How much does heavy equipment moving cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Heavy Equipment Movers team
Short answer: In 2026, moving a single small workshop machine locally in the UK usually costs £400 to £1,200, using skates and a tail-lift or HIAB vehicle. A HIAB lorry with operator is usually £500 to £1,000 per day, and a contract crane lift often starts around £1,000 to £3,000. Full workshop or factory relocations are priced after a survey and commonly run from £2,000 to well over £10,000.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical UK price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Reposition a machine within the same building | £300 to £900 |
| Single small machine, local move, up to about 2 tonnes | £400 to £1,200 |
| Single larger machine, 3 to 10 tonnes, local move | £1,200 to £4,000 |
| HIAB lorry with operator (per day) | £500 to £1,000 |
| Contract crane lift with lift plan | £1,000 to £3,000 or more |
| Small workshop relocation, several machines | £2,000 to £8,000 |
| Factory or production line relocation | £10,000 or more, priced by survey |
These are typical guide prices. Your actual price depends on the weight and size of the equipment, access at both ends, distance, the lifting method and how much preparation is needed.
What affects the price
- Weight, dimensions and centre of gravity of each machine
- Access: doorways, steps, floor loadings and overhead obstructions
- Lifting method, from skates and jacks to HIAB or mobile crane
- Distance and the type of vehicle needed
- Out-of-hours or weekend working to reduce downtime
- Abnormal load notifications, road closures or permits
How to keep costs down
- Have the manufacturer's weights, dimensions and lifting points ready
- Clear the route and both positions before the move day
- Book electricians and engineers for isolation and reconnection in advance
- Move several machines in one planned operation rather than one at a time
How to get an accurate price
Send the make, model and weight of each machine, both addresses and photos of the machine and the route out. Most moves need a short site survey before a fixed price is confirmed.
Related guides
- LOLER and lift plans: what businesses need to know before moving machinery
- How to prepare for a machinery move: a checklist for businesses
- How to choose a machinery moving company: questions to ask and red flags
- Machine skates, forklift, HIAB or crane: how heavy machinery is moved
- Transporting heavy machinery by road: vehicles, load securing and abnormal loads
- Relocating a CNC machine: a step-by-step guide to protecting accuracy
- Planning a factory relocation: timeline, downtime and who does what
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