Crane Hire vs Buying: Which Is Right for Your Project?
Crane Hire vs Buying: Which Is Right for Your Project?
When it comes to lifting heavy loads and managing construction logistics, cranes are essential. But for project managers, developers, and builders across Sydney, one big question often arises: should you hire a crane or invest in buying one?
At
Avalon Cranes , we’ve supported projects of all sizes—from residential builds to major infrastructure developments. We know that choosing between crane hire and ownership can impact both your budget and project efficiency.
This guide will break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s right for your project.
The Case for Crane Hire
1. Lower Upfront Costs
Buying a crane can cost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. For most businesses, this is a huge upfront investment. Hiring allows you to access the exact crane you need without tying up capital.
👉 Looking for flexible options? Explore Avalon Cranes’ hire services.
2. Access to the Right Crane for Every Job
No two projects are the same. By hiring, you can choose a mobile crane for one project, a franna crane for another, or a tower crane for large-scale works—all without being locked into one machine.
Avalon Cranes offers a diverse fleet, ensuring you always have the right equipment for the job.
3. Maintenance and Compliance Covered
Owning a crane means ongoing maintenance, repairs, certifications, and inspections—all of which are costly and time-consuming. When you hire with Avalon Cranes, all compliance and servicing are handled by our team.
💡 This not only saves money but also reduces risk of costly downtime.
4. Skilled Operators Available
Crane hire often includes the option to hire a licensed, experienced operator. With Avalon Cranes, you get access to highly trained professionals who know both the machinery and safety regulations.
👉 Learn more about our wet hire services.
The Case for Buying a Crane
1. Long-Term Investment
If you consistently use cranes across multiple ongoing projects, buying may eventually save you money compared to repeated hire fees.
2. Immediate Availability
Owning your own crane means you can deploy it at any time without waiting for availability.
3. Asset Ownership
A crane becomes a company asset that may increase business value and provide depreciation benefits.
The Downsides of Buying
While ownership can be attractive, it comes with major challenges:
- High Upfront Cost: Significant capital outlay.
- Storage Requirements: Cranes require secure storage space.
- Ongoing Costs: Insurance, servicing, licensing, and operator training add up.
- Lack of Flexibility: You’re limited to the crane you purchased—even if another type is better suited for future projects.
Crane Hire vs Buying: Cost Comparison
Let’s say you need a 25T franna crane for multiple projects across a year.
- Buying Cost: $750,000+ upfront + ongoing maintenance, insurance, and storage.
- Hiring Cost: Pay as you go, only when needed, with no long-term obligations.
For most Sydney builders and developers, hiring delivers better cost-efficiency—especially when project needs vary.
👉 Ready to crunch the numbers for your project? Contact Avalon Cranes for a free hire consultation.
Why Crane Hire Makes More Sense for Most Projects
Unless you’re a large-scale construction company running multiple cranes daily, hiring provides:
- Flexibility
- Cost savings
- Compliance peace of mind
- Access to skilled operators
That’s why most construction companies across Sydney choose hire over ownership.
Case Study: Residential Project in Sydney’s North Shore
A developer contacted Avalon Cranes needing a mobile crane for a complex residential build. Instead of investing in a purchase, they hired with us for three weeks.
The result?
- Project completed on time
- Savings of hundreds of thousands compared to purchase
- No maintenance or compliance worries
How to Choose the Right Crane Hire Partner
When choosing a crane hire company, consider:
- Range of cranes available (to suit your project size).
- Operator experience and licensing.
- Insurance and compliance coverage.
- Track record of safety and reliability.
At Avalon Cranes, we tick all four boxes—backed by years of experience and a strong reputation across Sydney.
👉 Discover why builders trust us—visit our About Us page.
Conclusion: Hire First, Buy Later (If Ever)
For most Sydney construction companies, crane hire is the smarter, safer, and more cost-effective choice. It keeps projects flexible, ensures compliance, and avoids the massive financial burden of ownership.
At Avalon Cranes, we provide tailored hire solutions to match your exact project needs—whether you need a franna crane for a day or a mobile crane for weeks.
You might also like
Blog
