HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ACCESS & LIFTING

Thinking about installing a hot tub at home?

From garden spas to swim spas, hot tubs are a luxury worth every penny - but getting one into place isn’t as simple as wheeling it through the side gate. These units can weigh anything from 300kg to over 1,000kg and often measure over 2 metres wide. So unless you live in a show home with crane-ready access (lucky you), delivery and installation take careful planning.

Here’s what you need to know about hot tub logistics - and why crane-assisted haulage can make the entire process safer, quicker, and surprisingly cost-effective.

Hot Tubs Are Heavy, Awkward, and Definitely Not a DIY Job

Hot tubs arrive in one large piece, and most can’t be dismantled for delivery. Their size and shape make standard access points - narrow paths, low walls, garden gates - tricky (if not impossible) to navigate. A typical hot tub can weigh over half a tonne empty, so lifting with friends and a smile is out of the question.

This is where we step in.

How Crane-Assisted Haulage Simplifies the Process

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we use crane-mounted lorries to lift and place hot tubs directly into position - over fences, hedges, outbuildings, even rooftops. The process is clean, quick, and avoids damage to your property or your spa.

No forklifts across lawns.
No dismantling garden structures.
No waiting around for separate crane hire.

You book one team (that’s us) and we handle the lift, delivery, and placement - seamlessly.

The First Question: How’s Your Access?

When clients call us to discuss hot tub delivery, our first priority is understanding your site access:

Is there a side path or wide enough gate?
Are there overhead cables, trees, or nearby buildings?
Will the lorry have space to set up near the lift location?
Is it a straight lift-in, or are there obstacles to navigate?

We often carry out a site visit to confirm all this before your delivery day. It’s a small step that prevents big problems - and it’s why we’re trusted by local hot tub suppliers across the South West.

What Makes Us Different?

We’re a family-run business with a national-standard fleet and an eye for detail. Our FASSI 66 tm crane can lift 3.1 tonnes at 16 metres - enough to place even the largest swim spas into your garden with millimetre precision.

We bring:

LOLER-certified lifting tackle
ALLMI-qualified operators
Clear RAMS and insurance ready for your records
Flexible scheduling that works with you and your supplier

A Word on Cost (Spoiler: It’s Often Cheaper Than You’d Think)

Many homeowners are surprised to find that crane-assisted haulage costs less than coordinating a separate haulage firm, crane hire, and lifting team. With C.P. Duck Haulage, it’s all in one - saving you time, complexity, and cash.

We offer:

Transparent pricing
Half-day and full-day rates
Overtime options if needed
Clear communication from start to finish

Some FAQ’s

Not always - but if access is tight, a crane-mounted lorry is often the safest, quickest, and most cost-effective solution. We assess every site individually to determine whether a crane-assisted delivery is needed.
Costs vary depending on location, access, lift complexity, and timing, but our all-in-one crane-assisted service is often more affordable than hiring separate hauliers and crane operators. We offer clear quotes with no hidden extras.
Yes, provided there’s adequate space and no obstructions like power lines or protected trees. Our team will assess the site in advance and plan a safe, compliant lift with all necessary RAMS and LOLER-certified equipment.
Our fleet includes a FASSI 66 tm rear-mounted lorry loader crane, capable of lifting over 3 tonnes at up to 16 metres reach. It’s ideal for navigating tight spaces and placing hot tubs with millimetre precision.
We offer free advice based on over 25 years experience or we can provide site assessments to check access points, turning circles, overhead restrictions, and lift zones. You don’t need to guess - we’ll work it out for you.
Absolutely. We regularly coordinate with hot tub retailers, spa installers, and landscape designers to streamline the process and ensure your delivery goes smoothly from start to soak.

Ready to Book or Need Advice?

Whether you’re working with a hot tub retailer, or planning a surprise delivery for a special occasion, we can help.

Call us for friendly, expert advice and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Call 0977 060487 or email chris@cpduckhaulage.co.uk

-

More Articles -

Featured

Crane Assisted Haulage, FAQ'S

What Is Crane-Assisted Haulage?

Crane Assisted Haulage, FAQ'S

When a load is too heavy to lift by hand and too awkward for a forklift, crane-assisted haulage steps in. Also known (colloquially) as “HIAB hire,” this specialist service combines a heavy-goods vehicle with its own hydraulic loading crane - giving you transport and lifting power in one neat package.