Providing an unrivalled service to our customers for over 50 years…
Cadman Cranes is the leading crane hire company in East Anglia, with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation for quality, reliability, and safety.
At the age of 16, Brian Cadman began providing operated earth-moving machinery to local authorities and the private sector from his father’s farm in Layer Breton.

The company outgrew the farm and moved to new premises at St Helena Road in Colchester. Younger brother Geoff and Cousin Anthony joined the team.

The first crane was purchased. A 16-tonne capacity Truck Mounted Crane from British manufacturer Coles. A 7-tonne and 2no 25-tonne units were added soon after.

Due to increased road traffic, the town centre location was vacated for the former site of Colchester Concrete at Moss Road, Stanway. A 1400m2 maintenance facility was constructed soon after.

Following a restructure, Cadman Plant and Crane Hire were separated into individual businesses and Cadman Cranes Ltd was formed.

The ACC2050 Compact Crawler Crane was manufactured. The idea was conceived, designed, and developed by Geoff Cadman and his team to fill a gap in the industry. It was quickly nicknamed, “Thunderbird”.

A brand-new 70-tonne Liebherr LTM1070 mobile crane was purchased, taking the crane fleet size above 20 for the first time.

Milbank Group, owners of Milbank Concrete Products in Essex, acquire Cadman Cranes. Chairman, Sean Milbank, and Managing Director, Andy Mayne, stand with Cadman’s flagship Liebherr mobile crane.

Two brand-new Liebherr mobile cranes join the fleet. A 40-tonne Liebherr LTM1040-2.1 all terrain long boom and a 60-tonne Liebherr LTM1060-3.1 all terrain strengthen the fleet.

Cadman Cranes expands further with its first truck mounted Böcker AK46/6000 mobile crane and a 90-tonne Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 all-terrain mobile crane.

Matthew Waddingham is appointed as Managing Director and a second Böcker AK46/6000, a 40-tonne Terex AC40/2L and a third 60-tonne Liebherr LTM1060-3.1 all-terrain mobile crane join the fleet. Cadman invest in a specialist ‘mobile operator welfare unit’, providing a fully functioning toilet, electrical charging points, microwave, tea/coffee facilities, cleaning station and safe and dry break/lunchroom area for operators.

Cadman Cranes take delivery of the South of England’s very first 110-tonne Liebherr LTM1110-5.1 mobile crane.

A Volvo FM420 with Fassi F360.4 lorry mounted ‘HIAB’ crane joins the fleet, providing a new ‘lift and shift’ service to collect, move and offload items for customers. The 4th 60-tonne Liebherr LTM1060-3.1 and 3rd Böcker AK46/6000 arrive due to their popularity.

Cadman Cranes make history becoming the first UK mobile crane hire business to transition 100% of their crane fleet from regular diesel to HVO – a renewable and sustainable biofuel alternative to diesel, reducing CO2e output by over 90%.

Cadman Cranes announce their aim to become the most sustainable mobile crane hire business in the UK, and pledge to become net-zero for their scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.

“We’ve been using Cadman Cranes for years on various projects and have never been disappointed. Professional service with all the necessary documentation in place. Friendly drivers and banksmen with many years of experience. Highly recommended.”
Jonathan Lungley

Supporting our Armed Forces
We are proud Gold Award holders of the prestigious ‘Armed Forces Covenant’, demonstrating our recognition and support of the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.
Read more about our covenant here.
Get in touch with an expert
If you would like to work with us or are looking to add a safe and considerate crane hire solution to your list of approved suppliers, we would love to hear from you.