Crane Engineering Services
At Differential Design and Engineering, we are independent crane safety inspectors and engineers, specialising in Overhead, Jib, and Monorail Cranes. We provide expert guidance on safety, compliance, and reliability in line with industry best practices.
AS1418 and AS2550 are key Australian Standards that provide guidance on the design, inspection, maintenance, and safe operation of cranes and lifting equipment. AS1418 addresses technical considerations for crane design and construction, while outlines best practices for safe operation, periodic inspections, and maintenance to support reliability and workplace safety.
Our expertise in these standards enables us to provide informed assessments and recommendations, helping you navigate safety considerations and industry requirements with confidence.
Our services include:
✅ Crane Major Assessments
✅ Crane Major Inspections
✅ Periodic Third-Party Inspections
✅ Periodic Runway Inspections
✅ Design Work Period Calculations
✅ Crane Engineering Analysis
All inspections and assessments are carried out by competent personnel, aligned with Australian Standards and industry best practices. With first-hand experience working alongside major crane manufacturers, we understand their processes, requirements, and industry insights, providing expert guidance tailored to your needs.
At Differential Design and Engineering, you’re not just another number. We prioritise personalised service, delivering top-tier expertise at the best value, beating competitor pricing without compromising on quality or excellence.
- Contact us today for expert Crane Safety and Compliance advice!
Major Assessment for Continued Safe Use
At Differential Design and Engineering, we specialise in crane Major Assessments in accordance with AS2550 guidelines, supporting the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of your crane throughout its operational life. For Bridge, Gantry, Portal, Jib, and Monorail Cranes, Major Assessments are carried out based on specific criteria.
It is generally recommended that Major Assessments be conducted by competent personnel, aligned with industry standards. These assessments help evaluate whether Continued Safe Use of the Crane is viable, along with recommendations for repairs or component replacements as necessary.
Following an onsite crane inspection, we provide a Comprehensive Engineering Report, detailing evaluation findings and estimating remaining crane life based on structural integrity, performance, and operational factors. This report is officially signed by a Professional Engineer, providing expert validation to support assessment accuracy.
For Bridge, Gantry, Portal, Jib, and Monorail Cranes, AS2550 provides guidance on the role of professional supervision in Major Assessments. At Differential Design and Engineering, we go beyond the standard—we don’t just send a technician, we send a qualified Professional Engineer who directly conducts and oversees the entire inspection process, from onsite inspection to engineering report delivery. This supports a thorough assessment by an industry expert, ensuring precision, compliance, and superior service.
📌 Disclaimer: This information is provided as general industry guidance and does not substitute official regulatory approval. Clients should refer to official regulatory sources and engage qualified professionals for compliance verification in accordance with applicable standards.
Major Inspection
At Differential Design and Engineering, we offer Major Inspections to assess the suitability of cranes for Continued Safe Use, in accordance with AS2550 guidelines. For Bridge, Gantry, Portal, Jib, and Monorail Cranes, Major Inspections are conducted based on specific criteria.
A Major Inspection is recommended to be conducted by competent personnel, following Australian Standards and AS2550 guidelines. These inspections focus on critical components, structural integrity, and adherence to current safety regulations, assessing the crane’s suitability for continued operational use.
After the onsite crane inspection, a detailed engineering report is prepared, outlining assessment findings and providing recommendations for repairs, component replacements, or adjustments that may be necessary for Continued Safe Use. This report is officially signed by a Professional Engineer, providing expert validation to support assessment accuracy.
For Bridge, Gantry, Portal, Jib, and Monorail Cranes, AS2550 outlines recommendations for professional supervision in Major Inspections. At Differential Design and Engineering, we go beyond industry standards—we don’t just send a technician, we send a qualified Professional Engineer who conducts and oversees the entire inspection process, from onsite assessment to engineering report delivery.
This ensures that every critical detail is carefully evaluated by an industry expert, enhancing precision, industry alignment, and service quality. Unlike others who rely on technicians for inspections, we provide expert-led assessments that set the benchmark for quality, accuracy, and reliability.
📌 Disclaimer: This information is provided as general industry guidance and does not substitute official regulatory approval. Clients should refer to official regulatory sources and engage qualified professionals for compliance verification in accordance with applicable standards.
Third-Party Inspections
Under AS2550 guidelines, Third-Party Inspections for Bridge, Gantry, Portal, Jib, and Monorail Cranes play a crucial role in assessing alignment with industry best practices, servicing, and safety through an independent assessment process. While some routine maintenance providers also offer these inspections, they must maintain strict separation between their maintenance and inspection divisions to ensure genuine impartiality.
AS2550 provides guidance that Third-Party Inspections should be carried out by a qualified inspector who is not involved in routine maintenance, ensuring an independent assessment of the crane’s structural integrity, mechanical systems, and operational reliability.
At Differential Design and Engineering, we conduct fully independent Third-Party Inspections, with no conflicts of interest. Unlike competitors who manage both maintenance and inspections, we focus solely on expert-driven assessments, supporting compliance, safety, and operational reliability—free from the influence of service contracts.
Our qualified Professional Engineers conduct onsite Third-Party Inspections, applying specialised crane expertise to verify that your equipment is maintained to the highest servicing standards and remains in satisfactory working order. We deliver industry-leading precision, transparency, and technical assurance, providing trusted Third-Party Inspections in Australia.
Choosing Differential Design and Engineering for your Third-Party Inspection means supporting high standards—not just for compliance, but for superior reliability and safety.
📌 Disclaimer: This information is provided as general industry guidance and does not substitute official regulatory approval. Clients should refer to official regulatory sources and engage qualified professionals for compliance verification in accordance with applicable standards.
Crane Runway Inspections
At Differential Design and Engineering, we provide comprehensive Crane Runway Inspections for travelling cranes, assessing structural integrity, verifying precise alignment, and supporting adherence to industry best practices.
To support safety and performance, these inspections are recommended periodically based on operational requirements.
Our detailed Engineering Report provides a thorough evaluation of your Crane Runway’s condition, offering expert insights to support long-term reliability and efficiency
Design Working Period (DWP)
At Differential Design and Engineering, we provide Design Working Period (DWP) assessments to evaluate a crane’s operational history, accumulated duty cycles, and estimated service life. These assessments may provide insights into potential risks of component failure, supporting safety and reliability assessments.
Traditional physical inspections alone may not always detect crane issues effectively. Relying solely on inspections could result in frequent disruptions, reactive repairs, and unnecessary downtime. Our DWP methodology offers a data-driven estimation, helping to optimise maintenance strategies, schedule timely component replacements, and make informed decisions regarding crane longevity.
DWPs can complement Third-Party Inspections in assessing operational reliability.
We can also conduct DWP calculations to support reclassification assessments where needed to align with current industry practices.
With engineering expertise, Differential Design and Engineering provides data-driven insights to help businesses minimise failures and optimise operational efficiency.
📌 Disclaimer: This information is provided as general industry guidance and does not substitute official regulatory approval. Clients should refer to official regulatory sources and engage qualified professionals for compliance verification in accordance with applicable standards.
Crane Engineering Analysis
At Differential Design and Engineering, we’re experts in Crane Engineering Analysis, delivering top-tier assessments, precision calculations, and structural evaluations to keep cranes operating safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Australian standards.
Our Crane Engineering Services include but not limited to:
Structural Integrity Assessments—Analysing fatigue, stress distribution, and load capacity to prevent failures.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)—Using advanced simulations to pinpoint stress points, deflection, and material behaviour under different loads.
Design Validation, Modelling & Modifications—Assessing crane upgrades, custom configurations, and ensuring they meet evolving regulations.
Failure Investigations & Forensic Analysis—Identifying causes of breakdowns, wear, and potential risks to prevent future issues.
Independent Third-Party Investigations—Providing unbiased, expert-led analysis to determine the root cause of crane failures, operational concerns, and compliance risks.
With our expert industry knowledge, cutting-edge engineering techniques, and a commitment to precision, we help businesses maximise crane performance, minimise downtime, and guarantee reliability.
At Differential Design and Engineering, we don’t just assess cranes—we optimise them, ensuring they remain safe, compliant, and continue to last.