You might know your way around a worksite.
You’ve slung loads, given signals, maybe even driven a Franna or two.
But if someone handed you the keys to a slewing crane tomorrow, would you know what to do?
In this post, we cover exactly how slewing and non-slewing cranes differ, why knowing this is important for licensing and safety, and how to get properly trained for either one.
How do mobile cranes work?
Mobile cranes are the muscle of the construction site.
Unlike fixed tower cranes, they move from place to place and are used to lift, lower and shift heavy loads.
But not all mobile cranes operate the same way. Some can rotate the boom arm (slew) without moving the chassis, and others can’t.
This core difference defines whether a mobile crane is classified as slewing or non-slewing. It also determines which high-risk work (HRW) licence you need to operate it legally.
Slewing cranes explained
A slewing crane is any mobile crane that can rotate its upper structure (the boom and cab) around a vertical axis. This slewing motion allows the operator to lift a load and swing it to a new location without needing to reposition the entire vehicle.
Common types of slewing cranes include:
- Truck-mounted cranes with a rotating superstructure
- Luffing tower cranes
- Slewing mobile cranes with capacities above 20 tonnes
Pros:
- 360° rotation for greater flexibility on tight or complex sites
- Ideal for lifting heavy loads at height or over obstacles
- Available in a range of capacities and configurations
Cons:
- Usually requires stabilisers or outriggers
- Larger and less manoeuvrable than Franna-style cranes
- More complex to operate, requiring advanced training
To operate a slewing mobile crane in Victoria, you’ll need a slewing HRW licence; typically class C2 (up to 20 t), C6 (up to 60 t), C1 (up to 100 t) or C0 (over 100 t).
Non-slewing cranes explained
Non-slewing cranes, often called Franna cranes or pick-and-carry cranes, have a fixed boom that doesn’t rotate independently of the chassis. To reposition the load, the entire vehicle must move. These cranes are known for their compact design, making them ideal for short-distance transport or work in confined spaces.
Pros:
- Highly mobile and roadworthy
- Perfect for pick-and-carry operations
- Easier to transport between job sites
Cons:
- Can’t rotate the boom; limited to straight-line lifting
- Stability relies more on vehicle position and ballast
- Not suitable for precision lifts requiring horizontal placement
Operating a non-slewing mobile crane requires a CN high-risk licence, which covers cranes with a capacity over 3 tonnes that do not slew.
Slewing vs non-slewing: key differences
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make it easier:
| Feature | Slewing Crane | Non-Slewing Crane |
| Boom rotation | Yes – rotates around vertical axis | No – fixed boom |
| Mobility | Lower (needs outriggers, wider turning) | High (Franna-style, road travel ready) |
| Licence required | C2, C6, C1, C0 (based on tonnage) | CN licence |
| Best for | High lifts, complex sites, tight access | Pick-and-carry jobs, short lifts |
| Common types | Slewing mobile crane, tower crane | Franna crane, vehicle-mounted crane |
| Operation complexity | Higher – advanced training needed | Moderate – simpler manoeuvring |
Licensing and training pathways
Getting the right HRW licence for slewing and non-slewing cranes involves a few steps:
- Meet the entry criteria – You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid White Card.
- Choose your training provider – CTI is a leading RTO in Victoria offering crane courses tailored to each licence class.
- Complete your training – This includes theory modules, practical on-site simulations, and hands-on assessments.
- Pass your assessment – A certified assessor will evaluate your skills and knowledge.
- Apply for your HRW licence – Once you pass, you’ll receive a Notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NSA) to apply through WorkSafe.
Courses generally run for 3 to 5 days, depending on the licence class, and CTI offers flexible delivery options for regional or interstate students.
Which crane is right for the job?
When deciding between slewing and non-slewing cranes, consider:
- The weight and size of the load
- Whether the site allows room to rotate or reposition
- How far the load needs to be moved horizontally
- Your available budget and licensing status
If you need to lift and place loads at height or over a structure, slewing cranes are the go-to. But for road travel and confined worksites, non-slewing cranes are hard to beat.
FAQ about slewing and non-slewing cranes
Do slewing and non-slewing cranes require different licences?
Yes. Slewing cranes require a C-class HRW licence, while non-slewing cranes require a CN licence.
Can I upgrade from a CN to a slewing licence?
Yes, but you’ll need to complete additional training and assessment for the relevant slewing class.
Which crane is safer to operate?
Both types can be operated safely with proper training. Non-slewing cranes rely on vehicle control, while slewing cranes require greater planning and stabilisation.
How long does crane training take in Victoria?
Most courses take between 3 and 5 days, depending on the crane type and licence class.
Maybe you want to operate a Franna crane through tight laneways. Or maybe you prefer lifting steel beams into place from 40 metres in the air. Either way, your licence needs to match your machine.
CTI has helped thousands of workers across Victoria train for high-risk crane work, from non-slewing pick-and-carry roles to complex slewing operations. Our training is practical, flexible and backed by real-life industry know-how.
Want to get certified with confidence? Get in touch with CTI today and ask about our crane operation courses.
