When purchasing a new mobile crane, it is essential to understand how the crane will operate on the road network under applicable National or State Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) notices.
SPV notices issued under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) set out the legal requirements for mass, dimension and operating conditions for mobile cranes. These directly determine whether a crane can travel at its desired configuration without a permit.
Failure to do so may result in:
- Lower allowable road travel mass
- Inability to operate at the intended configuration
- Requirement to apply for permits
- Reduced productivity and increased operating costs
Two of the most critical factors affecting allowable mass under SPV notices are Ground Contact Width (GCW) and axle spacing.
Ground contact width (GCW) means:
(a) in relation to an axle, the distance between the outermost point of ground (a) contact of the outside tyres on each end of the axle; or
(b) in relation to an axle group, the greatest GCW of all the axles (b) in the group.
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Many SPV notices specify minimum GCW requirements that must be met to operate at different axle mass limits. If the crane does not meet the required GCW, it cannot access the higher mass limits under the notice.
Axle spacing
Axle spacing means the distance between the centre of an axle and the centre of another axle. This is another key parameter used to determine allowable mass under SPV notices.
Minimum axle spacing requirements are specified in notice tables and are used to:
- Distribute mass appropriately across the vehicle
- Protect road infrastructure, particularly bridges
- Determine whether a crane can operate at a given mass limit
If axle spacing requirements are not met:
- The crane may be restricted to a lower GVM, or
- It may require a permit to operate at higher masses
Example 1 – Victoria (VIC)
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Table 2 specifies minimum GCW and axle spacing requirements for 5-axle cranes. To operate at 60 tonnes GVM, the crane must have a minimum GCW of 2,920 mm and the minimum axle spacing specified in the table.
Example 2 – New South Wales (NSW)
Operators are required to confirm that their crane complies with axle mass, spacing and ground contact width requirements set out in the notice tables. Table 2 forms part of the mass and dimension eligibility criteria that determine which SPV network the crane can operate on and whether a crane can operate under the Notice or requires a permit.
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If the crane’s configuration (including GCW and axle spacing) does not meet Table 2 requirements:
- It cannot operate under notice-based access, and
- A permit or alternative access pathway will be required
- NSW cranes operating outside notice limits must undergo individual assessment or operate under permit arrangements.
Key takeaway
There are multiple factors that must be carefully considered when purchasing a mobile crane, including ground contact width (GCW), axle spacing, tyre size, Intelligent Access Program (IAP or TMA) requirements, and all other applicable notice conditions. These factors work together to determine whether a crane can operate under a notice and at what mass.
In states with multiple SPV networks (such as NSW), these parameters also determine which SPV network your crane can access.
These factors may also influence the required configuration and number of support vehicles (e.g. support trucks, counterweight trucks) needed to safely and efficiently operate the crane.
Failure to assess these conditions before purchase may result in a crane that cannot operate on the routes required for your projects.
SPV notices
Disclaimer: The information displayed on this page is intended as a general guide only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, regulations and requirements may change over time. It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws applicable to your specific job or project. Always consult official regulatory bodies and seek professional advice when necessary to ensure compliance with the latest safety and legal requirements.
