
Contract Lifting vs. Crane Hire
Need some help?
If you are unsure about the type of crane hire you require, click here to download our easy crane hire flow chart and decide whether you require CPA crane hire or a CPA contract lift.
Alternatively, keep on reading for a complete overview of what we offer or contact us directly to speak to an expert.

What is CPA Crane Hire? (Crane Hired by the Customer – Your Responsibility!)
CPA Crane Hire involves the hire of a mobile crane, along with a competent operator. The overall responsibility for the safety of the lift operation lies with the customer, who is required to plan and execute the lift, including the selection of the crane, the skilled personnel on site, and arranging for any necessary permits and insurance coverage.
The customer is responsible for specifying the necessary lifting equipment, such as slings, chains and shackles to be supplied with the crane. For customers who require additional support and expertise in planning and executing a lift safely and efficiently, a CPA Contract Lift may be a more suitable option.
Benefits of CPA Crane Hire:
- Flexibility
- Ideal for customers who have the necessary expertise and resources to plan and execute a lift themselves.
- Low-cost solution
The customer must:
- Carry out all work in accordance with BS7121 and LOLER 1998
- Supply the “Appointed Person”
- Plan the lift and operate a safe system of work
- Provide all Method Statements and Risk Assessments
- Ensure that the crane hired is of a suitable type and capacity
- Check the credentials of the crane hire company and
- certification supplied
The crane company has a duty to:
- Provide a crane that is properly maintained, inspected, and thoroughly examined
- Provide a competent driver

What is a CPA Contract Lift? (Carried out by the Crane Company – Our Responsibility!)
CPA Contract Lift involves the hire of the mobile crane, along with a team of experienced professionals, who are responsible for planning, supervising, and executing the lift. This includes carrying out a site survey, preparing a risk assessment, and ensuring that all safety regulations are met. On the day of the lift, a lift supervisor and a competent slinger and signaller will attend site to ensure the efficient and safe completion of the project.
In a CPA Contract Lift, the crane hire company takes full responsibility for the lift and provides all necessary insurance coverage. If you are dealing with a complex or high-risk lifting operation, and you don’t have the necessary expertise in-house, the CPA Contract Lift would be the only option available.
Benefits of CPA Contract Lift:
- No risk involved
- Expertise and support
- Customisation
- Cost control – no surprises!
The customer should specify:
- That all work is to be undertaken in accordance with BS7121 and LOLER 1998
- That the crane company is to supply the “appointed person”
- What information and/or services will be provided to the crane company by the customer
- Accurate information relating to both the items to be lifted and for the ground conditions
The crane company is responsible for:
- Supplying the “Appointed Person”
- Planning the lift, and operation of a safe system of work (via method statement/risk assessment)
- Organisation, and supervision of the lifting operation
- Providing a crane that is properly maintained, tested, and certificated
CPA Crane Hire
The customer is responsible for:
- Loss or damage to the crane
- Loss of hire charges while crane is out of action
- Damage to goods on the hook
- Public Liability (loss or damage to property/ injury to persons)
CPA Contract Lift
The Crane Company is liable for:
- Loss/damage to the crane
- Loss of hire charges
- Damage to property
- Injury to persons when caused solely by the crane company’s negligence in the performance of the contract

Why choose Cadman Cranes for a CPA Contract Lift?
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Reduce your risk
We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of safety, service, and satisfaction. Through our contract lifting services, completely hand over all responsibility to us and feel confident that the lift will be competently handled as well as being fully risk and liability compliant.
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Gain expertise
As your trusted lifting partner, you will have the full support of our highly skilled crane specialists and operators who have a wealth of expertise and experience in all aspects of lifting operations, including crane selection, operator training, and risk management. We will ensure that your operation is carried out safely and efficiently.
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Forget the admin
Leave the lift arrangements to us. We’ll carry out all the necessary planning, site and risk assessments, and arrange for permits and insurance coverage, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your project.
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Reduce your carbon footprint
We’re on target to achieve our goal of net zero carbon (for our own operations) by 2025. Whether you’re arranging crane hire or a full contract lift, by working with a responsible crane hire provider, you’re directly reducing your CO2 output and helping us all work towards a cleaner future.

Case Study
After hiring cranes using CPA Crane Hire for many years, a reputable and well-established local manufacturer of acoustic containers recently decided to change their lifting strategy.
Ultimately, this decision meant that they could reallocate important resources to their core business activities and let competent lifting experts deal with all lifting responsibilities.



Speak to an expert about Crane Hire or Contract Lifting
If you are still unsure about what type of crane hire you require, please telephone or email our experienced team directly.