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For almost five decades, Ainscough Crane Hire has been at the forefront of the UK lifting industry. While the company’s heritage is rooted in crane hire, Ainscough’s capabilities now extend far beyond the provision of equipment. Today, Ainscough is recognised as the nation’s leading provider of integrated lifting solutions, combining the UK’s largest fleet, unparalleled national reach, and an unwavering commitment to safety and engineering excellence.
Operating from more than 30 strategically located depots and with a fleet of over 320 cranes, including units with capacities of up to 800 tonnes, Ainscough delivers precision, scale, and dependability to projects across every sector, from infrastructure and energy to construction and heavy industry.
A Complete Lifting Service
Ainscough’s service offering encompasses the entire project lifecycle:
This comprehensive approach allows Ainscough to deliver value far beyond equipment provision, enabling clients to meet their objectives safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
CASE STUDY: M3 Pedestrian Footbridge, Bagshot Heath
What happened: Ainscough supported Nusteel Structures in installing a new pedestrian footbridge over the M3 motorway at Bagshot Heath for National Highways, delivered via Taylor Woodrow.
Technical/Service Value: Two of Ainscough’s 750-tonne mobile cranes (Heavy Cranes division) were deployed in tandem lifts. The bridge components came in four sections, some up to ~34.5m long / 24 tonnes.
Challenges & Solutions:
• Road closed over a weekend to allow safe work over the motorway.
• Heat and logistics of assembling large sections on site.
Client Value: The work improved pedestrian connectivity, delivered safely and with minimal disruption, using highly specialised lifting capacity.
Read more about this project here.
CASE STUDY: Oldbury Nuclear Laundry Machines Removal
What happened: Ainscough supported Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) and UniTech in removing 14 redundant industrial laundry machines from the Oldbury nuclear power station site in South Gloucestershire. The machines, formerly used to clean contaminated workwear, were lifted from the second floor to the roof for safe transport, recycling, and refurbishment.
Technical/Service Value: A 40-tonne mobile crane was deployed, supported by ekki mats to ensure ground stability. A scaffold platform and goods cage system were engineered to move machines from the second floor to the lift point, ensuring safe handling in a regulated nuclear environment.
Challenges & Solutions:
Client Value: The project enabled NRS to recycle and repurpose equipment safely, reducing waste while maintaining strict nuclear safety standards. Operations were delivered on time, compliant with regulatory requirements, and with minimal disruption, demonstrating how lifting expertise supports both safety and sustainability goals.
Read more about this project here.
Why Industry Leaders Choose Ainscough
| Capability | Client Benefit |
| Largest fleet and depot network | Rapid mobilisation and nationwide coverage |
| Comprehensive engineering expertise | Risk mitigation and optimised lift solutions |
| Proven delivery record | Confidence in on-time, on-budget project completion |
| Safety leadership | Industry-leading, award-winning QHSE standards across all operations |
| Sustainability commitment | Alignment with clients’ ESG objectives |
Ainscough’s transformation from equipment supplier to strategic lifting partner is underpinned by its commitment to safety, innovation, and client success. Whether supporting major infrastructure projects, delivering complex industrial installations, or responding to urgent lifting requirements, Ainscough consistently demonstrates why it is regarded as the UK’s premier lifting solutions provider.
Ready to Start Planning Your Next Lift?
Get in touch today. Call us on 0800 272 637 or click here, and we will call you back.
