01285 741 150 info@slslifting.com
A Specialist Lifting Solutions service • Nationwide coverage
Send Us A Message

Quick question? Fill the form below.
Need a quote? Click here for the quote form.

Spider Crane Hire With Operator for Restricted Access & Complex Lifts

Compact, powerful mini crawler cranes for sites where conventional cranes can’t reach. Fully operated, LOLER-compliant spider crane services with lift planning, RAMS and CPCS-accredited operators. Based in Gloucestershire with nationwide coverage.

LOLER Compliant   CPCS Operators   Full Lift Plans
Lifting glass in a shopfront with a mini crane
CPCS Accredited NPORS IPAF CISRS CSCS
CPCS Qualified Operators

Every crane comes with a fully trained, CPCS-accredited operator. Safe, professional lifting every time.

Compact & Powerful

Our spider cranes fit through standard doorways and navigate restricted access sites conventional cranes simply can’t reach.

Full Lift Planning

RAMS, method statements, lift plans and LOLER compliance as standard. Every job fully planned from start to finish.

UK-Wide Coverage

Based in Gloucestershire with nationwide reach. Regular work in London, the South East and across England & Wales.

Our Spider Crane Services


From single lifts to complex multi-day contract lifting operations. Our mini crawler cranes and experienced operators deliver safe, efficient lifting wherever you need it.

spider crane service
Spider Crane Hire With Operator

UNIC mini crawler cranes supplied with CPCS-qualified operator. Ideal for restricted access, indoor and outdoor lifting.

Learn More
Contract Lifting with mini cranes
Contract Lifting

Fully managed crane lifting operations. We supply the crane, operator, lifting supervisor and all planning documentation.

Learn More
small access crane lifting
Restricted Access Lifting

Spider cranes excel where space is limited. Through doorways, across sensitive floors, inside atriums and in rear gardens.

Learn More
lifting roof trusses with a spider crane

Why Choose a Spider Crane?


Spider cranes — also known as mini crawler cranes — are compact, tracked lifting machines that combine serious lifting capacity with an incredibly small footprint. They fit through standard doorways and operate on non-marking rubber tracks that protect sensitive surfaces.

Where a conventional mobile crane needs road closures and solid hardstanding, a spider crane can navigate garden paths, cross thresholds and set up in spaces you wouldn’t think possible.

  • Fits through standard doorways & garden gates
  • Non-marking rubber tracks protect surfaces
  • Electric or diesel operation — can work indoors
  • Lifting capacity up to 2.9 tonnes (UNIC URW-295)
  • Remote control operation for maximum safety
  • Minimal ground pressure & variable outrigger positions
  • No road closures or large setup footprint needed
Learn More About Us

Our Spider Crane Fleet


We operate UNIC mini crawler cranes — the industry’s most trusted spider crane brand. Our primary machine is the UNIC URW-295, offering up to 2.9 tonnes lifting capacity at close radius with a maximum hook height of 8.8 metres.

All cranes are LOLER tested, thoroughly examined and certified. We carry a range of lifting accessories including slings, shackles, spreader beams and glass vacuum attachments.

Common Lifting Applications
Steel Beams & RSJs
Glass Panels & Glazing
Hot Tubs & Swim Spas
HVAC & Air Con Units
Roof Trusses & Purlins
Generators & Transformers
Machinery & Plant
Pizza Ovens & Chimneys
Garden Features & Sculpture
Solar Panels & Frames
Cladding & Facades
General Heavy Items

Need a Spider Crane for Your Project?

Send us photos, weights and access details — we’ll advise on the best approach and provide a clear, competitive quote.

Get A Quote Online

What Our Clients Say


“Brilliant job with the spider crane. Got into a really tight spot behind our property where no other crane could reach. Professional, on time and exactly what we needed.”

M Dent
Residential Steel Beam Lift

“Great professional service to help lift our attic trusses onto a self-build house. They lifted over 30 roof trusses in a matter of hours with their spider crane. Would highly recommend.”

Self-Build Client
Roof Truss Installation

“Fantastic experience working with SLS. They were responsive, efficient, reliable and friendly and did exactly what they said they would do. Would definitely recommend.”

Jez Stark
Commercial Project
machine moving with a mini crane

Dedicated Crane Lifting Solutions


Our experience and equipment allow us to solve complex lifting challenges safely and efficiently. Whether it’s a single steel beam into a residential loft conversion, a glazing package on a restricted city-centre site, or a rooftop plant lift requiring a fully documented lift plan — we plan each job to reduce risk and minimise disruption.

Every project benefits from the same structured approach: site survey, method statement, risk assessment and a clear lifting plan. We work to BS 7121 and LOLER 1998 standards as a matter of course.

View Our Lifting Projects & Case Studies

Lifting Safely


Safety underpins everything we do. Every lift is planned and delivered using a structured process, from initial assessment through to completion.

Work is carried out in line with agreed method statements following appropriate risk assessments. Our operators receive regular training and toolbox talks to maintain strong health and safety standards on every job.

All crane lifting operations are conducted in accordance with LOLER 1998 and BS 7121. Equipment is thoroughly examined and certificated at required intervals.

heavy lifting with a small crane

Why Choose SmallCrane?


SmallCrane.co.uk is the dedicated spider crane hire service from Specialist Lifting Solutions (SLS), a UK lifting company with over 15 years’ experience delivering safe, efficient lifting services for commercial, industrial and residential clients.

We work with construction contractors, architects, glazing companies, building services engineers and private homeowners who need heavy or awkward items lifted and positioned safely — often in locations where conventional cranes simply can’t operate.

Our fleet includes UNIC mini crawler cranes alongside our wider range of lifting equipment including powered stairclimbers, lorry-mounted cranes (HIAB), gantry hoists, hydraulic jacking systems and vacuum lifters. This means if a spider crane isn’t the right solution, we can usually offer an alternative from within our own fleet.

We’ve delivered projects for clients including Sir Robert McAlpine, Morgan Sindall, the Ministry of Defence, London Underground, the American Embassy, Gatwick Airport and hundreds of commercial and residential customers.

Some Of Our Clients

SAV Systems / Easyjet / Sir Robert McAlpine / Morgan Sindall / RJC mechanical / Aspire Defence / ROYAL AIR FORCE /  Airedale International   NewOrbit Space Ltd /  Aura Construction Ltd / Envirotech Energy Ltd / Benchmark Services Ltd / Tedom UK / Wartsila Water Systems Ltd / and many more.... /

Call Us WhatsApp Message Quote