Crane vs Tilt Tray Delivery for Expandable Homes
Expandable homes arrive either on a tilt tray truck or are lifted into place by crane. We choose the safest method based on your site access and the model you order. This guide explains how that choice is made and what to expect on delivery day.
Tilt tray or crane: the two delivery methods
| Tilt tray truck | Crane truck | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 20ft units | 30ft and 40ft models, and tight sites |
| Access | Straight access to the final position | Can lift over fences, trees and other obstacles |
| Space needed | 3.2m width, 4.0m height, 15m turning space recommended | Standard reach 6–12m; larger cranes for special sites |
| Positioning | Drops the home directly on the prepared site | Higher accuracy when placing the home |
| Cost | Fastest and cheapest method | Crane hire is organised and paid for separately |
A tilt tray is the standard method when the truck can reach the final position directly. A crane is used when it can't, or when the home is a longer model.
When a crane lift is likely
A crane is usually the better choice when one or more of these apply:
- The truck can't drive straight to the final position
- Fences, trees, a house or a slope sit between the driveway and the home site
- The home is a 30ft or 40ft model
- Turning space for the truck is tight
The final decision depends on a look at your site. Send us photos of the access path and the placement area and we can tell you which method is likely.
What a crane lift needs
- Enough reach from where the crane truck parks to the home site. Standard reach is 6–12m.
- Clearance from powerlines. Crane trucks need more height than a standard truck.
- Firm ground for the crane truck to set up on.
- Crane payment organised before delivery day.
- Safe weather. Strong wind or storms can stop a lift.
Crane hire is quoted separately from the home. See the cost guide for the other costs that sit outside the base price.
What happens on delivery day
Arrival and set-up
The truck arrives and the team checks the access path and placement area against the plan.
Placement
The home is set down on the prepared footings or base, either straight off the tilt tray or by crane.
Levelling and unfolding
The installer positions the home on the footings, checks it is level and makes sure the weight is evenly distributed. The expandable sections are then unfolded.
Handover to your trades
Once placed, your licensed trades connect water, sewer and electricity, plus gas or an AC split system if you have chosen them.
On the day, make sure someone is on site to guide the installers and the access gate is unlocked.
What can delay delivery
Delivery may be rescheduled if there is heavy rain, muddy ground, storms, strong winds or any conditions that make a crane lift unsafe. Your safety and the home's safety always come first.
Most other delays come from the site itself. Work through the site preparation guide and make sure your footings or base are ready. Full details of both methods are on the delivery page.