Find crane hire near me
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Safety is the number one priority when finding a crane hire company.
You’re dealing with large machinery that's lifting heavy materials – possibly even over your house!
Here's how finding reliable and safety-compliant crane hire companies near you works.
How to find crane hire companies near you
1. Search your postcode
First, enter your postcode into the search tool to find mobile crane hire working in your area.
2. Compare options
Next, take the time to view local crane hire profiles and read reviews from recent customers.
3. Get in touch
Create a shortlist of crane hire companies near you and contact them directly to discuss the job and request quotes.
Find the best crane companies near you with Checkatrade
Hiring a crane can feel daunting, especially when safety and reliability matter. We get it.
Using Checkatrade makes it easier to find and compare hire companies. That's because only companies that pass our checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard appear in our listings.
To find checked and reviewed crane hire companies covering your local area, simply search your postcode.
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
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Short on time? You can request a quote and let our members contact you!
Why might you need crane hire?
Crane hire is often needed when heavy or awkward items can’t be moved safely by hand or smaller plant hire equipment.
Crane hire can help with:
Lifting hot tubs, steel beams, or large equipment
Raising roof materials during repairs or replacements
Moving heavy items over buildings or restricted access areas
Supporting extensions, loft work, or structural projects
What does crane hire involve?
Crane hire needs to be carefully mapped out.
Thankfully, a reputable crane hire company will guide you through the process. This normally includes:
Discussing the lift requirements and what needs to be moved, well in advance of hire
Recommending the right crane size for the job
If you opt for a contract lift hire, the hire company will provide both the crane and the operator. This will include:
Assessing site access, space, and any restrictions
Providing a trained crane operator as part of the hire
Carrying out safety checks before and during the lift
Removing the crane once the work is complete
Don’t leave booking your crane hire to the last minute. For standard hire, aim to book one to two weeks in advance. For larger projects or busy periods, booking a month ahead is wise.
How much does crane hire cost in the UK?
| Cost provided item | Average UK cost |
|---|---|
| Crane hire – 25 tonne (per day) | £650 |
| Crane hire – 35 tonne (per week) | £3,000 |
| Tower crane hire (per week) | £2,500 |
| Contract lift - crane supervisor | £300 - £400 per day |
| Contract lift - slinger/banksman | £300 - £400 per day |
| Typical contract lift (25t) - total costs for 1 day | £1,400 |
| Last updated: November 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
The average crane hire day rate is around £650 for a 25-tonne crane.
Estimating a crane hire cost per hour is trickier. It depends on various elements, such as the size of the crane and the safety team required to supervise and operate it.
Let's break it down:
Costs for spider crane rental near me
The average rental cost for a 25-tonne crane (such as a spider crane) is around £650 per day. This type of crane is ideal for use in tighter spaces.
Costs for gantry crane hire near me
In contrast, for more demanding tasks, a 35-tonne crane (such as a gantry crane) costs £3,000 per week. This type of crane is made for heavy lifting over large areas.
Costs for tower crane hire near me
Tower crane rental comes to around £2,500 per week on average.
Costs for boom lift hire near me
Landed here looking for boom lift hire? Then you'll be after a small cherry picker.
A cherry picker with a one-man crew typically costs between £27.50 - £32.50 per hour.
Costs for a HIAB hire
Need a crane with less horsepower? Consider a small HIAB hire.
HIAB cranes move along with a carrying vehicle, like a truck or trailer, and are great for lifting lighter objects in tight spaces. They are slightly cheaper than the cranes mentioned above.
For more information on prices, take a look at our crane cost guide. Or give our free cost estimate calculator below a try.
Job Estimate Calculator
Can anyone operate a crane?
No. UK law states that all lifting equipment tasks must be planned, assessed, supervised and operated by qualified, insured tradespeople.
This ensures safety and compliance with current recommended lifting procedures.
Questions to ask before booking a crane hire company
Tick off the questions below to make sure your crane hire company is reliable and safety-compliant:
Is a trained crane operator included in the hire price?
Is this a standard crane hire or a contract lift?
Who is responsible for lift planning and risk assessments?
What site preparation is required before the crane arrives?
Is the crane hire fully insured?
Are there any additional costs, such as traffic management or permits?
What happens if the job overruns or the crane is delayed?
Why use Checkatrade to find crane hire near you?
Checked - Every Checkatrade tradesperson or company must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade
Guaranteed - We guarantee Checkatrade tradespeople's work, up to £1,000 - T&Cs apply
Request a quote, search in the Checkatrade app, or enter your postcode below to find a checked and reviewed crane hire company near you.
Need more plant hire to speed up your building job? At Checkatrade, we're here to help. From excavators to mini diggers, we’ve got every type of equipment hire ticked off.
Other FAQS about crane hire
What affects the cost of crane hire?
Crane hire prices depend on:
Crane size and lifting capacity
Hire duration
Site access and setup space
Height and reach required
Location (specialist cranes may need to be delivered from further away)
Can I hire a crane for personal use?
Yes. Crane hire isn’t just for commercial sites. Homeowners often hire cranes for projects such as lifting hot tubs, roof materials, garden structures or heavy equipment.
Just remember, you'll need qualified and insured tradespeople to supervise and operate the crane.
Do cranes come with an operator?
Most crane hire can include a trained operator as part of the service, though it may be for an additional cost. This helps ensure lifts are carried out safely and correctly. Always double-check what’s included in your booking.
What type of crane do I need?
Small mobile cranes or HIAB cranes are often suitable for residential jobs. The right crane depends on weight, height and access.
A knowledgeable crane hire company will advise you on what's best for the job at hand.
How long does crane hire usually last?
Many residential jobs only take a few hours, but the hire is often booked as a half or full day.
Is site access important for crane hire?
Yes, site access is very important to consider when hiring a crane. Limited access, narrow roads or overhead obstructions can affect crane choice and cost.
If road blockages are involved, however temporary, you'll need to request permission from the council in advance.
Is insurance included with crane hire?
Crane hire usually includes insurance for the crane and operator, but it’s worth confirming what’s covered in your quote.
Do I need permission to hire a crane?
You may need a council permit if the crane needs to operate on a public road or pavement. Some crane hire companies can help arrange this.
How far in advance should I plan to hire a crane?
For standard crane hire, aim to book one to two weeks in advance. For larger projects, or busy periods, booking a month ahead is wise.
Don’t leave your crane hire to the last minute. Contact a crane hire company covering your local area today.
