As Australia’s crane sector moves into another year of shifting demand, extended project pipelines and tightening asset supply, All Cranes is heading into 2026 with a rare blend of confidence and humility.
The father-son leadership of Peter and Todd Shelton continues to shape a business defined by integrity, long-term relationships and a focus on the used crane market.
Coming off their strongest operational year on record, the duo sees 2025 as a turning point – one built on trust, transparency and a consignment model that has now become one of the company’s strengths.
Asked to reflect on the year, Peter is quick to point out that All Cranes prefers substance over self-promotion. Yet 2025 was undeniably a standout.
“Our unit sales were the highest we’ve recorded in a calendar year since the business began,” Peter said. He said that the volume and market reach expanded, especially through their consignment model.
The company’s dry hire fleet also reached its highest utilisation, averaging 90–95 per cent across 25 cranes, reflecting not only demand but strong customer loyalty.
“We think we’re servicing the right clientele,” Todd said. “They’re happy, and they keep coming back.”
The Shelton philosophy, prioritising relationships over transactions, continues to be central. Todd recounted instances where All Cranes connected two parties to finalise a sale despite earning nothing from the deal.
“All we’re trying to do is meet them in the middle,” Todd said. “In the future, they’ll most likely come back. That’s what we’ve prided ourselves on since we started the business 10 years ago.”
That approach paid off in 2025. Word-of-mouth referrals strengthened, the auction business expanded its influence, and the consignment model proved crucial in navigating a used crane market affected by interest rates, supply pressures and fluctuating global manufacturing output.
“We don’t blow our own trumpet,” Peter said. “But we know we’re a good, solid company with an exceptional team around us. We focus on finding the right crane for the right person – that’s what we do well.”
What defined 2025
The Sheltons believe used crane activity in 2025 reflected a mix of economic caution and rising new-crane prices.
“Whilst the price of new cranes remains high, people are starting to look at alternatives,” Todd said. Availability has also played a role, with European manufacturers reducing production as costs rose and demand softened.
Peter noted a growing pool of later-model used cranes emerging – something not typical in past years. He also pointed to a “bubble economy” effect, with some regions performing strongly while others slow.
Through that landscape, the consignment model delivered clear advantages. With most cranes sold on behalf of owners, All Cranes could scale inventory without heavy capital exposure. Customers benefited from transparency, a wider selection and the assurance of dealing with a specialist business deeply familiar with Australian compliance and operating standards.
Looking ahead to 2026
The Sheltons do not offer predictions lightly – an honesty that has become part of their identity. “I wish I had a crystal ball,” Peter said. “Who knows what’s going to happen this year?” But beneath the humility is a clear strategic direction.
1. Enhancing precision and confidence
All Cranes is committed to refining its processes to deliver faster, more efficient outcomes without compromising quality. Every step – from sourcing and profiling machines to capturing the best possible images – is designed for precision and clarity.
The team prioritises accuracy in listings and transparency in communication, ensuring customers receive reliable information and prompt responses to any request. The focus on efficiency and service reflects All Cranes’ core promise: making it easy for clients to find the right crane with confidence.
2. Strengthening the dry hire fleet
The hire business is performing at record utilisation, and both Peter and Todd see room to consolidate and refine their fleet. They remain committed to specialising in mobiles, crawlers and rough terrain units – segments where the company has deep technical expertise.
3. Limited but strategic refurbishment opportunities
All Cranes will continue refurbishing select machines when the right opportunity arises. These efforts remain tightly focused and low volume, reinforcing their integrity-based approach.
The Sheltons’ market view is pragmatic and grounded in daily activity across Australia. As Peter noted, trends move quickly – runs on crane classes come and go. Businesses should be prepared to act decisively when suitable assets appear.
Above all, both Peter and Todd agree that buyers will continue to become more value-driven, more considered and more focused on long-term fleet planning than impulse purchases.
Despite growth, auction success and record numbers, the company’s identity hasn’t changed. “We’re not trying to be the best in the game – we just play the game the right way,” Peter said. “Word of mouth built the business, and it still drives us today.”
Todd puts it even more simply: “We’re just there to help the industry the way we think it should be helped.”