Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Hiab Hire?
Hiab Hire is a service that provides vehicles equipped with a hydraulic truck loader crane for lifting and transporting heavy loads. It allows businesses and individuals to rent a vehicle and an operator for a specified period to lift and transport materials.
2. What is a Hiab?
A Hiab is a term originally associated with a type of crane manufactured by the company Hiab, a subsidiary of Cargotec. The term ‘Hiab’ has grown to become more generic over time.
The word HIAB is an acronym for “Hydrauliska Industri AB,” which is the name of the Swedish company that invented the loader crane
Nowadays, it’s often used to refer to any kind of lorry loader or truck-mounted crane, regardless of the manufacturer. This is akin to how brand names like ‘Kleenex’ or ‘Band-Aid’ have come to be used generically for tissues and adhesive bandages respectively. Today, ‘Hiab’ might refer to truck loader cranes from a variety of manufacturers, including but not limited to Fassi and Palfinger.
Hiab and similar cranes are specifically designed for loading and unloading heavy goods onto vehicles, especially trucks. They often come mounted on the back of a truck for easy mobility, which makes them a convenient solution for lifting and transporting heavy items. Renowned for their high-quality build, operational efficiency, and versatility, these cranes are ideally suited for a wide range of applications in sectors such as construction, transportation, and logistics. Their role in these industries is paramount, thanks to their remarkable efficiency and adaptability.
3. What are the typical costs associated with Hiab Hire services?
The costs of Hiab Hire services depend on several factors, including the duration of the hire, the size and weight of the load, and the distance to be traveled.
Other factors that can affect the cost include the type of truck or vehicle used, the cost of road user charges, the cost of fuel, any additional equipment required, and the availability of skilled operators.
Sizing the machine to the job is actually one of the critical elements that affect cost. Too small a hiab and you may need a second hiab, which means your paying for two people and two machines.
Too little hiabs can take longer and the cost more. When the job can be done by one.
Too small can also mean your lifting the load multiple times to reach its destination as the crane lacks capacity, this affects time on site as the cost is often hourly.
The same can happen with too large a Hiab or the wrong type of machine. If the weight is light and the distance is not a factor the extra capacity on the Hiab is not required so the cost of the machine maybe too high.
The key is to contact a reputable Hiab Hire company to get a quote.
Expect retail rates to range between $120 an hour and $300 an hour + FAF. Kilometer retail rates can vary between $3.90 and $6.00 per kilometer + FAF.
Km rates normally kick in when the distance required is greater than 25km one way.
The exact rate depends on the machine you require. Hiab options such as: Front Mount / Rear Mount / +Trailer / Long Reach / Heavy Lift / 4 Wheeler / 6 Wheeler / 8 Wheeler / 10 Wheeler / 8 x 8 / 4 x 4 / +attachments.
There are many options. McLeod retail rates start with Half Pint at $120 an hour.
The McLeod team are happy to help select the right machine for the job, give us a call and one of our experts can help you work out exactly what's required.
4. What types of vehicles are equipped with a Hiab crane for hire?
Hiab cranes can be mounted on various types of vehicles, including trucks, utes, trailers, and semitrailers. The specific type of vehicle used will depend on the weight, size and dimensions of the load to be lifted and transported.
Hiab service providers in New Zealand customise their machines – trucks equipped with cranes – to meet specific local needs, factoring in payload requirements (both weight and dimensions) and access considerations. Each machine can exhibit a wide array of differences, from safety features and lift capacity to payload and deck length, and even Hiab mounting position (front or rear).
Every variation affects aspects like Road User Charges and payload capacity. All designs, however, must comply with New Zealand’s Vehicle, Dimension and Mass Rule (VDAM), which stipulates local requirements.
Customisation can enhance a machine’s user-friendliness, setup speed, capability, safety, and payload. It can also improve ground clearance for easier site access, boost crane capacity, and optimise crane position. Conversely, some modifications might reduce certain features, but every change is made to ensure the machine is optimised for its intended purpose.
5. Can anyone operate a Hiab crane, or do you need special training?
Yes. Anyone can. Which means you may be dealing with someone unqualified.
The requirements for Hiab Operators in New Zealand are not law. Best practice is set out in the Part 4 of the Approved Code of Practice for Cranes by WorkSafe. McLeod follow this best practice, in fact we go further.
Applying best practice at McLeod means: Operating a Hiab crane requires specialised training and certification. The operators of Hiab cranes must be trained in safe operating procedures, as well as the regulations and laws governing the use of such cranes.
At McLeod we train Hiab Operators and teach safe practices around the use of these cranes. Not all operators in New Zealand do the same so it's important to ask.
6. What are some common uses for Hiab Hire, and in what industries is it most commonly used?
Hiab Hire is commonly used in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries for lifting and transporting heavy loads, such as pallitised products, steel beams, timber, construction materials, and heavy machinery. Hiabs are also used in the transportation and logistics industry to load and unload shipping containers.
We are also now seeing a significant uptake with the lifting and moving of portable buildings and modular houses. There are some very clever builders creating these types of building and a Large Hiab is often the right choice for delivery.
7. How do I find a reputable Hiab Hire company in my area?
You can find reputable Hiab Hire companies in your area by searching online, checking industry directories, or asking for referrals from other businesses or contractors. It's important to choose a company that has a good reputation for safety, reliability, and quality of service.
McLeod has won multiple awards in health and safety, has been operating since 1995 in and around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Our reputation is second to none and we would love the opportunity to work with you. We know the importance of a high quality, reliable service - it's what we strive to achieve every day. You can contact one of our experts here.
8. What safety precautions should be taken when using a Hiab crane for hire?
When using a Hiab crane for hire, it is essential to follow all safety guidelines and regulations to prevent accidents and injuries. Some safety precautions include ensuring that the load is properly secured, using the correct rigging equipment, and ensuring that the crane is properly maintained and inspected.
At McLeod we are also big believers in establishing exclusion zones to ensure everyone not involved in the lift is safe. At McLeod we run a system called Hiab Safety Levels where we work with the customer to ensure all risk is appropriately managed during our time on site with you.
9. Are there any weight or size limitations for objects that can be lifted using a Hiab crane for hire?
The weight and size limitations for objects that can be lifted using a Hiab crane for hire will depend on the specific model of the crane and the capacity of the vehicle used. It's important to discuss the requirements of your specific job with the Hiab Hire company to ensure that the appropriate equipment is used.
10. Can I hire a Hiab crane with an operator, or do I need to provide my own?
Most Hiab Hire companies provide a skilled operator as part of the rental package. This ensures that the crane is operated safely and efficiently by someone with the necessary training and experience.
11. How long can I hire a Hiab crane for, and what are the typical rental periods?
The duration of Hiab Hire services will depend on the requirements of the job. Some Hiab Hire companies offer flexible rental periods, including hourly, daily, and weekly rates. The length of the hire will depend on factors such as the size and weight of the load, the distance to be traveled, and the complexity of the job. It's best to discuss your specific requirements with the Hiab Hire company to determine the most suitable rental period for your job.
12. Why do Hiab Cranes have both an hourly rate and a kilometre rate?
Hiab cranes utilise two types of rates due to the diverse scenarios they operate in.
The hourly rate primarily applies when the crane is working on-site. This is a more fitting charge when travel is minimal, perhaps due to operations being contained within a local town or city, or when the crane is just static on site.
On the other hand, the kilometre rate is more relevant when the crane needs to travel distances.
Given that a truck can travel at 90km per hour on an open road, costs related to Road User Charges, diesel, tires, maintenance, and labour can quickly accumulate and surpass the value provided by the hourly rate. Consequently, the kilometre rate offers a more appropriate charge for travel, ensuring a fair reflection of the operating costs involved.
13. Is a Hiab the same as a Crane?
While a Hiab is a type of crane, it’s not accurate to say that a Hiab is the same as all cranes, since there are many different types of cranes used in various industries.
A Hiab is specifically a truck loader or truck-mounted crane. These are cranes that are mounted onto a truck and used for loading and unloading heavy goods.
Other types of cranes include tower cranes (often used in construction), mobile cranes, telescopic cranes, crawler cranes, and many more, each designed for specific tasks and environments. So, while a Hiab is a type of crane, it’s not the same as all cranes.