Crane hire software —
CPA or contract lift
The difference between CPA and a contract lift is who carries the risk, and it is worth 25–40% on the price. Quote the wrong one and you are exposed.
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CPA versus contract lift
CPA (Contract Plant Hire): you supply crane and operator. The hirer plans and supervises the lift and carries the risk. Lower rate.
Contract Lift: you plan, supervise and carry the risk. You appoint the Appointed Person. Typically 25–40% more than CPA, and your insurance must cover it.
Never let a client call it a contract lift and pay CPA rates.
Crane day rates
| Crane | Day rate (operated) |
|---|---|
| 20–30t city crane | £480–650 |
| 35–50t all terrain | £650–900 |
| 60–80t all terrain | £900–1,300 |
| 100t all terrain | £1,400–1,900 |
| 130–160t | £2,000–2,800 |
| 200t+ | £3,200–5,500 |
| Crawler 50–100t | £1,100–2,200 |
| Spider crane | £350–600 |
| Lorry loader / HIAB | £320–480 |
What gets forgotten
- Mobilisation and demobilisation — £300–1,200 each way, escorts on big cranes
- Counterweight transport — a 100t crane needs 2–4 extra wagons at £400–900 each
- Rigging and derigging — half a day each end over 80t, a full day over 160t
- Appointed Person on a contract lift — £400–700 per day
- Slinger / signaller — £220–320 per day, often two needed
- Lifting gear, ground mats and outrigger pads
- Standby time when the lift waits on a late delivery
Lift planning
A lift plan is required for every lift under LOLER 1998 and BS 7121. Ground bearing pressure matters — a 100 tonne crane on outriggers exerts 15–25 tonnes per m². Radius governs capacity, not weight alone: a 100 tonne crane may only lift 8 tonnes at 30 metres. Always check the duty chart against the actual radius.
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