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Maeda vs UNIC vs Bocker: Which mini crane is best for your hire?

Here at Lift Minicranes, mini cranes and accessories are one of our specialities. We hire out these types of cranes for projects across the South East, including in cities like London where space is limited.

If you’re thinking of hiring a mini crane, we have three leading names available: Maeda, UNIC, and Böcker. Each brings its own strengths to the table, offering reliable lifting solutions in confined, complex or otherwise awkward environments. But which one is best for your project?

Our guide explores what these different brands have to offer, when to use them, and how to choose the right mini crane for your lifting challenge.

Why compact mini cranes?

Before taking a look at comparisons, it’s worth revisiting why the hiring of compact cranes is in such high demand.

These small but mighty machines are ideal for tight spaces, uneven terrain and hard-to-reach locations where traditional cranes can’t operate. Whether it’s the basement of a plant room, a city courtyard or lifting on a rooftop, mini cranes (especially spider cranes) are engineered to thrive in these settings.

The Contenders: Maeda, UNIC, and Böcker

Let’s look at the strengths and unique qualities of each brand.

1. Maeda Mini Cranes

Made in Japan, Maeda is one of the most recognisable names in compact spider cranes. Known for reliability and innovation, Maeda’s range spans from lightweight models like the MC285 (995kg capacity) to heavy-duty options like the LC785 (up to 4.9 tonnes).

Key advantages:

• Exceptional build quality. These cranes are tough, dependable and low-maintenance.
• Impressive reach. Models like the MC815 can lift 8 tonnes with long boom extensions and hydraulic fly jibs.
• Variable outrigger positions which are helpful on uneven or limited surfaces.
• Smart safety systems. Maeda cranes feature advanced load monitoring and safety interlocks.

Best for:

Contractors who need a reliable, versatile spider crane for lifting in tight, complex environments. Ideal for construction, fit - outs, glazing, and mechanical installations.

2. UNIC Mini Cranes

UNIC, also Japanese, is another powerhouse in the spider crane sector. Its product line ranges from ultra-compact models like the URW-095 (0.995 tonnes) to robust machines like the URW-1006 (up to 10 tonnes lifting capacity).

Key advantages:

• Ability to fit through narrow entry ways. Many UNIC cranes can fit through standard doorways (as little as 600mm wide).
• User-friendly controls which are intuitive for operators, with the option to use wireless remotes.
• Excellent lifting height, with some models offering up to 30m reach.
• Compact stowage. UNIC machines fold down smaller than many competitors.

Best for:

Indoor jobs, projects with restricted access, or sites where quick setup and manoeuvrability are key. Perfect for heritage sites, airports, shopping centres, and high - rise construction.

3. Böcker Minicranes

Böcker, a reliable German brand, brings a different twist to the mini crane market. While Maeda and UNIC focus mainly on spider cranes, Böcker offers a hybrid solution: compact cranes that combine the best features of tower and trailer cranes.

Key advantages:

• Aluminium designs, which are lighter and corrosion-resistant.
• Excellent height-to-weight ratio. This makes them ideal for work on roofing and façades.
• Ability to reach longer with an impressive radius even at lower capacities.
• Fast to setup. Many models deploy with minimal effort.

Best for:

Rooftop work, modular building, steep or sensitive ground, or any job where lightweight reach is more important than brute lifting force. These cranes are favoured by roofers, glazing teams, and modular installers.

Choosing the right compact crane for your project

Here’s how to decide which mini crane is best for your project:

1. What are you lifting?

Heavy machinery or structural steel? Go Maeda. Glass panels or HVAC units in restricted areas? Go UNIC. Roof trusses or façade materials? Go Böcker.

2. What's access like?

Very narrow corridors or doorways? UNIC’s slim-line models are unbeatable. Uneven or sloped ground? Maeda’s outriggers handle this best. Delicate surfaces like rooftops? Böcker’s lightweight footprint wins here.

3. How much reach do you need?

Böcker excels in horizontal outreach. UNIC offers an impressive vertical lift for its size. Maeda balances lifting power with reach across the range.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to hiring a mini crane. Each brand, Maeda, UNIC, and Böcker, excels in different areas. It’s all about matching the crane to the job.

• Choose Maeda if you want all-round power and flexibility on complex jobs.
• Hire UNIC if you need a nimble, doorway-friendly spider crane for internal lifts or delicate spaces.
• Consider Böcker if you're tackling roofing or any job requiring long reach with minimal ground impact.

Still unsure? At Lift Minicranes, we help you assess the type of lift you need, the site and timeline to recommend the perfect crane for hire.From 995kg to 8 tonnes, we've got a machine that fits your lift, your space and your schedule.

For more information, simply contact our friendly team today.