HIAB: What is a HIAB and what are their uses?
Utilising HIAB Lorries
Over 40 years ago, RS French began solely as a transport company, supporting businesses across Kent with their transport needs, including heavy lifting requirements and utilising our HIAB lorries to support heavy haulage and abnormal loads.
So what is a HIAB crane? What can they be used for and how can they help you with your next project requirement?
This article will help you understand our HIAB fleet, their use and how they work. We will also help you choose the correct lorry for your requirements.
Let’s get into it.
What does HIAB stand for?
HIAB stands for Hydrauliska Industri AktieBolaget, the Swedish company that originally developed the hydraulic loading crane technology now commonly referred to simply as a “HIAB.” Today, the term is widely used across the UK to describe lorry-mounted cranes used for lifting, transporting, and delivering heavy or awkward items.
What is a HIAB Lorry?
HIAB is an abbreviation for Hydrauliska Industri AB, a Swedish company that manufactures this type of hydraulic crane. HIAB is a common term used to describe lots of equipment, including “truck-mounted crane,” “lorry-mounted crane,” “lorry-mounted loader”, or “hydraulic lorry loader.”
These types of lorries come in different sizes and load capacities depending on the scale of the lift and transport that is required.
At RS French, we offer a range of lorry-mounted cranes for hire, from 3.5–tonne to 44-tonne drawbar combinations, each with a 360-degree span. We can handle any job, large or small.
Our lorry mounted cranes range from Rigid, Artic and long-reach which all have various features and benefits that lend themselves well to particular projects and functions.
What are HIAB lorries used for?
Rigid HIAB lorries are used for everyday lifting and transportation jobs. They are especially useful when access to your construction site is limited. These are more compact and manoeuvrable than our larger Artic lorries and are an excellent choice for simple unloading tasks.
Our range of rigid HIAB cranes can be used to transport a variety of loads, including:
- Delivering and Positioning Site Storage: One of the most common uses for a HIAB is the transportation of heavy, bulky site equipment. For example, lifting and precisely positioning shipment containers onto tight construction sites or residential driveways where standard delivery trucks cannot operate.
Portable Buildings & Welfare Units: HIABs are essential for the safe transportation and precise placement of temporary welfare unites and site accommodation. Whether it’s a, a site office, or a portable toilet block, the crane allows the operator to lift the cabins directly over fences or onto elevated foundations with ease.
Building Materials: For active construction sites, efficiency is everything. HIAB lorries regularly transport heavy, palletised goods such as bricks, blocks, paving slabs, and roofing tiles. The crane’s extended reach means materials can be offloaded exactly where the tradesmen need them, drastically reducing manual handling on site.
Structural Steelwork: Lifting heavy steel beams and RSJs requires absolute precision and control. Our HIAB operators are fully trained to transport structural steel to the site and safely hoist it into position, often assisting the fabrication teams directly during the installation phase of a commercial or residential build.
Artic (articulated) HIAB Lorry cranes are ideal for almost any heavy haulage and abnormal transportation jobs. With a reach of up to 16 metres and span 360 degrees, they are beneficial for collecting and delivering oversized loads, such as
- Up to 40ft containers.
- Static plants.
- Abnormal loads such as boats and caravans.
RS French Artic HIAB Lorry Hire Project:
We recently worked on a bespoke project for BJF Group involving the construction of modular buildings. These units were pre-assembled at our depot within 48 hours and transported to their main office in Maidstone. Today, they provide a functional and modern workspace encompassing offices and meeting areas.
Long-Reach HIAB is an additional extension known as a fly jib that increases the cranes reach and lifting capacity. Its long reach of up to 32meters means that overcoming obstacles and delivering to ground level is made simple.
RS French Long-reach HIAB Hire Projects:
We recently supported Uplands Sheet Metal (left) at Iver North Water Treatment Works to remove a paddle arm. At Diva Metal works (right) we delivered and installed various metal beams for a project in Chertsey.
What are the benefits of a HIAB Lorry?
As the name suggests, lorry-mounted crane hire offers a crane and a lorry in one vehicle, reducing your overall expense. Some of our lorry mounted crane rentals can also perform the job of forklifts and mobile cranes, saving you the cost and hassle of having these on site too.
Our long-reach crane is fantastic for delivering goods and materials to your construction sites, transporting lighter loads over more considerable distances and reaching over obstacles. They are also very versatile, supporting the installation of timber frames and steel beams.
Safety and Compliance: The Legal Side of HIAB Lifting
Understanding what a HIAB is also means understanding the safety standards required to operate one. In the UK, HIAB operations are governed by LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).
At RS French, we ensure every lift is compliant and safe by providing:
- Qualified Operators: Every driver is trained not just in transport, but in complex crane maneuvers.
- Regular Inspections: Our fleet undergoes rigorous “thorough examinations” every six months to ensure hydraulic integrity.
- Site Assessments: We evaluate ground conditions to ensure outriggers (the “legs” of the HIAB) are deployed on stable footing to prevent tipping.
Common Industries That Rely on HIABs
While many associate these lorries with construction, their versatility extends to:
- Infrastructure: Moving generators, transformers, and telecommunications equipment.
- Agriculture: Delivering heavy machinery or bulk feed bags to remote farm locations.
- Events: Positioning shipping containers for festivals or temporary stages.
Conclusion:
HIAB lorries are versatile and flexible. They come in various sizes and have different capabilities. Depending on your requirements, you have the option between our Rigid and Artic lorries and depending on the reach, our long-reach crane hire.
Each of our highly skilled operatives on the RS French team holds a CPCS card and is qualified in health and safety. We’re ready and able to work with even the most demanding of site requirements.
Do you need advice or help choosing the right size HIAB lorry? Contact us, and we will be happy to discuss your requirements over the phone or by email.
For more information, visit: https://rsfrench.com/
T: 01227 752 101
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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