Ground conditions and HIAB lifts: why firm standing matters

When a HIAB lorry lifts a container or cabin, it puts its stabiliser legs down to stay steady. Those legs, and the lorry itself, need to stand on firm, level ground. As the weather gets wetter, this becomes one of the most important things to check.

We ask about the ground before every job. It is a simple question, but the answer shapes how the collection is planned.

Why the ground matters

During a lift, the load is carried through the lifting arm and down through the stabiliser legs into the ground. If the ground gives way under a leg, the lorry can become unstable. Firm, level standing keeps the lift controlled.

Good standing

Concrete, asphalt and well compacted hardcore are usually suitable. Grass, soil and soft gravel can sink, especially after rain.

Surfaces that are firm in summer can behave very differently in autumn and winter. A gravel drive or grass verge that seemed fine a few months ago may now be soft, rutted or holding water.

What to tell us

• What surface the lorry would stand on
• Whether the ground has been wet or waterlogged recently
• Any drains, manhole covers or cellars under the standing area
• Any slope between the road and the unit

Also let us know about any recently dug trenches, new services or backfilled areas, as these can settle under load.

Photos help

A photo of the area in front of the container, taken from the road, shows us a lot. If the ground looks doubtful, we can talk through options before a date is booked.

If the ground is not suitable

Soft ground does not always mean a collection cannot go ahead. Depending on the site, the lorry may be able to stand in a different spot, or a vehicle from our fleet with a longer reach may suit better. In other cases, waiting for drier weather may be the sensible choice.

Before the day

Keep the standing area clear of parked cars, skips and materials. If the weather changes sharply before the collection, let us know so we can talk it through. On the day, please keep people clear of the lorry while it is lifting.

Read more about preparing for collection in our disposal guide, or send us your photos.