If you are going to start an infrastructure project where you have to move material, objects, heavy equipment, it is very likely that you will need a crane to carry out the work.
If your projects are not long-term (more than a year), they are variable, not necessarily the same type of work, it may not be convenient for you to buy the machinery and the most profitable thing is to rent a crane. Becasuse of, in this post we will talk about some considerations that you should realize before renting a crane.
1. Knowledge of the load
The first thing that must be taken into account is the weight of the load or loads with which the maneuvers are going to be carried out. It is essential to know the weights of the heaviest items. Knowing exactly the weights of the loads will determine what type of crane and what size will be the crane to rent.
The exact information of the value of the weight of the load is generally in the plans of the manufacturers. If it is not possible to determine the weight, then the load must be weighed or calculated.
Avoid guessing at the weight of the load or adding slight additional load to the load already calculated. The cranes work with specific figures and only with a minimum level of tolerance that is never recommended to be used. It is always advisable to work under the tolerance level and minimize all kinds of risks when performing the maneuvers.
Cargo dimensions can also be a concern. Large items can pose transportation problems. In addition, it will be necessary to know the location of the center of gravity. Manufacturers drawings should be consulted. If the center of gravity location for your load is not provided, it must be calculated.
2. Study of the maneuvers to be carried out
A crane is often required to lift a load and then travel with it, which is called “pick and carry”. Rough-terrain cranes can usually pick up lighter loads while the crane moves on its tires, whereas crawler cranes can carry heavier loads.
In some cases, two cranes may be needed to lift extremely heavy or oversized loads. These maneuvers offer greater safety and minimize the demand on the crane. The greater the number of cranes in the maneuver, the greater the number of personnel, and this has a direct impact on the project budget.
Another important consideration is the height required to lift the load. This measurement will greatly influence the length of the boom and if any arms are needed. If the load is tall and/or you are lifting it to a significant height, you must determine the clearance available for the rigging and load block of the crane
3. Crane rental time
Before renting a crane, it is necessary to calculate the time of use. The longer you use the crane, the more your project budget will increase. Another issue to consider is the cost of moving the crane. All terrain cranes are designed to be driven on the road and are cheaper to move than crawler cranes. Larger all-terrain cranes typically require a separate shipment of one or two truckloads of counterweights. Crawler cranes may need multiple trucks to get the crane there. Therefore, for a large crawler crane to be profitable, it generally needs to be on large projects and can be used for a long time. Please note that all of these parts must be assembled and then disassembled at your job site. It is rarely profitable to transport a large crawler crane to do a single lift.
4. Check the location
The Location is crucial in selecting the size of crane you’ll need. Selecting a suitable location for the crane can be complicated by obstructions that may restrict the crane’s movement. It is always recommended to install on flat surfaces, without any inclination in order not to lose stability.
5. Crane transportation
Once the type and size of crane to be used has been determined, and where it will be placed, it is essential to consider the means of getting the crane there. It must be understood that the great distances could mean a considerable increase in the budget to transport this equipment.
6. Staff to operate the crane
In Grúas y Maniobras, we can offer you two options: there is the option of renting cranes only, which is called “dry machine” rental; or we can provide the crane, operator and support staff (rigger, oiler, riggers, whatever is required).
If you decide to rent a dry machine crane, it would be your responsibility to ensure that the operator has the correct credentials and is familiar with the operation of the crane model and has the required insurance policies.
7. Preparation of the location
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires that the “controlling entity,” which is generally you or your customer, provide the crane operator with a surface that is “firm, drained, and level enough to the right support and the level grade of the team.”
It may be necessary to hire a geotechnical engineer to assess the site for critical applications after a crane is rented.
If the proposed crane location is on disturbed ground, the soil must be well compacted. Cranes should not be installed on disturbed or recently backfilled soil.
Occasionally, the desired location to place the crane is above some essential utilities, pipes, vaults, vessels or other things that may affect its ability to support the weight of the load and the crane. You must be aware of these drawbacks to avoid damage below the surface, as well as damage to the crane.
Grúas y Maniobras engineers have a lot of experience in handling these problems and are prepared to provide the best solutions.
8. Risk considerations
Additional considerations and risks may include overhead power lines, buried utilities, or other structures. It is vitally important that you consider and inform the rental company of any potential hazards when considering the use of a crane at your location.
Now that you know the information you need before renting a crane, it’s time to contact a company that provides this comprehensive service with the experience and confidence that your project needs. Grúas y Maniobras SAC has more than 19 years of experience and more than 80 highly trained and certified professionals who can help you along the way to choose the best equipment to successfully develop your project.
Do you need renting a crane for your project?
You can contact us here and specialized personnel will answer your queries
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It’s interesting when you said that you should consider understanding the weight of the load you would carry to know the crane you would need. A couple of days ago, my best friend mentioned that he and his business companions were planning to have a consultation for a tower crane rental to lower the consumption time for their commercial property project. I’ll tell him that they may contact reputable crane rental services, who can answer all of his situations. I’m thankful for this enlightening article.
Thank you for letting me know that the time of use must be calculated when renting a crane. My friend is working on a project that requires a crane. I should advise him to look for a rental company that provides well-inspected units.
I’m glad you mentioned the importance of knowing the exact weight of the loads so you can determine the right size and type of crane to rent. I imagine that it would also be smart to consider the reputation of a potential crane rental service. That way, you can be sure that they are reliable and will provide the best quality crane for your specific load.
It makes sense that you should consider how many loads you’ll be working with. My husband told me last night at dinner about how he needs to rent a crane for a project coming up at his work in a couple of weeks, so he wants to make sure he does everything right while searching for one. I’ll pass these tips along to him as he searches for a place to rent a crane from.
Thank you for pointing out that choosing a site for the crane can be difficult because of obstacles that might limit its mobility. My husband wants to change the house’s façade. I’ll advise him to be aware of the local conditions before renting a crane.
Great tips for crane selection. Careful consideration during the setup phase can make a big difference to the efficiency of crane hire on the day. Thanks for the article.
I totally agree when you talked about determining the amount of time you need the crane, because the rate would be higher for those needing them for longer periods of time. In that case, those who plan to get a crane equipment short term lease would probably be getting a much lower price which would be enough for their budget. In my opinion, as long as there are no delays the short rental will be enough, especially when there are no accidents or downtimes.