers FREE SITE INSPECTIONS where our very experienced Manager or Supervisor will come to your site and consult with you to assess your site conditions and lifting requirements before proceeding. Using this free service ensures you get exactly the right crane for the project, saving you time and money. We will take the guess work out of it for you.
