Archives: Blog

Do you need to lift and transport goods in remote locations?

Might we suggest tracked HIAB crane hire?

A tracked HIAB is equipped with a hydraulic lorry loader and loading bed, which makes it perfect for lifting cargo in rough terrain. This specialist HIAB makes light work of the most challenging lifting operations – reaching heights that other vehicles simply cannot.

Below, we look at some of the ways you can benefit from hiring a tracked HIAB crane and why you should hire one from JB Rawcliffe & Sons.

 

·         A tracked HIAB crane can lift and move loads with ease

With its powerful hydraulic crane, a tracked HIAB is an incredibly hardworking machine that can be used to effortlessly haul goods of all shapes and sizes in difficult-to-reach areas.

The control system allows for precise positioning and operation – even in adverse terrain conditions – ensuring maximum safety and efficiency on-site.

 

·         Tracked HIAB crane hire is convenient

Combining the ability to load and unload heavy goods, and transport them to their final destination, a tracked machine with a mounted crane offers a cost-effective alternative to a standard crane.

Facilitating rapid set-up and excellent manoeuvrability – and with no prep work required on-site – lifting operations can be started (and completed) in less time, too.

 

·         Tracked HIABs enhance safety

Operating any sort of machinery when the ground is soft and wet underfoot can be risky – both for the operators and the goods in transit. But thanks to their brilliant stability and traction, tracked machines mounted with cranes can navigate even the harshest of conditions.

For example, a tracked Morooka-type HIAB like the ones we provide at JB Rawcliffe can carefully transport and lift loads to otherwise inaccessible locations. And as part of our tracked HIAB crane hire service, we’ll execute the logistics – making sure that the machinery is loaded and offloaded correctly, and that deliveries run as smoothly as possible.

 

·         Tracked HIAB crane hire can be tailored to your requirements

Do you need to lift and move construction materials, heavy machinery or other cumbersome items?

The tracked HIAB is designed to handle various weights and sizes – making it suitable for a wide range of industries. Including agriculture, construction, energy and telecommunications, to name just a few.

Whatever your reasons for needing to hire a HIAB crane, and for however long you need it to be kept on your site, a reputable transport company like ourselves will offer a flexible solution.

 

Ready to take advantage of tracked HIAB crane hire?

Here at JB Rawcliffe, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service and support. This is why our experts are always on hand to guide and advise you when hiring specialist equipment, like tracked HIAB cranes.

We’ll work closely with you and your team to ensure that your lifting and transportation needs are met – no matter how big or small the task may be. We can also assure you that you’ll receive a professional yet competitive service.

To get the ball rolling and benefit from tracked HIAB crane hire, be sure to give us a call on 01695 737 880 and request a free, no-obligation quote.

Abnormal load movement is required to transport large objects like wind turbines to their destination. The movement of this freight is known as ‘heavy haulage’.

Heavy haulage is a more complex process than simply transporting something from A to B.

It requires a lot of planning, specialist equipment and expert drivers with experience and knowledge of safe heavy lifting.

In this blog, we’ll explore heavy haulage, the lifting services haulage firms offer and how this benefits the industries using them.

 

What is heavy haulage?

Heavy haulage refers to the movement of abnormal or oversized loads which can’t be dismantled and transported using standard logistics and distribution.

It requires the use of a specialist heavy haulage firm that can plan the transport of these heavy loads around the UK, and abroad.

Unlike regular haulage, which is simply the transport of structures from one place to another, heavy haulage requires more planning (including pre-planning the safest driving routes and organising escort vehicles) to ensure freight arrives safely.

 

What services do heavy haulage companies offer?

Although heavy haulage typically refers to the transport of abnormal loads, most heavy haulage companies also provide other logistical services too.

They include:

Abnormal load haulage

Transporting heavy and wide loads requires more preparation and expert transit methods to move the freight safely.

Experienced and established haulage firms plan the best route, arrange a private escort to protect the heavy freight and create a lift and loading strategy.

Machine operating systems, cargo handling and haulage

Awkward, heavy loads such as storage containers and excavators need lifting by specially designed haulage machinery.

For example, sophisticated vehicles such as mobile cranes and hydraulic gantry lifts are used by haulage companies to load cargo onto lorries, trailers, and trucks.

Trained operators will control the machinery and plan and navigate the whole lift to avoid damage.

Jacking

In areas with limited space, a crane may not be viable. Instead, heavy haulage firms will plan an alternative loading method, such as jacking.

Jacking systems use hydraulic jacks to raise the freight vertically from the ground onto a skid track, which skates the load horizontally onto the truck or trailer.

Heavy goods storage

Established haulage companies offer storage at their facility to keep bulky, awkward loads until the client can collect them.

A business may require storage to house large structures whilst moving between sits or after salvage recovery.

Vehicle salvage recovery

Accidents happen, and even the most accurately planned logistics can go wrong.

Events out of our control, such as unsighted debris, may cause haulage vehicles to lose control and cargo to fall.

The most credible heavy haulage firms provide an accident salvage and recovery service to recover loads as safely and promptly as possible.

Hauling companies have specialist lifting equipment and the knowledge to raise fallen cargo from the ground and onto a recovery vehicle whilst preventing further damage.

 

Industries that use heavy haulage services

Professional heavy lifting services and logistics are used across multiple sectors. These industries include:

Wind energy sector

Due to environmental commitments made by the government to create more sustainable energy, the wind energy industry is growing across the UK.

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) found that global wind power projects have “quadrupled in size over the last ten years”.

Only heavy-duty lifting machinery operated by haulage firms can lift and carry heavy turbine parts to their rural destinations.

An experienced company will select the vehicle most capable of safely manoeuvring across unstable off-road hillsides, grass, sand and cliffsides.

Shipyards and ports

Abnormal loads, such as iron shipping containers are raised and loaded at ports.

Other weighty objects like ships and yachts need to be lowered and raised into docks at shipyards.

Experts in haulage have the know-how and specialist equipment to plan and execute these lifts accurately, reducing the risks of accidents.

Civil engineering and construction

Construction firms rely greatly on specialist machinery and transport provided by haulage companies.

Trusted heavy haulage firms support building projects by transporting heavy materials or machinery like forklifts and excavators.

Aviation

The Aerospace Industries Association concluded that in 2020, the aviation market reached $298 billion in value, a trend that continues to rise at a rate of 7.7%.

As the aerospace market grows in value and expands rapidly, plane manufacturing has increased.

Heavy aircraft cabins and engines are transported across the UK by haulage firms who plan the transit thoroughly.

Agricultural sector

Combine harvesters and slurry tanks are large and delicate objects that require a heavy haulage team to transport them.

Heavy haulage firms have the experience and machinery to do this safely without interfering with routine farming.

 

Hire a reputable heavy haulage firm

Lifting and loading fragile abnormal loads should only be planned and executed by experienced professionals with specialist knowledge and machinery.

Abnormal load handling and logistics is a delicate operation that can result in accidents and damage to freight if not planned thoroughly.

To avoid destruction to loads, only engage the services of a reputable firm with plenty of years of experience.

 

Contact JB Rawcliffe, trusted experts in heavy haulage

We have over thirty years of experience handling and transporting heavy loads, so you can be sure your freight is in safe hands with JB Rawcliffe.

To get in touch or request a free quote, call us on 01695 737880 or fill in our online contact form

When it comes to haulage, HIAB cranes lead the way in terms of convenience and versatility. These powerful machines are fantastic and offer much more than other cranes on the market.

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a HIAB crane so special, and why you should consider hiring one for your project.

 

What is a HIAB crane?

When talking about HIAB cranes, we are referring to lorry-mounted cranes. HIAB, short for Hydraliska Industri AB, is a Swedish brand name that has become synonymous with lorry-mounted cranes over time.

As the name suggests, it’s a crane fitted on a truck that has transformed haulage operations across multiple industries: such as construction and shipping. Workers can reap the benefits of a two-in-one lorry and crane as it lifts, transports goods, and hauls heavy loads across site.

There are two types of HIAB cranes available, the rigid HIAB and the articulated HIAB.

 

What’s the difference between a rigid HIAB and an articulated HIAB?

Within the haulage industry, there are two HIAB models available: the rigid HIAB and the artic HIAB. Both use their lorry’s engine to power the crane hydraulics, but there are subtle differences between the two.

A rigid HIAB is an all-in-one structure with the crane fixed at the rear or front of the vehicle.

They’re nimble and can fit into tight spaces as any trailer attached is removable. A rigid HIAB is best for operations in a smaller, condensed yard.

An articulated HIAB has the crane mounted behind the lorry cab and can capably perform a tandem lift. This is where two artic HIABs work together to lift even heavier loads.

Articulated HIABs are best for those projects that require extra heavy lifting and loading.

Both cranes boast a long reach to lift around obstructions, have precision controls for more accurate lifting and have more payload room for loading.

At JB Rawcliffe, we operate a fleet of HIAB cranes, meaning we’ll have one perfectly suited to your project.

 

What is a HIAB crane used for?

HIAB cranes are highly versatile due to their all-in-one loading and lifting capacities, making these cranes a popular choice across multiple industries.

Haulage and logistics 

HIAB cranes are ideal for lifting and transporting loads across the UK. Heavy, wide appliances that can’t be lifted by a forklift can be transported using a HIAB. They include hot tubs, boats, and heavy machinery such as excavators.

Construction

HIAB cranes are frequent at construction sites as they can lift, and transport heavy loads needed for building projects.

Examples of materials/structures that HIAB can lift, and carry include porta cabins, building materials such as bricks and timber, generators, railway tracks, heavy piping, and metal structures.

Container yards and ports

You’re likely to come across a HIAB at a container yard. This is because they can lift heavy shipping containers, load heavy objects into containers, place them around site, and transport them across the country.

Skips and recycling facilities

It’s not just glass and plastic that gets disposed at skip yards and recycling plants. Big bulky appliances such as fridges and washing machines can be left too. HIAB cranes are used to haul these objects as well as lift skips and containers.

 

The benefits of HIAB crane hire

The unique selling point, (USP) of a HIAB is that you get two features all in one; it can lift AND transport goods.

So, what are the other benefits of HIAB crane hire?

Fewer vehicles needed on site

The two-in-one package HIAB cranes offer means that there’s no need for extra vehicles on site.

This crane takes care of site logistics, meaning that stand-alone trucks are not needed, freeing up space in the building yard.

No need for a stand-alone crane 

With a HIAB doing all the lifting, a stand-alone tower crane isn’t always necessary on-site. This saves money as only one machine is required, saving space around site too.

Compact in nature

Unlike large, traditional cranes, HIAB cranes are compact and can squeeze into smaller congested areas on site for a more accurate lift.

This attribute makes them perfect for urban construction in cities that are tight for space.

Precision lifting

HIAB cranes boast a long reach, enabling the crane to lift and load from the most suitable distance. In addition, thanks to a 180° rotation, lifting is even more precise.

Perfect for tight deadlines

As HIAB cranes usually don’t require dedicated road closures for loading and transporting, they are excellent for short-notice projects and narrow deadlines.

 

Consider a HIAB crane for your upcoming projects

HIAB crane hire can help your project run more efficiently by combining hauling and transportation capabilities. Not only will this free up more space on your site, but it helps to make site operations more convenient.

Make your life easier by opting for HIAB crane hire with JB Rawcliffe. It’s a brilliant way to reduce your overall costs and ensure that your deliveries and lifts run smoothly.

Contact our experts today to discuss your project requirements. You can call us on +44 (0)1695 737880, get in touch via our online enquiry form or email us at enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com

Every day, transport and logistics companies are seeking ways to improve the efficiency of their routes and schedules, especially with the rising fuel costs.

Whilst it’s crucial that hauliers have a fleet of specialist vehicles at their disposal – ready to be dispatched at a moment’s notice – they also need to determine a suitable hauling method for oversized (abnormal) loads.

Taking the time to plan and execute the logistics for abnormal load transport will ensure goods reach their end destination safely and on time. However, there are a few factors that need to be considered when it comes to route planning.

Let’s take a closer look at these.

 

What type of load needs moving?

To identify the best truck for the job, haulage companies need to assess the shape, size and weight of the load that needs moving.

Armed with the basics, they can then decide on a suitable route to take – making sure there are no obstructions (i.e. low bridges, narrow streets, parked cars, etc.) along the way. This will ultimately ensure the safety of your cargo, the driver, other road users and pedestrians.

 

When does the load need to be moved?

Whether you need to transport goods within the UK or to destinations overseas, it’s a sensible idea to consider the time of year.

For example, if you need to move machinery in December – ready for the new year – bear in mind that the roads will be much busier as people travel home to spend the festivities with their loved ones.

Similarly, when transporting an abnormal load in adverse weather conditions, hauliers are likely to drive slower and take more frequent breaks, especially when making long journeys. Taking additional precautions, as such, is likely to increase the time it takes for goods to arrive, but the risk of accidents and injuries will be significantly less.

 

Is a vehicle escort required?

Depending on the type of load you need to move, you may need to notify the police, highway authorities and bridge and structure owners.

Although a vehicle escort is not compulsory for abnormal load transport, when planning the route and executing the logistics, your chosen haulage company may recommend using an escort service.

Escort vehicles can either ride ahead to ensure the route is safe for the long or wide vehicle, or behind to help control passing traffic. Either way, they will alert other road users to the presence of an abnormally large load.

 

Make JB Rawcliffe your first choice today

Whether you need to move heavy, industrial machinery or portacabins that are too wide to fit on a conventional lorry, JB Rawcliffe can handle it all!

We have specialised in abnormal load transport for many years and guarantee a professional solution for all clients. We use only the most reliable vehicles to transport unusually large loads across the country and beyond.

Our team will always conduct a route survey to ensure it’s safe for your goods to be transported. And when planning the route for abnormal loads, we can arrange a private escort service, if necessary.

To find out more about the services we provide and what’s involved in route planning, give us a call on 01695 737 880.