One of the most common questions we receive is simply: what can a HIAB actually lift? The answer depends on which crane is fitted to the vehicle, the lift radius (distance from the crane centre), and the load's physical dimensions. This guide covers the main load types and the vehicle specifications you need.
Understanding Lift Capacity and Radius
HIAB crane capacity is expressed in tonne-metres (tm) — the product of the load weight multiplied by the horizontal reach distance. A crane rated at 22 tm can lift 2 tonnes at 11 metres, or 11 tonnes at 2 metres. As reach increases, safe working load decreases. This is why it is important to brief your operator on where the load needs to be placed, not just how heavy it is.
Common Loads and What They Require
Steel beams and sections: A single universal column or beam typically weighs 0.5–3 tonnes. Our HIAB 558 or 658 handle most residential and light commercial steel deliveries with ease.
Precast concrete: Lintels, steps, copings and pads are typically 200kg–2 tonnes each. Larger precast panels and retaining wall sections can reach 5–8 tonnes, requiring a HIAB 858.
Portable cabins and welfare units: Standard 20-foot cabins weigh 2.5–4 tonnes. Double-wide or stacked units need a larger vehicle. Our fleet covers all sizes — see our portable cabin transport page for details.
Shipping containers: A standard 20ft empty container weighs approximately 2.2 tonnes; loaded it can be 24 tonnes. Our HIAB 858 and heavy-lift vehicles are specified for container operations.
Plant and machinery: Excavators, generators, compressors and process equipment vary enormously. We can advise on the correct vehicle once you provide dimensions and weight.
Construction materials: Blocks, bricks, aggregates, timber and roofing materials are typically delivered on pallets at 500kg–1.5 tonnes each. Most mid-range HIAB vehicles handle these comfortably.
Hot tubs and swim spas: Weigh 300kg–1.5 tonnes. Access and garden obstacles are usually the challenge rather than lift capacity.
What a HIAB Cannot Lift
A HIAB is not a mobile tower crane. It cannot lift loads that exceed its rated capacity at the required radius, nor can it safely operate on severely sloping or soft ground without proper ground protection. For very large infrastructure lifts, a dedicated mobile crane is more appropriate.
Not Sure What You Need?
Call our team on 0330 175 8197 with your load description and we will recommend the right vehicle. We would rather ask one extra question than send an under-specified truck to your site.
