If you are an individual or business that needs to transport heavy items, then investing in low loader services would be a great option. These heavy vehicles are useful in a variety of industries, yet their uses in particular would be construction, agriculture, energy, logistics, and mining. There isn't much limit on what you can carry on them, so we advise you to save the stress of attempting to transport them yourself and get some professional help.

In this article, we will cover what a low loader really is, its uses, and overall benefits for anybody interested.

A low loader vehicle is a unique type of heavy-duty trailer with a deck positioned extremely close to the ground, used for transporting tall, heavy, or oversized loads that cannot be carried on standard trailers due to height restrictions. So, even if you have other machinery in itself, a low loader could carry this. It often features a detachable front or ramps to allow machinery or equipment to be driven directly onto the trailer.

Weight Limits on Low Loaders

Regarding weight, a low loader's limit for what it can carry is very impressive. Here are 5 examples of the extent of items you can transport:

• Excavator (Construction) – 20–90 tonnes

• Combine harvester (Agriculture) – 10–25 tonnes

• Power transformer (Industrial/Energy) – 50–300+ tonnes

• Main battle tank (Military) – 60–75 tonnes

• Wind turbine blade (Renewable Energy) – 10–20 tonnes

So these vehicles are absolutely perfect for anybody in any stage of life, such as moving house, business needs and large-scale projects. 

If you are undertaking a project or difficult task involving transporting heavy goods, there is nothing better than knowing they will get transported in time, but more importantly, in a safe manner. Larger objects can often be difficult to keep in good condition, especially when they are going from place to place. With low loaders, you can be assured that your items, small or huge, will be supported by this vehicle from onboarding to offboarding.

As well as this, low loaders are great for unique-sized and shaped loads. Due to its low deck feature, it can hold objects and machinery that would not be suitable on a regular trailer. Equally, with its additional features, adding your heavy goods is made much easier.

Following this, these vehicles offer improved road clearance and stability. The low center of gravity offers better stability during transport, especially with heavy or awkward loads.

Lastly, as with any process throughout life, with saved time and effort it can make a stressful task a lot smoother than it may have been initially. When a low loader is involved it would ultimately cut any time you could have spent, lifting and disassembling. This also would have higher chance of being a dangerous activity if not done properly with the help of a low loader.

At NMT Crane Hire we have spent decades helping people and businesses with countless projects. Whether it is a simple transport need or a complex film and tv service, we give peace of mind to all our customers. Our expert team are highly trained sticking to legal procedures and standards, all while maintaining great customer service for all!

If you are interested in low loader vehicles or any other heavy-haulage vehicles, then be sure to contact us today for professional guidance on where to get started with us. You can phone us or use our online contact form.

In the film and TV industry, it is key to get every shot perfect for the specific project. It is vital for the equipment used to be of modern standards as well as being able to hoist heavy materials with no issue! Entertainment crane hire has many aspects, whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, intense action sequences, or dramatic close-ups, the equipment you choose plays a pivotal role in bringing your vision to life. 

Seen as production for film and TV has dramatically increased in recent years, the process must be in the hands of professionals who control these mighty cranes. So, in this post, we will be covering the top tips for choosing certain cranes for unique productions!

Most people love a good movie or show. We love them for different reasons and not one is a carbon copy of the other. The shots will be different, the angles, smoothness, etc. Here is where understanding the goal of your project comes into play. Some cranes are designed for long reaches, while others specialise in compact areas or extreme heights. Knowing your needs will make the decision easier – you may be aiming for an area to shoot that is impossible to achieve without certain cranes.

The choice of crane depends on the specific needs of the shot, location, and production scale. Let's take a look at what ranges of cranes suit this media industry:

Mobile Cranes:

Nowadays, mobile cranes are especially useful for film and TV productions because they combine mobility with power. They are capable of lifting heavy camera rigs or equipment, allowing filmmakers to achieve those iconic sweeping or aerial shots without needing to be in a fixed location or using more expensive or difficult-to-transport cranes. Their flexibility makes them an excellent choice for both outdoor and indoor shoots.

They can be easily relocated to different angles, allowing crews to quickly adapt to changing production requirements. Additionally, mobile cranes are ideal for handling the logistics of outdoor and on-location shoots where the flexibility to reposition and adjust quickly is crucial.

Tower Cranes

While typically used in construction, tower cranes can sometimes be used in film and TV productions, particularly for aerial shots over large sets or locations. These cranes have a vertical structure that offers excellent height, allowing for dramatic, high-angle shots. Tower cranes are ideal for large-scale productions and can support heavier camera rigs. However, their setup and transport can be more time-consuming and costly than mobile cranes.

Jib Cranes

Jib cranes are smaller, more lightweight cranes used for capturing fluid and sweeping shots with less complicated setups. Jibs are often used in tight spaces or when a full-sized crane isn’t practical. A jib can be mounted on a vehicle, such as a truck, or be operated from a stationary position. They’re often favored for their flexibility and ease of setup, and they're commonly used in film and TV for capturing smooth vertical and horizontal camera movements. 

Two of the most famous crane shots in film that have had a profound impact are from “The Godfather” (1972) and “Goodfellas” (1990). Both scenes exemplify how a crane shot can create a dramatic, visually striking moment that would be impossible to achieve in the same way without the use of this technique.

Here are the scenes we mean by this as well as why cranes have an impact and make the scene why it is memorable:

 The Godfather (1972) – The Opening Wedding Scene

The crane shot in The Godfather pulls back from a close-up of Amerigo Bonasera to reveal the full wedding scene. This shot is iconic because it establishes the immense power and reach of the Corleone family in a single, fluid movement. The gradual pullback emphasises the scale of the world within the movie, visually setting the tone for the entire story. The crane allows for a sweeping view that creates a sense of grandeur and intimacy simultaneously, showcasing the family’s authority while drawing the audience into the personal drama of the characters. 

Without the crane, the shot would feel static, and the tension of the scene wouldn't be as effectively built through visual storytelling.

Goodfellas (1990) – The Copacabana Entrance

In Goodfellas, the crane shot follows Henry Hill through the back halls of the Copacabana nightclub, creating a seamless experience that pulls the audience into the action. The fluidity of the crane shot mirrors Henry's rising status and the intoxicating power of the mafia lifestyle. The shot's smooth, continuous movement emphasises Henry’s control, drawing viewers into his world with a sense of privilege. A crane was essential here, as its ability to move both horizontally and vertically allows for the uninterrupted tracking of characters, intensifying the impact of Henry’s moment of glory. 

Without it, the scene would lack its immersive, almost dream-like quality.

Here at NMT Crane Hire, our highly skilled team of experienced professionals can provide you with the perfect crane for any entertainment job you are undertaking. We are one of the UK’s leading companies in crane hire and we have spent the last 40 years building a reputation for being dependable and trustworthy. 

We have been involved in the production of films such as Quantum of Solace, Gravity, Fast and Furious 6, World War Z, and Pirates of the Caribbean. As well as assisting on shows with TV’s favorites…Ant & Dec! Click here to find out more about NMT film & TV cranes.

If you would like to get in contact with NMT Crane Hire, please feel free to get in touch by filling out our online inquiry form or by giving us a call at 0800 026 6985.