The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Crane Hire
Need to lift something big? Whether you're building houses, installing HVAC units, or moving machinery, mobile crane hire is often the fastest and most cost-effective way to get the job done. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how mobile cranes work to what types are available, how to stay safe, and how to choose the right crane hire company.
Let’s break it down.
What is a Mobile Crane?
A mobile crane is a heavy-duty lifting machine that can move between sites and around tight spaces. Unlike tower cranes that are fixed in one spot, mobile cranes are mounted on wheels or tracks, making them super flexible.
Most mobile cranes come with a telescopic boom, counterweights, and stabilisers (outriggers). They can lift loads vertically and move them horizontally—perfect for all kinds of projects, from construction sites to city centres.
Types of Mobile Cranes Available
Here are some common types of mobile cranes for hire in the UK:
All-Terrain Cranes
Built for rough surfaces and public roads, these cranes are great for remote or bumpy sites. Think wind farms and large infrastructure jobs.
City Cranes
Compact and easy to manoeuvre in tight urban areas. Ideal for lifting materials in towns or near buildings.
Truck-Mounted Cranes
These combine transport and lifting in one. They’re quick to move between sites and ideal for loading/unloading materials.
Crawler Cranes
Mounted on tracks, they can operate on soft or uneven ground. No outriggers needed.
Mini Cranes / Spider Cranes
Perfect for small or indoor projects. These fit through tight gaps but still pack a punch when it comes to lifting.
When Do You Need a Mobile Crane?
Mobile cranes are used across loads of industries:
Construction – Lifting steel beams, concrete panels, roofing materials, and more.
Glazing – Installing large glass panels on tall buildings.
HVAC and M&E – Lifting AC units, ventilation systems, and electrical gear.
Heavy removals – Moving machinery, hot tubs, trees, or even pianos!
Restricted-access jobs – Inner-city work or confined sites.
How Does Mobile Crane Hire Work?
Here’s how a typical hire process looks:
Get a quote – Tell the crane hire company what you need: load weight, lift height, location, duration.
Site survey – Many companies will visit your site to check access and ground conditions.
Choose your crane – Based on your needs, they’ll suggest the right crane and can also provide a lifting plan.
Set-up and lift – The crane arrives, gets assembled (usually within hours), and starts lifting.
You can either:
Hire the crane only (normally supplied with a certified operator), or
Use a contract lift (the company handles everything, including planning, insurance, and providing trained staff).
Safety Tips for Mobile Crane Hire
Safety is key with any crane hire job. Here’s how to stay compliant and safe:
Always use qualified operators (with CPCS cards and up-to-date training)
Carry out ground condition checks before the crane arrives
Use proper crane mats or trackway systems to prevent the crane from sinking or tipping
Reassess plans if the crane type changes last-minute
Don’t cut corners on private land—safety rules still apply
If in doubt, choose a contract lift—the crane company will handle safety and planning for you.
How Much Does Mobile Crane Hire Cost?
The cost of hiring a mobile crane depends on:
The type and size of the crane
Duration of the hire
Whether an operator is included
Site access and ground conditions
Location and distance from the depot
For the most accurate pricing, speak directly to a crane hire company and provide them with all the project details.
💡 Tip: Planning ahead, booking early, and bundling multiple lifts into one hire can help reduce costs.
Choosing the Right Crane Hire Company
Not all crane hire companies are equal. Here’s what to look for:
Experience & reputation – Look for companies with a proven track record and good reviews.
Range of cranes – You want access to a wide fleet, so you get the right crane every time. (You don’t want to be paying for an oversized crane!).
Safety certifications – Make sure they’re compliant with LOLER, CPCS, and HSE standards.
Transparent pricing – Avoid companies that don’t give clear quotes.
Support and planning – A good hire company should help with lift planning, method statements, and site surveys.
FAQs About Crane Hire ❓
How do I know what size mobile crane I need?
It depends on the weight of the load, how far the crane needs to reach, and the space available on-site. Most crane companies can help you figure this out with a site survey.
Do I need insurance for mobile crane hire?
Yes. For contract lifting, the crane company usually covers insurance. If you're just hiring the crane, you’ll need to sort your own cover.
Can I hire a mobile crane without an operator?
Yes, but only if you have a trained and certified operator available. If not, we will be able to provide you one.
How long does it take to set up a mobile crane?
Mobile cranes are known for fast set-up times. Many can be ready to lift within a couple of hours of arriving on-site.
FAQs About Buzzard Lifting & Haulage Ltd
Where do you operate?
We’re based in North Yorkshire and cover Teesside, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Redcar, the wider North East, and beyond.
What services do you offer?
We provide mobile crane hire, contract lifting, HIAB hire, and heavy haulage services for projects big and small.
Do you provide contract lifting?
Yes! We take care of everything—from planning and lift supervision to trained operatives and insurance.
Can you help with restricted access sites?
Absolutely. We specialise in lifts in tight or awkward spaces and offer the right equipment to get the job done safely.
Ready to Book Your Mobile Crane?
Buzzard Lifting & Haulage Ltd offers reliable, affordable, and safe mobile crane hire tailored to your needs. Whether you’re lifting a steel beam, an HVAC unit, or something more unusual—we’ve got you covered.
📞 Get in touch today to get a free quote or chat with one of our lifting experts.
