Tipper Hire vs Grab Hire
Tipper Hire vs Grab Hire – Which Is Best for Your Waste Removal Job?
Whether you’re clearing a construction site, moving spoil from excavation, or handling bulk materials, choosing between tipper hire and grab hire can have a big impact on cost, speed, and logistics.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between tippers and grab wagons, when to use each, and how VWJ Earthmoving can support your project in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and surrounding areas.
What’s the Difference Between a Tipper and a Grab Lorry?
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Tipper Lorry
A heavy-duty truck with a hydraulic rear bed that tips to unload material. Requires machinery to load. -
Grab Lorry
Similar to a tipper but with a hydraulic grab arm. The grab can self-load materials like soil, rubble, and green waste—ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
Tipper Hire vs Grab Hire – Comparison Table
| Feature | Tipper Hire | Grab Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Loading Method | Loaded by excavator or manually | Self-loading via grab arm |
| Speed | Faster for large, prepared loads | Efficient for messy or scattered waste |
| Access Needed | Wide, unobstructed site access | Can load over walls/fences |
| Best For | Bulk muck away, quarry materials | Restricted sites, loose spoil |
| Cost Efficiency | Lower cost per load | Slightly higher but includes loading |
| Operator | Driver only | Driver operates grab arm |
Tip: Use tipper hire when you have loading machinery on site – minimum of 8 tonne excavator. Choose grab hire when access is tight or you need a full-service solution.
When to Choose Tipper Hire
Tipper lorries are ideal for:
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Muck away from sites with diggers or loading shovels
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Delivering or removing aggregates, topsoil, or hardcore
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Jobs with wide access and large volumes to shift quickly
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Time-sensitive bulk earthmoving projects
At VWJ Earthmoving, we operate a fleet of modern 8-wheel tippers with onboard weighing, electric sheeting, and full waste traceability.
See our Tipper Hire Services →
When to Choose Grab Hire
Grab wagons are best suited for:
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Garden or landscaping clearances
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Sites with limited access (e.g. over fences, walls)
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Small to medium amounts of inert or green waste
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Customers without onsite machinery
Our grab lorries can load up to 16 tonnes in a single visit, with full Duty of Care waste notes provided.
Compliant & Environmentally Responsible
All waste we remove—whether by tipper or grab—is handled in line with Environment Agency regulations, using licensed disposal facilities.
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Upper-Tier Waste Carrier Licence -
Free Duty of Care paperwork with every job
Need to verify us? View our waste licence →
Local Service Coverage
We provide tipper and grab hire throughout:
Next-day bookings available for most locations.
Not Sure Which Is Best?
Give us a call and we’ll recommend the right vehicle for your job.
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01270 251522 -
VWJ Earthmoving, Clay Lane, Crewe, CW1 5SQ
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Final Word
Both tipper and grab hire have their place in the world of construction, groundwork, and waste removal. At VWJ Earthmoving, we’re happy to advise on the best option for your site, timeline, and budget.
Get in touch today to streamline your project and stay compliant with waste disposal laws.
