NMT Crane Hire was recently called into the heart of Manchester to execute a highly specific and technical lift in one of the city’s most prestigious business districts for a repeat client.
Our team from the Birmingham depot once again demonstrated why we are trusted for delicate and challenging lifting operations.
For this project, the BOCKER AK46/6000 crane was the ideal choice, offering the versatility and precision required to meet the unique demands of the job.
Our mission was to lift out existing glass panels from a high-rise office building and replace them with sleek new glazing.
Operating in a bustling city centre added an extra layer of complexity to the job, expertly managed by our supervisor and site team.
We worked closely with the client and local authorities to temporarily close a busy side street, ensuring pedestrian safety through clear signage, barriers, and proactive guidance around the works.
Our team operated efficiently, maintaining the highest safety standards while minimising disruption to the public.
The BOCKER AK46/6000, with its advanced capabilities, enabled us to complete the lifts with precision, ensuring the flawless installation of the new glass panels.
Terry Clarke, NMT Crane Hire Manager in the Midlands and the appointed person on the job, said: “This project highlights why NMT Crane Hire is the go-to choice for challenging lifts in busy city centres like this.
With a skilled team, a modern fleet of cranes, and a commitment to safety, we specialise in delivering precision and efficiency for projects of all sizes. Full credit to our team, including Martin Tongue, for delivering an excellent result for our client.”
We are seeking an experienced and reliable HIAB Driver to join our team.
The successful candidate will ideally be Bedford-based and be responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of goods to various locations, ensuring timely deliveries and adherence to all safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
• Safely operate a HIAB vehicle to deliver goods to designated locations.
• Load and unload materials using the HIAB crane, ensuring secure and balanced loads.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle and equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of deliveries and vehicle maintenance.
• Adhere to all traffic laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing any client concerns professionally.
• Assist with general yard duties when required.
Qualifications:
• Valid HGV Class 2 (Category C) driving license.
• Current HIAB certification with experience operating lorry-mounted cranes.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a HIAB driver.
• Valid CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and Digital Tachograph Card.
• Strong understanding of load securing and safety procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
What We Offer
• Competitive Pay
• Industry-leading rates, plus opportunities for overtime and bonuses.
• Supportive Team: Join a close-knit, professional team that values your skills and experience.
• Variety of Work: Contribute to exciting projects across the UK for high-profile clients.
• Modern Fleet: Drive state-of-the-art vehicles, maintained to the highest standards.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a company that invests in your training and development.
About NMT Crane Hire
NMT Crane Hire is a family-run business with a long-standing reputation for excellence in the crane hire industry. We pride ourselves on promoting a supportive and professional environment where our team can thrive. We put our customers first, every time. We’ve been trading for over four decades and are one of the most well known, trusted and reliable crane operators in the UK.
How to Apply:
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Send your CV to: James “JD” Ambridge at jd@nmtcranes.co.uk
Are you an experienced driver looking for your next big opportunity? NMT Crane Hire, a leader in the crane hire industry, is seeking a skilled Ballast Driver (STGO Driver) to join our growing team.
We’re going through a busy period in our operations and following the acquisition of two new DAF XG vehicles to our fleet, we now need a brilliant driver behind the wheel.
The Role:
As a Ballast Driver, you will be responsible for the safe and timely delivery of crane ballast, counterweights, and associated equipment to sites across the UK. You’ll work closely with our operational team to ensure smooth project execution and maintain high safety standards. This role is vital to the efficient operation of our business and the successful delivery of major crane hire projects.
What we’re looking for:
We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:
STGO Driving Experience
You must have at least 3 years’ experience driving under STGO regulations, with a proven ability to handle and transport abnormal or heavy loads.
HGV Class 1 License
A clean and up-to-date license is essential. You’ll need to have excellent knowledge of HGV laws and regulations.
Background in Heavy Goods
Prior experience as a HIAB driver or working with heavy goods is highly desirable.
Safety Awareness
A strong understanding of loading, unloading, and securing heavy items safely and in compliance with transport and industry regulations.
Route Planning Skills
Familiarity with planning routes for abnormal loads, navigating restrictions, and ensuring timely delivery to various sites.
Positive Attitude
Reliability and a strong work ethic are key, along with a professional approach to both the job and customer interactions.
Flexibility
Willingness to travel across the UK and occasionally work extended hours to meet project demands. We are a national business.
What We Offer
Competitive Pay: Industry-leading rates, plus opportunities for overtime and bonuses.
Supportive Team: Join a close-knit, professional team that values your skills and experience.
Variety of Work: Contribute to exciting projects across the UK for high-profile clients.
Modern Fleet: Drive state-of-the-art vehicles, maintained to the highest standards.
Professional Growth: Be part of a company that invests in your training and development.
About NMT Crane Hire
NMT Crane Hire is a family-run business with a long-standing reputation for excellence in the crane hire industry. We pride ourselves on promoting a supportive and professional environment where our team can thrive. We put our customers first, every time. We’ve been trading for over four decades and are one of the most well known, trusted and reliable crane operators in the UK.
How to Apply:
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you!
Send your CV to: James “JD” Ambridge at jd@nmtcranes.co.uk
NMT Crane Hire is proud to announce the addition of a brand-new Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 mobile crane to its ever-growing fleet.
The Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 is a crane renowned for its reliability and excellence—key qualities that align perfectly with our commitment to choosing only the best for our business.
Known for its engineering and superior lifting capabilities, it offers exceptional power and versatility. With a maximum telescopic boom length of 78 metres and the ability to achieve heights of up to 120 metres with its jib, it’s built to handle demanding projects with precision and safety.
Its compact 6-axle design, combined with the groundbreaking VarioBase® system, ensures maximum stability and maneuverability, even in the most challenging conditions.
NMT’s latest investment in this tried-and-tested Liebherr model reaffirms the company’s dedication to reliability, safety, and cutting-edge technology. The crane is already road-ready, with its first job set to commence this week.
JD Ambridge, Managing Director of NMT Crane Hire, said: “Adding a third 300-tonne crane to our fleet underscores the organic growth NMT is experiencing and our ongoing investment in proven, state-of-the-art equipment.
“The Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2 is not only a powerhouse but also a crane with a solid reputation for performance and dependability.
“It’s a machine that delivers time and time again and one which we believe is going to transform our business offering, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of our national client base with confidence and precision.”
To hire this crane for your next project, call 0800 026 6985.
It may seem like a simple question to ask, but deciding whether or not a crane would be a useful or required tool for your project can be difficult to answer. In this article, we have put together a few useful questions to ask yourself that should point you in the right direction.
Should I hire or buy a crane?
Crane hire is a cost-effective, easy method of gaining access to specialised, useful, high quality equipment instead of having to purchase and store a crane. Cranes are expensive machines to maintain and train personnel on. Crane hire services remove the difficulty around training, maintaining and storing cranes, giving you only the benefits of crane use.
NMT offers two types of crane hire, CPA crane hire and contract lift hire. Visit our about page to learn about the differences between these two options.
The NMT fleet of cranes can always optionally include a fully trained crane operator when you hire one of our machines. If you would like to learn more, why not give us a call on 0800 0266985 for free advice on what crane is suitable for your project.
What materials will your project be using?
If you are using dense or cumbersome material, it may be worth getting a crane. This may be especially true if you are in a construction setting where some building materials aren’t able to be broken down into manageable pieces.
If you are using unwieldy materials, it may also be worth exploring haulage options, such as our heavy and light haulage trucks. These transport logistic solutions are a perfect fit for projects of almost any size. If you would like to learn more about our fleet of haulage vehicles, click here.
Time, place and scale.
If your construction project involves building a multi-story structure, you will most likely need a crane to lift materials to the upper floors. In general, if the height of the building is more than 5 stories, you should consider using a crane.
Another aspect that will affect your decision is where your project is located.Have a look at the accessibility of the construction site, if the construction site is located in a tight space or difficult terrain, such as a steep slope, it may be difficult or even impossible to move materials manually. In such cases, a crane can help you move materials quickly and safely.
Building projects in rural settings come with their own challenges and limitations. Whilst space limitation is often mitigated, other constraints, such as ground stability can mean that some types of cranes are unsuitable for rural work.
NMT’s fleet of all terrain cranes are perfect for rural construction projects. All terrain cranes are designed to handle any type of surface, ensuring that platform stability is always at a safe level. All terrain cranes are perfect for environments with variable weather patterns and varied ground types.
If your project is in a well-developed area, such as a city or any other densely packed urban setting, a city crane would be the best option for your construction. Alternatively, mobile tower cranes may be suitable if there is space and you require a higher vertical capacity.
If your construction project is large and complex and is expected to take several months or even years, it may be more cost and time effective to invest in a crane rather than relying on manual labour to move materials.
There are hundreds of variables that can influence your decision to use a crane in your projects, but as a general rule, if you have heavy materials to move, a multi-story building to construct, limited accessibility to the construction site, and a large, complex project, it’s likely that you will need a crane.
Specialised uses for cranes.
Construction isn’t the only industry in which cranes are useful tools. NMT has worked with film and television industry leaders, creating unique cinematography and set design opportunities. Our work on BBC’s Doctor Who and Universal pictures Fast and Furious 6 made iconic scenes possible.
If you want to make use of unique camera angles, create multi-level stage props or other specialised cinematic techniques, a crane may be suitable for your project. To learn more about NMT’s work in the film industry, visit our Film and TV specific website.
Broadly speaking, if you require a stable platform with high vertical manoeuvring capability, a crane is suitable for you. Some niche uses for cranes can include:
High rise restaurants
Bungee jumping
Home extensions
Domestic landscaping
The versatility of cranes makes it impossible to go over all of their possible uses. To get free advice, tailored to your project, give our team a call on 0800 0266985. If you would prefer, you can also contact us via our contact form.
NMT has provided quality crane hire in Bedford and the surrounding areas for well over forty years, helping thousands of clients like you to complete their projects.
To help construct and sculpt buildings and all shapes and sizes, a crane’s design has to be sophisticated enough to be able to adapt to the needs and requirements of any project. Having been developed over centuries, the crane’s design has reached a stage where no project is too big, but what are the components of a crane’s design which enable contractors and builders to build bigger and bigger? NMT Crane Hire outlines all the features and components which make these machines a mainstay on every construction site.
Hook
The hook part of the crane is what the load is connected to. It may not be as big in stature as some of the other components of a crane, however, it still remains one of the most important parts. The hook is connected to the house and the and effector and must be strong and durable enough to hold significant amounts of weight.
Hoist
The hoist is what creates the lifting motion of the crane within the rigging system. It is made up of a cranking mechanism or winding drum, using wires to raise and lower the hook. Depending on the model of the crane, hoists can be powered manually, electronically or by using pneumatics.
Boom & Jib
The boom of a crane is the long steel arm that spans the length of the vehicle. Stretching from the operator’s cabin and ending with the hook, Booms distribute the weight of the load and provide the necessary height needed for certain jobs. The jib is an addition to the boom and is used when extra height is needed to be achieved. These also work well to take some of the weight off of the hoist, alleviating some of the stress.
Counterweight
As cranes have to regularly carry and transport extremely heavy loads, there is always the risk that the crane may lose balance and topple over – the counterweight is there to make sure that this doesn’t happen. These counterweights are usually placed at the back of the crane to offer as much support as possible. Outriggers can also be used for extra support if the operator feels that the counterweight won’t be enough to balance the load.
Operator’s Cabin
The operator’s cabin is the control centre of the crane. As well as housing the operator, the cabin is home to all of the crane’s controls, the anemometer (which measures wind direction and speed), the scales and other essential features of the crane.
Contact NMT Crane Hire
If you have a project and are in need of a mobile crane, don’t hesitate to contact NMT Crane Hire. We can provide you with a fleet of vehicles suitable for any job. Contact us today on 0800 026 6985 or via our online contact form to discuss availability.
The construction industry is a sector that is consistently growing, so much so that you may be thinking of choosing it as your career path. One way of getting into the industry in an exciting way is to become a crane operator. A career as a crane operator may not be at the forefront of your mind when you think about obtaining a job in the construction industry, however, it can have some great benefits.
In this blog we are going to talk about some of those benefits, taking an in-depth look into why a career as a crane operator can be very desirable. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the main advantages of becoming a crane operator.
Hands-On Work
A big advantage of gaining a job as a crane operator is the hands-on nature of the day to day tasks you will need to complete. If you are looking for a career where you are constantly getting stuck in, then crane operating could potentially be the perfect career path for you. As a crane operator, you will get the chance to have a great, positive influence on a variety of projects, construction-based or otherwise.
You may have to cope with a high level of responsibility as a crane operator, however, that is only because you will be such a vital member of any team you are a part of. After your morning catch-up and briefing about the day’s tasks that lay ahead, you will get straight to work, being able to take an active part in each project and having a big impact on the job.
High Demand For Work
One of the main benefits of becoming a crane operator is that once you become fully trained and qualified, you will be in high demand for work. In comparison to the number of jobs that require cranes, there are not that many crane operators readily available. This means that you are likely to be able to find work relatively easily.
A crane operators salary in the UK is around £38,146 a year, according to TotalJobs.com. There is currently a high demand for crane operators within the United Kingdom, so once you are qualified, you are certain to find high amounts of work. On a personal level, knowing that you possess a skill that is difficult to come by means that you will feel more highly valued amongst your peers on a construction site. Being able to efficiently operate a crane can mean that you have many years of job security ahead of you.
Supportive Work Environment
Working as a crane operator will expose you to a supportive environment full of hard-working colleagues, all working together to achieve a common goal. Depending on the size of the project at hand, a construction site can feature hundreds of different workers. Playing such a pivotal role within a large operation can be pretty gratifying.
It should not be underestimated the sense of accomplishment you and your co-workers get from completing a project, especially one that you have been working on for a long period of time. Spending time working closely with a large team is a great way of building professional and even personal relationships. Working as a crane operator will give you the opportunity to work in unique environments, surrounded by highly skilled, experienced co-workers.
Contact NMT Crane Hire
If you are looking for a job as a crane operator, you can view a wide variety of jobs available across the UK, or if you would prefer, you can take a look at the jobs specifically located in London.
As well as being a leading company with nationwide crane hire and heavy haulage, NMT is also proud to be able to help experienced and aspiring crane operators find work. If you would like to contact NMT to ask for more information, please feel free to get in touch by filling out our online inquiry form or call us on 0800 026 6985.
The Different Types of Mobile Cranes and Their Uses
Cranes are used for almost every type of construction project, and because of this, it is important that the correct crane is chosen for the job at hand. There are a wide variety of cranes to choose from, each of them suitable for specific tasks. Due to the broad selection of cranes to pick from, it can sometimes be difficult to be able to decide which crane is the best choice for the project you are undertaking.
In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the most popular mobile cranes used in the construction industry. We are going to talk in detail about the types of jobs that these cranes are best suited for, making it easy for you to select the right one next time a crane is required for a project you are working on. There are so many crane possibilities, both fixed and mobile, but we have chosen to discuss the most frequently used mobile machines as these are the cranes you are most likely to use.
Carry Deck Crane
Carry Deck Cranes are one of the most popular types of cranes used throughout the construction industry. Their relatively small size and 360-degree boom means that they are incredibly versatile, being able to be used for a wide variety of different tasks. Carry Deck Cranes have the advantage of being able to manoeuvre around tight spaces, getting into positions that other cranes could not fit in.
Carry Deck Cranes have a total weight capacity of 15 tonnes and a pick-up and carry weight capacity of nine tonnes. This impressive weight capacity combined with the crane’s manoeuvrability makes it ideal for lifting and transporting materials that require compact, low profile cranes. Carry Deck Cranes can be found on almost every construction site due to their ease of use and ability to transport large amounts efficiently.
Crawler Crane
On the other end of the spectrum to Carry Deck Cranes, Crawler Cranes are massive pieces of machinery that are heavy duty. The Crawler Crane’s lattice boom allows it to be able to lift incredibly heavy loads with ease. The sheer size of the Crawler Crane means that it has to be transported and assembled on-site, making it slightly less convenient than other crane types, but you will not get the same amount of lifting strength from many other cranes options.
An advantage to the Crawler Crane needing to be constructed is that the modular design provides more flexibility. Crawler Cranes are also built with a tracked platform, allowing the crane to carry more weight than if it were on wheels. The tracked platform also means that the crane can easily navigate hard and soft ground, and it is able to operate effectively on uneven terrain. For large projects where plenty of heavy loads need to be moved, the Crawler Crane is one of the best options available.
Floating Crane
Floating Cranes are unique pieces of machinery that act as a sea vessel that has a crane attached to it. These types are cranes are mainly used for off-shore construction projects, but can also be useful for drilling and retrieving sunken ships. Some of these projects can often be hindered because of bad weather conditions making the sea choppy and dangerous, however, the Floating Crane’s design allows these tasks to be carried out safely even on rough waters.
Floating Cranes are usually mounted on a swing base, allowing the crane to move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. These massive machines are incredibly strong and have a lift capacity of over 10,000 tonnes, making them extremely useful when carrying heavy materials such as when they are needed to transport sections of bridges.
Truck Mounted Crane
Sometimes also known as a Truck Loader Crane, a Truck Mounted Crane is a truck that has a crane attached to the rear of the vehicle. The crane is used to load and unload goods and materials from the truck’s deck. These types of cranes have the advantage of generally being cheaper than strictly dedicated mobile cranes, plus, if the crane is not needed at a particular time, the vehicle still works effectively as a truck.
Truck Mounted Cranes can obtain easy access to worksites and are able to take on various attachments, increasing the versatility of projects they can be used to help with. This type of crane can also be handled with the use of a remote control. This means that when controlling the crane, the driver can get the best view possible of what he is moving, and keep to a safe distance at the same time.
Rough Terrain Crane
As their name suggests, Rough Terrain Cranes specialise in completing jobs on sites that have uneven and unsteady grounds. The crane is capable of working in confined spaces, even on rubble and uneven surfaces. They are able to do this with the assistance of hyper-sized axels, each having differentials to propel the wheels, making the vehicle all-wheel drive.
Rough Terrain Cranes are equipped to move quickly over all surfaces, with their oversized tyres and hydraulic outriggers playing a big part in the crane’s stability. The outriggers in particular work well to level the crane out even when on uneven ground.
Contact NMT Crane Hire
Here at NMT Crane Hire, our highly skilled team of experienced professionals are able to provide you with the perfect crane for any job you are undertaking. We are only of the UK’s leading company’s in crane hire and we have spent the last 40 years building a reputation for being dependable and trustworthy.
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 on 0800 026 6985.
NMT Crane Hire prides itself on offering quality crane hire throughout the UK. Cranes are integral pieces of machinery in construction, helping transform urban areas with building offices, bridges, skyscrapers and more. Every modern skyline in a bustling city was built with the help of a crane. Here are some facts about construction cranes.
10 Facts About Construction Cranes:
1. Cranes were built by the Ancient Greeks
The first human-made crane was built by the Ancient Greeks around 500BC. It looked very different to the modern cranes we have today, instead of steel or metal they were made out of wood. Human or animal power was used to pull heavy objects up – but these early crane designs helped build some of the most recognisable and beautiful structures of the ancient world.
2. The crane arm (“jib”) was added in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, the “jib”, or crane arm, was able to move both horizontally and vertically – mainly because it was used to unload cargo ships in a harbour.
3. Steam engine technology was added to cranes in the 19th Century
With the invention of the steam engine in the 19th Century, the new technology was also applied to provide cranes with power, which eliminated the need for humans and animals used as a source of power.
4. The first mobile crane was manufactured in the 1950s
In the course of the 1950s, there was a significant change in the material used to manufacture cranes. Strong steel was used and also placed on the back of trucks, which saw the introduction of ‘mobile cranes’.
5. 200,000 cranes are estimated to be in use around the world
Around the world, there are over 200,000 cranes in use, of which 125,000 cranes are used in the construction industry and between 80,000 – 100,000 cranes are used in general and maritime industries.
6. Tallest crane in the world is a Liebherr type 357 HC-L
The tallest crane in the world is the Liebherr type 357 HC-L and it can lift up to 18 tons at 44 metres a minute. This crane was used in the construction of the world’s tallest building: Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia.
7. Cranes are dangerous, leading to 42 deaths each year in the UK
There are around 42 crane-related deaths each year.
8. Only 11% of crane accidents are caused by mechanical failure
Out of all the crane-related accidents that occur on a construction site, only 11% are due to mechanical failure. If these failures are spotted early, then further damage can be prevented, which is why cranes are inspected daily and yearly.
9. There are over 20+ types of crane types
Like many other products and machinery, there is a wide variety of different types for an array of purposes or to be used for specific projects. Some of the main crane types include tower cranes, mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and rough terrain cranes.
10. Cranes share their name with a bird
We previously discussed our 5 most interesting facts about cranes, but construction cranes share their name with the tallest flying bird in the world.
Contact
We hope you have enjoyed our list of 10 most construction crane facts. To find out more about our crane hire services here at NMT Crane Hire, please contact our team by calling us on 0800 026 6985, or filling out our online enquiry form.
Working at height is dangerous, and when you add machinery and large construction cranes into the mix it becomes hazardous if the correct safety measures and precautions are not followed properly. If things go wrong, it can lead to injuries, fatalities and damage cost to buildings and materials. But, what are the most common crane hazards and how can you take measures to prevent them?
In our latest blog, we outline the three most hazards. It is important to be aware of crane hazards and the ways in which you can avoid them.
3 Most Common Crane Hazards
Falling loads
This is one of the most common hazards when working with cranes. A falling load can result in serious injury, fatality or structural damage to a building or property, leading to significant time and money costs. There are a number of reasons why a load can fall from an overhead crane – operator incompetency, slipping, mechanical failure, and two blocking.
Electrical hazards
A large number of crane-related accidents involve the metal part of the overhead crane coming into contact with a power source (such as a high-voltage power line). This means an increased risk of the crane’s hoist line and boom touch in energised power lines – anyone who is directly touching them is most likely to be electrocuted. This can result in multiple deaths and injuries. It is crucial that a risk assessment is carried out before starting work.
Crane overload
A large majority of crane failures also occur as a result of somebody overloading the crane. If you exceed a crane’s operational capacity, then you will likely subject it to structural stresses that cause irreversible damage. Ways in which you can overload a crane include: swinging or suddenly dropping loads; hoist loads beyond the cranes capacity; using defective components; dragging loads; side-loading a boom.
Contact
If you’re interested in hiring cranes or lifting equipment, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. With over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. Get in touch by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
0800 026 6985
