What you need to know when hiring a crane

[edit] Introduction

If you are building anything high, you are likely to need a crane to complete it. Even smaller housing residences can need a crane for roofing. However, cranes are not uniform, and there are several types to choose from. In order not to make the wrong choice, you have to be aware of all the relevant factors when it comes to hiring a suitable crane.

[edit] Boom length and the tail swing

Since it is unlikely that you will build on an open meadow, your crane operator will have to navigate carefully. There are other buildings, power lines, and bridges that need to be avoided. That is why the crane has to have the right length of the boom at the front and not much of a tail swing at the back. Make the calculation of the diameter the crane can move and rotate within.

[edit] Decreasing the noise levels

Although construction can be quite noisy at times, regulations in most countries require you to keep the noise down. Cranes can be loud because of their size. Diesel-powered cranes are in general louder than the electrical ones. Choose the latter type to keep the noise to a minimum.

[edit] Hook line speed

If you are constructing a tall building, then look for cranes with high gear hook line speeds. This will ensure that the cargo gets to height faster. Of course, the crane should have enough power to lift heavy cargos.

[edit] Time limitations

In order to decrease the total cost, plan carefully when you are going to need a crane and how long it will be operational. In this way, you will avoid overspending on hire costs. For example, a tower crane needs to be disassembled if moving location and many engineers forget to add moving time into the total hours the crane is present at the construction site. Planning is crucial when it comes to limiting the time crane is used.

[edit] Liability

Accidents can happen. Be sure to apply all security and safety measures to prevent accidents, but if they do occur, you need to know who is responsible. Even a simple fender bender of a mobile crane will need to be paid out. That is why signing a liability contract is a good idea. This way, you as the client and the crane operating company will know exactly who is liable for which part of the job.

[edit] The type of crane You need

Basically, what you need the crane for, where it will work, and for how long will determine the type of the crane to hire. Telescoping cranes and truck mounted cranes are useful for short jobs that last only a few hours. If you need cranes for industrial use then you need overhead cranes, like the ones you can see in ports carrying shipping containers. Finally, tower cranes are most versatile and most common in high-rises.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Avoiding crane collapses.
• Cherry pickers.
• Counterweights.
• Crane supports.
• Crane regulations.
• Forklift truck.
• Hoists.
• Lifting device.
• Scissor lift.
• Types of crane.
• Work at height regulations.