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Hiring a small crane for construction sites: 5 common lifting challenges solved

In the world of construction, time and safety are always key issues. Whether you're working in tight spaces in London, lifting awkward loads, or trying to keep your schedule on track, every detail counts. Nowhere is this truer than when it comes to lifting. That's where hiring one of our small cranes comes into its own.

At Lift Minicranes, we specialise in compact cranes that are tailored for modern construction sites. From providing spider cranes to full support teams including operators, signallers and lift planners, we make a complex process more straightforward.

Below are five of the most common lifting challenges on construction sites, and how hiring a small crane can help solve them.

1. Limited access at your site

Modern construction sites, especially in cities or busy towns, are notoriously cramped. Narrow alleyways, underground car parks, and low doorways often make it impossible to use traditional cranes.

Your logistics team might waste hours trying to coordinate heavy machinery that simply doesn’t fit.

Small cranes, particularly spider cranes, are built for these exact scenarios. At Lift Minicranes, we have machines as narrow as 600mm wide that can fit through standard doorways and operate in confined indoor spaces. Their tracked design allows them to traverse difficult ground, and their green qualities makes them ideal for restricted zones.

You won’t have to fret over road closures. Just in, up, and done.

2. Delicate or awkward loads

You’ll know that not all loads are created equal. Glazing panels, HVAC units, prefabricated features: many construction materials are tricky to deal with. Some are delicate; others are awkwardly shaped. Many are heavy in ways that make them hard to lift without damage or danger.The more awkward the load, the higher the risk of something going wrong.

Fortunately, our small cranes make dealing with such loads much easier. When paired with the right lifting attachments, like vacuum lifters or specialised slings, they provide safe and steady movement even for the most fragile items.

Our experienced teams can recommend the right equipment for the job and even take on the full lift operation if needed.

3. Construction of multi-level buildings

Sites with several floors being constructed often need materials lifted to different levels without disturbing work on the ground. Traditional cranes can be too large, and manual lifting isn't safe or efficient.

Small cranes can be used for level-by-level lifting. Our spider cranes, for instance, can be lifted to upper floors by tower crane or hoist and then deployed to do precise lifts from inside the structure.

Because of their light weight and stable outriggers, they can operate on concrete slabs without causing damage. This flexibility allows effortlessly to deliver materials across multiple floors, without interrupting the building process.

4. Safety and compliance requirements

Lifting is a highly risky activity. When carried out incorrectly, it can lead to serious injuries, damage to the structure, or legal issues. Many sites struggle with ensuring all lifting operations meet HSE requirements, especially when relying on subcontractors or untrained personnel.

When you hire from Lift Minicranes, you get more than just the crane. We offer fully certified operators, slinger/signallers, and appointed persons to oversee planning and execution. That means your lift is fully compliant with LOLER and PUWER regulations, and all paperwork, RAMS, and lift plans are taken care of.

5. The long-term needs of your project

Some projects require lifting capabilities not just once, but continuously over weeks or months. Buying a crane isn’t viable, and bringing in external crews every time can disrupt the progress of your project and inflate costs.

We offer contract hire solutions, supplying small cranes for long-term use. You get the same high-spec machines, delivered to site and ready for deployment, backed by our training programmes for your on-site team.

This option is ideal for main contractors, facility managers, or specialist subcontractors who need reliable, ongoing access to lifting equipment without the full-service cost.

Why choose Lift Minicranes?

• Specialists in spider cranes for sensitive environments and those with tight access
• Dedicated support teams: operators, banksmen and lift planners available
• Flexible contact: you can hire a crane short-term, long-term, or with a fully managed arrangement
• Safety always comes first, with full compliance and paperwork included
• A wide range of equipment including handling, skating, and transport gear

Whether it’s a single lift in a basement in Surrey or months of operations in London, we help you get it done safely, efficiently, and without the headaches. Hiring a small crane isn’t just about the machine: it’s about the confidence that comes with working with the right team.

Get in Touch

Ready to talk about your project? Or need advice on the best lifting solution? Simply give us a call or send us your drawings: we’ll help you plan it right from the start.

Contact Lift Minicranes today for a no-obligation quote on small crane hire.