A HIAB truck — sometimes called a crane truck, loader crane vehicle or knuckle boom truck — is a lorry fitted with a hydraulic articulated crane mounted directly behind the cab. The crane can lift, position and place loads precisely, making it one of the most versatile vehicles in the transport and logistics industry.
Where Does the Name HIAB Come From?
HIAB is actually a brand name, derived from the Swedish words Hydrauliska Industri AB. The company produced the first commercial truck-mounted hydraulic loader crane in 1947, and the name became so widely adopted that "HIAB" is now used generically across the UK to describe any lorry-mounted crane, regardless of manufacturer.
How Does a HIAB Work?
The crane is powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system via a power take-off (PTO) unit connected to the gearbox. The operator controls the crane from a remote handset or fixed console, extending and rotating the knuckle-boom arm to reach the load. Stabiliser legs (outriggers) are deployed on each side of the vehicle before lifting to keep the truck steady and protect the suspension.
Modern HIAB cranes are fitted with load moment indicators (LMI) that calculate the safe working load at any given radius, providing an automatic overload cut-out to prevent tipping.
What Can a HIAB Truck Carry?
HIAB trucks come in a wide range of sizes. Smaller units such as the HIAB 558 are ideal for deliveries in tight urban areas and can lift up to around 3.5 tonnes. Larger models like the HIAB 858 are designed for heavy industry, capable of lifting in excess of 20 tonnes at short radius. Between these extremes sit the popular HIAB 658 and HIAB 858, which cover the majority of commercial delivery and installation work.
Common loads include steel beams and sections, precast concrete, plant and machinery, portable cabins and welfare units, containers, hot tubs and swim spas, signage, and construction materials such as blocks and aggregates.
HIAB vs Standard Lorry
A standard lorry requires a forklift, crane or telehandler at the delivery point to offload goods. A HIAB truck carries its own crane, eliminating the need for any ground-based lifting equipment. This saves time, reduces cost and means deliveries can be made to sites with no lifting facilities — including residential addresses, roadside locations and greenfield sites.
Do You Need a Licence to Operate a HIAB?
The driver holds a standard HGV licence; operating the crane itself requires a CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or equivalent competency card. Our HIAB Services UK operators are trained and certificated for the lifting work they carry out.
Why Choose HIAB Services UK?
We operate a modern fleet of HIAB trucks across the UK, covering England, Scotland and Wales. Whether you need a single-delivery service or a long-term haulage contract, our experienced team will match the right vehicle to your job. Call us on 0330 175 8197 or request a free quote online.
