A HIAB, short for Hydrauliska Industri AB, is a brand name commonly used when referring to truck-mounted loader cranes. It originated from the Swedish company that first manufactured these types of lifts, and over time, it has become a generic term for any similar crane, regardless of the manufacturer.
Loader cranes feature a hydraulic arm or boom that can extend, retract and rotate 360 degrees. They are primarily used for lifting and transporting heavy loads. HIABs are especially valued for their versatility and efficiency in handling heavy materials directly from the vehicle to the ground, or vice versa. They are used across various industries, including the top ten highlighted here:
1) Construction
HIAB cranes are indispensable on construction sites, especially in urban areas where space can be limited. They are used to lift heavy building materials – such as steel beams for frameworks, large windows and roofing materials – directly to where they’re needed, often at heights or over obstacles. This precision control allows HIAB operators to place materials exactly where needed, which is critical in complex builds.
2) Emergency services
Loader cranes are employed in critical situations like vehicle accidents or natural disasters to move obstructive debris and rescue vehicles. These cranes can be crucial in lifting heavy objects to free trapped persons or clear paths for emergency responders.
3) Forestry
These cranes are regularly used for loading logs and other timber products onto lorries. Their robust design and powerful lifting capabilities make them ideal for the rugged terrain and heavy loads typical of forestry operations.
4) Landscaping and agricultural
HIABs can easily lift and position large trees, statues and heavy landscaping materials. They are also used in agricultural settings to move bulky equipment and supplies, such as irrigation systems and feed supplies.
5) Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities use HIAB cranes to move raw materials, components and finished goods around the plant. They are particularly useful in heavy industries like metal fabrication, automotive manufacturing and large-scale assembly operations.
6) Marine and offshore
In marine environments, HIABs are crucial for loading supplies, equipment and cargo onto ships and barges. Often engineered to resist corrosion from the salty sea air, they are used on offshore platforms for lifting heavy machinery and supplies from boats.
7) Railway
Railway crews use loader cranes to handle rail segments, construction equipment and maintenance materials. The cranes can be mounted on rail vehicles to move along tracks, providing flexibility in lifting and repairing without needing large stationary cranes.
8) Transportation and logistics
For logistics operations, HIABs enhance the efficiency of loading and unloading goods such as heavy containers, machinery and oversized cargo. Another benefit is that they free up space by reducing the need for additional handling equipment as they can quickly move items from warehouses to trucks or railway cars, and vice versa.
9) Utilities
In the utilities sector, loader cranes facilitate the installation of poles, transformers and other heavy equipment. They are particularly valuable during the set-up or maintenance of power lines and water supply systems. The cranes can be mounted on utility vehicles, making it easy to transport them to various sites, including remote locations.
10) Waste management and recycling
HIAB cranes are very useful for sorting and transporting waste and recyclable materials efficiently. They can lift heavy and bulky items like metal scrap, large bales of recycled materials and damaged vehicles.
HIAB cranes are valued across these industries for their flexibility, ease of operation and their ability to perform in constrained spaces, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Book your HIAB now or read about the benefits of a grab lorry if you need a solution for the removal of bulk waste.