When a load is too heavy to manhandle and there is no forklift on site, you need a way to lift it off the lorry. The two usual options are a Hiab (a crane mounted on the delivery lorry) or a separate mobile crane. They do similar jobs but suit different situations. This guide helps you choose.
What is a Hiab?
“Hiab” is a brand name that has become shorthand for any lorry-mounted loader crane. The crane folds onto the back of the delivery vehicle, so the same lorry both transports and offloads the goods. That makes a Hiab a true one-stop solution: it arrives, lifts the load into position and leaves, with no second vehicle needed.
Capacity is usually described in tonne-metres ™, which combines weight and reach. A crane rated to lift 2.5 tonnes at 4 metres is a 10tm crane. Importantly, the further out you reach, the less you can lift, so a crane that handles several tonnes close in may only lift a few hundred kilos at full extension.
What a mobile crane brings
A mobile crane is a dedicated lifting machine that travels to site separately from the load. It offers far greater lifting power, height and reach than any lorry loader, and can place loads onto rooftops, over buildings or deep into a site. The trade-off is that you need both the crane and a separate delivery lorry, plus more space and set-up time.
Hiab vs crane at a glance
| Hiab (lorry loader) | Mobile crane | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport & lift | One vehicle does both | Crane plus delivery lorry |
| Capacity | Moderate; falls off with reach | Very high |
| Reach / height | Limited (typ. up to ~12m+) | Long reach, high lifts |
| Access | Compact, good for tight sites | Needs more space to set up |
| Set-up time | Minimal | Longer |
| Cost | Usually lower overall | Higher for the lift |
When a Hiab is the better choice
A Hiab usually wins when the load is within its lifting range and the placement is close to where the lorry can park. It is ideal for delivering building materials, steelwork, cabins, plant and one-off heavy items to yards, sites and even residential streets. Because there is no second vehicle, it is quicker to organise and more economical for routine loading and unloading.
When you need a mobile crane
Reach for a mobile crane when the lift is beyond a Hiab’s capacity or reach: very heavy items, lifts up onto a roof or high structure, placements over obstructions, or situations where the lorry simply cannot get close enough. For these jobs the extra cost and set-up are justified by the capability.
Don’t forget the ground and the overheads
Whichever option you choose, two site factors catch people out time and again. The first is ground bearing: both a Hiab and a mobile crane put their weight through outriggers, and soft ground, recently dug trenches or hidden drains can give way under that pressure. A firm, level standing is essential. The second is overhead obstructions – power lines in particular. Lifting near overhead lines is extremely dangerous, and a safe clearance must be kept at all times. Always flag power lines, low cables and tree branches to your haulier before the lift is planned.
Operator or self-drive?
Hiab work can be booked with a trained operator, which is the usual choice for one-off lifts and the safest option for most customers. The crane operator is responsible for planning and carrying out the lift correctly. Mobile crane lifts almost always come with a qualified operator and, for anything complex, an appointed person who plans the lift. Either way, lifting is skilled work covered by health and safety rules, so it is worth using an experienced provider rather than improvising.
Key questions before you book
- How heavy is the load, and how far must it be lifted from where the lorry can stand?
- Is the ground firm enough to take the vehicle and its outriggers?
- Are there overhead power lines or obstructions nearby?
- Is there enough clear space to set up safely?
Answering these honestly helps your haulier specify the right kit and avoid a wasted trip.
Not sure which you need?
Tell us the weight, the reach and the site conditions and we will advise honestly on whether a Hiab will do the job or a crane is required. Northampton Road Haulage offers Hiab self-loading transport across the UK. Call 01604 385213 to discuss your lift.