Hiring a crane instead of buying one has become a more practical choice especially for small to medium-sized businesses with a limited budget.

After all, cranes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a wide range of needs so having flexibility with hiring is important.

If you need a crane for your project  but are still unsure about the specifications, reading on should help.

To help you choose the best one for your project, we give you a few of the most essential tips below regardless of whether  you are considering big or small construction crane hire services:

1. Determine the lift height and capacity

Cranes are designed to lift and move heavy loads from one section of the construction site to another. When considering what type or model of crane to use, it is important to check the task requirements. Check  what the maximum height is and how far you need to carry the load.

These  requirements will obviously vary from one project to another. For instance, if you are constructing a skyscraper you’re going to need a Tower Crane.  

On the other hand, for smaller construction projects, there are self-erecting cranes. With a lift height of 20 metres, these types of cranes are recommended for home or minor office renovations.

The capacity of the crane goes hand in hand with the lift height. When using a crane, it is important to note that the capacity decreases as the height increases.

For instance, a Potain MC50B has a maximum jib radius of 40 metres and a maximum capacity of 2,500 kilograms. At 20 metres, it can carry the maximum weight. However, when the jib reaches the maximum height, it can only carry 1,000 kilograms.

With this in mind, you will need to consider  the number of times you will need to lift or move items within your construction site.

2. Consider the site terrain

Even the lightest crane weighs at least a tonne. Plus, there is the weight being loaded and carried by the crane itself. With these weights in mind, it is important to ensure that the terrain can support both the weight of the crane and the load.

Most self-erecting cranes are designed and built to work on varied terrains.  As such, they can move and operate on soil, dirt, rock and gravel if correctly stabilised.

High-Rise Tower Cranes will always be mounted on a fixed base which must be specified and certified by an authorised and fully qualified structural engineer.

If the terrain appears too rough or you are unsure of what to use, give Active Crane Hire a call. We can provide a recommendation on the most suitable model for your needs.

3. Check access to the area

Before picking out a crane for the job, you need to visit the area where the construction is expected to take place. See if there is enough access for your equipment before, during and after installing the crane.

You will need to make sure that the access route is wide enough to accommodate the crane, the other machinery and the materials needed for the construction project. This is especially important when working in a residential or a secluded area where space may be limited.

4. Know your operator

With a machine as massive and as complex as a crane, you will need a qualified crane operator to operate it. Check the qualifications of your staff to verify  they are capable of maneuvering the equipment, or you may want to consider hiring a licensed operator as well.

Your selected operator will be responsible for carrying heavy loads at great heights. Members of your construction crew will also be working in the area where you will be placing the crane.  As such, make sure that you have a crane operator that you can rely on to safely operate the machine.

It is also important to note that cranes can produce a lot of noise and commotion. By picking the right type of electric crane for your project, your team can get the job done without causing a commotion in the area.

5. Calculate the cost of the hire

For most construction businesses, the cost of the hire is another important factor when choosing a crane. You have a budget that you need to consider and following a budget is understandable..

However, keep in mind the quality and the condition of the crane as well. You get what you pay for, as they say.

Check the terms and conditions of the contract before getting into any agreement with a crane hire company. This ensures that you are satisfied before making a decision.

With these factors and tips in mind, you will be better able to decide on the right crane for your project.

Contact us if you have any questions or need assistance in choosing a crane. Because here at Active Crane, we are always ready to help and answer your queries.