Capital Cranes Closes After 36 Years as Digger Misner Retires
30-Second Takeaway
Australian crane rental company Capital Cranes closed on 30 September 2026 after 36 years in business. Founder Digger Misner decided to retire, bringing the Hume-based company’s operations in Canberra to an end. Its fleet included spider cranes, Franna pick & carry cranes and All Terrain cranes up to 250 tonnes, recognised by their bright orange livery and blue signwriting. In his farewell message, Misner thanked employees, customers, suppliers and finance partners, placing particular emphasis on the relationships and reputation built over the company’s history.
Capital Cranes
Capital Cranes closed its doors for the final time on 30 September 2026 following founder Digger Misner’s decision to retire. Established in 1990, the company operated from Hume, on the southern side of Canberra.
The closure ends 36 years of crane rental operations. In his farewell statement, Misner focused on the people who supported the business, from longstanding customers and equipment suppliers to employees past and present.
Crane Fleet and Regional Operations
Capital Cranes operated a mixed fleet that included spider cranes, Franna articulated pick & carry cranes and All Terrain cranes up to 250 tonnes. Much of its equipment carried the company’s distinctive orange paintwork and bold blue lettering.
The company served Canberra and surrounding New South Wales locations, including Yass, Braidwood, Goulburn and Cooma. Its work covered general construction, infrastructure, rail, mining and quarry projects, alongside residential lifting assignments involving pools, roofing, renovations and portable buildings.
Digger Misner’s Farewell Statement
Misner published the following message for customers, employees, suppliers and business partners:
“On 30 September 2026, we’ll close our doors for the last time. It’s sad to leave behind something that has been such a big part of my life, but I’ll carry the people and the memories with me. To our customers, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning: thank you for calling us back, trusting us with your work, and giving us the chance to prove ourselves again and again. I have never taken that trust for granted. To our suppliers, especially Liebherr Mobile Cranes, Franna Cranes and Pace Cranes: thank you for standing behind us, from the first sale through every year of after-sales support. Having people, we could count on made the hard days easier. A special thank you to Finlease brokerage, and particularly Jeff Wilson, for believing in me and helping back this business over the years. Your confidence and support meant more than I can say. To every member of our crew, past and present: you made Capital Cranes what it became. I’ll remember the early mornings, the difficult lifts, the laughs along the way, and the care you showed our customers. I’m proud of what we built together, and I’ll miss working beside you. More than anything, I’ve cared about our reputation. I wanted us to be known for doing right by people and for doing the job properly, even when no one was watching. I hope that is how you’ll remember us. To everyone who has reached out in these past weeks with kind words about the business and the way I’ve run it: thank you. At a time when saying goodbye has been harder than I expected, your words have meant the world to me. Thank you, truly, for being part of our journey."
About Capital Cranes
Capital Cranes was an Australian crane rental company founded by Digger Misner in 1990 and based in Hume, Australian Capital Territory. It provided crane hire and lifting services throughout Canberra and surrounding parts of New South Wales.
Its fleet included compact cranes, Franna pick & carry machines and All Terrain cranes up to 250 tonnes. The business served construction, infrastructure, rail, mining, quarrying and residential customers before closing on 30 September 2026 following Misner’s retirement.
Official website: www.capitalcranesact.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Capital Cranes close?
Capital Cranes closed on 30 September 2026 after 36 years in business.
Why did Capital Cranes close?
The company closed because its founder, Digger Misner, decided to retire.
Who founded Capital Cranes?
Digger Misner founded the company in 1990.
Where was Capital Cranes based?
The company was based in Hume, on the southern side of Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.
What equipment did Capital Cranes operate?
Its fleet included spider and compact cranes, Franna articulated pick & carry cranes and All Terrain cranes up to 250 tonnes.
