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CPA vs contract hire: key differences explained when seeking a crane

Need a crane for an upcoming project? You’ve probably come across the terms CPA crane hire and contract lift.

While both offer access to specialised lifting equipment, the responsibilities and risks involved differ a great deal. Choosing the right option can impact the safety, efficiency and legal compliance of your project.

At Lift Minicranes, we offer both options, and we’re here to help you understand the difference so you can make the right choice for your site, your team and your budget.

What is CPA crane hire?

CPA refers to hiring a crane under the conditions set by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), which is the industry standard in the UK. When you opt for CPA hire, you’re renting the crane and operator. However, most of the legal responsibility stays with you, the client.

This means you’re responsible for:

• Supplying the Appointed Person (to plan and supervise the lift)
• Conducting risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Ensuring site safety and ground conditions are suitable
• Providing appropriate insurance cover (e.g. for loss or damage, public liability)
• Supervising the lifting operation on-site

It’s ideal for contractors or companies who already have qualified staff on-site and are confident in managing crane operations safely and within regulations.

What is a contract lift?

A Contract Lift, on the other hand, shifts more responsibility to the crane hire company. With this option, Lift Minicranes not only supply the equipment and operator but also take care of:

• Providing an Appointed Person
• Planning the lift and producing RAMS
• Carrying out risk assessments
• Supervising and executing the lifting operation
• Ensuring insurance cover (including damage, injury and lift planning liabilities)

This means everything is covered. You’re essentially hiring a team that handles everything, making it ideal for those without in-house lifting experience or resources.

Why choose CPA crane hire?

CPA crane hire is typically more cost-effective since you’re only paying for the crane and the operator. It also offers greater flexibility, perfect if you’ve already got a project team that knows how to handle complex lifts safely.

At Lift Minicranes, we supply a wide variety of lifting equipment under CPA terms, including:

If you know exactly what you need and how to run the lift, CPA hire is an excellent choice.

• Spider cranes, from ultra-compact 1-tonne models that fit through standard doorways, to larger machines capable of lifting over 25 metres
• Floor cranes, A-frames, and light lifting tools for delicate or restricted-access tasks
• Tracked carriers which are ideal for tricky surfaces

When is a contract lift the better option?

If you don’t have a certified Appointed Person, or if you’d prefer to delegate the lift entirely, then it’s the safer and smarter route. This is especially useful on:

• Public sites or confined areas in cities like London
• Projects where you're unsure of local regulations or ground conditions
• Jobs requiring multiple crane types or specialist equipment

Lift Minicranes supports Contract Lift clients with bespoke equipment planning, matching the right machines to your tasks. Since we offer site deliveries and collections, you’ll have the minimum amount of fuss.

We also provide operator training and support with compliance, ensuring the job is completed safely and efficiently.

Long-term hire with support

We also offer hiring contracts for long-term or projects on multiple sites. Whether you need regular access to spider cranes, floor cranes or handling gear, we can tailor an equipment package that suits your needs.

We’ll deliver it to your premises and back it with comprehensive training, so your team always works within health and safety standards.

Making the Right Choice

Here’s a quick test to help decide:

• Do you have qualified lifting personnel in-house?
• Are you confident in preparing lift plans and RAMS?
• Do you already have the right insurance in place?

If the answer is “yes” to all of the above, CPA crane hire may be the better value. If not, Contract Lift offers complete peace of mind. Fortunately, with Lift Minicranes you have the option of both.

Why Choose Lift Minicranes?

Based in the South East, we specialise in precision lifting solutions for construction, fit-out and industrial projects. Our fleet is engineered for tight-access workspaces and demanding applications, and our team has the experience to back it up. Among our range are the latest battery operated mini cranes, which are useful for a wide range of projects.

Whether you’re after a quick CPA hire or a fully managed Contract Lift, we’ll make sure you have the right crane, the right support, and no hidden surprises.

Understanding the difference between CPA crane hire and Contract Lift isn’t just a legal or technical exercise; it’s a business decision that affects safety on site, efficiency levels and your budget.

If you’re still unsure which route to take, simply contact our dedicated team and we’ll talk you through it.