What is the South Australian 3-axle and 4-axle cranes towing an equipment trailer Permit-based Scheme?

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) in South Australia has established a Permit-Based Scheme that applies to 3-axle and 4-axle all-terrain mobile cranes towing equipment trailers. This policy outlines the operating conditions and designates a specified network where these cranes can operate.

The South Australian Branch of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has been in communication with the DIT, seeking an 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) 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. 

Note: This policy applies to 3-axle and 4-axle all terrain mobile cranes only.

What are the eligible 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 the parameters below:

Spacing between the axle of the crane’s rear wheel and the tow hitch (DIM 'A' as shown in Figure 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; or 
• up to 14.5m for a 4 axle all terrain mobile crane; or 
• up to 19m for a crane and trailer combination. 

Width:

• 3.1m for an all terrain mobile crane; or 
• 2.5m for an equipment trailer that forms part of a crane and trailer combination. 

Height:

• Up to 4.3 metres. 

How to apply

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 NHVR National Network Map. 

Participating road managers for cranes towing trailers - pre-approval list is published on the South Australian Government website and will be updated as consents are provided. 

To begin your permit application, navigate to the NHVR Portal. If you are not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.

Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tab and select the ‘NEW APPLICATION’ button and enter a reference for your application. So we can correctly identify your application, your reference/application nickname should be 'SA 3-axle and 4-axle cranes towing an equipment trailer Scheme'.

Note: Where you have an existing permit for an eligible configuration, select the ‘AMEND' application button, which will require the permit number to be entered. Follow the prompts to add the additional routes required. 

Step 1 - Click the green ‘SELECT CONFIGURATION’ button and select the 'SA Permit Schemes' from the menu drop-down. Select the relevant configuration from the list:

• SA – All Terrain Crane with Pig trailer

Configuration examples:

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 

Step 2 - Once the correct configuration is selected, click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions'. The vehicle type will require the following vehicle details: 

• Dimensions (length, width, height) and total mass 
• for each axle, the number of tyres per axle and their sizes 
• axle spacings 
• axle group mass limits 
• VIN and registration details 
• ground contact width (GCW) 
• load sharing capabilities 
• ‘Permit scheme’ in this instance SA – All Terrain Crane with Pig trailer.  

In the component images, you must tick the box ☐ " I confirm selection of the correct component" prior to proceeding to the ‘Travel details’ section of the application. 

These details are required for the road manager to assess your application. 

Step 3 - In the ‘Travel details’ section, enter the requested period (the period cannot exceed three years). Input the ‘Removed parts’ and if the SPV is ‘Carrying counter weights’ (if any).  

Step 4 - Navigate to the ‘Route’ section of the application. Select the ‘Route type' as 'Single Route' or 'Area'. 

• If you do not have an existing permit for the South Australian 3-axle and 4-axle cranes towing an equipment trailer permit scheme network, select ‘Network’ and select SA under ‘In which jurisdiction are you seeking to operate?’.
• If you have an existing permit for the South Australian 3-axle and 4-axle cranes towing an equipment trailer permit scheme network, select ‘Area’ application is selected and the ‘Area Road Manager’ must be selected. Refer to the Routing - Single route and area difference.
• Please note: for requesting roads off the South Australian 3-axle and 4-axle cranes towing an equipment trailer permit scheme network, an ‘Area’ must be selected. Applications for “all roads” will not be accepted.
• Plot the route(s) required that link to the approved network.
• Select the ‘CONFIRM’ tab and add any additional information in the ‘Route notes’ section in support of your application. You must tick the box ☐ 'I confirm that the list of roads and associated route notes accurately defines my route requirements for this application' prior to proceeding to the next step of the application. 

Step 5 - In the 'Attachments' section of the application, attach any required supporting documents or additional information. 

Step 6 - The 'Additional instructions' section allows the nomination of an approved Portal member of your account (if you will not be the relevant contact for the application). Include any additional instructions required for the application. 

Step 7 - In the 'Confirmation' stage ensure all details of the application have been reviewed and confirmed. The application can then be submitted with the appropriate payment. 

For more information on applying for a permit, refer to the NHVR access permit applications webpage, or contact us.  

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.