The History of Cranes in Australia’s Commercial and Residential Industries

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.

To get Lindores Mobile Cranes on your next job, give us a call on 📞 07 3376 0611.


The Liftout

By JADE LINDORES January 6, 2025
Operating mobile cranes is a critical part of many construction and industrial projects, but it comes with significant risks. Mistakes in crane operation can lead to project delays, equipment damage, or even serious injuries. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , safety and efficiency are at the core of what we do. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes in mobile crane operation and share how our team actively mitigates risks and prioritises safety on every lift. 1. Improper Site Inspection The Risk: Failure to assess the job site properly can result in uneven ground, insufficient clearance, or interference with nearby structures or power lines, all of which increase the risk of accidents. Our Solution: Lindores Mobile Cranes conducts thorough site inspections before every project. Our experienced team assesses the terrain, identifies potential hazards, and ensures the site meets all safety requirements. This proactive approach minimizes risks and ensures smooth operations from the outset. 2. Exceeding Load Capacities The Risk: Overloading a crane beyond its capacity can compromise stability, leading to equipment failure or tipping accidents. Our Solution: Our team rigorously calculates load weights and matches them with the crane’s capacity. We use advanced load-monitoring systems to double-check weight distributions in real-time. Additionally, our operators are fully trained to understand and adhere to each crane’s load chart. If necessary, we use multiple cranes to lift objects, ensuring sufficient lifting capacity and safe weight distribution. 3. Neglecting Proper Equipment Maintenance The Risk: Poorly maintained cranes are more prone to mechanical failures, which can cause downtime or dangerous malfunctions during operation. Our Solution: At Lindores Mobile Cranes , regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Our cranes undergo routine inspections and servicing by qualified technicians. We maintain detailed maintenance records and replace any worn parts before they become a problem, ensuring our equipment is always in peak condition. 4. Inadequate Operator Training The Risk: Untrained or under-qualified operators may misinterpret signals, improperly maneuver loads, or fail to respond correctly in high-pressure situations. Our Solution: We only employ certified and highly experienced operators. New employees receive consistent and thorough training and mentorship from senior members of our team, to ensure they uphold our high standard of service and operation. Additionally, our team is continuously trained and updated on the latest industry standards and safety protocols. 5. Ignoring Weather Conditions The Risk: Operating a crane in high winds, heavy rain, extreme temperatures or low-visibility heightens the risk of accidents, equipment damage and load instability. Our Solution: Weather conditions are always factored into our planning process. If conditions are deemed unsafe, we communicate transparently with our clients to reschedule operations. Our priority is always safety. 6. Failure to Use Proper Rigging The Risk: Improper rigging or using damaged lifting equipment can result in dropped loads, endangering workers and equipment. Our Solution: Our team is trained to select and inspect the right slings, shackles, and hardware for each lift. We follow strict rigging protocols to ensure every load is secure and balanced before lifting begins. 7. Poor Communication on Site The Risk: Miscommunication among team members can lead to errors in load handling, positioning, or crane operation, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Our Solution: We prioritise clear and consistent communication on all our job sites. Our operators, riggers, and ground crews use standardized hand signals and two-way radios to stay in constant contact, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Why Choose Lindores Mobile Cranes? At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we don’t just operate cranes – we deliver peace of mind. By prioritizing safety, meticulous planning, and industry-leading expertise, we ensure every lift is executed flawlessly. When you partner with us, you’re choosing a team committed to excellence, precision, and the highest safety standards. Ready to make your next project safer and more efficient? Contact Lindores Mobile Cranes today and experience the difference. For all enquiries, please contact lmcops@lmcranes.com.au.
By JADE LINDORES December 4, 2024
Heavy lifting with Mobile Cranes requires efficiency, safety and precision. Often lifts involve oversized or irregularly shaped loads, which require some creativity to lift effectively. Dual lifts are one of our favourite techniques for manoeuvring difficult objects. In this process, two cranes work in tandem to lift a single object. As experts in the field, our team routinely execute dual lifts with unparalleled precision and safety. Here’s why dual lifts are an essential technique in the mobile crane industry and how they deliver exceptional results for complex lifting operations. The Utility of Dual Lifts Using two cranes in tandem significantly increases the total lifting capacity, allowing us to handle much larger and heavier loads than a single crane could manage. Certain loads, such as those with unusual dimensions or weight distributions, can be unstable when lifted by a single crane. With a dual lift, the weight is distributed across two cranes, improving balance and reducing the risk of the load tipping or swinging. Dual lifts can also be essential for situations where the load must be navigated through tight spaces or lifted at an angle. The coordination between two cranes provides greater flexibility in guiding challenging environments. The Effectiveness of Dual Lifts Safety is a top priority in any lifting operation. By distributing the load between two cranes, dual lifts reduce the strain on each crane. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , every dual lift is planned with rigorous attention to detail to ensure the safety of operators, equipment, and the surrounding environment. Dual lifts can also save time on complex projects. Instead of dismantling large loads into smaller pieces for single-crane lifts, a dual lift can handle the load in one go, reducing operational delays and increasing project efficiency. Finally, while dual lifts may seem like a more resource-intensive approach, they can ultimately save money by reducing project timelines, preventing damage to sensitive loads, and avoiding the need for additional equipment or labour. Dual lifts with mobile cranes are a versatile and effective solution for handling complex loads. By leveraging the combined strength of two cranes, this method ensures safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for projects across various industries. If you’re tackling a challenging lift, trust the experts at Lindores Mobile Cranes to deliver results with professionalism and expertise. Ready to lift your project to new heights? Contact Lindores Mobile Cranes today on (07) 3376 0611 to discuss how our dual lift services can support your next project.
By JADE LINDORES October 31, 2024
When you are onsite surrounded by hefty machinery, heavy materials and high-powered tools, a lot can go wrong. Our team are committed to making safety a priority with every lift. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , we pride ourselves on taking the necessary precautions to identify risks, develop a solid and safe lift plan, and follow rigorous protocol to protect our team, people onsite and the surrounding community. In this blog, we’ll explore why crane safety matters deeply and how Lindores Mobile Cranes is leading the way. Protecting Lives and Limiting Risks Safety in crane operations isn’t just about avoiding injury; it’s about safeguarding lives. With cranes that can lift hundreds of kilos, even minor oversights can lead to major incidents. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , safety protocols are in place to mitigate risks for operators and observers. Adhering to industry best practices, including conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing safety checklists, and maintaining rigorous inspection schedules, ensures everyone’s well-being on-site. Protecting Valuable Equipment and Assets Regular maintenance, strict adherence to operational guidelines, and trained operators help prevent equipment failure or costly downtime. Lindores Mobile Cranes takes pride in caring for each piece of machinery through routine checks and preventive maintenance, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that assets are protected and always kept in optimal working condition. Compliance with Industry Regulations The construction and heavy lifting industry is governed by strict safety regulations and standards. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, loss of operating licenses, or severe legal consequences. Lindores Mobile Cranes operates in full compliance with these regulations, including site-specific requirements. Operators are fully trained to ensure every project meets and often exceeds industry safety standards, keeping projects on track and within legal guidelines. Building Reputation and Trust Safety also builds trust. Clients and partners look for companies that prioritise safety as part of their corporate responsibility. Lindores Mobile Crane s has established a reputation for reliability and meticulous adherence to safety standards, making it a trusted partner in high-risk, high-value projects. A strong safety record reinforces credibility and instils confidence, attracting repeat business and reinforcing brand value. At Lindores Mobile Cranes , safety begins with people. Operators are rigorously trained, certified, and retrained to stay up to date of industry developments and innovations in crane safety. Lindores Mobile Cranes is committed to continuous improvement in safety standards, staying informed on best practices, and incorporating lessons learned from the field. In doing so, our company not only meets the needs of today but also prepares for the challenges of tomorrow. Know your next lift is in the safe hands with Lindores Mobile Cranes . To enquire about engaging LMC for your next project, please contact our friendly team on 07 3376 0611.
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