It's been a while since you've seen the Franna... and there's a good reason for that. Now that this crane no longer has to fit its original purpose, everything has changed. Instead of simply finishing a restoration, we're asking a much bigger question... if we could build our ideal Franna from scratch, what would it look like? Before we get carried away with the big ideas, there's still some unfinished business. We finally complete the front bumper by cutting fresh sections with the oxy torch, fitting new end plates and fully welding everything into place before tidying up the front end. Then it's time to share where this project is really heading. The current boom sits far too high, so we're planning major modifications to lower it by changing the mast, relocating the boom pivots and shortening the boom lift cylinders. We're also looking at shortening the boom itself because it's simply too long for a 14 tonne crane. The biggest idea of all is lowering the entire crane. To find out whether that's even possible, we position both differentials under the chassis and start working through everything that stands in the way. That quickly uncovers some challenges, from lifting the front differential and modifying the chassis, through to the far more complicated rear suspension and drivetrain layout that could ultimately mean relocating the engine and swapping to an Allison transmission. This project has officially become far more than just rebuilding an old crane. It's about building the Franna we've always wanted! ═══════════════ New videos every second Friday at 5pm AEST! If you enjoy the video, smash LIKE & SUBSCRIBE 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CuttingEdgeEngineering?sub_confirmation=1 ❤ PATREON (early access & ad-free videos): https://www.patreon.com/cuttingedgeengineering 🧢 OFFICIAL CEE MERCH: https://www.ceeshop.com.au 🛒 OUR AMAZON STORE (workshop favourites): https://www.amazon.com/shop/cuttingedgeengineeringaustralia (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.) FOLLOW US 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutting_edge_engineering 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutting_edge_engineering 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuttingedgeengineeringaustralia ABOUT US We're a down-to-earth, real-life machining and fabrication workshop on the Gold Coast, Australia. We specialise in helping mining and earthmoving businesses keep their machines running smoothly, and we love working on broken parts, the bigger the better! As well as our customer repair work, we also share the big workshop projects, restorations and custom shop-made tools we get stuck into, like the Franna crane project and our heavy duty parts washer build. New video every second Friday. Subscribe to follow along. #FrannaCrane #HeavyEquipment #Engineering #Fabrication #Welding #Machining #Restoration #CuttingEdgeEngineering
ADVERTISEMENT
How cool that the new main job of the Franna is lifting spirits.
Kurtis has embraced his Pimp my Crane era.
I hope I live long enough to see this completed.
You are truly going to have your drift crane. 😊
It's been a while since the last Franna update... and honestly we are VERY excited about where it's heading. Now that you've seen the plans, what do you reckon? Which modification are you looking forward to seeing the most? 👀 📽Watch the full Franna Crane Project playlist here: /playlist?list=PLUzFN5xVei7UatVhlxlw3576rgwg2RTXf 🔐Get Early Access, Ad Free videos and extended cuts over on Patreon: /cuttingedgeengineering 🔔Hit the notification bell so you don't miss the next part, because things are about to get very interesting!
Petition to rename the "Franna Crane Project" to the Kurtis Crane Project, since at this point, you ARE basically designing and building a whole ass new crane
At last! The Franna files are released 😂 cannot wait 👍🏻
This is now the Aussie equivalent of Project Binky and I'm here for it!
My favorite part was hearing the reasoning behind every modification instead of just jumping straight into cutting metal...
Thank you Karen, for all the extra efforts on all the great shots you get that add so much 🤩👍🏻😀
Racing stripes, flame decals, the drift crane!
Let us rejoice, for it is the crane that brings us together today. I'm pretty chuffed that it's become more of a hobby build! Watching Kurtis be able to build his exact vision is quite a lovely prospect.
You have serious free-hand cutting skills!
Well the Franna of Theseus does look very determined from the front. 😀 Reilly looking forward to the finished crane.
2:54 Old steady hands here just fucking free-handing a flame cut....
Stancing my crane for funsies, I love this channel.
I love that you are able to hit the brakes and do this how you want it and for no other reason!
It was nice to see the dog he looked great .
You are nuts, in a good way. I like where this Franna is going.
What a fantastic tool that O/H crane is.