Can you imagine trying to undertake a commercial or residential project without a crane? That sounds like our biggest nightmare! Today, we’re taking a look back at how this crane story all started. The use of cranes in Australia continues to evolve, as our construction technology improves, and urban areas expand.
Early history
In the late 1800s, cranes were essential for handling cargo in Australia's bustling ports and harbors. These robust machines facilitated the loading and unloading of goods from ships, enabling efficient trade and commerce across the continent. From wool and grain to minerals and manufactured goods, cranes played a vital role in the transportation and distribution of Australia's diverse exports and imports, supporting the growth of its economy and international trade networks.
In the 19th century, cranes dominated skylines as they facilitated the erection of towering buildings and bridges, emblematic of urban growth and modernization in Sydney and Melbourne. Moreover, in remote regions, cranes played a crucial role in the development of mining operations, aiding in the extraction and transportation of valuable resources such as coal, gold, and iron ore.
Post-World War II expansion
From the 1940s to 1960s, Australia saw a construction boom after World War II. This led to the increased usage of cranes in both commercial and residential projects. This period marked the increase of high-rise construction in major cities.
Technological advancements and the rise of Lindores Mobile Cranes
From the 1970s onwards, the introduction of tower cranes revolutionised the construction industry in Australia. These cranes were essential for constructing taller buildings, particularly in the confined spaces of developing CBD’s.
In 1985, Lindores Cranes and Rigging was founded by Peter Lindores and started trading as Total Rigging. In 1993, Chris Austin pioneered the introduction of Mini and Mobile Cranes to Southeast Queensland, with his company Mini Cranes Queensland.
Recent developments
From the 2000s onwards there has been significant advancements in crane technology, including the more-widespread adoption of Mobile and Crawler cranes that offer versatility and efficiency. In 2007, Mini Cranes Queensland was passed on to the Lindores family. We officially changed the name of Queensland Mini Cranes to
Lindores Mobile Cranes
in 2015.
Throughout this time,
Lindores Mobile Cranes
has continued advocacy of the use of Mobile cranes in construction, industry, and manufacturing throughout Queensland.
The future
The current trend in the crane industry includes integrating digital technologies for better load management, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Automation and remote operation of cranes are becoming more prevalent, aiming to increase safety and efficiency.