What are HIAB trucks used for and how do they work?
If you’re a company that requires the transportation of heavy goods – whether it’s machinery or construction materials – a HIAB truck could be just the answer you’ve been searching for.
HIAB trucks – also known as HIAB cranes and lorries, or lorry loaders – are powerful machines that can perform a wide range of lifting and transportation tasks. They’re utilised by companies all around the UK daily and are excellent at taking heavy goods from point A to B without strain or stress.
Interested in finding out more about HIAB cranes? Read on to find out what they are and how they work.
What is a HIAB crane?
A HIAB truck is a lorry-mounted crane that can both lift heavy objects and transport them on their bed. HIAB – Hydraliska Industri AB – is a Swedish brand name that’s now synonymous with lorry-mounted cranes thanks to their excellent quality and popularity ever since their beginnings in 1944.
A HIAB lorry is a truck with a fitted crane that lifts, transports and hauls heavy loads with ease.
This unique device, combining the traditional crane with a truck, has transformed haulage tasks across a wide range of industries thanks to its 2-in-1 lift and transport ability.
How does a HIAB lorry work?
A HIAB truck works by lifting heavy goods and loading them onto the bed of the truck to transport them to another location.
A controller will manage the lorry’s crane using a remote control. The HIAB crane can both reach up high to lift goods to an otherwise tricky spot and lift extremely heavy objects.
The vehicle’s engine powers the hydraulics of the crane to grip objects and move them either on or off the truck.
What is a HIAB truck used for?
HIAB trucks are used in the heavy haulage industry to assist with the transportation of heavy goods for a wide variety of sectors.
The crane can lift a huge range of objects, including:
- Pallets
- Metal frames
- Construction materials and equipment
- Shipping containers
- Farming equipment
- Vehicles
- Display stands
- Heavy duty pumps
A HIAB crane offers fantastic flexibility to load and unload heavy objects quickly, efficiently and safely without the need for additional equipment, such as forklifts or tail lifts.
This is another major benefit of HIAB trucks as their functionality allows companies to save money on extra vehicles or equipment to help with the loading and unloading of goods.
Do you need a licence for a HIAB crane?
Yes, you need a licence to be able to drive a HIAB truck.
You can complete a course to earn a certification with either The Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) or the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS).
A course to become a HIAB truck driver and controller involves learning about the legislation, pre-operational checks, maintenance, preparing the crane for use and, of course, the use of controls.
Once you have successfully completed a course and earned a qualification as a certified lorry loader, you can control a HIAB crane truck.
HIAB truck hire at JB Rawcliffe & Sons
If you require the services of a highly qualified team of heavy haulage experts, check out our HIAB crane hire at JB Rawcliffe & Sons.
We can provide fantastic HIAB truck hire for clients all around the UK thanks to our extensive fleet with lifting capacities to suit every task. No matter your goods, we’ll always have a vehicle available to meet your requirements – even at short notice.
Are you interested in our HIAB truck hire services? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can get in touch either by calling 01695 737 880 or sending an email to enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com.
A member of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your heavy haulage requirements and go through our HIAB truck options.