Precast concrete low-rise building projects rely on suitable mobile cranes to help generate erection sequences for building elements production. Thereafter, assembly activities can be performed in the relevant construction projects according to the predefined erection sequences. Seeking a robust erection sequence scheme is a challenge for professionals because of untransparent information between lift capacity of mobile crane and building elements for assembly work. Building information modelling (BIM) provides opportunities to solve the problems by applying computing technologies. This paper discusses a BIM-based approach in a virtual construction environment to examine mobile crane simulation strategies to match construction needs and create applicable erection sequences. Through literature review, existing approaches applying cranes in constructions are analyzed to highlight advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, it discusses a smart mobile crane modelling proposition from the perspectives of static parametric modelling, dynamic working performances, and context awareness. Its high-level application features are highlighted for prototyping in the next step. Its project validation is expected to clarify upstream requirements from precast concrete low-rise buildings for downstream production to streamline onsite assembly activities.