Lorry loader, mobile crane or tower crane: which lifting option?
The right lifting option depends on how heavy the load is, how far from the vehicle it needs to go, how long you need lifting on site and how much space there is. A lorry loader, often called a HIAB, delivers and places loads in one trip. A mobile crane handles heavier or longer-reach lifts for a few hours or days. A tower crane stays on site for months on larger projects.
Comparison
| Option | Typical use | How long on site | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorry loader (HIAB) | Delivery and placing of loads near the road | Hours | Driver operates the crane; limited reach at heavy weights |
| Mini crawler crane | Lifts inside buildings or through narrow access | Days or weeks | Fits through doors; often supplied with an operator |
| Mobile crane | Heavy or long-reach lifts | Hours or days | Needs space for outriggers and sometimes road closures |
| Tower crane | Continuous lifting on large projects | Months | Needs foundations, erection and a dedicated operator |
Reach changes everything
Crane capacity drops as the load moves further from the crane. A crane described as 50 tonnes may lift only a few tonnes at 20 metres. When you ask for a quote, give the weight of the heaviest load and the distance from where the crane can stand to where the load must go, including over any building or scaffold.
Basic crane hire or contract lift
In the UK, crane hire usually takes one of two forms:
- Crane hire (often called CPA hire): the crane and operator are supplied, but you plan and supervise the lift, appoint a competent person and provide slingers and signallers.
- Contract lift: the crane company plans, manages and carries out the whole lift.
A contract lift usually costs more, but it is often the better choice for anyone without lifting experience. Lifting operations are covered by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
Space, ground and permits
Mobile cranes and lorry loaders need firm ground for their outriggers and space to set up. Drains, cellars and soft verges can be a hazard. If the crane will stand on a public road or footpath, you may need a permit or a temporary traffic order from the local highway authority, which can take time. Overhead power lines need careful planning.
Mini cranes
Mini crawler cranes are compact enough to pass through a standard doorway and can lift glazing, steel and plant inside buildings or in back gardens. They are often hired with an operator and can be used with vacuum lifters for glass.
Tower cranes
A tower crane is priced as a package: hire for the project, transport, erection, dismantling, foundation or base, and usually an operator. Larger projects also need thorough examinations and a lift plan. Ask for a full breakdown.
Prices
Lifting is usually quoted per job because weight, reach, travel, set-up and the type of hire change the price a lot. Ask for any minimum charge, overtime rates and waiting time.
What to include in your request
- Weight and size of the heaviest load
- Distance from where the crane can stand to the final position
- Ground conditions and whether the crane stands on a road
- Crane hire or contract lift
- Dates and full site address
Rentapa forwards your request to hire companies covering your area, and they contact you directly.
