{"id":7,"date":"2026-08-28T11:46:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T11:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/masontrucking.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7"},"modified":"2026-08-28T11:46:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T11:46:55","slug":"what-is-hiab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/masontrucking.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-hiab\/","title":{"rendered":"What is HIAB and when do you need one?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever tried to move a ridiculously heavy object and wished for a magic wand? A hot tub, a shipping container, maybe even a small car? At Mason Trucking, we don\u2019t have magic wands, but we have the next best thing: HIABs. For the last 14 years, our family-run business has been lifting, shifting, and hauling all sorts of things across the UK. We specialise in HIAB hire<\/a>, haulage, and grab hire, turning your heavy-lifting nightmares into a walk in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This blog post will explain exactly what a HIAB is, when you might need one, and how it can make your life a whole lot easier. We\u2019ll lift the lid on this powerful piece of machinery and, hopefully, give you a few chuckles along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what is a HIAB?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’ve likely seen them on the road\u2014a lorry with a hefty crane folded up behind the cab. That’s a HIAB. The name “HIAB” actually comes from the Swedish manufacturer, Hydraliska Industri AB, who pioneered this type of crane back in 1944. Much like people say “Hoover” for a vacuum cleaner, HIAB has become the go-to term for any lorry-mounted crane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"hiab\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: when a brand name becomes so ubiquitous it replaces the actual name of the product it’s known as “genericisation”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, in simple terms, a HIAB is a lorry and a crane rolled into one convenient package. The hydraulic crane is designed to lift heavy loads onto its own flatbed, transport them to a new location, and then unload them. The whole operation is powered by the vehicle’s engine, which drives the crane’s hydraulic system. Modern HIABs are often operated by remote control, allowing the operator to get the best possible view for safe and precise lifting. This truck-mounted crane is a clever bit of kit that has transformed the world of haulage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When do you need a HIAB lorry hire?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A HIAB is the hero you call when you have something heavy to move that a standard lorry just can\u2019t handle. Its versatility makes it indispensable across various industries. Here are a few common scenarios where HIAB transport is the perfect solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n