Archives: Blog

Need to lift heavy objects or large pieces of apparatus? Looking for a quick and efficient haulage solution?

When it comes to transporting items around a building site, propping up taller structures and moving materials long distances, you can’t go wrong with a HIAB crane.

Here we take a look at what HIAB cranes are, what they’re used for and the advantages of using these machines.

What is a HIAB crane?

HIABs, also known as lorry mounted cranes or lorry loaders in the haulage industry, are large trucks that are specifically designed to lift and transport goods.

‘HIAB’ is short for Hydrauliska Industri AB, a Swedish company that started manufacturing hydraulic cranes back in the mid-1940s. Today, the company still owns a wide range of loader cranes that are commonly used on construction sites and for various other projects.

A HIAB is made up of a truck and hydraulic crane combined, making the process of loading and unloading cargo more efficient than ever before. The truck’s engine powers the hydraulics of the crane, ensuring that materials are transferred smoothly without the need for additional equipment. And thanks to the lorry loader’s extendable arm, it can reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

When are HIABs used?

Lorry mounted cranes are powerful yet versatile machines that can handle different sized loads. Anything from cargo shipping containers to cumbersome materials for projects (e.g. stacks of bricks, bags of sand and timber frames).

HIAB cranes are also useful for lifting and transporting freight, including abnormal loads such as heavy machinery, portacabins, boats, trains, aircraft, etc.

Thanks to their excellent adaptability, lorry loaders can benefit many different industries, including (but not limited to) construction, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and landscaping.

Benefits of hiring a HIAB crane

• Ease of use

Whether you need to transport freight or load and unload cargo at ports, factories or warehouses, HIAB cranes are guaranteed to simplify the process for you.

They come with all the necessary equipment to lift and move goods – regardless of their size, shape and weight. Unlike conventional cranes, they can be easily moved and allow you to transport and deliver cargo quickly and safely without the need for a mobile crane, which also helps to save you money.

• Manoeuvrability

A lorry mounted crane is extremely manoeuvrable. It can transfer large, bulky objects in small or tight spaces on your site, including those harder to reach areas.

HIABs are also more compact than other machines, which makes them perfect for urbanised locations (i.e. city centres with high-rise buildings, narrow streets and parking restrictions). Most can rotate 180°, but some are able to rotate fully, allowing you to load and unload both sides of the vehicle.

• Versatility

What makes HIAB cranes stand out in the haulage industry is how versatile and hard-working they are.

These powerful machines can be used as a crane to move things from A to B and support larger structures, as well as transport items from one site to another and load and unload cargo. They’re multi-purpose.

• Efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a lorry loader is that it’s more cost-effective than buying one outright and having to find somewhere to store it.

When compared to other types of cranes, the HIAB can save time and money, as the site doesn’t need to be prepared before its arrival. Plus, you needn’t coordinate with a crane firm, allowing for quick turnaround times and smoother deliveries.

Why use JB Rawcliffe’s HIAB crane hire service?

Here at JB Rawcliffe, we have more than 45 years’ experience when it comes to HIAB crane hire and operate an extensive fleet throughout the UK.

Confident that we can offer a suitable solution for your project, our team will draw on their knowledge and expertise to determine the best lorry mounted crane. We can also provide Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) certified staff along with the machinery if required.

At JB Rawcliffe, we follow stringent safety measures and ensure that our systems are regularly inspected and serviced in-between rentals, giving you peace of mind that they are safe and reliable to use.

Get in touch

Want to know more about HIAB crane hire? Perhaps you’ve got a question about HIAB cranes in general? Or maybe you’d like to discuss your requirements with a member of the team?

Our specialists are always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.

Either give us a call on 01695 737 880 or drop us an email at enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Reconfiguring space at your worksite? Upgrading old industrial equipment for innovative machinery? Perhaps you’re relocating to new premises?

You’re probably wondering whether it’s really necessary to use a professional machinery handling service while you could shuffle equipment around yourself or ask a couple of colleagues to help.

Are we right?

Here we outline the reasons why many people choose not to employ the expertise of machinery handling specialists and the potential risks involved with handling machines singlehandedly.

Why do people opt to handle machinery themselves?

Businesses choose to keep handling operations in-house for several reasons – the most common being to:

·         Make use of employees

Have you got a large workforce? Are some members of staff standing around doing nothing? Machinery handling could be the perfect job for them – ensuring maximum productivity and putting their muscles to good use.

Ideally, you’ll need someone on each side and the appropriate lifting equipment. However, the more people you ask to assist, the better.

Of course, you’ll need to provide them with clear instructions so they know exactly what they’re doing.

·         Cut down on costs

As the rate of inflation continues to grow, many companies are having to tighten their purse strings – and that means reducing the number of services they outsource.

Instead of hiring an external team to handle machinery, they’re utilising their own workforce, which allows them to save money and invest it elsewhere.

Providing you’ve got enough staff to lend a hand, and they’re all trained on how to handle different types of equipment safely and efficiently, this can be a real boon.

·         Speed things up

If your business is working to a tight deadline, it’s much quicker to handle the equipment in-house, rather than contacting machinery handling specialists and finding a date and time that suits you both.

For example, specialists might not have any availability until the following week, whilst your new machinery is being delivered in the next few days and you need to make space for it now.

Why you should seek professional assistance

Whilst it’s perfectly possible to handle equipment in-house, using trained personnel, some prefer to pass the responsibility of machinery handling to the professionals.

Having one less thing to worry about is one of the reasons why a machinery handling service is so appealing. But that’s not the only reason…

·         Safety

Without the necessary expertise and equipment, lifting, moving and installing machinery can be extremely dangerous. For example, sharp edges could puncture the skin, people may become crushed between moving parts or you might end up pulling a muscle and seriously injuring yourself.

With that said, asking an expert to handle machinery on your behalf is the safest option and will help to mitigate the risks – both for your workforce and your equipment.

·         Peace of mind

All businesses want to trust that machinery is installed correctly before they use it.

Although you could take machinery handling into your own hands, in a bid to save time and money, it’s crucial that you never skimp on safety when it comes to connecting and mounting new systems.

The team at JB Rawcliffe have the tools required for different types of heavy machinery and we follow all the stringent guidelines to ensure your goods are in the safest of hands. We’ll also make sure they’re safe and ready to use.

·         Efficiency

Not got the tools to handle machinery? Not got the space to store them? That’s where our machinery handling service comes in.

Instead of having to fork out on special tools and find somewhere to house them, you can contact our specialists as and when you need us. We’ll always do our best to accommodate your needs and assist with your projects as soon as we can. What’s more, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing, ensuring you receive maximum value for your money.

Contact JB Rawcliffe & Sons

If you would like to know more about machinery handling or the other services we provide here at JB Rawcliffe, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We’re always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.

You can either give us a call on 01695 737 880 to discuss your requirements in further detail or email your queries to enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com.

So, you work in an industry that transports large, cumbersome loads from A to B.

In most cases, it’s perfectly possible to use vans and lorries to transport such goods – but it depends on the type, size and weight of the consignment in question.

Any long, heavy or wide goods, unable to be split into several loads without undue expense or risk of damage (commonly referred to as abnormal loads), can pose a problem.

If you’re new to the industry, you’re probably wondering what abnormal transport is and how it works, right? Well, you’re in luck.

Here haulage experts, JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, explain everything you need to know about heavy haulage and abnormal loads – including the legislations currently in place, the costs involved, and the perks of enlisting the help of a haulage company.

What is an abnormal load?

According to GOV.UK, an abnormal load is a vehicle that has:

• a load that weighs more than 44,000kg
• an axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle (or 11,500kg for a single driving axle)
• a width of more than 2.9 metres
• a rigid length of more than 18.65 metres

This includes (but is not limited to) transporting new trains to stations, aircraft to airports, industrial machines to factories, motorhomes to caravan sites, yachts to harbours, and oil tanks to businesses up and down the country.

Who should you contact if you need to transport a wide load?

If you need to transport any type of heavy haulage – either in the UK or internationally – you must notify the authorities.

Make sure you give early warnings to the police, highway authorities and bridge and structure owners, such as Network Rail, as you’ll need to allow time to get the necessary clearances. For instance, a Special Order application form must be completed 10 weeks before the scheduled date.

Highways England’s electronic service delivery for abnormal loads (ESDAL) is a brilliant tool to use. It allows you to plan your route and notify the relevant authorities of your proposed movements, find out about any potential route problems in plenty of time, and save vehicle details and routes for future reference.

Another great thing about ESDAL is it ensures safety for drivers, enabling them to prepare for possible restrictions that may occur along the way.

What is the legislation for moving an abnormal load, and why is it in place?

The legislation that covers the movement of wide loads is the Motor Vehicle (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 2003, or STGO for short.

The STGO stipulates that hauliers planning on transporting abnormal loads are responsible for informing the highway, bridge and police authorities of their intentions.

Why? Well, pre-notifying bridge owners will allow them to check that the movement of a long, heavy or wide load will not place undue stress on structures being crossed. Plus, the transportation of said loads must not cause a hazard or harm to other road users.

Is a vehicle escort necessary?

The simple answer is it depends on the width, length and weight of the load, the proposed route, and the haulage company.

Generally, loads below 4.12m wide, 30m long and 100t don’t need a vehicle escort on roads.

Loads up to 4.6m wide, 30m long and 130t in weight can be transported on motorways without a police or private escort, although some haulage companies will request one or opt to self-escort – especially if there are mitigating circumstances.

For more guidance, refer to the Highways England voluntary code of practice.

How much does heavy haulage cost?

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to heavy haulage and abnormal load transport is the cost.

Of course, no two haulage companies are the same and their initial quotes and prices will vary, depending on:

• The size, weight and length of the load – with large, long and unwieldy goods being more expensive to transport than smaller and lighter items.
• The length of the journey – the further haulage trucks have to travel, the more you’ll pay.
• The current cost of fuel – heavier items burn more fuel, meaning vehicles will need refuelling more frequently.
• Any additional services – should you require an escort vehicle or permit, this will add to the overall cost too.

It’s worth noting that abnormal loads will be more expensive than other heavy haulage services, purely because of the dangerous nature of transporting wide loads, and the need to notify the authorities.

To find out how much it will cost you to transport consignments safely and efficiently, contact a couple of haulage companies, preferably those that offer abnormal load transport and have vast experience. Request a quote from each, and make comparisons between their services and pricing.

Here at JB Rawcliffe, we’d be more than happy to discuss your haulage needs in more detail and offer a fair price. Get in touch to find out more.

What are the benefits of hiring a haulage company?

Transporting abnormal loads is never easy and can lead to various potential issues if not executed correctly.

That’s why, when you come to JB Rawcliffe for abnormal load transport and haulage, you can trust that we will assist you with notifying the authorities and keeping proceedings safe. Ensuring your consignments reach their end destination on time and in one piece.

Our haulage specialists have an abundance of experience when it comes to transporting all manner of goods – from expensive equipment to priceless parts and irreplaceable industrial machines. Whatever you need to transport, we can assure you it will be handled with great care and transported using only the most dependable vehicles.

To find out more about our abnormal load transport service, don’t hesitate to call us on 01695 737 880.

Transporting An Abnormal Load FAQs

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But with the national lorry driver shortage, many Brits have already faced problems with low stock, long delivery times, and price rises.

At JB Rawcliffe & Sons, we are all about spreading yuletide cheer. That’s why, as heavy haulage specialists, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure our customers’ consignments reach their end destination on time and in one piece.

Here we look at what makes us different from other haulage companies in the UK and what we can do to help you during the festive season and well into the new year.

Meeting increased demands at Christmas time

Excellent organisation

All retailers rely on drivers to transport goods to depots, stores, and customers’ homes.

Although many shoppers have witnessed gaps appearing in supermarket shelves as firms struggle to find drivers to collect produce from suppliers, the team at JB Rawcliffe can assure you that we plan every job from start to finish.

We execute the logistics and plan all routes to ensure every aspect runs as smoothly as possible. When you opt for heavy haulage with us, you can also trust that you’ll be kept in the loop at all times.

Maximum efficiency

If Christmas is your busiest time of year, like the majority of our customers, you can count on us to provide an efficient heavy haulage solution to match your tight timescales.

No task is too big or too small for our team. Our extensive fleet of vehicles is readily available to transport your goods and we can help to navigate even the most difficult of routes.

Much like Chris Rea’s Xmas jingle, many of our drivers will be driving home for Christmas too, so we will always allocate time for breaks to ensure the safety of your goods, and our fleet drivers and heavy haulage trucks.

Top-quality

During the festive period, our staff will be working quickly to ensure we meet your deadlines and the last post for Christmas. But that doesn’t mean we’ll compromise on quality or safety.

Something that sets us apart from other heavy haulage companies is that we are continually striving for excellence.

Our no.1 priority is to deliver a service that’s second to none – ensuring professionalism and efficiency. We also regularly invest in our heavy haulage trucks to ensure you (our customers) have the best choice of vehicles for your haulage requirements.

Want to know how we can help you?

The team at JB Rawcliffe has vast experience when it comes to heavy haulage and abnormal load transport. We have been offering our services to customers across the length and breadth of the country for many years and show no signs of stopping any time soon.

Whether you’re looking to recruit a new haulage company due to the driver shortage or you need a hand sending consignments at the busiest time of the year only, we are confident we can help.

To discuss your requirements in further detail, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Either call us on 01695 737 880 or email enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com, and we’ll get back to you.