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Mobile crane lifting steel for an extension.

What does crane hire cost

14 December 2025

What does crane hire cost? Well that’s a good question and this is one of the most common questions we get, and it’s also one of the hardest to answer with a single figure.

Mobile crane lifting Roof Trusses

After more than 30 years in the crane industry and 10 years running Crane & Support Services, I’ve learned that crane hire pricing isn’t about an hourly rate — it’s about planning, safety, and getting the job done right.

In this article, I’ll explain:

Typical crane hire costs in our area
Why cranes can’t realistically be hired “by the hour”
What affects the price most
How to decide between crane hire and contract lifting
Real examples from jobs we’ve carried out

All from the perspective of someone who does this every day.

Typical Crane Hire Costs (Sandhurst & Surrounding Areas)

For customers within around 25 miles of Sandhurst, Berkshire — including Crowthorne, Bracknell, Farnborough, Aldershot, Farnham and Reading — typical prices are:

Half-day crane hire (afternoon, subject to availability): around £500 + VAT
Full day crane hire (up to 8 hours): from £650 + VAT
Contract lift (all‑in service): typically, £1,350 + VAT

As a general guide, city crane hire in our area usually falls between £500 and £750, depending on the job.

These figures are realistic, fair, and reflect what it actually costs to operate and maintain professional lifting equipment safely.

Erecting cantilever Steel Beam with mobile crane

Why You Can’t Really Hire a Crane “By the Hour”

one of the most common questions we hear is:

“How much would it cost to hire a crane for an hour?”

It’s a fair question — but in reality, it doesn’t work like that.

Before a crane even turns a wheel, a crane hire company must already cover significant costs, including:

Buying or financing the machine — a small city crane can cost up to £275,000
Maintaining the crane to a high professional standard
Public liability, employers’ liability, goods‑on‑the‑hook and road risks insurance
Periodic insurance inspections
Paying qualified operators and supporting personnel
Road tax and fuel

The cost to the crane company is almost the same whether the crane completes one lift or ten. This is why crane hire operates on a minimum hire basis, usually a full day.

What Affects the Price of Crane Hire the Most?

In our experience, three main factors have the biggest influence on cost.

Complexity of the Lift

Degree of planning required
Long‑reach lifts
Additional accessories or attachments
Sites near airports or public areas

Location & Site Conditions

Restricted access
Poor ground conditions (which may require trackway)
Need for landowners’ permission
Local restrictions
Permits

Load Characteristics

Weight
Dimensions
Centre of gravity

Sometimes what looks like a straightforward job actually needs a contract lift to be carried out safely and legally.

Crane Hire vs Contract Lift – What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right option is important and can affect both cost and responsibility.

Crane Hire (CPA Hire)

With crane hire:

You hire the crane and operator
You are responsible for planning and adequately supervising the lift
A Slinger/Signaller is not included
Insurance for the load is not included
Usually cheaper — but only suitable if you genuinely know what you’re doing

Contract Lift (All‑In Service)

With a contract lift:

We plan the lift
We supply a suitable crane, operator, slinger/signaller, and supervision
A lifting plan and risk assessment are included
Insurance for personnel, machinery, and goods on the hook is included
Ideal for construction companies, homeowners, and anyone in need of a turnkey solution

For many customers, contract lifting is the safest and least stressful option.

Mobile crane lifting a ridge beam into position

Real Examples From Our Work

A Simple, Low‑Cost Job

We recently lifted a steel beam in Reading for a customer who was flexible with timing. Because they agreed to be a second lift after another job, the lift took around an hour and a half and cost £550 + VAT.

Second lifts can work out very well for customers, but they can’t be guaranteed and are usually available in the afternoon only.

A More Complex Contract Lift

On a recent extension project, we were asked to lift large roof lights into position.

This involved:

A site visit
A full lifting plan and risk assessment
Fitting an extension jib for extra reach
Supplying a vacuum glass handler
Confirming roof‑light dimensions and weights
Gaining permission to set up on neighbouring land
Consulting airside operations due to proximity to an airport

We supplied all equipment, personnel, and planning. The job went exactly as planned — safely and efficiently — at a cost of £1,450 + VAT.

Crane lifting glass with a vacuum glass handler

How to Save Money on Crane Hire (My Honest Advice)

If you’re trying to keep costs down and are considering crane hire instead of a contract lift:

Do your research
Be clear of your objective and what you’re lifting
Be flexible with timing where possible
Decide honestly whether you can plan and supervise the lift yourself

Crane hire can be cheaper than a contract lift — but only if you truly understand and are capable of what’s involved.

What I Wish Customers Knew Before Asking for a Quote

A crane quote isn’t just a number pulled out of thin air.

Let’s get the facts right first. What do you want to lift? What does it weigh? How far do you need it lifted? Are there any obstacles?

We must consider many factors, and sometimes prices given verbally by others — without a site visit — can be misleading or unrealistic.

The more accurate information you provide at the start, the better advice we can give and the smoother the job will be on the day.

The Biggest Myth About Crane Hire Costs

The biggest myth is that you can:

“Hire a crane for an hour and just pay for the time it took.”

Understandably, people wish that were true — but it simply isn’t economical or realistic.

If a crane isn’t earning money, it stays in the yard.

Final Thoughts

We’re proud to be 5★ rated on Google with 60+ reviews from customers across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.

We charge the same fair prices whether you’re a major contractor or someone lifting a surprise hot tub for their partner.

Crane and Support Services logo

Our cranes come with:

Outrigger mats
Two‑way radios
A selection of chain and fibre slings
A helpful operator with a can do attitude

All included as standard — not added on later.

If you’re looking for honest advice, careful planning, and a lifting solution tailored to your project, we’re always happy to talk.

📞 Get in touch to discuss your lift — even if it’s just for advice.

Mobile crane lifting components for a timber framed house

Crane hire or Contract lift?

Dennis / Blog /

15 December 2024

Some things to bear in mind

Mobile crane unloading roof trusses from a lorry

What Should You Know Before Hiring a Crane?

Hiring a crane can be a game-changer for projects that require heavy lifting or precise load placement, whether you’re constructing a building, relocating machinery, or placing unique items like sculptures or marquee frames. However, it’s not as simple as picking a crane and it showing up on-site. To ensure a safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation, here are the key things you should know before hiring a crane.

A man thinking about his options on a construction site

1. Understand Your Project Requirements

Before reaching out to a crane hire company, take time to assess your project needs. Consider:

Weight and dimensions of the load: Accurate measurements are essential to determine the right crane capacity.
Lift height and reach: How high and how far does the crane need to lift?
Site access: Are there narrow roads, low overhead wires, or other obstacles that might affect crane access?
Timeframe: When do you need the lift completed, and how long will the crane be required on-site?

This information helps the crane hire company recommend the most suitable equipment and services for your needs.

2. Decide Between a CPA Crane Hire or Contract Lift Service

Crane hire typically falls into two categories:

CPA Crane Hire: Under the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) terms, you hire the crane and operator, but you take full responsibility for the crane hire, planning, supervision, and execution of the lift. You’ll need to provide insurance and qualified personnel for the job.
Contract Lift Service: The crane hire company takes full responsibility for the lift, including planning, supervision, and insurance. This option is ideal if you lack the expertise or personnel to manage the lift.

Discussing these options with the hire company ensures you choose the right level of service for your project.

3. Ensure Proper Site Preparation

A well-prepared and clear site is crucial for a safe and efficient crane operation. Here’s what to consider:

Ground conditions: The crane requires stable, level ground to operate safely. Trackway and outrigger pads may be needed for soft or uneven surfaces.
Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space for the crane to manoeuver and set up, free of overhead obstructions like power lines or trees.
Permits and permissions: Check if you need special permissions, especially if the crane will operate on public roads or near railways or airports.

4. Confirm Safety and Compliance Standards

Safety is paramount when hiring a crane. Make sure the crane hire company is reputable, adhering to industry standards and provides:

Certified equipment: Ensure the crane has up-to-date inspection and certification records.
Qualified operators: Operators should hold valid certifications, such as CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or equivalent.
Insurance: Verify that appropriate insurance coverage is in place, including public liability and damage to property.

5. Communicate Clearly with the Crane Hire Company

A successful lift depends on clear communication. Share all relevant details about the load, site, and schedule with the hire company. Provide photos or site plans if possible, as this helps the team anticipate any challenges and plan accordingly.

6. Plan for Contingencies

Even with meticulous planning, unexpected issues can arise. Weather conditions, site delays, or last-minute changes to the load can impact the lift. Work with your crane hire provider to establish contingency plans to address potential delays or complications.

Hiring a crane doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding your needs, preparing your site, and working with a reputable crane hire company, you can ensure your project runs smoothly. Whether you’re lifting roof trusses, steel beams, or even a 750kg wood carving of a bear, proper planning and expert guidance make all the difference.

If you’re looking for professional crane services tailored to your project, get in touch with us at Crane and Support Services. We’re here to lift your vision into reality!

Crane for loft conversions.

Dennis / Blog /

31 July 2023

Crane hire in Twyford

Crane and Support Services recently provided a compact mobile crane hire for a couple of tricky little jobs in Sandhurst and Twyford. Our clients required steel beams to be installed in two loft extensions. The challenge was finding a crane small enough to fit onto a domestic driveway yet powerful enough to lift the beams. Fortunately, our city crane was the perfect solution! Its compact size allowed it to fit snugly onto the driveway avoiding costly road closures and traffic management. saving our client from unnecessary delays and extra charges. The presence of phone lines posed a potential obstacle, but our super little crane easily manoeuvred beneath them to lift the steel beams safely. We take pride in providing the right solution for every job, and these successful projects are a testament to our dedication to meeting our clients’ unique needs. Use our contact form to make an enquiry

Mobile crane on site lifting concrete Beams

Contract lifting concrete beams.

Dennis / Blog /

19 February 2023

As a small mobile crane hire and contract lifting company, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our customers. Recently, we completed a contract lift for a customer who was building a new house in a beautiful location at the top of a hill. This presented a unique challenge as the location of the house made it difficult for materials to be transported to where the house was being built.

The beams need lifting to here.

Crane position at lower level.

To make matters worse, the access road to the building site was slippery and on the day we used the four-wheel-drive to get into position. Despite these challenges, our team were able to find a contract lifting solution that would allow us to complete the job safely and efficiently.

We rigged the crane at the base of the bank.

This allowed us to lift the concrete beams to position.

After our site visit and risk assessment we drew up the contract lifting plan and the best course of action was to use our city crane to lift the concrete beams directly to position. We carefully rigged the crane and began lifting the beams. In total, we lifted nearly 80 concrete beams, saving a lot of manpower and time for our customer.

The success of this project is a testament to the skill and dedication of our contract lifting team. We understand that every job is unique and requires a tailored approach. We are committed to working closely with our customers to find the best contract lifting solutions for their specific lifting needs.

If you are a potential customer who is facing a similar challenge, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our small mobile crane is the perfect solution for contract lifting heavy materials to difficult-to-reach locations. We can help you save time and effort, while ensuring that your project is completed safely and efficiently.

We encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your specific contract lifting needs. Our team is always happy to provide guidance and advice to help you find the best solutions for your project. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and help you achieve your goals.

Small mobile crane operating on reduced outriggers to avoid obstacles

Contract lifting concrete and steel beams.

Dennis / Blog /

14 December 2021

At Crane and Support Services, we take pride in providing high-quality and efficient lifting services for our clients. One such example was when we were contracted to install concrete beams to form the first floor of a new house. The challenge was to find a mobile crane that was small enough to fit into a gap between a precious olive tree and a fence while still being powerful enough to lift the concrete beams. Fortunately, our city crane was the perfect solution for the job.

We began by assessing the site and the logistics of the job. It quickly became apparent that using a larger crane would require a road closure and traffic management, which would have caused significant delays and extra charges for the client. We also recognized that the narrow gap between the olive tree and the fence would require a crane that was compact yet powerful enough to lift the concrete beams safely.

After careful calculations, it became apparent that our 13-ton city crane was the perfect fit for the job. It had variable outriggers, which allowed it to fit into the gap without damaging the tree or the fence. It was also powerful enough to lift the concrete beams with ease and precision.

On the day of the job, our team arrived early to set up the crane and make sure everything was in place. We carefully maneuvered the crane into position and began lifting the concrete beams. The beams were heavy, but our city crane made the job look easy. We lifted them with precision and placed them onto the first floor of the new house.

Photograph to illustrate the size of area the crane can work in

Throughout the job, we made sure to work safely and efficiently. We followed all health and safety protocols to ensure that our team and the surrounding area were not put at risk. We also worked closely with the client to make sure that the job was completed safely, on time and within budget.

In the end, our city crane proved to be the perfect solution for the job. The client was able to avoid delays and extra charges for road closures and traffic management, and the installation of the concrete beams was completed safely and efficiently. We take pride in knowing that we provided an excellent contract lifting service to our client and helped them achieve their construction goals.

Photograph taken with a drone of a mobile crane working

In conclusion, at Crane and Support Services, we strive to provide the best lifting solutions for our clients. Our city crane was the perfect fit for this particular job, and we were able to complete it safely and efficiently without causing any disruption to the surrounding area. We take pride in knowing that our work helps our clients achieve their construction goals, and we look forward to providing more excellent contract lifting services in the future.

Mobile crane lifting a receiver unit inside an industrial building

Contract lifting machinery inside a recycling plant

Dennis / Blog /

10 December 2021

Crane & Support Services recently completed a complex contract lift for BOGE Compressors at a recycling plant in Padworth, involving the removal and relocation of two industrial compressors from a high-level gantry inside an operational building.

Although the individual loads were not exceptionally heavy, the restricted access, elevated working position, overhead obstructions, and live plant environment meant that this lift required careful planning, coordination, and a disciplined safety-led approach from start to finish.

Mobile crane entering an industrial building

City crane

Project Overview

The scope of works involved the removal of two industrial compressors, weighing approximately 750 kg and 900 kg, as part of an upgrade programme. The compressors needed to be lifted from their existing positions and slightly relocated to allow for the installation of new equipment.

Both units were located inside the building, mounted on a high-level gantry, significantly increasing the complexity of the lift. Indoor, elevated lifting operations demand precise control of loads, clear communication between operatives, and strict adherence to safety procedures.

The operation took nearly a full day, reflecting the level of care and coordination required rather than any issues encountered on site.

Key Challenges: Restricted Access & Live Site Conditions

This project presented a number of challenges commonly associated with restricted access industrial lifting, including:

Existing steel structures within the building
Tight gantries limiting crane positioning and lifting routes
Overhead lighting, cables, and services requiring constant clearance checks
A high-level working area, requiring operatives to work at height
Forklifts and other plant operatives working nearby
The requirement for the recycling plant to remain fully operational throughout the lift

With minimal tolerance for error and limited space to manoeuvre, it was essential that all risks were identified and controlled before work commenced.

Mobile crane inside a building lifting a compressor

Planning, Safety & Coordination

Given that the compressors were located on a high-level gantry, detailed planning and robust safety controls were critical.

Crane & Support Services carried out a site visit in advance to fully assess the working environment. This allowed us to review access routes, gantry conditions, overhead obstructions, crane positioning, and the interaction between the lift and other ongoing site activities.

Because operatives were required to work at height, the lift was supported by a full risk assessment, along with a detailed lift plan and method statement. All personnel involved were suitably trained, including working at height training, and operated using fall-restraint harness systems in accordance with site rules and industry best practice.

Key safety considerations included:

Suitable anchorage points for fall-restraint systems
Safe access and egress to the gantry
Controlled movement of loads at height
Establishment of exclusion zones beneath the lifting area
Coordination of lifting activities around forklift movements and live plant operations

Close coordination with the principal contractor and site management ensured that all procedures aligned with site-specific requirements. This level of preparation allowed the lift to be carried out safely, efficiently, and without incident.

Mobile crane lifting a receiver unit inside a building

Crane Selection & Lifting Solution

Our 13-ton City Crane was ideally suited to the constraints of the site.

Its compact footprint, excellent manoeuvrability, and precise load control made it the right choice for:

Working within confined indoor spaces
Operating beneath overhead obstructions
Maintaining safe clearances around fixed structures and services
Carrying out controlled lifts at height

Selecting the correct crane for the environment was a key factor in delivering the lift safely and efficiently.

Working Within a live Operational Site

A critical requirement of this project was that the recycling plant remained fully operational throughout the lift.

By working closely with the principal contractor and site management, we were able to carefully sequence lifting activities around forklift movements and other plant operations. Clear communication and agreed exclusion zones ensured that lifting operations could proceed safely without disrupting normal site activity.

The lift was completed on schedule, with no unplanned downtime or interruption to the client’s operations.

Outcome & Client Satisfaction

Both compressors were successfully removed and relocated as required, allowing upgrade works to proceed immediately.

Importantly:

The site remained fully operational throughout
The lift was completed safely and on time
No incidents or disruptions occurred
The client was extremely satisfied with the outcome

This project highlights the importance of thorough planning, experienced personnel, and the right equipment when undertaking restricted access and high-level industrial lifts.

Specialists in Restricted Access & Industrial Lifting

Crane & Support Services undertakes contract lifts for industrial clients in Berkshire, Hampshire, and Surrey.

We specialise in restricted access lifting, including indoor operations, high-level gantries, live industrial environments, and sites with limited working space. Every lift is planned and executed with safety, precision, and minimal disruption as the priority.

If you are planning a complex lift and need experienced support from the early planning stages through to completion, contact Crane & Support Services to discuss how we can help.