Mobile cranes are a valuable addition to any site. Mobile crane hire is the ideal solution for a variety of lifting challenges. This includes DIY home renovations, large-scale steel beam lifting, or moving heavy objects from hard-to-reach areas.
In this article, we share a straightforward guide to hiring a mobile crane, offering everything you need to know. This includes what mobile cranes are, when they are used and the different types of mobile cranes. We’ll also tell you where to go when you’re ready to secure your hire.
At Total Lifting Services, we’re proud to offer reliable mobile crane hire services across London and the Southeast. To find out more, please get in touch.
What is a Mobile Crane?
A mobile crane is a type of powered lifting equipment designed for moving loads horizontally and vertically. Unlike tower cranes, which are fixed in one location, mobile cranes are mounted on wheels or tracks, allowing them to be easily moved to different locations between or on construction sites.
Mobile cranes typically consist of a wheel or track-mounted carriage with an operator cab, counterweights and a telescopic boom which can be extended or retracted. The boom is fitted with two different lifting attachments, one of which is a lifting hook. Wheel-mounted models usually feature outriggers to provide complete safety and stability.
What is a Mobile Crane Used For?
Mobile cranes play a pivotal role in executing an array of lifting tasks across a wide spectrum of industries. These applications include construction, shipping and infrastructure projects, as well as wind farm and power plant construction.
On a commercial or residential scale, cranes are called upon for a range of lifting tasks, including:
- Construction
From pallets of bricks to other cranes and machines, mobile cranes are often used for lifting all types of heavy materials on sites.
Mobile cranes offer the advantage of being easy to reposition, making them a great choice for carrying out a range of tasks on a site. This could mean lifting beams for several houses on a new residential development, erecting wind turbines on a wind farm or lifting glazing materials while working in close proximity to an office building. These are a small sample of tasks that mobile cranes are suited to better than tower cranes.
- Lifting Heavy Furniture
Cranes are regularly used for lifting heavy equipment and furniture like pianos and statues. Mobile cranes are practical for use in built-up areas, as these can be delivered to the site by road. They require relatively little time to set up and dismantle and can be positioned in close proximity to buildings. They offer minimal disruption to traffic and pedestrians and, therefore, can be used for lifting operations in urban areas.
- HVAC Installations
When it comes to the delicate task of lifting heavy objects such as hot tubs, swimming pools and trees, mobile cranes provide an efficient, convenient and safe solution.
- Manoeuvring Over Properties
When it comes to the delicate task of lifting heavy objects such as hot tubs, swimming pools and trees over homes and into back gardens, mobile cranes provide an efficient, convenient and safe solution.
The Most Popular Types Of Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are available in different types and configurations. Each machine has a unique set of capabilities when it comes to lifting heights, working loads and terrains it is suited to. Some of the most common types of mobile cranes are:
- Crawler Cranes
Crawler cranes distinguish themselves from other crane types by their unique ability to perform lifts on a wide range of surfaces, including soft soil and loose gravel.
The tracks on crawler cranes help to spread the weight of these machines, providing greater stability on challenging terrain. This additional stability also eliminates the need for outriggers.
- All-Terrain Cranes
Tailored for operation in the most demanding environments, these wheel-mounted cranes are equipped with four-wheel drive, robust tyres and high ground clearance. This design enables them to navigate swiftly over challenging terrain.
Unlike crawler cranes, these machines can be driven on public roads, meaning they can be transported between sites without the need for specialised haulage.
- Truck-mounted Cranes
Designed for convenient access to worksites, these cranes excel in efficiently loading and unloading goods.
This particular type of mobile crane is equipped with remote control capabilities, enabling the operator to secure the best possible view of the items being lifted while maintaining a safe distance.
The Types Of Mobile Cranes We Offer For Hire
At TLS, we offer contract lifting and crane hire services with a modern fleet of mobile cranes, including Böcker cranes and Liebherr cranes.
Böcker Crane Features:
Features of the Böcker crane range include:
- Euro 6 Engines, providing quiet and low-emission operation in environmentally sensitive areas and noise-restricted settings.
- A ‘Stop-and-go-automatic’ feature, designed to reduce energy consumption.
- Adaptable fuse protection, which allows these machines to make use of the maximum available current on site.
- Hi-tec exhaust emissions purification with the injection of AdBlue into the machines’ exhaust. The AdBlue solution combines with exhaust emissions and breaks down harmful mono-nitrogen oxides found in diesel exhaust gases.
- Use of biodegradable, long-lasting hydraulic oil classified in the lowest water pollution category.
Our Böcker Crane Models:
Böcker AK36/4000
The Böcker AK36/4000 has a maximum lifting height of 36 metres and a maximum lift capacity of 4t. Thanks to its compact dimensions and low 11.99 T gross weight, this truck-mounted crane can access areas onsite that may be off limits to bulkier machines. This crane can be used with a basket attachment for safely elevating workers. The maximum SWL when used with a basket is 250 kg.
Böcker AK46/6000
With a maximum reach of 46m, this machine can handle loads of up to 6t, making it the ideal choice for projects involving tall structures such as offices, public buildings and stadiums.
This crane includes radio control with a full-colour display and state-of-the-art camera technology. It can be used with a basket capable of lifting up to three workers or a maximum of 350kg to a height of 16m.
Böcker AK 52/12000
Lifting 3t to a radius of 17m with a height of 31m, the AK 52/12000 is most likely one of the strongest mobile cranes in an aluminium-steel design currently on the market.
Equipped with an extendable cage that opens out to a width of 3.5m, the Böcker AK 52 can lift an impressive 600kg load in the attached operator basket.
Liebherr Crane Features:
Features of the Liebherr crane range include:
- TELEMATIK single-cylinder telescoping boom system.
- Various driving configurations, attainable by dividing the ballast slabs.
- Reduced fuel consumption of up to 10% thanks to ECOmode and ECOdrive options.
Our Liebherr Crane Models:
Liebherr LTM 1060 3.1
Featuring an impressive lift capacity of 60t and a maximum reach of 63 metres, this mobile crane features a special ballast plate configuration, enabling it to handle a range of driving conditions. With compact dimensions for a machine of this reach and power, the Liebherr LTM 1060 3.1 is suited to challenging lifting operations in urban areas and on a range of sites.
Why Choose Contract Lifting?
We understand that not all projects are the same. That is why we are proud to offer a variety of hire contract options. This includes short and long-term hires as well as ad hoc hires.
Here are the following benefits of contract lifting:
- Comprehensive Service
A contract lift can completely change your project workflow. It includes not only the crane and operator, but also all the necessary personnel (such as a crane supervisor, and slinger/signallers) and equipment. This way, you don’t have to manage multiple contractors or worry about sourcing separate staff.
- Time and Cost Efficiency
By outsourcing your lifting operation, your team is freed up to focus on other core aspects of the project. A well-planned and professionally managed lift is more likely to stay on schedule, avoiding costly delays and potential accidents that could affect workflow.
- Peace of Mind
Knowing that the entire operation is in the hands of qualified and insured professionals provides a huge sense of security. You can be confident that the lift will be completed safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations, such as the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
- Reduced Risk and Liability
This is the biggest advantage. We, at TLS, assume legal and financial responsibility for the entire operation. This includes insuring the equipment, the load being lifted, and any potential crane-related damage to property or injury to people on site.
Choose Total Lifting Services
If you’re in pursuit of budget-friendly and high-quality mobile crane hire services, you’ve come to the right place. At Total Lifting Services, we offer a selection of versatile cranes for hire. Our diverse range ensures they are well-suited for a variety of projects, regardless of their size.
To find out more about our competitive hire services and crane lifting contracts, please get in touch. Contact us today on 0208 226 4000. We look forward to hearing from you soon.