Nathan
Absolutely incredible workmanship!!! The crane operator and dogman work in unison the best I have ever seen.
Read full reviewCrane-Assisted Tree Removal in Sydney
Some trees can’t be safely dropped or roped down, especially when they’re close to the house or there’s no room to work. With a crane, each section is lifted clear of roofs, fences and gardens and lowered to the ground where your crew needs it.
For crane tree removal in Sydney, we supply the crane and a licensed operator. Your arborist or tree contractor handles the cutting, and our operator lifts each section as they work.
Tell us about the tree and the site, and we’ll recommend the right crane and send through a free quote.
Client Feedback
What clients say about BigLift Cranes
When a Crane Makes Sense for Tree Removal
A crane is usually brought in when there's no safe place to drop sections and no easy way to carry them out.
Trees Over or Beside the House
Sections are lifted up and away from roofs, gutters and windows rather than lowered against them.
Trees Near Powerlines
The lift is planned with safe clearances and the right controls in place. Work near powerlines may also need approval from the network operator.
No Backyard Access
When a tree sits behind the house with only a narrow side path, a crane can lift sections over the roofline to the street.
Large or Unsafe Trees
Trees your arborist judges too large, damaged or unsafe to climb and dismantle by hand.
Over Pools, Sheds and Landscaping
Lifting sections clear helps protect what's underneath, from pools and outdoor structures to established gardens.
Fallen or Storm-Damaged Trees
Trees brought down onto homes, cars or fences. For urgent jobs, see our emergency crane hire page.
How Crane-Assisted Tree Removal Works
The arborist and crane operator work as one team, but each has a clear role.
Who does what:
Your arborist or tree crew
- Assesses the tree and plans how it will be dismantled
- Estimates the weight of each section
- Attaches the rigging and makes each cut
- Directs the crane operator during the lift
- Chips or removes the timber
Our crane and operator
- Recommend a crane to suit the reach and section weights
- Set up in a safe position for the lift
- Take the load before each cut, as directed
- Lift each section clear and lower it to the drop zone
- Work within the crane's load chart at all times
The lift, step by step:
01
Plan the job
The arborist shares the tree size, likely section weights and where the timber needs to land. We confirm the crane and setup position.
02
Set up
The crane sets up on firm ground, clear of hazards, with room for outriggers.
03
Rig and cut
The climber rigs each section to the crane. Once the operator has taken the weight, the cut is made.
04
Lift and lower
The section is lifted clear and lowered to the drop zone, ready for chipping or removal.
Choosing the Right Tree Removal Crane
For tree work, reach often matters as much as weight. A crane's capacity drops as the load moves further away, so the distance from the setup point to the tree often decides the crane. Our fleet ranges from 16 to 130 tonnes rated capacity.
Crane options for tree removal:
Our guide on how to read a crane load chart explains how capacity changes with reach.
20 Tonne Franna
Pick-and-carry lifts where access, ground conditions and the load chart allow.
Franna crane hireLarger All-Terrain Cranes
For long reaches over two-storey homes or trees well back from the street.
Heavy lift crane hireTree Removal Crane Hire Planned Around Your Job
Whether you run a tree crew or you're a homeowner with one problem tree, here's what to expect.
Tree Contractors
Arborists & Tree Contractors
A crane that fits your crew's day
Your climbers and chipper are booked, and the crane needs to arrive ready to work. Send us the job details and we'll match the crane to the reach and section weights.
- Crane and licensed operator booked around your start time
- Advice on crane size and setup position
- Short-notice lifts where availability allows
Homeowners
Homeowners
Not sure where to start?
Crane-assisted tree removal involves two parts: an arborist to cut the tree, and a crane to lift it. If you don't have an arborist yet, you'll need one first. We'll work with the arborist or tree company you choose.
- The crane side of the job explained before you commit
- Lift planned around your roof, fences and garden
- Free quotes
Call 1300 024 454 or send your details for a free quote.
Approvals to Check Before Lift Day
Approvals are easy to overlook and can hold up a job. Check these early.
Tree removal approval
Many Sydney councils require approval to remove or prune certain trees. Your arborist or council can tell you what applies.
Crane over a road or footpath
Councils regulate cranes that hoist over public roads and footpaths, and approval may be needed.
Lifting over a neighbour's property
Permit conditions can require written consent from the affected owner.
Street setup
A crane set up on the road may need traffic management.
Tell us about the site early so we can identify what needs arranging.
What We Need for a Quote
The more detail you send, the more accurate the quote.
- Site address and where a crane could set up
- Approximate tree height and trunk size
- Estimated weight of the heaviest sections, if your arborist has it
- Distance from the setup point to the tree
- Where the timber needs to be landed
- Anything in the way, such as the house, powerlines, pools or narrow access
- Your preferred date
- Photos of the tree, street and access
How Much Does Crane Tree Removal Cost?
The crane side of the cost depends mainly on the crane needed, which comes down to the reach and section weights. Time on site, setup, traffic management and any approvals also play a part. The arborist's work is quoted separately by your tree contractor.
Read our crane hire cost guide →Areas We Service
Tree Removal Crane Hire Across Sydney
Based in Old Guildford, we provide cranes for tree removal across Sydney, from the North Shore to the Hills and Western Sydney.
Eastern Suburbs
- Bondi
- Paddington
- Maroubra
- Bronte
- Watsons Bay
- Bondi Beach
- Coogee
- Randwick
- Vaucluse
- Double Bay
Inner West
- Leichhardt
- Newtown
- Strathfield
- Burwood
- Haberfield
- Summer Hill
- Drummoyne
- Marrickville
- Ashfield
- Balmain
- Petersham
- Dulwich Hill
- Annandale
Northern Suburbs
- Ryde
- Gladesville
- Macquarie Park
- Lane Cove
- Hornsby
- North Turramurra
- Killara
- Mosman
- Cremorne
- Lindfield
- Epping
- Eastwood
- North Sydney
- Willoughby
- Brooklyn
- St Leonards
- Hunters Hill
- Greenwich
- Neutral Bay
Northern Beaches
- Manly
- Brookvale
- Narrabeen
- Avalon Beach
- Curl Curl
- Balgowlah
- Beacon Hill
- Frenchs Forest
- Dee Why
- Mona Vale
- Freshwater
- Palm Beach
- Seaforth
- Allambie Heights
- Belrose, Cromer
- Warriewood
Hills District
- Castle Hill
- Kellyville
- Dural
- Norwest
- Cherrybrook
- Kenthurst
- Beaumont Hills
- The Gables
- North Kellyville
- Baulkham Hills
- Rouse Hill
- Bella Vista
- West Pennant Hills
- Glenhaven
- Annangrove
- Box Hill
- Glenorie
North Shore
- Chatswood
- Lane Cove
- Hornsby
- Neutral Bay
- Wollstonecraft
- Kirribilli, St Leonards
- Northbridge
- Lindfield
- Gordon
- Mosman
- Wahroonga
- St Ives
- Crows Nest
- Lavender Bay
- Artarmon
- Roseville
- Killara
Western Suburbs
- Parramatta
- Penrith
- Lidcombe
- Merrylands
- Mount Druitt
- Wentworthville
- Schofields
- Smithfield
- Blacktown
- Auburn
- Cabramatta
- Fairfield
- Rooty Hill
- Glenmore Park
- Richmond
- Wetherill Park
South West
Sutherland Shire
- Cronulla
- Caringbah
- Engadine
- Sutherland
- Sylvania
- Kurnell
- Como
- Woronora
- Miranda
- Menai
- Gymea
- Kirrawee
- Taren Point
- Bundeena
- Illawong
- Heathcote
Sydney City
- CBD
- Ultimo
- Redfern
- Barangaroo
- Camperdown
- Darlinghurst
- Dawes Point
- Erskineville
- Forest Lodge
- Haymarket
- Pyrmont
- Surry Hills
- Alexandria
- Beaconsfield
- Chippendale
- Darlington
- Elizabeth Bay
- Eveleigh
- Glebe
- Millers Point
Lower Blue Mountains
- Glenbrook
- Blaxland
- Mount Riverview
- Warrimoo
- Sun Valley
- Winmalee
- Faulconbridge
- Woodford
- Springwood
- Lapstone
- East Blaxland
- Valley Heights
- Hawkesbury Heights
- Yellow Rock
- Linden
- Hazelbrook
Macarthur Region
- Camden
- Oran Park
- Campbelltown
- Macquarie Fields
- Minto
- Rosemeadow
- Gregory Hills
- Leppington
- Tahmoor
- Narellan
- Mount Annan
- Leumeah
- Ingleburn
- Raby
- St Helens Park
- Harrington Park
- Picton
Canterbury-Bankstown
- Earlwood
- Revesby
- Bankstown
- Canterbury
- Belmore
- Padstow
- Yagoona
- Bass Hill
- East Hills
- Punchbowl
- Greenacre
- Campsie
- Lakemba
- Roselands
- Panania
- Wiley Park
- Georges Hall
St George Area
- Hurstville
- Rockdale
- Allawah
- Banksia
- Beverley Park
- Mortdale
- Peakhurst
- Ramsgate
- Kogarah
- Blakehurst
- Arncliffe
- Bexley
- Brighton-Le-Sands
- Oatley
- Penshurst
- Sans Souci
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Do you cut down the tree?
We don't do the cutting. We supply the crane and a licensed operator, and lift each section as your arborist or tree contractor cuts it.
2
Do I need an arborist as well as a crane?
Yes. An arborist plans the removal and makes the cuts. If you don't have one yet, arrange them first, then we'll work with them on the lift.
3
What size crane do I need for tree removal?
It depends on how far the tree is from where the crane can set up, and the weight of the heaviest sections. Send the details and photos, and we'll recommend a crane.
4
Can a crane lift a tree over my house?
Often, yes. We assess the reach, roofline, powerlines and setup area before confirming the lift.
5
Can you work near powerlines?
Work near powerlines needs safe clearances and appropriate controls, and may need approval from the network operator. Tell us about any lines when you enquire.
6
Do I need council approval?
Possibly for both the tree and the crane. Many councils regulate tree removal, and a crane hoisting over a road or footpath may need approval. Check early with your arborist and council.
7
How much does crane tree removal cost?
The crane cost depends on the crane size, reach, time on site and setup. Your arborist quotes the tree work separately. Read our crane hire cost guide for more.
8
Is an operator included?
Yes. Every crane hire includes a licensed, experienced operator.
9
What about a tree that has already fallen?
For storm damage and other urgent jobs, see our emergency crane hire page or call 1300 024 454.
PLAN YOUR LIFT
Let's plan your tree removal lift
Tell us about the tree and the site. We'll recommend the right crane and organise a free quote.
Crane and licensed operator
Lifts over houses, fences and tight access
Arborists, tree contractors and homeowners welcome
Need to talk through the job?
Request a Quote
Get your free lift quote
Share a few details and our team will get back to you.
