HIAB Hire
Hire a HIAB in Kent & The South East
Lorry Mounted Cranes
Need a lift?
At the core of our operations is our modern, fully-equipped fleet of vehicles, designed to meet a wide range of transport and lifting needs. Our vehicles include a range of rigid and articulated Hiab lorries, from city trailers and drawbars to rear steering and long reach flyjibs, all maintained to the highest standards for safety, efficiency and reliability.
As a leading provider of Hiab hire in Kent, we ensure every vehicle in our fleet is equipped for safe, efficient and reliable lifting operations.
Our ongoing investment in new and specialised equipment ensures that our fleet remains among the most advanced and capable in the industry. 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.
In addition, our cranes are fitted with the latest safety technology and lorries are enabled with rear steering, perfect for tight site access and commuting into Greater London. They also come equipped with 360 live recording cameras and blind spot sensors, all the above aiding our drivers manoeuvrability. We maintain our vehicles to the highest standards so that every project we support reflects the professionalism and reliability your business deserves.
Whatever Your Needs
What size HIAB do you need?
Transport
Small HIAB Hire
Need a reliable lifting solution for smaller loads or sites with limited access? Our hiab hire services are ideal for compact sites that still require precise lifting and transport. RS French offers small HIAB hire services that deliver all the benefits of a crane with the flexibility and agility of a compact vehicle.
Our small lorry-mounted cranes are ideal for lifting and transporting lighter items of under 1 Tonne, such as electrical control panels, building materials , steelwork, and more. They can be also coupled with a trailer increasing the load space and weight carrying capacity. Perfect for urban environments, residential projects, or tight construction sites, these vehicles offer precise lifting with minimal disruption. Even our smallest lorry can lift over 400Kg at over 7 meters.
Best for: Smaller Sites Limited Access Smaller Loads
Transport
Large HIAB Hire
When your project demands serious lifting power, RS French’s Large HIAB hire delivers strength, reach, and versatility. With a fully extended reach of 16m, this powerful crane can lift 4 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes at close range. Standard front legs enable full 360-degree operation, making it ideal for heavy, complex lifts across construction, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
Mounted on an 8-axle vehicle with 3 steering axles for exceptional manoeuvrability, it offers a 7.5-tonne payload — increasing to 15.5 tonnes when used with our tri-axle drawbar trailer. Whether it’s plant machinery, structural steel, or abnormal loads, we’ve got the machine and control to move it safely.
Best for: Oversized Loads Onsite Lifting Heavy Lifting
Transport
Long Reach HIAB Hire
When standard reach isn’t enough, RS French offers long reach HIAB hire for projects that demand exceptional lifting capability. Our advanced lorry-mounted cranes feature 8 hydraulic extensions and a 6-extension fly jib, making them ideal for lifting roof trusses, steelwork, and construction materials over buildings, walls, or into restricted spaces.
With 360 degree operation supported by front legs, and manual extensions for added reach, these versatile lorry loaders can lift 815kg at 31.7m and lighter loads at up to 35.3m. Whether it’s a tight city site or a complex lift, we deliver reach, precision, and safety every time.
This makes us a trusted choice for hiab hire in Kent and the South East when projects demand exceptional lifting reach and precision.
Best for: Reach Upto 32.7m Up To 2540kg Loads Maximum Flexibility – 360 Span Overcoming Obstacles
Transport
Arctic HIAB Hire
For heavy lifting on tight or complex sites, RS French offers Arctic HIAB hire with compact lorry-mounted cranes. At just 8.2 metres long, the vehicle is highly maneuverable and ideal for restricted access without sacrificing performance or lift capacity.
It can lift up to 4 tonnes at a 16-metre reach, and with the optional fly jib, extend to 29.19 metres while lifting 810kg. When paired with our tri-axle extending trailer, it can operate at nearly 80 tonnes with full steering axles for superior site access, flexibility, and safer handling in challenging site environments and narrow spaces. Seriously impressive!
Best for: Specialist Lifting Tri Axle Extending Artic Trailer Fly Jib (Long Reach) Compact Size
FORS-certified for quality and safety
At RS French, we support and work in alignment with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) – a nationally recognised accreditation that promotes best practices for fleet operators. Whether it’s through regular vehicle checks, enhanced driver training or responsible fuel use, FORS ensures fleet operations are not only compliant but also future-ready. Choosing a FORS-aligned provider means you’re working with a team that values accountability, sustainability, and continuous improvement – core principles that drive everything we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a variety of HIAB models including smaller HIAB trucks for lighter loads, larger heavy-lift cranes for heavier materials, and long-reach models for lifting over obstacles.
These cranes can lift and transport building materials, machinery, containers, worksite offices, structural steel, and other heavy or bulky items, making them suitable for construction, industrial, agricultural and general site logistics.
Small HIABs handle loads under one tonne and can lift over 400 kg at more than seven metres, with the option to add a trailer for extra carrying capacity. Large HIABs lift up to 12 tonnes close in or 4 tonnes at a 16-metre reach, with payload increasing from 7.5 tonnes to 15.5 tonnes when used with the tri-axle drawbar trailer. Our long reach HIABs offer great distance, lifting 815 kg at 31.7 metres and lighter loads up to 35.3 metres. The Arctic HIAB, lifting 4 tonnes at 16 metres or 810 kg at 29.19 metres, can operate at nearly 80 tonnes when paired with the tri-axle extending trailer.
Yes, the fleet includes modern safety technology such as 360-degree cameras, blind-spot sensors, GPS tracking and compliance with recognised operator accreditation schemes, helping ensure safer and more efficient lifting operations.
To hire a HIAB crane or get a quote, use the enquiry form on our contact page. Alternatively, you can email us via sales@rsfrench.com or call us on 01227 752 101.
Complete Site Solutions
Looking for More Than Just a Lift? At RS French, we don’t just provide the lifting equipment; we provide complete solutions for your site. If you are setting up a new project and require secure storage, we supply a massive range of shipping containers available for both hire and purchase. Because we operate our own extensive fleet of lorry-mounted cranes, we can deliver and perfectly position your container exactly where you need it, in one seamless transaction.
Our commitment to health and safety
From our skilled team to our rigorously maintained fleet, we take a proactive approach to safety at every level. Being accredited with ALLMI, CPCS and CSCS, we are committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards across all aspects of our work. We invest in the latest technology, follow industry best practices, and always stay ahead of the latest regulations — including full compliance with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme.
Committed to cleaner air: Euro 6 compliance
We’re proud to operate a modern, environmentally responsible fleet that meets the latest Euro 6 emissions standards.
The Euro 6 regulation is the strictest European standard for diesel engine emissions, significantly reducing harmful pollutants. These standards play a key role in improving air quality and protecting public health, especially in low-emission zones like London and other major UK cities.
All our vehicles are fully Euro 6 compliant, meaning, lower environmental impact, access to Clean Air Zones and ULEZ areas and better fuel efficiency and performance.
By investing in a cleaner fleet, we’re not just ticking a box but we’re actively contributing to a more sustainable future for our clients and our communities. Our investment in cleaner, more efficient vehicles also ensures our hiab hire services for Kent and The South East remain compliant in low-emission zones across the county.
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