5 Benefits for Small HIAB Cranes

Pictured: RS French Small HIAB For Hire
Introduction:
The RS French lorry-mounted cranes are at the heart of everything we do. We maintain a versatile fleet capable of meeting any transport and lifting requirements, whether moving our own welfare and accommodation units or executing specialised jobs for clients.
In this article, we will take a closer look, particularly at small HIAB lorries, their benefits and applications, helping you to choose the most suitable transportation for your next project.
Small HIAB (Hydrauliska Industri AB) loader cranes, also known as lorry-mounted cranes, offer a range of specific benefits, particularly due to their compact size and versatility as an all-in-one lifting and transport solution.
Small HIAB lorries are often the go-to choice for smaller-scale projects for several reasons and offer many benefits to clients across all industries.
Let’s get started.
Designed for efficiency with minimal disruption, our small HIAB lorries offer a versatile lifting and transport solution. They are the ideal choice for moving lighter loads up to 1 Tonne, including materials like steelwork, building supplies, and electrical control panels. When you need extra capacity, these vehicles can be fitted with a trailer to increase both weight and space.
In particular, our small HIAB lorries thrive in small spaces with limited access. These cranes deliver impressive reach, with the smallest units capable of lifting over 400kg at 7+ meters.
We have identified several benefits that can be categorised under five key headings.
1. Perfect for small sites.
Due to its compact size and manoeuvrability, small lorry-mounted cranes are perfect for narrow roads, congested areas, constrained access points or residential areas.
2. Versatile and Flexible
Small HIAB lorries can be used for a variety of functions across many industries. Some of the most common industries that we support with our small HIAB lorries are agriculture, construction, community and education. We support the movement of building supplies, steelwork, farming equipment, and more.
The RS French small HIAB lorry features a knuckle boom crane with multiple folding sections to provide maximum flexibility over obstacles.
3. Efficiency
Combining both transportation and lifting into one single solution is a great way to ensure an efficient project. You only need to hire one solution rather than two separate hires. It can also help save time by eliminating the need to coordinate with a separate truck or crane. Also as the vehicle is more compact, it helps to keep setting-up, loading and unloading times to a minimum with very little site preparation required.

Pictured: RS French Service Manager, Mark Blackman, with our small HIAB lorry.
4. Safety
As HIAB lorries are fitted with the latest lifting technology, they eliminate manual handling, reducing the risk of human injury.
All of the RS French HIAB lorries are operated via a wireless remote control. This allows the operator to stand in the safest position with the best view of the load and the landing area, keeping them clear of the immediate danger zone.
The lorry’s design also includes hydraulic outriggers that are fully extended and firmly planted before any lift begins. This creates a stable base, preventing the vehicle from tipping, which is a major hazard in all crane operations.
5. Cost-effective
Hiring a small HIAB lorry is a very cost-effective solution for transporting and lifting even the smallest of loads. The lorries are compact with a quick set-up, helping to keep the whole project on schedule and prevent costly overruns. They can also provide a quick turnaround and minimise the amount of downtime for more time-sensitive projects.
Why Choose RS French?
RS French began as solely a transportation company over 45 years ago and has the skills, experience and knowledge to handle even the most complex transport and lifting projects.
Our dedicated in-house transport division – equipped with lorry-mounted cranes and run by highly skilled operators – allows us not just to transport our own units but carry out contract and specialist lifts.
All our lorries are fitted with the latest GPS tracking technology, allowing for real-time monitoring and precise logistics management. This ensures timely deliveries, enhanced communication, and greater transparency for our customers.
Did you know we also offer large HIAB hire, long reach HIAB hire and Arctic HIAB hire?

Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the benefits of small HIAB lorries are clear. They offer an unbeatable combination of manoeuvrability, precision lifting, enhanced safety, versatility, and crucial cost-effectiveness.
By combining haulage and lifting into one vehicle, these small units eliminate the headaches and extra costs associated with hiring multiple machines, making them the ultimate problem-solvers for tight urban sites, residential projects, and specialised material placement.
At RS French, our fleet of small lorry-mounted cranes is perfectly positioned to deliver these advantages directly to your project. We also have a range of large and long-reach HIAB lorries, ensuring that we have the right vehicle and expertise no matter the size of your project.
Ready to simplify your logistics? Contact the transport specialists at RS French to find the perfect HIAB solution for your next project.
HIABs: Lorry Mounted Cranes
Our fleet of lorry mounted cranes offers a flexible, efficient solution for heavy lifting and transport. Whether delivering containers, lifting roof trusses, or relocating machinery, our experienced operators ensure every job is handled safely and precisely.
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