Spider Crane Hire · Sydney & Central Coast
Spider Crane Hire Sydney
Remote-controlled cranes that stabilise on spider-leg outriggers — for precise, safe lifting in tight, uneven and indoor spaces.
Spider cranes solve the problem big cranes can’t: how do you lift safely when there’s no room to set up? By spreading their outrigger legs to suit the exact ground in front of them, they stay stable on slopes, soft ground, driveways and even suspended slabs — then lift with pinpoint control from a remote.
How a spider crane works
Three features make a spider crane different from every other machine on site:
Independent outrigger legs
Four legs set at their own height and spread, creating a stable base on uneven or confined ground.
Tracked, compact body
Drives on rubber tracks through gaps from 750 mm, then packs down small for transport and storage.
Remote control
The operator stands clear of the load and works from the best sight line, improving safety and precision.
Where spider cranes excel
- Narrow driveways, side passages and backyards with no crane standing room
- Under powerlines and low structures where a boom can’t swing
- Indoors — fit-outs, atriums and internal steel or glass installs
- On suspended slabs and upper levels (after floor-load checks)
- Soft or landscaped ground, using low ground pressure and mats
- Delicate glass and glazing lifts needing controlled placement
Spider crane vs a standard mobile crane
A mobile or Franna crane needs open space to set up and travel. On a tight Sydney block that space usually doesn’t exist — which means road closures, permits and traffic control, or the job simply can’t be done. A spider crane sets up in the footprint you already have, with far less disruption. Read the full comparison in spider crane vs big crane.
Our spider cranes
We run two Maeda spider cranes — the Maeda 285 (750 mm wide, 2.82 t) for the tightest access, and the Maeda 305 (2.98 t, 12.5 m reach) for heavier or higher lifts. For the technical detail and capacities, see crawler crane hire; not sure which term fits your job? Start with mini crane hire.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a crane a “spider crane”?
Its four independently adjustable outrigger legs, which spread out and down like a spider to create a stable base — even on uneven ground, slopes or a suspended slab. Each leg sets at its own height and angle, so the crane can stabilise in spots where a wheeled crane never could.
Can a spider crane work indoors and on suspended slabs?
Yes. Spider cranes are compact, have low ground pressure and can be driven inside buildings and set up on slabs (we check floor load ratings first). They’re a go-to for internal fit-outs, atriums and multi-level work.
Do I need a licence to have a spider crane on site?
The operator needs a current C2 high-risk work licence because a spider crane is a slewing mobile crane. We supply ticketed, insured operators (wet hire), so you don’t need your own. More on this in our wet vs dry hire guide.
Can a spider crane lift near powerlines or in a tight backyard?
Yes — that’s exactly what they’re built for. Their compact footprint and low profile let them work in narrow backyards, laneways and under overhead lines where a mobile crane can’t safely set up.
What’s the difference between a spider crane and a mobile crane?
A spider crane is compact and stabilises on outrigger legs in very tight spaces; a mobile or Franna crane needs far more room to set up and travel. For restricted Sydney sites the spider crane usually wins — see spider crane vs big crane.
Book a spider crane that fits your site
Tight access is our specialty. Open 24/7 across Sydney & the Central Coast.