When it comes to lifting operations on commercial developments, choosing the right service can have a major impact on your schedule, budget and site safety, whether you’re working on a city-centre office build, a warehouse installation or a retail fit-out.
At Total Lifting Services, we specialise in both crane hire and contract lifting services, offering tailored solutions to suit every type of project. In this blog, we break it down to help you understand the difference and which is right for your project.
What is crane hire?
Crane hire gives you total control over your lifting operation. With hiring a crane, you’re renting the equipment only, while your team takes care of all planning, supervision, safety measures, and insurance. It’s a great option for experienced contractors and site managers who already have an Appointed Person and lift supervisor in place, and who want the flexibility to manage operations in-house.
At Total Lifting Services, our fleet of cranes covers a wide range of lifting requirements for commercial developments. Whether you need a compact model for restricted urban sites or a high-capacity crane for multi-storey projects, from the Böcker AK48/6000 and Böcker AK52/12000 to the Liebherr LTM 1060 3.1, and more, all are designed to deliver power, precision, and reliability across any site.
Crane hire gives you that control and flexibility, ideal when you already have the expertise on-site to manage your lift safely and efficiently.
What is a contract lift?
A contract lift takes things a step further. Instead of simply hiring the crane, you hire a complete, managed lifting solution, handled entirely by our expert team.
We take care of everything: the site visit, lift plan, risk assessment, method statement, and full execution on the day. Our team includes qualified professionals such as an Appointed Person, a lift supervisor, a crane operator and a slinger/signaller. We also handle all insurance and compliance, taking full responsibility and legal liability for the lift.
This makes contract lifting ideal for commercial developers who want a hassle-free, fully managed service. It’s particularly suited to complex, time-critical or high-risk lifts, the kind that demand precision, coordination and specialist expertise.
Think of scenarios like installing HVAC units on rooftops, lifting steel frameworks into place on warehouse builds, or positioning heavy plant equipment in confined areas. Our team can handle it all, using the right mobile crane for the job.
Planning a lift for your next commercial project?
Speak to our team today. Whether you need flexible crane hire or a fully managed contract lift, we’ll help you find the safest, most efficient solution for your site.
Which is right for your project?
The decision between crane hire and a contract lift usually comes down to your level of lifting experience and how much control you want over the operation.
If your team already includes competent lifting personnel and you’re confident in managing planning, supervision and insurance, crane hire gives you the flexibility to work on your own schedule and budget. It’s ideal for straightforward operations such as lifting building materials to upper floors or moving prefabricated components on-site with a mobile or truck-mounted crane.
However, if your project involves more complex or high-risk lifts, for example, installing a glass facade, raising roof trusses, or working around occupied buildings, a contract lift provides complete peace of mind. We’ll handle everything from start to finish, ensuring full compliance with LOLER and BS7121 standards while minimising disruption to your site.
How Total Lifting Services delivers safe, efficient lifts every time
All lifts start with a detailed site assessment. Our Appointed Persons use advanced lift-planning and CAD technology to map out the operation before a crane even arrives on-site. This ensures that every detail, from access routes to ground conditions and crane positioning, is considered in advance.
Once the plan is approved, our operators and supervisors execute the lift with precision, coordinating closely with your site team to keep everything safe and on schedule.
We regularly deliver contract lifts across a wide range of commercial developments, from roof panel installations and HVAC placements to glass curtain wall lifts and steelwork positioning. When we’re operating our mobile cranes, our team combines technical expertise with modern, well-maintained equipment to ensure every lift runs smoothly.
Safety, efficiency and reliability are at the core of what we do. When you choose Total Lifting Services, you’re choosing a partner who understands the demands of commercial construction and always delivers.
Choosing us for your next project
At Total Lifting Services, we know that every two commercial developments are different. That’s why we offer both crane hire and fully managed contract lift services, giving you the freedom or the support you need, exactly when you need it.
From single-day lifts to long-term site support, we have the equipment, expertise and experience to deliver safe and efficient lifting solutions across projects of all sizes.
Contact our friendly team today by filling out the form or calling us on 020 8226 4000 to discuss your project and find out how we can support your next lift safely and efficiently.