Anyone who’s into the construction business understands the importance of mobile cranes. Construction workers can now work smoothly with a powerful tool that can lift extremely heavyweight materials from the ground to a higher level.
And with more high-rise structures being built, the availability of cranes makes it possible for construction companies to build towering buildings.
Why hire a mobile crane?
If you need a crane for just a limited time, it’s not the best decision to invest a huge amount in buying one. Procurement will also press you to spend extra maintenance costs, pay operator wages and allocate a space for the crane. So if you intend to save on cost, hiring a mobile remote-controlled crane instead is the most cost-effective solution.
Mobile cranes have the advantage of mobility which makes them easy to transport and quick to set up. But if you’re a contractor planning to hire one, consider these five things first to get the suitable crane for the task.
1. Type of Terrain
Before rushing to hire a crane, it’s important to consider the terrain of your construction site. The terrain you have will establish the ease of manipulating the crane. For example, a working site that has soft soil will need a crane affixed on crawler treads. On the other hand, one with stable soil as a base can handle a crane installed on a truck that has rubber tires.
If you aren’t certain about what type of mobile crane will work best for your construction needs, choose models intended for rough terrains. These type of cranes are versatile and can move around surfaces with various types of soil density.
2. Height Clearance
Consider the nature of your construction environment when selecting the right crane height. Because chances are, you may have a crane which may come into contact with structural obstacles. Power lines, adjacent structures will obstruct you from using the crane effectively and safely.
Take time to figure out the precise dimensions of your building and possible obstructions so you can strategize how the crane should be manipulated to achieve your building objectives.
3. Load Weight
Mobile cranes vary in their capabilities. Some work well for lightweight loads while others are meant for handling huge loads, making load weight a vital factor in their applications.
To determine the correct crane capacity, understand the weight of the items you intend to lift and move, as well as the boom’s angle. For instance, if you have a load weight of 20-30 tons, but perhaps due to the boom angle, you will need to rent a 60-ton crane.
4. Competitive Rates
With the number of cranes available for hire in the market, it may be tempting to go with the first company you meet. Make sure to get a full and honest quote which already includes extra fees before the project begins. Compare the quote you got with at least three other crane services to ensure you get a good price.
Also, ask about any extra charges the company may add on. You wouldn’t want to reach the end of the project and find out you’ve incurred more costs than what was given in the initial quote.
5. Ask the Right Questions
To get an accurate estimate of the project cost and ensure the use of the right equipment, here are some questions to ask the crane company.
How much experience do you have?
Experience is one factor you shouldn’t overlook when getting a crane service. The more experience a crane company has, the better. Look into their track record to gauge how familiar they are with construction requirements.
How well-trained are your operators?
Operators should undergo extensive training and be licensed to ensure that the project task is safely handled in a professional manner.
Do you use the latest technology or updated tools and equipment?
This doesn’t mean that an older equipment can no longer function properly. But, you have to ensure that the crane you intend to hire is in good working condition. Ideally, they should be updated on the latest technology for a smoother handling of the project task.
Do you have the equipment I need?
The type of crane you need will differ based on the construction job. Choose a crane service that offers extensive mobile cranes, ranging from a capacity of 10-450 tons. This way, you can tackle projects of various scales and demands.
The five things above are common yet useful factors to consider when hiring a crane service. Since a project involves many risks, it ’s essential to only get the best service for your construction project.
In addition, check the licenses, certificates, and insurance coverage of your chosen crane service. The more information you know about hiring a crane, the more you’ll be successful in your project.
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. The company's infrastructure and associated services now comprise a fleet of trucks and trailers, a crane-rigging team, mobile crane technicians, a fleet of service vehicles, and an extensive range of crane spare parts.
