Every crane company has its origin story, but few are as true to their name as Origin Cranes.
Born from a chance meeting at a barbecue and fuelled by a shared love of the State of Origin rugby league series, co-owners Bradley Sugden and Daniel Wright built their Sunshine Coast business from the ground up. What started with two second-hand Frannas has grown into a fleet that now includes 100-tonne Liebherr all terrains, truck-mounted Zoomlions and a diverse range of machines servicing some of Queensland’s biggest construction players.
The “Origin” in Origin Cranes isn’t just branding – it’s part of the company’s identity. Daniel said, “We met at a barbecue and talked about starting a crane company. We didn’t know each other from a bar of soap, but within a week we’d made it happen. And because State of Origin was on at the time, the name stuck. The maroon and red paint scheme is a nod to that.”
For Bradley, cranes were always in his blood. His father founded a crane company in Toowoomba in the 1970s, and Bradley grew up riding along in the cab. After years working across Australia with major operators, he returned to the Coast, where he and Daniel crossed paths. Daniel, with a background in mining, drilling, and construction, had also been around cranes throughout his career. The partnership clicked immediately.
The company’s humble beginnings involved buying two ageing 20-tonne Frannas at auction. “We literally drove around job sites, pulling up and asking if they needed a crane,” Bradley said. “That’s how it all started – just word of mouth and determination.”
Bradley remembers the day vividly: “The first crane we bought maxed out our budget. The auctioneer then offered us a second at the same price. I wasn’t sure, but Dan’s dad gave me a shove in the chest and said, ‘Just buy it – you’ll be right.’ That’s how we ended up with two cranes instead of one.”
From there, the fleet steadily expanded. A city crane was added to meet growing demand, followed quickly by a truck mount and then larger capacity units. “It was a good time to start,” Daniel said. “The Sunshine Coast was booming, and before we knew it, we were adding almost a crane a year.”
Today, the Origin fleet includes:
• Two Liebherr 1094.2 100-tonne all-terrains
• Demag 55-tonne long boom
• Terex 40-tonne
• Two Zoomlion truck mounts (25 and 33–35 metre booms)
• Four Frannas – one 25-tonne and three 20-tonnes
• Kato 13-tonne and RK160-2 16-tonne city cranes
Bradley said the diversity is deliberate. “From small truss lifts for mum-and-dad builders to major projects with Hutchinson, Badge Constructions, FK Gardner, and McNab, we’ve always wanted to cover every corner of the market. Reliability and service have kept us in the mix with bigger players.”
Value in every machine
While Liebherr anchors the heavy end of the fleet, Origin has embraced value-driven options as well. The Zoomlion truck cranes, for instance, have been standout performers.
“You certainly get value for money,” Daniel said. “The 25-tonne single-steer Zoomlion represented a significant step forward for us and immediately made us more competitive. Those who criticise the brand likely haven’t had to purchase cranes themselves. The machines have proven excellent for residential and retirement village projects, where both reach and stability are critical.”
Bradley agreed, “For the price and performance, they do the job. They’ll happily put a tonne out at 30 metres – they’re great little cranes.”
Building a team, training the next generation
Beyond machines, Origin Cranes prides itself on its people. With about 20 staff, the company blends experienced operators with newcomers trained on the job.
“If you don’t train your own, you’ll always be short,” Bradley said. “We’ve taken on people from all walks of life – one was a butcher, another worked in fruit. Now they’re running 100-tonners. It’s about giving opportunities and building careers.”
That philosophy has created loyalty. “We’re very family oriented,” Daniel said. “If someone leaves, they usually end up coming back. We make sure our guys have balance – if your daughter’s running in the school athletics final, we’ll cover for you so you can be there. That’s what keeps people happy.”
Safety and standards
From the beginning, Origin has prioritised safety and professionalism. The company holds multiple ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications, which has helped formalise practices and reassure clients.
“Safety starts from the first phone call,” Bradley said. “We’ll do a site visit at no cost, explain the process, and provide a full digital lift plan. That makes customers feel comfortable and confident.”
Origin’s growth has been supported by strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. The company’s two Liebherr all terrains are backed by dependable service. “If we need parts or advice, the Liebherr team is always there,” Bradley said.
Zoomlion cranes have also proven reliable. “Those machines gave us the edge when we were building up. They made us competitive at the right time,” Daniel said.
Looking ahead
Nearly a decade in, Origin Cranes has carved out a reputation for service, reliability, and community spirit. What started with two Frannas and a leap of faith is now a Sunshine Coast success story, with a fleet that continues to grow and a team culture that sets it apart.
As Daniel put it: “We don’t just run cranes – we run a family. Our people know they’re valued, and that translates to better service for our clients. That’s what Origin is all about.”