Work has steadily increased for Fleurieu Cranes, with cranes requested across various projects throughout South Australia.
“It’s been really exciting seeing some of these projects developing from feasibility to reality,” said Chris Leane, Business Development Manager at the Adelaide-based company. The business forecast has prompted another fleet expansion – including the arrival of Franna’s new AT40-2, designed to handle heavier lifts in tighter spaces while keeping setup time to a minimum.
The new Franna fits in well with the current fleet that has seen steady growth over Fleurieu Cranes past 20 years of operation.
“We’re focusing on building South Australia’s future,” Chris said.
“We’ve got a few large projects still in their early stages, which always bring their own challenges – building efficiencies, coordinating logistics, managing resources – but overall, we’re in a really good spot.”
The company’s workload for pick and carry cranes has expanded alongside South Australia’s infrastructure program, from road upgrades and bridge works to wind-farm builds and industrial developments. The rising demand has led to strategic fleet investment – and the AT40-2 sits at the centre of that growth.
“This makes three AT40s in our fleet, with another one on the way,” Chris said. “There aren’t many of them in South Australia – three other companies have one each – so it positions us well for what’s coming over the next couple of years.”
Compact power and efficiency
The Franna AT40-2 represents the latest evolution of the pick-and-carry crane. With a 40-tonne capacity at 1.1 metres, a Mercedes Benz OM936 7.7L Euromot Stage V diesel engine (230 kilowatt) and Allison 6-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a rare combination of muscle and manoeuvrability.
For Chris and the team, that performance is not just about raw lifting power – it’s about saving time and reducing complexity on site.
“The three-axle design eliminates the need for additional counterweight like we use on the MAC 25 or MAC 25 SL,” he said. “That means less setup, less handling, and a safer process overall. You can arrive on site and get to work faster.”
The process involving installing and removing the counterweight also cuts down on manual handling risks, a constant priority for Fleurieu’s safety program.
“We’re not placing counterweight on the ground or lifting them back into position,” Chris said. “That means fewer moving parts and less opportunity for error.”
The crane’s axle-control system, which lifts the third axle during operation, also enhances manoeuvrability in confined environments.
“When you’re working in tight spaces, it feels very similar to operating a MAC 25,” Chris said. “That’s something our operators appreciate – the same responsiveness they’re used to, but with more capacity.”
As project sites across Adelaide become denser and deadlines tighter, the need for cranes that combine mobility, and strength has never been greater. The AT40-2’s compact footprint – just 3.5 metres in height with a 19.8-metre main boom – makes it ideal for urban and industrial projects where access is limited.
“The fact that it can lift heavier loads without the additional gear or counterweight is a real advantage,” Chris said. “It’s about doing more with less equipment around you.”
Lower emissions, higher standards
With Franna’s new Euromot Stage V-compliant powertrain, the AT40-2 meets some of the world’s toughest emission standards, reducing particulates and nitrogen oxide output while maintaining power. It is also fully compatible with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) diesel which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent. For Fleurieu Cranes, that aligns directly with its long-term environmental goals.
“We’ve always tried to be as green as we can,” Chris said. “Through our partnership with Trees for Life, we proactively offset our carbon emissions through the funding of tree plantations. Therefore, when manufacturers like Terex Franna bring out equipment with cleaner engines and reduced emissions, it fits perfectly with where we want to be as a company and provides cost benefits.”
Environmental awareness is one of Fleurieu’s three operational pillars, alongside safety and innovation. Each new addition to the fleet is assessed for how it improves overall efficiency and reduces site impact.
“Having the latest equipment minimises downtime and improves reliability,” Chris said. “It’s good for our customers, but it’s also good for our people – they take pride in operating modern, high-performing machines.”
A long-standing partnership
The purchase continues a partnership between Fleurieu Cranes and Terex Franna that spans more than two decades.
“We’ve got 22 Frannas in the fleet now, across different models ranging from AT15 through to AT40-2,” Chris said. “It’s been a really strong and consistent relationship – we know the product, and they know how we operate.”
That familiarity translates directly into operational benefits. The maintenance team understands the platform, spare parts are readily available, and training requirements remain consistent.
“It just makes sense for us,” Chris said. “We know the cranes, our operators know them, and the support from Franna has always been great.”
Technology built for confidence
Beyond the drivetrain and lifting power, the AT40-2 also introduces several operator-focused improvements. The updated Dynamic Load Moment Indicator (LMI) with patented Safety Radar shows the operator a simple and clear visual radar map of the safe working area for the load being lifted and most importantly for the actual working environment of the crane i.e. front/rear and side slope. It will help the operator ensure the safest motions throughout every stage of the lift.
“It’s the kind of detail that helps operators feel confident on the job,” Chris said. “They’re not just working harder – they’re working smarter, and that’s what we want across the board.”
The AT40-2 retains Franna’s roadability and travel speed, reaching 80 kilometres an hour, making it one of the most versatile pick-and-carry cranes in its class. Its quick mobility between job sites allows Fleurieu Cranes to service multiple customers efficiently – a crucial factor given the volume of work currently moving through the business. With South Australia’s infrastructure pipeline continuing to expand, Fleurieu Cranes’ investment in the AT40-2 underscores its commitment to staying ahead of industry demands, with a modern fleet, experienced team, and a clear focus on efficiency.
“The key for us is staying proactive,” Chris said. “That means having the right equipment, the right people, and the right mindset. The AT40-2 helps us deliver on all three – it’s powerful, efficient, and ready for what’s next.”