Hire a crane.

For most homeowners, the choice isn't just about the size of the crane, but the level of service required. Understanding the difference between a simple machine hire and a fully managed contract lift is essential to protect your home and satisfy your insurer.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Survey: A technical advisor visits your property to assess ground stability, access width, and overhead obstructions like power lines or trees.
• Lift Planning: Creating a detailed RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) and a CAD-based lift plan to determine the crane's position and "radius" (reach).
• Permit Acquisition: Securing "oversail" rights from neighbours or "Street Works" permits from the local council if the crane needs to sit on a public road.
• Mobilisation: The crane arrives on-site, often accompanied by a support vehicle carrying "mats" (spreader plates) to protect your driveway or lawn.
• Rigging and Setup: Deploying outriggers to stabilise the machine and performing final safety checks before any weight is taken.
• The Lift: The crane operator, guided by a Slinger Signaller, moves the load to its destination with millimetre precision.
• De-rigging: Dismantling the boom and outriggers and clearing the site of all equipment.

Typical Costs

Prices depend heavily on the "radius" (the distance from the crane's centre to the drop-off point). The further the reach, the larger and more expensive the crane required. Always ensure quotes include VAT and any potential "minimum hire" periods, which are usually 8 hours.

How Long Does It Take?

• Site Survey: 1–2 hours, usually conducted 1–2 weeks before the lift date.
• Setup: 1–3 hours depending on the crane size and ground complexity.
• The Lift: 30 minutes to 3 hours for most residential items like hot tubs or beams.
• Dismantling: 1 hour for standard mobile cranes.
• Total Site Time: Most residential projects are completed within a single day (8:00 am to 4:00 pm).

DIY or Professional?

Crane operation is strictly a professional-only service. There is no DIY path for crane hire due to the extreme risks involved and the specialist qualifications required to operate and signal the machinery.

Critical Advice: Homeowners should almost always opt for a Contract Lift rather than CPA Crane Hire. Under CPA hire, you are responsible for the lift plan and insurance; under a Contract Lift, the crane company takes full legal and financial responsibility for the entire operation.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check CPCS Cards: All personnel (Operator, Slinger, Lift Supervisor) must hold valid Construction Plant Competence Scheme cards.
• Insurance Limits: Ensure the company has at least £5 million to £10 million in Public Liability insurance and specific "Goods Under Hook" cover.
• Red Flag: Avoid companies that provide a quote over the phone without seeing photos or visiting the site; they may arrive and find the lift is impossible.
• Question to Ask: "Does this quote include the cost of the Lift Plan and the Slinger Signaller, or is that extra?"
• Question to Ask: "What is your policy if the lift is cancelled on the day due to high winds?"

UK Regulations

• LOLER 1998: The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations require all equipment to be fit for purpose and thoroughly examined.
• BS 7121: The British Standard Code of Practice for the safe use of cranes; this is the "bible" for crane safety in the UK.
• PUWER 1998: Regulations ensuring that the work equipment is maintained and safe to use.
• Paperwork: You should receive a copy of the Lift Plan, the crane’s "Report of Thorough Examination," and the company's insurance certificates.

Common Problems

• Underground Services: Cranes exert massive pressure; if they are set up over old Victorian drains or septic tanks without proper matting, the ground can collapse.
• Wind Speeds: Every crane has a maximum wind speed limit (usually around 9–12 m/s); if it's too gusty, the lift must be postponed for safety.
• Oversail Rights: If the crane arm swings over a neighbour's land, you technically need their permission, though most neighbours are accommodating if asked early.
• Access Restrictions: Narrow UK residential streets often require a "Spotter" to guide the crane to the property, or temporary parking suspensions.

Frequently Asked Questions