East Coast Cranes is raising the stakes in Queensland.
Later this year, Brisbane-based East Coast Cranes will welcome the arrival of a new heavyweight to Queensland’s crane scene – a Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, a 700-tonne capacity all-terrain crane that will be the first of its kind permanently based in the state. For Managing Director David Hopper, it’s not just another machine – it’s the next big step in a journey that started nearly three decades ago.
From the ‘Wobbly’ to the heavyweights
Dave’s story in cranes began in 1996 after working for major construction names including John Holland, Barclay Mowlem, and Baulderstone Hornibrook. He earned his crane ticket on an old BHB “wobbly” before joining Holts Crane Hire – a small Toowoomba outfit that quickly made waves in Brisbane by acquiring industry leader Brambles Cranes.
“I grew with the business and operated pretty much every crane I could get my hands on. Back then, a 50-tonner was considered big. I left Holts in 2007 to join Matt Yapp at NQ Group as his first employee,” recalls Dave.
After an on-site accident in 2008 shifted him into the office, Dave rose to operations manager within six months. He later became the first crane hire employee for Big Lift Cranes, helping grow the business to 25 cranes and a heavy haulage arm across depots in the Hunter Valley and Brisbane.
Going out on his own
Following stints at Universal Cranes and Lift Logistics, Dave decided in December 2015 to take the leap and start his own operation. Armed with an ABN, plenty of industry relationships, and a crystal-clear vision, East Coast Cranes was born.
Within three months, his accountant gave him a blunt piece of advice: “You’re kicking so many goals already – you’d be mad not to buy a crane.” Dave’s answer was obvious – a used 80-tonne Liebherr from Senator Cranes in Melbourne.
“That little beast was my launchpad. It lifted like a 100-tonner and quickly attracted a loyal client base. By 2016 I’d hired my first employees, bought a brand-new 100-tonne LTM 1100-4.2, a few Frannas, and the fleet just kept growing.”
Liebherr Loyalty – Two Decades Strong
Dave’s connection to Liebherr goes back more than 20 years.
“My very first slew crane was a Liebherr LTM 1025. Since then, I’ve told every business I’ve worked for: if you want the best, it’s Liebherr all the way. Premium machines, premium service – and the Queensland back-up support is second to none,” he said.
That philosophy has shaped East Coast Cranes’ fleet, which now runs all Liebherr all-terrains from 50 to 230 tonnes, plus a 450-tonne Grove. That Grove, purchased from Melrose Crane Hire, opened the door to major heavy-lift projects – including Australia’s largest battery farm – but it also proved to Dave that even more lifting power was needed.
Now, a second-hand 2021 LTM1650-8.1 refurbished by the Liebherr factory is due at Christmas – a 10 year anniversary present.
East Coast Cranes also has a 2013, 220-tonne crane brought from Hanchard Cranes in 2018.
Why the LTM 1650-8.1?
Dave was tempted by Liebherr’s LTM 1400-6.1, but the 1650-8.1 won him over for its versatility, higher load capacity, and opportunities in bridge and infrastructure work.
“There’s going to be a huge pipeline of projects in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics. This crane will get us in front of every bridge and infrastructure builder in Queensland,” he said. “It positions us to handle projects on a whole new scale.”
A ‘Boutique’ business with heavyweight capabilities
East Coast Cranes has carved out a premium niche, working with major gas suppliers Coregas and BOC, specialising in modular school buildings, and tackling unique infrastructure challenges such as large concrete tank installations for Bunnings flood mitigation projects.
With three companies under the East Coast banner – cranes, heavy haulage, and East Coast Heavy Lift – Dave has built a team that blends deep technical knowledge with a culture of loyalty and respect.
“I recruit on reputation. My crew is the strongest it’s ever been – highly experienced heavy-lift specialists, many from big crane companies, some now in supervisor and operations roles. We’ve built genuine friendships in the business, and my wife, who heads our accounts, has been part of the journey from day one.
“We started in our lounge room. Now we’ve built a purpose-built facility, we run 27 cranes, and we’ve got the biggest all-terrain ever based in Queensland on the way. It’s been a wild ride – and it’s about to get even bigger.”
Partnering for the future
In 2022, Dave partnered with industry professional Tim Milton to create ECC Heavy Haulage – a specialist division to complement East Coast Cranes. Together, they have grown ECC Heavy Haulage into a trusted and reputable transport partner, providing clients with a seamless connection between heavy haulage and crane hire.
Continuing this vision for integrated lifting and transport solutions, Dave has now joined forces with industry specialist Scott De La Rue to establish East Coast Heavy Lift Pty Ltd. This new venture is purpose-built for dry hire, project-style heavy-lift cranes, and technical lifting solutions. With a strong focus on large crawler cranes and complex heavy lifts, East Coast Heavy Lift ensures clients have access to a complete in-house solution for the most challenging projects.
“At East Coast Cranes, ECC Heavy Haulage, and East Coast Heavy Lift – our goal is simple: to keep raising the standard in crane hire, heavy haulage, and lifting solutions across Queensland and beyond.”