A mini crane is a compact crawler crane built to operate in tight, indoor or hard-to-reach places. It is also known as a spider crane because of its four extendable outriggers that fan out like spider legs for stability. You may also see it called a compact crane, mini crawler crane or indoor crane. Whatever the name, the purpose is the same: heavy lifting where standard cranes cannot fit.
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Mini Crane Rental
Need to lift a glass panel into a third-floor atrium, position an HVAC unit on a rooftop, or move machinery through a standard doorway? A mini crane (also called a spider crane) does what regular cranes can’t reach. With 50 years of industry experience and global reach, we offer mini crane rental worldwide, shipping from our Rotterdam terminal.
From compact units that fit through standard doors to larger spider cranes lifting up to 8 tonnes, we match the right model to your project.
What is a mini crane (spider crane)?
How does a spider crane work?
A spider crane is built around three features that let it work where regular cranes can’t:
- Spider-style outriggers: four legs extend in an x-pattern, levelling on uneven ground and locking the crane during lifts
- Crawler tracks: narrow enough for standard doorways, often from 600 mm wide
- Remote control: the operator stands clear of the load and positions it with millimetre precision
Most models offer dual power: diesel for outdoor work, electric or lithium battery for indoor use with zero emissions.
Mini crane specifications and lifting capacity
Mini crane specifications vary by model, but the range is wide enough to cover most projects. Typical specs:
- Lifting capacity: 1 to 10 tonnes (2,200 to 22,000 lbs)
- Width: from 595 mm (23 inches), fitting through standard doorways
- Maximum reach: up to 25 metres (82 feet) with jib extension
- Weight: from around 1,000 kg, light enough for service lifts and rooftops
- Power: diesel, electric, or bi-energy lithium battery
Smaller units suit indoor and confined-space lifts. Larger spider cranes handle facade work, steel erection and lifts up to 8 tonnes.
Common applications for mini crane rental
Mini crane rental covers projects where standard cranes are too big, too heavy or can’t get close enough. Common applications:
- Glazing and curtain wall installation: lifting glass panels into facades, atriums and high-rise buildings
- Indoor construction and renovation: working inside historic buildings, museums or finished interiors
- Rooftop and high-rise lifting: positioning equipment that ground-based cranes can’t reach
- HVAC and machinery installation: moving heavy units into plants, factories or service areas
- Restoration projects: precise lifts on sensitive sites where vibration or ground damage must be avoided
Spider crane rental from van Adrighem
We supply mini and spider cranes for rent worldwide, shipping from our 14-hectare heavy-lift terminal in Rotterdam. Rental is dry hire: the equipment arrives fully maintained and ready to operate, with your team in control. As one partner for buying and renting, you get flexible options. Request a quote free of charge and without obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mini crane used for?
Mini cranes are used for lifting in tight, indoor or hard-to-reach places where standard cranes can’t fit. Common uses include glazing, indoor construction, rooftop installation, machinery moves and restoration projects.
How much can a mini crane lift?
Mini cranes typically lift between 1 and 10 tonnes (2,200 to 22,000 lbs), depending on the model and reach. Larger spider cranes handle up to 8 tonnes for facade and steel erection work.
Are mini cranes and spider cranes the same?
Yes. Mini crane and spider crane are two names for the same equipment. The spider name comes from the four extendable outriggers that fan out for stability, just like spider legs.
Can a mini crane be used indoors?
Yes. Mini cranes are often the only practical option for indoor lifting. Electric and lithium battery models work without exhaust fumes, and the narrow crawler tracks fit through standard doorways from around 600 mm wide.
Can you rent a mini crane from van Adrighem?
Yes. We rent mini cranes and spider cranes worldwide on a dry hire basis, with shipping from our Rotterdam terminal. Send us your project details and we will come back with a tailored quote.
Need some help?
Questions or looking for advice?
Our account manager, is here to help. Whether you are looking for the right machine, need a quick quote or just want to explore the possibilities. Feel free to get in touch.
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