A Franna Crane is a distinctive pick-and-carry crane with Australian roots, designed by engineer Dave Francis in 1980. It combines truck mobility with crane lifting capabilities, making it ideal for transporting heavy loads within a small radius

Originating in Australia in 1980, this pick-and-carry crane has revolutionised lifting operations across the country.

Let’s delve into the intriguing history, current applications, benefits, and considerations when choosing Franna cranes for your projects.

The Birth of Franna Cranes

In a eureka moment, Australian engineer Dave Francis conceptualized a groundbreaking idea in 1978. Recognizing the inefficiencies of traditional cranes that required multiple setups and the assistance of trucks for even short-distance moves, Francis sought to create a versatile lifting solution.

Using old truck components, he crafted the first pick-and-carry prototype, marrying his surname, “Francis,” with his daughter’s name, “Anna,” to christen the creation as the “Franna” crane. This innovative design eliminated the need for stabilizing legs and outriggers, allowing the crane to lift and carry loads efficiently while on the move.

In 1983, the business changed hands to Lou Parolin and Brian Hain, who continued manufacturing cranes based on Francis’s design. Eventually acquired by Terex in 1999, the brand evolved into Terex-Franna. Despite the name change, the term “Franna” became synonymous with pick-and-carry cranes, a testament to the widespread success and recognition of the brand.

Franna Cranes Today

In contemporary Australia, Franna cranes have become a staple in the construction and mining industries. Manufactured in Brisbane, these cranes offer unparalleled versatility and maneuverability, making them an indispensable asset for various applications.

With lifting capacities ranging from 10 to 25 tons, Franna cranes are renowned for their ability to navigate public roads, making them ideal for projects requiring travel between job sites. Their swift setup, elimination of stabilizing legs, and high travel speeds contribute to their popularity among crane hire companies.

Applications of Franna Cranes

Franna cranes have evolved to handle diverse tasks in the construction and civil engineering realms. Common applications include:

1. Machinery Installations: Franna cranes facilitate the precise installation of heavy machinery, ensuring efficiency and safety.
2. Shutdown Work: In planned shutdowns or maintenance activities, Franna cranes excel in swiftly handling equipment and materials.
3. Mining Operations: The cranes are well-suited for mining projects, thanks to their adaptability to challenging terrains and efficient load handling.
4. Sensitive Loads: Franna cranes are preferred for tasks requiring a delicate touch, ensuring the safe transport of sensitive or fragile loads.

Benefits of Choosing Franna Cranes

1. Versatility: Franna cranes can pick up and carry loads, eliminating the need for additional equipment like trucks for short-distance transportation.
2. Reduced Costs: The absence of stabilizing legs streamlines setup, reducing labor costs and allowing for quick and efficient operations.
3. Maneuverability: Franna cranes can navigate tight spaces with ease, making them suitable for projects with space constraints.
4. High Travel Speeds: Their ability to travel long distances at high speeds enhances productivity by enabling swift transitions between job sites.

Considerations When Using Franna Cranes

While Franna cranes offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider their limitations:

1. Maximum Load Capacities: Adhering to specified load capacities is crucial to prevent accidents or overturning.
2. Surface Requirements: Franna cranes are best suited for firm, level surfaces. Incorrect tire pressure or configuration errors can compromise safety.
3. Experienced Operators: Due to the potential dangers associated with improper operation, Franna cranes should only be operated by trained and experienced professionals.

Can Do Cranes: Your Franna Crane Solution

At Can Do Cranes, we take pride in offering a diverse fleet of Franna cranes. Our commitment to safety, meticulous planning, and experienced operators ensures seamless and reliable crane services for your projects.

Whether you’re embarking on a construction project, shutdown work, or mining operation, Can Do Cranes has the Franna crane solution to elevate your job. Contact us today for reliable, efficient, and safe crane services tailored to your project’s needs.