HIAB
A comprehensive guide
What does HIAB stand for?
HIAB, pronounced “hye-abb”, stands for “Hydrauliska Industri AB”. It may not be as catchy as HIAB, but that’s the name of the Swedish company that produces this type of hydraulic truck-mounted crane. Founded in 1944, HIAB has become synonymous with these kinds of cranes in much the same way that Perspex has become synonymous with clear plastic, even though it’s just a brand name.
The difference between a HIAB and a lorry-mounted crane
The term “HIAB” is often used interchangeably with “lorry-mounted crane”. This is because HIAB was one of the first companies to develop these cranes, stamping its brand name onto the collective market consciousness. Essentially, a HIAB is just another type of lorry-mounted crane, with any differences lying in brand-specific features.
Types of HIAB trucks
- Rigid HIAB
This type of crane truck integrates the truck, crane and trailer into one solid structure. Rigid HIABs are highly adept at manoeuvring into tight spaces and can have cranes mounted at the front or rear, often referred to as ‘front’ or ‘rear-mounted’ HIABs. They’re ideal for operations requiring a compact and efficient setup, making them highly versatile in urban environments.
- Artic HIAB
In this configuration, the crane is mounted behind the cab of the truck. Artic HIABs are immensely flexible machines, capable of operating as a unit or towing various trailers, and can perform tandem lifts. This versatility allows them to handle a wide range of lifting tasks, making them suitable for both urban and rural applications.
Can a HIAB lift over a house?
In general, yes. Although HIAB cranes can lift over houses, it depends on the crane’s reach and lifting capacity. For example, the HIAB X-HiPro 1058 has a horizontal outreach of 34.5 metres and a vertical reach of up to 38 metres. This capability makes HIAB cranes ideal for construction and renovation projects where materials need to be moved to or from difficult-to-reach areas. The precision and control provided by HIAB cranes keeps lifting operations safe and efficient, reducing the risk of damage to the structure or surrounding environment.
That said, when planning a lift over a house, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of the project, including the load’s weight and the distance it needs to be moved. HIAB cranes may have advanced control systems that enhance their precision and safety, but they also have their limits – for a larger-scale job, a tower crane is probably a better option.
Can a HIAB lift over a fence?
Lifting objects over a fence is well within the capabilities of a HIAB crane. Although it once again depends on the specific crane’s reach and lifting capacity, HIABs can typically lift over fences and walls without much of a problem. For example, a HIAB crane’s lorry bed, usually around 6 feet off the ground, can easily lift over a standard 6-foot fence. However, if the lift requires reaching a specific location beyond the fence, the crane’s reach, needless to say, must be long enough. It’s advisable to inform the service provider in advance about such requirements to ensure the appropriate equipment is dispatched.
What is the largest HIAB in the UK?
The largest currently available in the UK is the iQ.1388 HiPro, boasting a 135 tonne-metre rating. This top-of-the-range crane features advanced technology, including the V10-Force decagonal profile for enhanced vertical strength and precision, and the SpaceEvo control system, which improves safety.
This crane is designed to be highly versatile, capable of being mounted on a 4-axle, 32-tonne gross vehicle weight truck, making it suitable for urban areas. Its Load Stability System for vertical movements (LSS-V) and Variable Stability Logic Plus (VSL+) guarantee maximum stability and capacity while maintaining safety. It’s also far more cost-effective to purchase and operate, with reduced carbon dioxide emissions, addressing the demand for a super-heavy crane that combines precision and safety with a degree of environmental responsibility.
The iQ.1388 HiPro was a response to a wave of customer requests for a super-heavy crane with advanced control features. It’s been designed to offer maximum performance with minimum risk and operational expense. With the crane’s components shared among the iQ and iX models, it reduces the need for a large spare parts inventory and simplifies maintenance.
If you need a HIAB or any other type of lorry-mounted crane, speak to the X2 (UK) team and we’ll get you set up with the right machinery for the job. You can contact us here.