UK · Updated 2026 · How-to
Hiab Delivery of Reclaimed Slate Roof Tiles in Belfast: 2026 Pricing & How-To
Kerbside pallet delivery isn't practical for large loads of slate tiles on many Belfast sites. A hiab (lorry-mounted crane) lifts pallets over walls, into gardens and onto scaffolds. Here's how to book one in Northern Ireland without paying for hire you don't need.
When to book a hiab in Belfast
- Site with no forklift and no easy kerbside
- Load needs lifting over a wall or fence
- Pallets going onto scaffold or a first-floor slab
- Loads over 1.5 tonnes to a rural or restricted site
Belfast hiab pricing 2026
NI pallet £85–£150 with 3-day transit
Access checklist before booking
- Reach required (measure to drop point in metres)
- Vehicle access (7.5t or 18t)
- Overhead cables and tree branches
- Ground bearing capacity for outriggers
Collection and delivery inside Belfast
Most Belfast sellers hold stock inside BT1, BT9 and BT12 and offer NI pallet £85–£150 with 3-day transit. For loads over a tonne of slate tiles, a hiab drop is usually more economical than multiple van runs.
Frequently asked questions
+Do I need a banksman for a hiab drop?
Usually not — the driver operates the crane. On complex or public-highway sites, yes.
+How far can a hiab reach?
Standard hiabs reach 8–14m. Long-reach cranes reach 20m+ and cost 30–50% more.
+Can I mix reclaimed sizes?
Diminishing courses are traditional — mixing sizes is often historically correct.