This information sheet outlines the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) policy and operating conditions that apply to 3-axle and 4-axle all-terrain mobile cranes towing an equipment trailer on a specified published network in South Australia.

Background

The South Australian Branch of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has been in communication with the DIT, seeking exemption to enable 3-axle and 4-axle cranes to tow an equipment trailer.

Section 33 of Schedule 8 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL Regulation) provides for an exemption to be granted in the following circumstances:

• the load on the trailer includes only equipment required for the normal operation of the crane; and 
• the swept path of the crane and trailer turning a corner is not greater than that of the crane alone 

Crane and Trailer Specifications 

DIT determined that an exemption may be granted to allow a 3-axle or 4-axle crane to tow a trailer, subject to the crane and trailer meeting set specifications. The crane and trailer combination must comply with the minimum axle spacing measurements shown in figure 1 and parameters below: 

Fig. 1 – minimum axle spacing requirements for a crane towing an equipment trailer 

Spacing between the axle of the crane’s rear wheel and the tow hitch (DIM 'A' as shown in Fig. 1 above) must not be less than: 

• 1980mm for a 3 axle all terrain mobile crane towing an equipment trailer; and  
• 1890mm for a 4 axle all terrain mobile crane towing an equipment trailer 

Length:

• Up to 12.5m for a 3 axle all terrain mobile crane 
• Up to 14.5m for a 4 axle all terrain mobile crane 
• Up to 19m for a crane and trailer combination 

Width: 

• 3.1 metres for an all terrain mobile crane 
• 2.5 metres for an equipment trailer that forms part of a crane and trailer combination 

Height:  

• Up to 4.3 metres 

Access via Permit 

Access to the approved network will be via an NHVR issued permit. Applications are to be submitted via the NHVR Portal 

The permit will be to tow a pig trailer that complies with the mass limits under the Heavy Vehicle (MDL) National Regulation, subject to conditions agreed between the DIT, NHVR and CICA. These conditions, and additional information on the DIT policy can be located in DIT all terrain mobile crane towing an equipment trailer fact sheet published on the South Australian Government SPV page.

The issued permit will provide for a 3-axle or 4-axle all-terrain crane towing an equipment trailer to operate on State-controlled roads and Council roads managed by Participating Road Managers, on the network titled ‘4 Axle Crane network’ published on the South Australian online mapping system RAVnet. 

A list of Participating Council Road Managers will be published on the South Australian Government website and will be updated as consents are provided. 

Application 

When applying for an NHVR permit via the Portal, ensure you select the following vehicle type using ‘Select Configuration’: 

• Permit Schemes – SA – All Terrain Crane with Pig Trailer 

Configuration examples:

All terrain crane - 3 axles with 1 axle pig trailer

All terrain crane - 4 axles with 2 axle pig trailer

A new SPV application will be created, you will be required to select the crane configuration you are operating from the following components: 

• All terrain crane 3 axle with (1 or 2) axle pig trailer 
• All terrain crane 4 axle with (1 or 2) axle pig trailer 

The following vehicle details will be required: 

• Dimensions, including forward projection and rear overhang 
• Mass limits 
• Axle group mass limits and spacings 
• VIN and Registration details 
• Number and sizes of tyres  
• Ground contact width 

In the Route Section please choose Network and select SA. In the Summary section include a route note requesting access to the 4 Axle Crane network. 

Before submitting an application  

Prior to submitting an application, please ensure that all information is accurate and clear. The NHVR will take the information provided and pass it directly onto Road Managers to ensure a quicker turnaround time. Please see the below video on how to submit an application via the Portal. 

Help and Support 

For more information on applying for a permit refer to the Access permit applications webpage, or contact the NHVR Contact Centre on 13NHVR (13 64 87).  

For further information regarding this policy contact the Department’s Heavy Vehicle Policy and Strategy Unit (HVPS) at dit.roadauthority@sa.gov.au, or telephone 1300 334 640.