When it comes to pick and carry cranes, there is always strong demand for machines that can handle a broad range of work without stepping too far into larger crane territory. That is where the Franna AT22-2 fits in.
The AT22-2 is a mid-sized mobile pick and carry crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 22 tonnes, making it a practical choice for operators who need a crane that can move between different types of lifting work while still offering strong safety features and solid on-site capability.
For businesses covering everything from general construction to shutdown work, yard handling, steel, precast, and plant movements, the AT22-2 sits in a useful part of the market. It gives operators the flexibility of a pick and carry crane, while also bringing through many of the more modern safety and performance upgrades Franna has continued to develop across its range.
A crane designed for a wide range of lifting applications
One of the main strengths of the AT22-2 is its versatility. Franna positions it as a logical choice for customers working across a broad mix of jobs, and that makes sense when you look at how pick and carry cranes are typically used in the field.
Machines in this class are often chosen because they can lift, move, and place loads without needing the setup time associated with larger cranes that rely on outriggers. That ability to remain mobile during lifting tasks is a major advantage on busy sites where efficiency matters and space can be limited.
The AT22-2 is also powered by the 210 kW Mercedes-Benz OM936 engine, the same engine platform used in other updated Franna models such as the MAC25-5. That gives it a solid foundation for both lifting performance and travel efficiency, while also helping bring the crane into line with more modern standards.
Dynamic LMI remains a major feature
A key part of the AT22-2 package is Franna’s Dynamic Load Moment Indicator (LMI), which has been a major part of the company’s crane safety offering since it was first introduced in 2013.
This system is designed to provide real-time rated capacity calculations, taking into account factors such as:
- boom configuration
- chassis articulation
- pitch
- roll
That is especially important for pick and carry cranes, because these machines are often operating across job sites where ground conditions are not perfectly level. Instead of relying on operators to manually work out reductions in rated capacity on uneven terrain, the Dynamic LMI continually updates the machine’s available capacity as conditions change.
In practical terms, that means the crane provides live information on how much of its available capacity is being used at any given time. This can improve both operator awareness and jobsite safety, particularly when working on side slopes or undulating ground.
Key operator controls and monitoring features
The AT22-2 also includes a range of useful system features that help operators manage lifting conditions more precisely. These include:
- automatic counterweight detection
- operator-set maximum working height
- maximum working radius settings
- maximum front axle weight monitoring
- rigging limits
- percentage of rated capacity display
These features are important because they help make the crane more predictable and easier to manage across different job conditions. Rather than simply focusing on headline lifting numbers, they support the operator with live working information that can influence safer lifting decisions.
Mercedes-Benz OM936 engine upgrade
The Mercedes-Benz OM936 engine is another major talking point on the AT22-2.
Franna highlights the OM936 as a well-proven engine platform with more than a decade of refinement behind it. For crane owners and operators, that kind of established track record matters. Reliability is a major priority in crane fleets, especially when downtime can impact project schedules and profitability.
Franna also worked closely with Penske Power Systems, the authorised Mercedes-Benz engine distributor in Australia, to integrate the OM936 into the range. That process included power upgrades, aftermarket treatment integration, and gearbox fine-tuning to suit the operating demands of pick and carry cranes.
The end result is intended to deliver improved driving performance, better efficiency, and dependable power in the kind of environments these cranes typically work in.
Built to meet current and future compliance needs
Another important part of the AT22-2 story is compliance.
Franna has upgraded the crane to align with current and near-future ADR requirements, including areas such as:
- headlights
- visibility
- noise levels
- ABS
- emissions standards
- broader safety standards
For businesses investing in fleet equipment, this matters because compliance is not just about ticking boxes today. It also helps future-proof machinery against changing regulatory expectations and supports longer-term fleet planning.
Safety Radar comes standard
Franna has also made Safety Radar a standard feature on the upgraded models, including the AT22-2.
Safety Radar adds another layer of operator awareness by helping provide a clearer understanding of the crane’s operating condition and working zone. While the Dynamic LMI focuses on real-time rated capacity calculations, Safety Radar builds on that safety-first approach by supporting better visibility into how the crane is working in live site conditions.
For crane owners, standardising safety technology like this across the range is a strong move. It reflects the direction Franna has been taking for some time, with more emphasis on advanced operator support systems rather than treating these features as optional extras.
Rear body improvements for serviceability and access
Beyond lifting performance and safety systems, the AT22-2 also benefits from rear body upgrades aimed at improving everyday serviceability and access.
Franna notes that the rear body has been reworked to help with maintenance access, and a number of practical upgrades have been included as standard, such as:
- ABS
- battery isolators
- larger-capacity batteries
- an additional step for the rear body
- a standard winch handrail for safer rear deck access
These changes may sound smaller compared to lifting specs and engine discussions, but they matter in day-to-day crane ownership. Better service access and safer deck movement can make a real difference over the life of the machine.
Where the AT22-2 sits in the market
The AT22-2 looks to be a strong fit for operators wanting a crane that sits in the sweet spot between compact flexibility and serious lifting capability.
It is not the biggest machine in the Franna crane hire range, but that is part of its appeal. Many crane businesses need equipment that can cover a wide variety of tasks efficiently rather than simply chasing the largest capacity available. In that sense, the AT22-2 is aimed at practical fleet use — a crane that can stay busy across different job types and conditions.
For operators who value mobility, real-time safety systems, strong engine performance, and compliance-ready design, the AT22-2 stands out as a capable mid-sized pick and carry option.
A Good Example Of How Pick and Carry Cranes Continue To Evolve
The Franna AT22-2 is a good example of how pick and carry cranes continue to evolve. It still delivers the core benefit that made Franna famous — the ability to lift and move loads efficiently on site — but it also layers in modern engine technology, better compliance, improved operator support, and more advanced safety systems.
For crane owners looking for a mid-sized machine that can cover a wide range of work without sacrificing safety or usability, the AT22-2 is clearly positioned as a serious contender.
