Crane Truck vs Mobile Crane: Which Should You Hire?
They sound similar but suit different jobs. Here is how a crane truck compares to a mobile crane.
If you have ever been unsure whether you need a crane truck or a mobile crane, you are not alone. Both lift loads, but they work differently. The right choice depends on your load, your site, and whether you also need the load delivered.
What a crane truck (Hiab) does
A crane truck, also called a Hiab or loader crane, is a truck with a crane mounted on it. It carries your load to site and lifts it into position in one visit. That delivery-and-lift in a single trip is its main advantage, and it suits suburban driveways and tight access where space is limited.
What a mobile crane does
A mobile crane is a standalone crane on its own carrier. It does not carry your load — the load arrives separately — but it can offer greater lifting capacity and height for big, heavy, or high lifts. It generally needs more set-up space and is suited to larger construction lifts.
How to choose
If you need a load delivered and placed, or you are on a tight suburban site, a crane truck is usually the practical choice. If you have a very heavy or very high lift and the load is already on site, a mobile crane may be better. RDD Services runs Palfinger loader crane trucks and can advise honestly on which suits your job.
Key points
- A crane truck delivers and lifts in one visit
- A mobile crane offers more capacity but does not carry the load
- Crane trucks suit tight, suburban, delivery-and-lift jobs
- Mobile cranes suit the heaviest and highest standalone lifts
Not sure which crane suits your job? Tell us your load and site and we will advise. 0424 727 273
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Common questions about crane truck vs mobile crane: which should you hire?.
A crane truck (Hiab or loader crane) has a crane mounted on a truck, so it delivers and lifts the load in one visit. A mobile crane is a standalone crane that does not carry the load but can offer greater capacity and height. RDD Services specialises in crane truck and Hiab hire across Sydney.