Which lifting solution is best for my site?
In 2025 across the UK and Ireland, the costs associated with lifting and handling materials on construction sites are significant. Choosing the right lifting equipment is essential for safety, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. Crane or Telehandler? How to make the right choice. Here we look at what to consider when making this crucial decision.
What capacity & reach is required?
A self erector offers increased reach and capacity over a telehandler. In cities throughout the UK and Ireland, where space is at a premium, a crane can lift materials and machinery safely across the entire site from a fixed position. This eliminates the need for multiple telehandler trips around the site.
What option will improve efficiency and productivity?
With an increasing demand for faster build completion times in the UK and Irish construction industries, self-erecting cranes provide the best time-saving lifting solution. With fast installation times, the crane can be up and running on-site in just a few hours. Controlled remotely, the self erector reduces the labour required and eliminates time delays when moving materials.
Will the machinery have to operate on a restricted site with limited space?
Demand for housing in the UK and Ireland is increasing and is putting pressure on contractors to maximise the units offered on each site. This in turn is creating sites with little open space for moving materials and equipment, especially as the build progresses. Given that a telehandler needs space to manoeuvre to move materials, large open space is required to operate the machinery safely. A self erector stays fixed in the same position throughout the build, needing less space on the ground.
How can safety standards be adhered to?
With strict health and safety requirements on building sites in 2025, reducing possible accidents is essential. A telehandler moving over uneven ground, competing for space with pedestrians and other machinery is at greater risk of an accident than a crane installed in a fixed position.
Which option is the most cost-effective?
Efficiency improvements, reducing manual handling and covering a larger radius with increased lifting capacity make the self erector the most efficient option.
While telehandlers were often used on construction sites, in 2025 self-erecting tower cranes are the superior choice. These cranes provide distinct advantages over alternative lifting options, particularly for building projects in urban settings and with restricted spaces.
Mantis Cranes are a leading crane hire company, and supply self-erecting cranes, tower cranes, luffing tower cranes, and construction hoists. We are established throughout the UK and Ireland. For information on hiring or buying cranes and crane attachments, email us on info@mantiscranes.co.uk or info@mantiscranes.ie or visit www.mantiscranesgroup.com
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