HIAB cranes are truck-mounted, fast to deploy and ideal for most delivery and positioning work. Mobile cranes offer greater capacity and height but cost significantly more and need more space.
Choosing between a HIAB truck and a mobile crane comes down to three factors: the weight and height of your lift, the space available on site, and your budget. Here is a straightforward comparison.
A HIAB is a loader crane mounted on a lorry. The vehicle drives to site, deploys its stabiliser legs and lifts from that fixed position. Maximum capacities vary from around 3.5 tonnes (HIAB 558) up to 25 tonnes plus on specialist heavy-lift configurations. Horizontal reach is typically 10–18 metres depending on model. The great advantage is speed and self-sufficiency — the HIAB arrives, lifts and departs without any additional equipment, permits or setup crew.
A mobile crane (all-terrain, rough terrain or city crane) is a dedicated lifting machine that travels separately from any load-carrying trailer. Capacities range from 25 tonnes up to 1,200 tonnes for the largest all-terrain models. Mobile cranes can achieve significant hook heights — often 50 metres or more — making them suited to high-rise construction and plant room lifts. They require a lift plan, a banksman/slinger, and often a road closure or significant exclusion zone.
HIAB truck hire typically costs £400–£1,400 per day depending on vehicle size. A mobile crane mobilisation starts at £800–£2,000 per day for smaller machines and rises steeply with capacity. When you factor in the separate transport vehicle for the load, the banksman, lift plan preparation and any permit costs, the total cost of a mobile crane job is substantially higher.
Choose a HIAB truck when your load weighs under 20 tonnes, the lift height is less than 10–12 metres, access is tight, and you want a single vehicle that transports and lifts. This covers the vast majority of construction deliveries, machinery moves, cabin placements, container lifts and signage installations.
Choose a mobile crane for structural steel erection at height, plant lifts into enclosed roof spaces, lifts exceeding 20–25 tonnes, or anywhere the HIAB's fixed-position reach is insufficient to clear an obstacle.
Not sure? Call us on 0330 175 8197 and our team will assess your job and advise the right solution.
Working to recognised UK transport, lifting and safety standards — across England, Scotland and Wales.
