Universal Cranes Pty Ltd (formerly Universal Contracting) was established in 1993 and started with a fleet of three franna cranes operating out of a small depot at Clontarf. After a stream of successfully completed contracts Universal Cranes quickly became recognised as a new, reliable and innovative company in the Australian construction industry.

A change of ownership saw Universal Cranes enter into a period of rapid growth. In the space of 18 months Universal Cranes opened six new branches along the East Coast of Australia, the first being the opening of the Ballina and Sunshine Coast branches in early 2005. In April that year, Universal Cranes became the Australian representative for Sarens, an international leader in heavy lifting and transport. This partnership gave Universal Cranes the ability to provide clients with cranes of up to 800T capacity and gave the company the opportunity to acquire the largest mobile crane in Queensland  (LG1550). Sarens Australia relaunched independently in October 2009, and Universal Cranes now operates as a heavy lift crane provider in its own right.

Universal Cranes continues to develop branches and expand its fleet and is looking towards a future where the company can serve more clients in more remote locations.