Mobile Crane Hiring & Safety Guide

When it comes to construction logistics, much like in the trackway hire industry, mobile crane hire remains a cost-effective and practical solution. It allows companies to avoid the high upfront costs of purchasing machinery. It also saves on ongoing expenses like storage, maintenance, and insurance.  

The most commonly hired mobile cranes in the UK are all-terrain cranes, city cranes and mini crawler cranes (spider cranes). Other common cranes include truck-mounted cranes, and rough terrain cranes, all of which pair well with our temporary trackway solutions.  

To operate any mobile crane legally and safely, operators must hold: A full UK driving license, a valid CPCS card, an NVQ in plant operations (level 2 or 3), health and safety training and machine-specific training from an accredited provider. Hiring through a professional mobile crane company ensures the equipment is well-maintained and compliant with safety regulations.  

Many companies include a qualified operator and handle all planning and safety in the hire agreement. This is called contract lifting. If you opt for a contract hire instead of a lift, then the responsibility for crane safety on-site falls solely on you. Lines become blurred when cranes are hired for one-time jobs on private land. However, proper health and safety planning, including ground preparation, is essential to any project involving mobile cranes.  

Below, we’ll guide you through our safety tips on hiring mobile cranes. This also includes how to prepare your site and avoid common pitfalls. 

Understanding Mobile Crane Safety Requirements

Every crane project is different, and the different variables i.e. site conditions, load types, terrain and weather, mean that mobile crane safety must always begin with meticulous planning. Ground condition analysis is the first key step.  

Before any equipment arrives, site managers should conduct a thorough assessment. This allows them to understand weight-bearing limits, access routes, and whether plant or vehicles can move safely across the site. This information can be used by suppliers to distinguish the type and quantity of trackway needed. This is essential when the site is supporting mobile cranes or other heavy machinery. As we always say, trackway panels should be the first piece of equipment to arrive on site and the last to leave.

Crane pad requirements – We recommend TuffTrak mats to support crane pads. TuffTrak is a heavy-duty composite matting system engineered for use with heavy plant and machinery. Standard mats often can’t meet the load requirements of cranes, making TuffTrak the safer option, even for lighter or mini cranes.

Crane safety checks before use – Even with equipment hired from a reputable company, it’s vital that the appointed site operator performs their own crane safety checks before use. While the crane hire provider should conduct inspections pre-delivery, double-checking is a crucial safety measure, especially since electrical faults remain one of the most common issues in crane operation.

Load support & ground coordination – To ensure stability, all involved parties, ground assessors, crane hire firms, and trackway providers, must work closely together. If a crane model is changed last-minute, don’t assume the same ground protection will suffice. Different models have different point loading requirements, which must be reassessed.

Understanding mobile crane matting requirements for project safety

Choosing the right matting system isn’t just about load capacity. It’s about matching the mat type to your project scope, site access points, and the specific type of mobile crane in use. Our TuffTrak mats are capable of handling up to 150 tonnes and are suitable for any site where cranes or heavy plant machinery are present.

Even with lighter cranes, we always recommend using the most robust ground protection available to ensure site safety. When hiring ground protection, always choose an experienced supplier. For example, spider cranes require large mat configurations to safely accommodate their outriggers and maintain stability. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t cut it.  

Common Mobile Crane Hire Mistakes

There are a number of common, and costly, errors companies make when hiring mobile cranes:  

1. Cutting corners on private projects – One-off hires for home builds or farm tasks have been known to skip key safety steps to save time or money. But private land doesn’t mean private rules, proper planning, certified operators, and safety assessments are still legally required. Ignoring this can lead to fines, delays, or serious accidents.
2. Misunderstanding mini cranes – Just because a crane is labelled “mini” doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. All cranes, regardless of size, must be operated by trained professionals with proper certifications.
3. Unqualified operators – Legally, you cannot operate a crane without qualifications. Hiring a crane without an operator and using an untrained person on-site is illegal and extremely dangerous.
4. Outdated training – Crane technology evolves fast. Cards like CPCS need regular renewal (every 2–5 years), and newer crane models often require updated operator training.
5. Last-minute equipment changes – Swapping cranes without reassessing ground loading or site access can lead to catastrophic safety issues. Each crane has a different loading table, so always be sure to double-check.
6. Rushed site prep – Limited access time shouldn’t mean limited planning. A lack of ground prep, or not installing trackway in time, is a major contributor to crane safety failures.

Ensuring Crane Safety with Davis Track Hire

At Davis Track Hire, our team are committed to helping you deliver safe, efficient, and legally compliant crane operations. No matter the mobile crane type you are hiring, we work with you to understand your site-specific requirements and provide the right trackway solution.

We’ve supported countless clients with matting for mobile crane projects, ensuring that crane pads are safe, loads are supported, and operations run smoothly. Learn more about our crane hire solutions here and explore our TuffTrak products. For examples of our work in action, visit our case studies section or get in touch for tailored guidance.