A crane is a crucial piece of construction equipment since every project involves hauling, lifting and transporting bulk and heavy materials. Also, it can be used to fix huge billboard signs, trim trees, dig holes, hang or fix lights in tall buildings or across the road, and maintain or repair telecommunication lines.
But cranes come in different sizes and types. Of course, the best crane to hire is the one that meets your particular demands and construction needs. If you are consider hiring a crane for your company’s building projects, follow these six best practices to make sure that you get the right type.
Crane Hire
#1. Determine why you need a crane
If you know your exact purpose for investing in crane hire, you will end up choosing the best crane for your construction project. You will, of course, need a big crane if you need to put up huge buildings, but if you are not quite sure what kind of big crane to hire, you must ask expert help.
Crane rental experts know exactly if you will need a crawler, a forklift or a hydraulic crane. All you have to do is to describe to them your project or have them visit the project site.
#2. Never procrastinate
With the whirlwind of activity that takes place in every job site, you may end up putting off certain tasks in order to prioritize other matters, but hiring a crane is something that shouldn’t be delayed. Once you determine that your project needs a crane, book it instantly.
Keep in mind that renting a crane is not an easy process – there are criteria you should meet to make sure that they will provide the right crane that fits your project requirements and budget, within the schedule you are following. So it is highly recommended that you call crane hire companies ahead of time, but pull out a crane only by the time you need it.
#3. Check if getting a permit is required
Before using a crane, you may need a permit to erect or operate the equipment, so it is crucial for you to check with the authorities if you need to get one.
For instance, you can ask the city planning office in your city or region about permits. But ideally, a reputable crane hire company would be aware of these rules. In fact, they can even help you do the paperwork.
#4. Opt for well-maintained cranes
Cranes must be maintained in order to function optimally. Aim to rent one that is inspected before and after every use and is in great working condition. Trustworthy crane hire companies comply with safety standards and do not rent out cranes with known issues.
Ask them to show you the equipment’s routine maintenance inspection records before sealing the deal. This serves as proof that the crane will perform the job safely and efficiently.
#5. Consider the crane’s accessories, rigging and operators
Aside from the crane, you will also need different crane attachments, rigging, and spare parts during the construction process. Make sure to work with a rental company that offers not just cranes but also the necessary accessories so you can easily get these if needed.
Furthermore, do not let just anyone operate the equipment. If no one in your company is trained to operate a crane, get professional help. Hiring operators recommended by a reputable crane rental service will give you peace of mind that your project will be completed safely and on time.
#6. Go green
Aside from health and safety, environmental impact has also become one of the most important considerations in the construction industry. Equipment manufacturers came up with the idea of creating eco-friendly machineries and tools to help save the environment.
You must do your part in saving Mother Earth by choosing to hire cranes with low carbon dioxide emissions as well as those that use less energy.
Cranes are essential machines for the construction industry. If your upcoming project needs one, you have to implement these best practices before deciding which crane to hire. You have to choose the right crane to prevent delays and losses, and most importantly to ensure success.
In the same way that you would choose experts to enhance your property, don’t just base your crane hire decision on the price. Instead, consider your project’s location, the type of job involved, the crane’s quality, and safety, and you will find the best company with the right cranes.
AUTHOR BIO
Hermann Buchberger is the Founder and CEO of Active Crane Hire (ACH). He’s taken the company from start-up to Industry Leader offering the largest fleet of construction cranes in Australia. ACH launched a new type of crane previously unheard of in the Australian market: electric tower cranes.
