Important Considerations When Hiring a Crane

Almost every construction project needs lifting and hauling of heavy materials. And it’s here that cranes play a significant role. Cranes are essential for lifting and moving vital equipment and materials. However, when it comes to crane hire, there are a variety of factors you must consider to ensure you get the right crane for the job. 

Check the load weight

The weight of the load is the first thing you need to consider because you need a crane suited to the lifting requirements. Hiring a high load capacity crane if you only need to move small loads will be a waste of time and money. On the other hand, hiring a smaller crane that doesn’t have the capacity to lift your load will also be a waste of time and money.

Make sure you get detailed information on the weight and shape of the load to ensure you get a crane suited to your load requirements.

Also, you need to consider the type of load you need to move. For example, moving concrete blocks may require different machinery than moving liquid-filled tanks.

Know the lift height

Before hiring a crane, you will need to know what the required lift height is. How high you need to lift the load will affect your choice of crane, as well as the length of the crane boom, counter weights and other factors. Again, you want to find the crane suited to your requirements. Hiring a high-rise crane to do first- or second-storey lifting will end up costing you more than you need to pay.

You need to take note of weather conditions also, particularly the wind. The higher the lifting height, the more likely it will be affected by winds.

Evaluate the on-site terrain

The site terrain must be carefully considered. You need to ensure that the type of crane you hire can traverse the terrain and that the terrain is stable enough to safely support the crane while it’s working.

 

For rough, off-road terrain you may need a crawler crane, where as a truck-mounted crane is suitable for flat sealed roads. Picking the right crane ensures that the machinery can access the work site and do its lifting safely. 

It’s also worth considering the weather conditions. While a work site may be easily accessible during good weather conditions, it may become muddy or slippery in the rain.

Access to the project site

Site access is also essential to consider. Will your crane be able to access the worksite? Is there enough road space to get it onsite? Will you need to close off any roads or move any machinery or equipment to get it to the site? Is there ample space for the crane to park and set up?

If the crane can’t access the site, you may need to think about hard-to-reach site cranes or boom trucks instead.

Consider safety issues

Here you need a two-fold inspection, where not only the crane should be inspected but also the surroundings. The area around the project site is considered to take note of potential hazards. You can also hire a local crane inspector for this job. Because the expert one will be well aware of the weather conditions, site terrains and safety regulations and can guide you better.

Also, you need to think about the potential obstacles here as well. When moving a crane in and around the site, there are many possible obstacles you can face. These obstacles include light poles, overhead power cables, scaffolds, overhead catwalks, tall trees and even buildings. These things can lead to accidents and severe damage if the crane is not handled correctly among them. It is better to take a crane with proper radio controls and hire a well-trained operator with experience in working in such conditions.

Don’t forget the cost

Cost is another factor when you hire or purchase a crane. When you have decided what type of crane you want for your construction project, take market research to find the sellers or leasing contractors. If your project will be going for a short period, it is better to hire a crane on rent instead of purchasing.

Compare the multiple renting services in your area and go with a price that suits your budget. Beware of any prices that seem too low. This could mean you’re hiring poor-quality machinery, which can be extremely dangerous and costly in the long run. Read our another blog post on “Truck Hire Safety Tips”

No matter what type of construction project is going ahead, it needs crane facilities. But not every crane fits every project. So, you need to take some measurements while choosing a crane for your project.

The above-said points will be helpful in this matter. Like the height, load weight, cost and type of terrain, all these are the essential notes that you need to keep in mind while picking your machine.

There are different types of cranes available for every project like tower crane, truck mounted crane, loader crane, rough-terrain crane, overhead crane, mobile crane and many others. It is up to you and your project what type it needs.