How Much Does Crane Hire Cost in the UK?
Cranes are typically used to lift and move heavy loads to their intended locations, reducing the need for manual labour.
While most construction firms will require a crane at some point in their operations, there may come a time when you need one for prolonged periods.
Aside from finding somewhere safe to store the crane on-site, it also needs to be maintained and serviced to ensure maximum safety when lifting and moving large, cumbersome loads.
Many people prefer to hire a crane from a reputable crane hire company, like us at BJW Cranes, rather than buying one outright. This is because the onus of transporting, storing, and maintaining the crane will be on us.
Hiring a crane also improves efficiency and reduces additional expenses – allowing you to rent different machines for different days and tasks.
Though crane hire offers a cost-effective alternative to buying and owning a crane, several factors will determine the price you pay.
Let’s take a closer look at what can influence static and mobile crane hire prices.
5 factors that influence the cost of crane hire
1. Crane type
Ranging from mobile tower cranes to heavy-duty cranes and self-erecting machines, there is a vast range available to hire these days – and we certainly have an extensive fleet at our depot, here at BJW Cranes!
Thanks to their compact footprint, mobile cranes are generally easier to transport than other crane types, and they cost significantly less to store and maintain than their larger counterparts.
Telescopic cranes, on the other hand, tend to be larger than city cranes and mobile cranes, meaning they require more space for storage and take longer to maintain, resulting in slightly higher costs.
As a general rule of thumb, the bigger and heavier the crane, and the more advanced features it offers, the more you’ll pay.
2. Load size and weight
Aside from the type of crane, it’s worth noting that the load being lifted or moved can also affect the cost of crane hire.
Cranes with a greater lifting capacity can transfer heavier objects at one time, boosting productivity. However, these machines are often more expensive to hire.
With this in mind, it’s a sensible idea for project managers to carefully consider the materials that need lifting – including their size, weight, and amount. Not only will this help to determine the best crane for the job, but it will also help to keep costs down by renting equipment that enables you to move goods with ease, both quickly and safely.
3. Site conditions
The conditions of the site can also be reflected in the cost of crane rental.
Although we can’t speak for all crane hire providers, here at BJW Cranes, we will assess the ground conditions and any potential access restrictions and obstructions before we offer a quote.
Usually, projects on uneven terrain will require more equipment to stabilise the crane, to ensure it can be used correctly without causing harm. And obstructions, such as overhead power lines, trees, and high-rise buildings nearby, will affect lift operations, calling upon the need for specialist apparatus to guarantee safety and efficiency.
The easier it is to access your site, and the fewer restrictions and obstructions, the less you’ll be charged for crane hire.
4. Rental period
The longer you need to hire a crane, the more you’ll pay.
Most crane hire companies allow you to hire one of their cranes for a couple of hours and charge an hourly rate for anything after this time. So you can see how the costs mount up quickly.
Our team understand that no two projects are the same. Whilst some only need crane hire for a few hours (or days), others will be looking for something a little more long-term. That’s why we pride ourselves on offering a flexible solution for a competitive price.
Some companies offer unlimited crane rental periods, allowing you to hire a crane for as long as you need. Be mindful, though, they tend to charge extra for this service.
5. Crane hire service
The price can vary depending on whether you choose Construction Plant Hire Association (CPA) crane hire or contract lifting.
CPA hire is typically the go-to choice for customers who have hired a crane in the past and know exactly what they need to do to execute the lift safely. With this option, you will be required to provide the necessary personnel to operate and supervise the crane.
A contract lift is perfect if you’ve never hired a crane before or if you’d simply prefer to hand over the responsibility to the crane company.
As the crane hire company removes the burden of arranging a lift operation with contract lifting, this typically costs more than a standard crane hire. However, you can trust that your goods are in safe hands and every aspect is catered for — including the paperwork, insurance cover, and coordination with related services such as crane hire in Hull. Nothing is left to chance.Request a free, no-obligation quote for crane hire today
It’s difficult to provide an exact figure for crane hire, as the cost can vary depending on the above factors.
For a better idea of how much it will cost you to hire a crane for your project – even if you’re unsure which crane type best suits your requirements – we suggest getting in touch with our team.
You can either call us on 0172 428 9501 or email office@bjwcranes.co.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to discuss your needs in more detail before offering a tailored quotation.
If you have any further questions regarding the cranes or services we provide, we’d also love to hear from you.