When Do You Need a HIAB Crane to Move a Hot Tub?
Every so often, the path through a garden just isn’t going to work. Maybe the gate is too narrow, the side passage is blocked, or the spa is tucked deep in a corner with no way out. That’s when people start asking the big question... do we need a HIAB crane to move this hot tub? It sounds like a major operation, but in reality it’s often the safest and most controlled way to get a spa from A to B.
Let’s walk through when a HIAB is needed, how the lift works and what you can expect on the day.
HIAB crane or no crane... how do you know?
A hot tub only weighs a few hundred kilos, but the size and shape make it awkward in tight areas. A HIAB crane becomes the simplest answer when the tub can’t be wheeled out using normal access routes.
We see this most often in:
- Terraced housing
- Gardens boxed in by extensions
- Side gates that are too narrow
- Spas sitting behind garages or walls
- Properties with steep or uneven ground
If there’s no continuous path wide enough for the Spa Dolly or Sledge, a crane lift is usually the cleanest solution.
Height and distance limits
A crane can lift a hot tub over fences, garages and even houses, depending on the reach and height of the specific HIAB.
A few factors decide whether the lift is safe:
- Height of any buildings or trees
- How far the spa must be lifted away from the crane base
- Weight of the hot tub
- Available standing ground for the crane vehicle
Our team checks all of this in advance using photos and measurements from you. If it’s within the HIAB's safe working limits, the lift is very straightforward.
Access situations that force a crane
Some layouts make the decision for you.
You’ll almost certainly need a HIAB crane if:
- There’s no usable side or rear access
- The only route out is through the house
- The spa sits behind a high retaining wall
- The garden is enclosed by permanent structures
- The tub can’t be tilted upright due to low clearance
These are the kinds of tricky setups where trying to force a manual exit would risk serious damage to the spa or your property. A crane avoids all that.
Safety, permits and neighbours
Most HIAB lifts don’t need special council permits. The only time permits become relevant is if the crane has to work from a public road that requires temporary traffic control.
What helps the lift go smoothly:
- Clear space for the crane to set up
- Letting neighbours know ahead of time
- Removing vehicles from the immediate area
- Making sure pets are indoors
We handle the technical side and coordinate with the crane operator so everyone knows the plan before the lift begins.
Cost factors
HIAB costs vary, but the main factors are:
- Location
- Duration of the lift
- Height and reach needed
- Access and parking for the crane
The crane is usually the only additional fee on top of the relocation service. We organise everything so you’re not juggling multiple suppliers.
What happens on the day
A typical crane lift follows the same pattern:
- The crane arrives and sets stabilisers
- Our engineers prep the hot tub for lifting
- Special straps or a lifting cradle are attached
- The tub is lifted smoothly over the obstacle
- We guide it down safely at the new spot
- We position it, level it and, if required, commission it
It’s calm, controlled and often takes less time than people expect. Once you’ve seen a HIAB in action, the whole thing feels surprisingly simple.
When You Need a HIAB Crane to Move a Hot Tub
A HIAB crane is needed when access is tight, steps or structures block the way, or when a hot tub can’t be tilted and wheeled out safely. With the right planning, the lift is quick, safe and far less dramatic than people imagine. We handle the assessment, the coordination and the move so your spa arrives without stress or damage.
