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.
What’s the Difference Between Crane & Contract Lift Hire?
In this blog, we discuss the difference between crane hire and contract crane hire and the advantages. When you’re planning a lift, it is very commonplace to hire a crane and an operator to work on your instructions on the site.
The difference between crane hire and contract lift hire
Standard crane hire is simple; if you don’t require the services of a crane operator or appointed person then you can just hire the crane. However, this means that the crane will be your responsibility whilst on your site.
Whereas contract lift hire is when you hire a crane with the assistance of a crane operator and fully-qualified appointed person. This means that all aspects of the lift are the responsibility of the crane hire company rather than the customer. The appointed person uses their expertise to draw comprehensive lift plans and guides you through where to rig the pedestrian crane or mobile crane. The crane operator ensures that it is safe to carry out the lift.
What does an appointed person/ crane operator do?
Typically with contract lift hire, an appointed person will take care of a number of different things. Firstly, they will ensure that the mobile or tower crane has been maintained, services, tested and certified. They will also look after any additional lifting equipment and carry out a thorough site survey.
A crane operator can offer expert advice and recommendations both before and during the lift, as well as drawing up a detailed plan of action. Alongside this, they will conduct a full site ground assessment to enable the crane is rigged safely.
Furthermore, if the lift requires road closures they will be the ones in communication with the police, as well as taking care of risk assessments.
What are the advantages of contract lift hire?
The crane hire company will take on these responsibilities:
Plans the lift with a suitable crane and designated an appointed person to supervise the lift
They take on the majority of risks and responsibility, including legal liability in the event of an injury to the driver or property damage that could occur front the lifting operation
What are the advantages of crane hire?
You are responsible for how you handle the lift, selecting the most appropriate model of crane for the lift as well as responsible for arranging any signalling. Alongside this, you are also responsible for supervising the lift while it’s in operation. It is important to provide an experienced and trained Appointed Person during the process.
Contact
If you’re interested in crane hire services we have a wide range here at NMT Crane Hire, please contact our team by calling us on 0800 026 6985, or filling out our online enquiry form.
Whether you’re a school leaver or looking for a career change, choosing to become a crane operator is a fun and rewarding career path. But, how can you become one? Take a look at our latest blog post and learn more about becoming a crane operator or crane driver.
What is a crane operator?
A crane operator, or crane driver, is an individual who operates lifting machinery on construction, quarrying or mining sites, at ports and in warehouses.
How can I become a crane driver?
There are several ways and routes you can follow to become a crane operator or crane driver. This includes taking a college course, doing an apprenticeship or working your ways towards this role.
College course
If you are looking to go through education, you can take a college course in Plant Operations; this level 2 certification is usually carried out in conjunction with on the job training.
Apprenticeship
If you are looking for an apprenticeship you can get into this job role through applying to a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship.
Work
Another way in which you can become a crane operator is through starting work as a construction site labourer. When you have built up more experience of using heavy machinery such as excavators, then you can move onto crane operation.
What skills do I need to become a crane operator?
These are some of the main skills that a crane operator needs in order to be successful in the role.
Good physical skills such as movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
Pay attention to details and be thorough
Patient with the ability to stay calm under stressful situations
Able to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Understanding and sensitivity
Ability to safely operate and control equipment
Basic computer skills to carry out tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What are the daily tasks and responsibilities?
Some of the day-to-day tasks include setting up cranes and carrying out safety checks; loading and unloading lorries; shifting loads around the site; monitoring sensors that measure load weights, crane stability and wind speed; and carrying out minor repairs to the machinery.
In addition to these tasks, it is important to also report any problems to the crane supervisor and keep thorough records of the materials that you’ve moved.
Typically, crane operators work on a construction site; this means that the working environment can be noisy and at height. Furthermore, you’ll also need to wear protective clothing.
Contact NMT Crane Hire
If you’re interested in hiring cranes or lifting equipment, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. Here at NMT Crane Hire, we have over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. You can get in touch with our team by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Lifting cranes have now become a common addition to the arsenal of machinery used on building and construction sites. However, what you might not know is that it is important to make sure that you choose the right crane for the job. Although they are all powerful machines, certain cranes are built with specific tasks in mind, so choosing the correct one can seriously improve productivity and efficiency.
For your benefit, we have listed below three of the most important things you should consider when selecting a crane to use on your project.
Weight and Height Checks
One of the most important things you should know before deciding on which crane to use is the weight of the load it will be lifting. Choosing a crane that has a small lift capacity can mean that you could be paying for something that may not be of any use to your project, or could become a safety hazard. However, selecting a crane with an unnecessarily high lift capacity can be a great waste of money and labour.
The higher a load is lifted, the less the weight capacity becomes. Bearing this in mind, you will need to research which cranes are available to you that can both perform the lift of the required weight, while having the boom length to reach the required heights.
Site Conditions
It is important to take the conditions of the site into consideration when selecting your crane. If the workspace has largely uneven grounds, you will need to use a rough-terrain crane with an increased support width, as this will ensure stability. For developments that have flat and rough terrain, you’re best to opt for a truck-mounted crane as this style of machine is good for versatility.
It is also worth being aware of the weather conditions at the site, as rain and wind can alter the terrain and may require more specialised equipment. If you are not sure about which crane is the best fit for your site, you should seek advice from industry professionals.
Site Access
In most cases the ideal situation would be to drive the crane directly into the site and place it exactly where it needs to be, but this is not always possible. Some sites will not have simple road access for heavy-duty machines to drive on, which is why site access can impact your choice of crane.
In a similar vein to the previous point, having no easy road access will require you to find a crane that is able to make the trip through some potentially treacherous terrain. If there is no obvious way in which a crane will be able to position itself at the desired part of the site, serious thought needs to be put into making sure the correct crane is chosen, ensuring it will be able to negotiate these difficulties and still complete the task at hand.
Contact NMT Cranes
For those who don’t deal with cranes on a regular basis, it can seem like a daunting task to have to pick the right crane after taking all of these points into consideration, however that’s where we come in.
With over 20 years of experience, our team at NMT Cranes are experts in the industry and are able to help you with all your crane needs. For more information, please feel free to fill out our online contact form or call us on 0800 026 6985.
When picturing a crane, most people will conjure up an image of a tall, slight structure, operating high in the skies and manoeuvring large products and materials. In order for that image to come to life, however, there are a number of steps which have to be taken, and a whole crew that is responsible for making it come to life. With that in mind, NMT Crane Hire Ltd outline the specific teams behind every crane job.
If you are looking to start your career in lorry driving, one of the first things you need is to gain your Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence. Without one of these you will be limited in the type of jobs you can undertake, as securing a HGV licence allows you to operate a vehicle weighing over 3,500kg.
Haulage and logistics is one of the top industries in the UK for employment and there are plenty of jobs out there for the taking. With this in mind, let’s talk about how to get your HGV licence and set off on the right track of progressing your career.
Different Types of Licences
First and foremost you should be aware of the different types of HGV licence you can get. These vary depending on the weight and size of the vehicle.
Cat C1 – Vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.
Cat C – Rigid bodied vehicles between 7.5 and 32 tonnes. You can skip Cat C1 and progress straight to Cat C if you wish.
Cat C+E – Drawbar and articulated vehicles. This is an upgrade from Cat C but requires no extra theory.
How Long Do The Courses Take?
Depending on where you go to take the course, the training usually lasts between 8 and 10 weeks, even though said training involves just 5 days of practical work.
A large bulk of the learning comes in the form of theory, which you will have to be tested on in a similar way to earning a regular driver’s licence. You will begin your practical training once you find out from the DVSA that you have passed your theory exam. You will be trained by an experienced instructor and will be able to practice in a HGV prior to your practical test, giving you the best chance of success.
Why You Should Get Your HGV Licence
You may still be unsure about whether a career as a heavy goods vehicle driver is for you, however there are so many benefits to taking on this job.
As previously mentioned, there are an abundance of employment opportunities once you achieve your HGV licence, and there is good job security once you find work. You will be lucky enough to be paid to travel and there is the potential to earn a high wage.
A big bonus for this line of work is that it does not require a bachelor’s degree. It is understandable that going through the university path isn’t for everyone, so as long as you pass the theory and practical tests, you should have all you need to explore a successful career as a lorry or truck driver.
NMT Heavy Haulage
Once you unlock your HGV licence, you will be fully prepared to transport heavy goods from suppliers to customers and clients all over the UK.
Although our company is known for being one of the leading providers of cranes in the UK, our heavy haulage service is also second to none. If you would like to find out more about heavy haulage and the services we provide, you can head over to our Heavy Haulage page.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about the different services we provide or would like to inquire about any crane operator jobs we have available, feel free to fill out our online contact form or give us a call on 0800 026 6985.
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