Crane hire costs demystified
When it comes to moving heavy equipment, lifting steel structures, or working on construction projects at height, cranes are essential. But buying a crane isn’t always practical or affordable. That’s why crane hire has become the go-to solution for many contractors and businesses across South Africa.
Renting gives you access to the right crane for each job — whether it’s for a single day, a week, or a few months without the massive cost of buying one outright.
We will help you with the following in this guide
- What crane hire costs
- What affects the price
- The benefits of renting instead of buying
How much does it cost to hire a crane in South Africa?
Crane hire prices can vary depending on the type and size of crane you need, where the job is located, and how long you’ll need it for.
Committed to providing exceptional Lifting services, Safely and on budget.
General crane hire price guide
Rate guide as at January 2025
Small mobile crane or crane truck R5,500 – R10,000/day
Larger or 4×4 truck-mounted crane (with operator) R12,000 – R25,000/day
Large mobile crane (with operator) R18,000 – R100,000+/day
These are rough estimates. For an accurate price, it’s best to get a quote from Crane Hire SA.
But keep in mind the rental fee isn’t the only cost involved.
Additional costs to consider
Transport and delivery – Many cranes, especially crawler and tower cranes, need to be delivered to your site.
Assembly and dismantling – Some cranes need to be set up or taken apart on-site, which involves extra labour.
Permits – Depending on your location and project, you may need local permits to operate the crane, especially on public roads or near power lines.
Operators and riggers – Cranes must be operated by trained and certified professionals, and you might need riggers and signalers too.
Project preparation – You may need to disconnect overhead utility lines, prepare lifting plans, or account for overtime rates.
What affects crane hire prices?
Understanding what goes into the cost will help you choose the best option for your project and avoid unexpected expenses.
Key factors include
Type of crane
Smaller cranes like carry deck cranes or small mobile cranes and crane trucks are cheaper.
Larger hydraulic cranes are more due to their size, capacity, and complexity.
Lifting capacity
The heavier the load, the more powerful (and expensive) the crane.
High-capacity cranes can lift over 1,000 tons and come at a premium.
Rental duration
Short-term hires (daily) might cost more per day than longer hires.
Weekly or monthly rates are often more economical if you’ll need the crane for an extended period.
Committed to providing exceptional Lifting services, Safely and on budget.
Location
Crane hire prices vary between provinces. In South Africa there are certain high risk areas which would cost more due to the security requirement and in some instances crane companies will not venture into high risk areas.
Jobs in remote or rural areas may cost more due to transport or availability of machines.
Market demand
In busy construction seasons, like summer, demand for cranes increases — and so do prices.
Why renting a crane often makes more sense than buying
Buying a crane is a huge investment — one that might not make financial sense for many small to medium contractors. Here’s why renting is often the smarter choice:
Lower upfront costs
Buying a crane can cost anywhere from a few hundred thousand rand to several million.
Renting lets you access top-quality equipment without spending that capital upfront.
No storage or transport worries
Owning a crane means you need space to store it and equipment to move it between sites.
With hire, the rental company usually handles delivery and collection.
No maintenance costs
Cranes require regular servicing, inspections, and sometimes repairs.
When you rent, the hire company is responsible for keeping the machine in working condition.
Use the Right Crane for Every Job
Each project might need a different type of crane.
Renting gives you the flexibility to choose exactly what you need, whether it’s a mobile crane for a one-day lift or a tower crane for months on a construction site.
Committed to providing exceptional Lifting services, Safely and on budget.
Like vehicles, cranes lose value over time.
Renting means you avoid the cost of depreciation entirely.
Hiring Through a Local or Online Crane Company like Cranehire.co.za
In South Africa, you can rent cranes through Local crane hire companies, who offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times.
Using an online platform can be convenient for comparing options quickly. However, working directly with a local supplier Like Crane Hire SA often gives you better service, especially if the job requires site assessments or specialised advice.
Managed Crane Hire, Operator Included
Many rental companies also offer “operated hire”, which means the crane comes with a qualified operator. This is ideal if:
- You don’t have certified staff on-site
- Your team isn’t experienced with crane operations
- You want to save time and avoid compliance issues
- Operated crane hire is available on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Renting a crane in South Africa is a practical, cost-effective way to complete your heavy lifting projects without the stress and expense of ownership. With flexible rental terms, expert support, and a wide range of equipment available, crane hire gives you access to the right tools exactly when you need them.
Whether you’re lifting roof trusses in Johannesburg, installing tanks in Durban, or setting up infrastructure in Cape Town, there’s a rental option that suits your budget and your schedule.
Ready to lift? Reach out to crane hire SA for a quote and get your project off the ground safely and efficiently.
Committed to providing exceptional Lifting services, Safely and on budget.