Crane Hire with Operator

Crane hire with operator in London is the arrangement where we supply the crane and a qualified CPCS-certified operator, and the client provides their own appointed person and lifting plan. This is the appropriate arrangement for principal contractors and specialist lifting contractors who have the competence in-house to plan and supervise lifting operations, but who need to supplement their own crane fleet or access a crane type they do not own.

London Crane Hire has supplied cranes and operators across Greater London since 2008. Our operators hold current CPCS cards in all relevant crane categories, carry out daily pre-use inspections to a documented standard, and work strictly to the method statement and lifting plan provided by the client's appointed person. This page covers operator qualifications, what crane-with-operator hire includes, the division of responsibility between us and the client, and how to arrange a booking.

CPCS Operator Qualifications

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is the industry-recognised qualification framework for plant operators in the UK construction sector. CPCS cards are issued by NOCN (formerly CITB) and are specific to the category of plant the operator has been assessed on. All our crane operators hold current, in-date CPCS cards in the categories relevant to the machines they operate.

CPCS A60: Slewing Mobile Crane

Category A60 covers all forms of slewing mobile crane, including all-terrain, rough-terrain, city cranes and truck-mounted cranes. Operators assessed to A60 have demonstrated competence in pre-use inspection, setting up and levelling, safe load indicator operation, load chart interpretation, lifting operations with and without load, travelling with loads and all pre- and post-work procedures. Our A60 operators are among the most experienced mobile crane operators working in London.

CPCS A61: Derrick Crane and Crane with Fly Jib

Category A61 covers mobile cranes operating with a fly jib (extension jib) configuration, which is used to achieve additional lift height or radius beyond the capabilities of the main telescoping boom alone. Fly jib operations require additional competence in rigging the fly jib, reading the fly jib load charts and managing the reduced capacities and altered boom geometry that fly jib operation introduces. Several of our A60 operators also hold the A61 card.

CPCS A04: Tower Crane

Category A04 covers tower crane operation, both static and self-erecting types. Tower crane operators require a significantly different competence set from mobile crane operators: understanding of the jib and counterweight configuration, anti-collision systems, wind management, hydraulic climbing and jacking procedures, and the specific emergency procedures for high-level incidents. Our A04 operators are dedicated tower crane specialists who have worked on London high-rise programmes for the full period of our trading history.

CPCS A58: Compact Crane

Category A58 covers the mini crane and spider crane category. Operators assessed to A58 demonstrate competence with remote control operation, outrigger deployment on uneven surfaces and within confined spaces, access route assessment and interior lifting operations. Our A58 operators are experienced in the unique demands of mini crane work in London's tight-access urban environment.

What Crane with Operator Hire Includes

Our crane with operator hire includes the crane in a fully serviced, LOLER-inspected condition, delivery to site, commissioning and a briefing with the client's site team. The operator carries out a daily pre-use inspection before each shift and records the results on the daily plant check sheet, a copy of which is available to the site manager.

The operator works to the method statement and lifting plan provided by the client's appointed person. They will not carry out any lift that is not covered by an approved lifting plan. If site conditions differ from those described in the lifting plan, the operator will stop operations and inform the appointed person before continuing. This is not inflexibility; it is the correct response to a changed risk profile that the existing lifting plan does not address.

Fuel is included in our daily hire rate for mobile cranes. Daily record sheets, pre-use inspection records and a LOLER plant register entry for the crane are provided on request.

Division of Responsibility

Understanding the division of responsibility on a crane-with-operator hire is important for both parties. Our responsibilities cover the condition of the crane, the competence of the operator, the operator's compliance with the lifting plan and the daily pre-use inspection. The client's responsibilities cover the planning of the lifting operation, the appointment of a competent appointed person, the production of the lifting plan and method statement, the supervision of the operation and the training and competence of any slinger/signallers or banksmen the client provides.

This division is established clearly in our hire terms and conditions, which align with the standard conditions of hire published by the Contractors Plant Association. Clients who are not certain of their obligations under LOLER 1998 should consider a contract lift arrangement instead, where we assume the appointed person role and full operational responsibility.

Daily Hire Rates and Booking

Daily hire rates for crane with operator vary by crane type and capacity. Mobile crane rates are quoted inclusive of operator, fuel and transport for planned hire periods. Tower crane rates are quoted inclusive of operator on a weekly or monthly basis. Mini crane rates are quoted inclusive of operator on a daily basis.

All rates are subject to a minimum hire period that varies by crane type. We provide written quotations for all bookings, confirming the crane specification, operator category, hire period, rate and all additional costs before the booking is confirmed.

Slinger/signallers and banksmen can be supplied as an additional resource if required. Their rates are quoted separately and are based on the number of personnel and the hire duration.

Booking Process

To book crane hire with operator, contact our team for advice from our team with the crane type, approximate capacity and dates required. For planned lifts, we recommend a minimum of 48 hours' notice to check availability and confirm logistics. For tower crane hire, longer r-8f5b73 times apply due to the complexity of installation planning.

We will ask for a copy of the lifting plan and method statement before confirming the booking, so that our operator can review the planned operation and raise any questions before arriving on site. Submit an enquiry online and we will respond within four hours during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we use our own appointed person with your crane?

Yes. Crane hire with operator is designed precisely for clients who have their own competent appointed person. Your appointed person produces the lifting plan and method statement, and our operator works to that plan. The appointed person must be identifiable on site and must be present for, or have reviewed and approved, each lifting operation described in the plan. If you do not have an appointed person in-house, our contract lift service includes this role.

What CPCS category is needed for a tower crane operator?

Tower crane operators must hold a current CPCS A04 card. This is different from the A60 mobile crane category and is specific to tower cranes. Our A04 operators are dedicated tower crane specialists with multiple years of experience on London high-rise sites. We can provide copies of current CPCS cards for any operator we supply upon request before the booking is confirmed.

Do your operators carry out pre-use inspections every day?

Yes. Every operator carries out a documented pre-use inspection of the crane before operating it each day. The inspection follows the checklist recommended by the crane manufacturer and covers all safety-critical systems. The completed inspection record is signed by the operator and is available to the site manager on request. Any defect identified during the pre-use inspection is reported immediately and the crane is taken out of service until the defect is rectified.