Is a grab or a skip better?
When it comes to clearing waste or moving aggregates, two of the most common options are grab hire and skip hire. While both have their place in construction, landscaping, and home improvement projects, knowing which is better suited to your needs can save you time, money, and hassle.
At The CGB Group, based in the heart of Kent, we specialise in professional and affordable grab lorry hire—but we know it’s important to weigh your options. So here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using grab hire over traditional skip hire.
1. Cost vs Volume: What Do You Get for Your Money?
✔️ Grab Hire:
Grab lorries typically offer more value per load, collecting up to 16 tonnes of waste in one go. You only pay for what is collected, which can make it more cost-effective—especially for larger or one-off clearances.
❌ Skip Hire:
Skips come in set sizes, and if you underestimate your needs, you may end up paying for a second skip, increasing your overall costs. Overfilling a skip can also lead to extra charges or refusal of collection.
2. Convenience & Speed: All Done in One Go
✔️ Grab Hire:
With a hydraulic arm, a grab lorry can load waste quickly—no manual labour required. Most collections take less than 30 minutes, and it’s all done in a single visit, perfect for tight schedules or busy sites.
❌ Skip Hire:
Skips are dropped off and left onsite, which means you have to load them yourself. Depending on the size of the job, this could take days or even weeks to fill, and then you still have to arrange a collection.
3. Accessibility & Manoeuvrability
✔️ Grab Hire:
Grab lorries can reach over fences, walls, and into tight spaces, making them ideal for restricted-access areas. No need for permits, clear driveways, or precise skip placement.
❌ Skip Hire:
Skips require a flat, accessible space for drop-off and pick-up. If you need to place a skip on a public road, you’ll also need a permit from the local council, which adds both cost and time.
4. Flexibility of Materials
✔️ Grab Hire:
Whether it’s mixed waste, soil, rubble, or aggregates, grab hire offers a more versatile collection option. You can also use the same vehicle to deliver and remove materials in a single trip.
❌ Skip Hire:
Skips have limitations on what can be loaded—certain materials may be prohibited or require separate containers. You may also need multiple skips for different waste types.
5. Dual Service: Waste Removal and Material Delivery in One Trip
✔️ Grab Hire:
One of the biggest advantages of grab lorry hire is the ability to deliver aggregates—such as topsoil, crushed concrete, ballast, and more—at the same time as collecting waste. Not only does this save you time, but the materials are often more affordable, as they're sourced and delivered directly with no middleman.
Better yet, grab lorries can often place the materials exactly where you need them, whether that’s into a trench, over a fence, or directly onto a driveway or site area. That means less manual handling and faster progress on your project.
❌ Skip Hire:
Skip hire services don’t offer material delivery. You’d need to arrange a separate delivery, adding cost and coordination challenges.
When Is Skip Hire the Better Choice?
To be fair, skip hire does have advantages for longer-term projects where waste is generated gradually. If you have space and the time to load it yourself, and don’t need urgent collection, a skip might still work well for your needs.
The Bottom Line
If you want a quick, cost-effective, and hassle-free solution, grab hire is often the better choice—especially for larger volumes, hard-to-reach spaces, or when time and budget matter. Add in the bonus of aggregate delivery at the same time, and it’s clear why so many people are choosing grab lorries over skips.
At The CGB Group, we’re proud to offer professional, affordable grab hire across Kent, with fast service, experienced drivers, and high-quality materials at competitive prices.
Need a quote or want to book your grab lorry?
Get in touch with The CGB Group today—we’ll handle the heavy lifting.