What does crane hire cost
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
