Why Out-of-Hour Lifting Services May Be Better for Your Project

Weekend Lifts and 24-Hour Crane Services

When planning a construction or heavy-lifting project, timing is crucial. For many businesses, standard operating hours are packed with activity, leaving little room for large-scale crane operations. Enter out-of-hour lifting services – 24-hour and weekend lifting options that offer flexible solutions tailored to your project’s needs. Let’s explore why these services may be the best choice for your next lift.

1. Minimising Site Disruption

One of the primary advantages of out-of-hour lifting services is the ability to carry out lifts without disrupting ongoing site work. Whether it’s a commercial construction site, an industrial facility or a busy city centre, crane operations during regular hours can bring everything to a halt. By scheduling your lifts at night or over the weekend, you avoid clashing with other critical tasks, reducing downtime and keeping your project moving.

With over 35 years of experience, Emerson Cranes is well-versed in providing reliable, out-of-hour crane services. Our expert team ensures that projects proceed seamlessly, allowing your operations to continue unaffected during the day.

2. Reduced Traffic and Improved Logistics

Anyone working in London or Essex knows that traffic can be a serious issue. This congestion not only slows down project timelines but can also create logistical headaches when manoeuvring large equipment through narrow or crowded areas. Conducting lifts outside of standard business hours helps you avoid these challenges entirely.

During night-time or weekend lifts, roads and site access points are quieter, making it easier and safer to move equipment. Emerson’s skilled operators are experts at working in such conditions, ensuring that operations remain smooth, efficient and safe, even in high-traffic urban environments.

3. Benefits of Out-of-Hour Lifting in London

London presents its own unique set of challenges, particularly for large-scale lifting operations. The city’s strict regulations, congested streets and densely populated areas can make it difficult to carry out lifting work during regular business hours. By scheduling lifts outside of these hours, you avoid the traffic, gain easier access to restricted areas and can operate with fewer safety concerns. Our 24-hour crane service helps maintain the pace of the city while ensuring that essential projects are completed efficiently. Emerson Cranes’ out-of-hour services are designed to address these challenges, allowing businesses to navigate London’s complexities with ease.

4. Specialised Equipment for Out-of-Hour Lifting

For large-scale projects in Central London or other busy areas, selecting the right lifting machinery is crucial, especially for out-of-hour operations. Some of the most effective cranes for these tasks include:

  • Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 Mobile Crane: This 3-axle all-terrain crane offers exceptional versatility, with a maximum lifting capacity of 60 tonnes and a telescopic boom length of up to 48 metres. Its compact design and impressive manoeuvrability make it ideal for navigating the tight streets and restricted spaces often found in urban environments. Conducting lifts outside of normal hours helps to avoid heavy daytime traffic, enabling smoother and safer operations, particularly when working in areas with strict road access limitations.
  • Liebherr LTM 1130-5.1 Mobile Crane: Offering a maximum lifting capacity of 130 tonnes and a boom extension reaching 66 metres, this 5-axle crane combines strength with precision. It’s well-suited for lifting heavy loads in confined spaces such as construction sites in the heart of the city. Night-time operations allow for greater flexibility in positioning and setup, as fewer vehicles and pedestrians are present, reducing the risk of delays or accidents and improving overall efficiency.
  • Unic URW 706 Spider Crane: Known for its ultra-compact design and ability to operate in confined spaces, this spider crane can lift up to 6 tonnes and features a maximum working radius of 18.6 metres. Its minimal footprint and unique articulated legs make it perfect for restricted access sites such as inner-city developments or roof-top lifts. By scheduling lifts after hours, contractors can reduce congestion on site and eliminate potential disruptions caused by surrounding businesses or pedestrians during the day.

Operating these cranes during regular business hours can present significant challenges due to road restrictions, high traffic volumes and safety considerations. Opting for out-of-hour lifting services allows these machines to perform more efficiently, minimising logistical complications and maximising productivity while adhering to strict timelines.

5. Safety Enhancements

Safety is always the top priority when planning a lift. Out-of-hour lifting services often provide safer conditions by minimising the number of people on-site. With fewer workers and less activity during night or weekend hours, crane operators can work without the added pressure of coordinating with multiple teams, reducing the chance of accidents.

At Emerson Cranes we take safety seriously. All our operators are fully certified and trained to the highest industry standards, ensuring that each lift is carried out safely and efficiently. Working in less crowded environments allows for an even greater focus on precision and safety, giving you peace of mind that your project is in safe hands.

6. Deadlines and Efficiency

In construction, time is money. Tight deadlines can make or break a project, and any delay can lead to cost overruns. If your project has fallen behind schedule, utilising 24-hour or weekend lifting services can help make up for lost time. Instead of waiting for the next available weekday slot, you can fast-track your operations by continuing critical lifts outside of normal working hours.

Emerson’s round-the-clock availability means we’re there when you need us most. Whether it’s a last-minute requirement or part of a pre-planned schedule, we are ready to ensure your project stays on track.

7. Cost Management

While it’s true that 24-hour crane services may come with additional charges, they can also present cost-saving opportunities in the long run. By avoiding downtime during peak hours and expediting project timelines, businesses can often reduce the overall time required for crane hire, leading to fewer days on-site and lower associated costs.

Moreover, reduced traffic and fewer obstacles during night or weekend lifts can lead to quicker, more efficient operations, saving both time and money.

8. Speak to Emerson Cranes About Your Next Project

Out-of-hour lifting services offer a range of benefits, from minimising site disruptions and avoiding traffic congestion to enhancing safety and meeting tight deadlines. At Emerson Cranes we provide 24-hour crane services to help you navigate the challenges of large-scale projects, ensuring that your operations run smoothly whenever you need them.

If you’re looking for a flexible, safe and reliable crane hire partner, contact Emerson Cranes today on 020 8548 3900 to discuss your 24-hour or weekend lifting needs.

T: +44 (0)20 8548 3900