Crane hire cost per day in Liverpool varies depending on several factors, including the type of crane, duration of hire, and additional services required. On average, daily rates can range from £300 to £2,500, with smaller mobile cranes being more affordable and larger tower or crawler cranes costing significantly more.
The price of hiring a crane is influenced by more than just the equipment itself. Costs can increase if an operator is included, if a site survey is needed, or if extra lifting accessories are required. Location also plays a role—hiring a crane for work in a city centre may cost more due to access restrictions and the need for road closures. Understanding these factors can help businesses secure affordable crane hire deals without unexpected costs.
Finding the best crane hire cost per day in Liverpool means comparing quotes from different providers, checking for all-inclusive pricing, and ensuring there are no hidden charges. Many businesses overlook additional costs such as insurance, permits, and travel fees, which can significantly impact the final price.
In this article, we at North West Lifting Specialists will explore the key factors affecting crane hire prices, how to find the best deals, and how to avoid hidden fees. We’ll also explain when contract lifting may be a better alternative for cost-effective and stress-free lifting operations. If you’re looking for an affordable crane hire solution in Liverpool, this guide will provide everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Factors That Affect Crane Hire Cost Per Day In Liverpool
When looking for crane hire cost per day, it’s important to understand what influences the price. Several factors impact the total cost, from the type of crane to additional services required. Knowing these factors helps businesses budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
1. Type of Crane: The type of crane you need plays a major role in determining the hire cost.
- Mobile Cranes (£300 – £1,500 per day) – Ideal for smaller construction projects, factory lifts, or site work.
- Tower Cranes (£5,000+ per week) – Used for high-rise buildings and major developments. Usually hired on a longer-term basis.
- Crawler Cranes (£2,000 – £5,000 per day) – Suitable for large-scale infrastructure projects requiring heavy lifting.
- Mini Cranes (£200 – £500 per day) – Perfect for confined spaces or smaller lifting tasks.
2. Rental Duration: How long you hire the crane for will affect the overall cost.
- Short-Term Hire (1-3 Days) – Typically more expensive per day due to setup costs.
- Long-Term Hire (1 Week or More) – Discounts are often available for extended rental periods.
3. Site Conditions and Location: The location and setup of your project affect crane hire rates.
- Urban Areas – Projects in busy city centres may require road closures, increasing costs.
- Restricted Access Sites – Sites with tight spaces or height restrictions may need specialised cranes, raising prices.
- Weather Conditions – Delays due to poor weather may extend hire duration and costs.
4. Additional Costs and Extras: Crane hire companies often charge for additional services.
- Certified Operator (£200 – £400 per day) – Some companies provide cranes with or without operators.
- Lift Planning (£500 – £1,500 per project) – For complex lifts, CAD lift plans may be required.
- Insurance Costs (£100 – £300 per hire) – Damage, breakdowns, or accidents may require extra coverage.
- Transport and Setup (£100 – £1,000) – Getting the crane to the site and setting it up adds to the cost.
Understanding these factors allows businesses to compare crane hire cost in Liverpool and find the best deals. In the next section, we’ll look at how to save money and secure affordable crane hire without compromising on quality.
How To Find The Best Deals On Crane Hire In Liverpool
Finding the best crane hire cost per day in Liverpool requires more than just choosing the lowest price. The goal is to secure affordable crane hire without sacrificing quality, safety, or reliability. Here’s how to get the best deals while ensuring smooth lifting operations.
1. Compare Multiple Quotes: One of the easiest ways to secure a competitive price is to get quotes from multiple crane hire companies.
- Request at least three quotes to compare rates and services.
- Ensure the quotes include all costs, such as transport, setup, and insurance.
- Ask about discounts for long-term hire or repeat business.
2. Look for All-Inclusive Packages: Some companies offer contract lifting services, which bundle equipment, operators, and risk assessments into one package. While this might seem more expensive upfront, it reduces overall costs by including all essential services.
- Contract lifting includes certified personnel, ensuring compliance with safety laws.
- Lift planning and risk assessments prevent costly mistakes or accidents.
- Insurance coverage is often included, removing the need for separate policies.
3. Book Off-Peak or Flexible Hire: The demand for crane hire varies throughout the year, affecting prices.
- Weekday rates may be lower than weekend or emergency hire.
- Off-peak seasons (winter months) sometimes have discounted rates.
- Some providers offer flexible hire options where you only pay for the time the crane is in use.
4. Check Customer Reviews and Reputation: Choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the best decision. A reliable crane hire company should have a strong reputation for safety, punctuality, and equipment quality.
- Read Google and Trustpilot reviews to check for positive customer experiences.
- Ask for references or case studies from previous projects.
- Check whether the provider is certified under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and other safety standards.
5. Avoid Hidden Costs: Some providers advertise low daily rates but add extra charges later. Before booking:
- Confirm whether the operator, rigging equipment, and transport fees are included.
- Ask about cancellation policies to avoid penalties if plans change.
- Check if extra insurance is required, or if it’s covered in the initial quote.
By following these steps, businesses can secure the best crane hire cost per day without unexpected expenses. In the next section, we’ll explore how to avoid hidden charges that can impact your budget.
Crane Hire Cost Per Day In Liverpool: How To Avoid Hidden Charges
When searching for crane hire in Liverpool, many businesses focus on the advertised daily rate. However, the final bill can often be much higher due to hidden charges. Understanding these additional costs can help you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
1. Understanding What’s Included In The Quote: Some crane hire companies provide incomplete quotes, leaving out essential costs that appear later as extras. Before signing any agreement, ask for a full breakdown of the quote.
- Does the price include transportation of the crane to and from the site?
- Are the operator’s wages included, or is this charged separately?
- Will you need to pay extra for rigging equipment like chains, slings, or spreader bars?
2. Insurance and Damage Fees: Many crane hire companies require businesses to have insurance in case of accidents, breakdowns, or damage. This is often an additional cost that isn’t mentioned in initial quotes.
- Some companies offer their own insurance policies at an extra charge.
- If you have your own insurance, confirm that it meets the hire company’s requirements.
- Ask about damage liability—if the crane is damaged during the hire period, who is responsible for repairs?
3. Site-Specific Costs: The location and accessibility of your project can affect crane hire costs.
- If the site has limited access, extra equipment (such as lifting beams or compact cranes) may be needed, increasing the price.
- City centre projects may require road closures, for which local authority permits must be obtained.
- If extra time is needed for setup due to poor ground conditions, you may be charged for additional crane hours.
4. Penalty Fees for Delays and Cancellations: Unexpected delays can result in extra costs, even if they are beyond your control.
- If bad weather prevents lifting, some companies charge for unused hire time.
- Late return of the crane can result in penalty fees per hour or day.
- Cancellation fees may apply if you change the booking at short notice.
5. Operator and Labour Costs: If you need an experienced operator, check if they are included in the hire fee.
- Some companies charge an extra daily rate for a certified crane operator.
- If additional crew members, such as slinger signallers or riggers, are needed, this may increase costs.
By understanding these potential extra charges, you can ensure you’re getting the best crane hire cost per day without unexpected surprises. In the next section, we’ll explore whether contract lifting might be a better and more cost-effective alternative.
Affordable Crane Hire Alternatives: When To Consider Contract Lifting
When looking at crane hire cost per day in Liverpool, many businesses focus on hiring the crane alone. However, in some cases, contract lifting may be a more affordable and efficient option. Contract lifting includes not just the crane but also a fully managed lifting service, ensuring that the job is handled safely and efficiently. Here’s when it might be the better choice.
1. What Is Contract Lifting?: Contract lifting is different from standard crane hire.
- With standard crane hire, you only rent the crane and must provide your own personnel, such as an operator, riggers, and slinger signallers.
- Contract lifting includes everything required for the lift, including risk assessments, lift planning, certified operators, and insurance coverage.
- This service is fully managed by the provider, meaning you don’t need to worry about the logistics of the lift.
2. When Is Contract Lifting More Cost-Effective?: While contract lifting may seem more expensive upfront, it can actually save money in many situations:
- If You Don’t Have a Certified Lift Supervisor – Hiring an external lift supervisor can be costly, and contract lifting includes a fully qualified team.
- For Complex Lifts – If your project involves heavy machinery relocation, large structures, or restricted site access, contract lifting ensures the lift is planned and executed correctly without additional costs for adjustments.
- To Avoid Liability Costs – With standard crane hire, the responsibility for safety is on the hirer. With contract lifting, the provider takes full liability for the operation, reducing risk and insurance costs.
3. Comparing Costs: Crane Hire vs. Contract Lifting: Here’s how the costs of crane hire compare with contract lifting:
| Service | Standard Crane Hire | Contract Lifting |
|---|---|---|
| Crane Rental | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certified Operator | ✗ (extra cost) | ✓ Included |
| Lift Plan & Risk Assessment | ✗ (extra cost) | ✓ Included |
| Insurance Cover | ✗ (hirer’s responsibility) | ✓ Included |
| Site Survey | ✗ (extra cost) | ✓ Included |
| Full Lift Execution | ✗ (hirer’s responsibility) | ✓ Managed by provider |
As the table shows, contract lifting bundles multiple services into one package, which may ultimately reduce costs and simplify the process.
4. Choosing the Right Option for Your Project: Before making a decision, consider,
- Do you have the personnel required for standard crane hire? If not, contract lifting is a better choice.
- Does your lift require a detailed lift plan? If yes, contract lifting provides this as part of the package.
- Are you working on a high-risk site? Contract lifting ensures all health and safety regulations are met, preventing costly accidents.
For many businesses, contract lifting offers a stress-free and cost-effective alternative to crane hire, particularly for complex projects.
The Best Choice For Affordable Crane Hire in Liverpool
Finding the best crane hire cost per day in Liverpool is about more than just looking at the lowest price—it’s about ensuring you get the best value for your money. By understanding the factors that affect pricing, comparing multiple quotes, and avoiding hidden costs, businesses can secure affordable and efficient crane hire without unexpected expenses.
For those handling complex lifting operations, considering contract lifting might be the better option. This service provides a fully managed lifting solution, including certified operators, risk assessments, and insurance, which can help avoid additional costs and reduce liability risks. While contract lifting may seem more expensive upfront, it often saves money in the long run by bundling essential services into one package.
At North West Lifting Specialists, we provide cost-effective crane hire and contract lifting solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need a one-day crane hire or a fully managed lifting service, our expert team ensures safe, efficient, and affordable operations. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you always know exactly what to expect.
If you’re looking for the best crane hire cost per day in Liverpool, call us today on 07398 490877 for a quote. Let us help you find the most affordable and reliable lifting solution for your project.
