7 Important Factors To Consider Before Renting A Crane
Renting a crane or other piece of heavy machinery is a cost-effective option for many contractors because it eliminates unnecessary storage fees when the crane is not in use. Utilizing equipment rentals also opens up a broader range of options when it comes to having the right equipment for each type of job. Before renting a crane for your work site, there are 7 important factors to consider.
1. Clearance Requirements
If your work site is large, you might not need to worry about clearance requirements for the crane, but for a smaller construction site, it's critical that you know the amount of clearance you'll need. Although a larger-sized crane may technically fit at a smaller site, keep in mind you'll need additional space for the crane to effectively operate. For example, the cab needs enough space to turn and the arms need room to fold out.
2. Crane Operator
Crane operators have certain licensing and certification requirements, so if you're planning to let one of your crew members operate the crane, make sure this person's license is up-to-date. When renting a crane without an operator, this is known as a bare rental. Bare rentals may cost less, but some heavy equipment rental agencies do not allow this because they want to ensure the crane is operated properly.
3. Length of the Arm
Before renting a crane for any type of construction or demolition project, be sure to find out how far the arm extends to ensure you're renting one that will accommodate your needs. Certain types of jobs require the safety of a long-arm crane. For instance, if you are excavating soil for a water feature, a long-arm crane is the safest bet because there is less risk of it toppling into the water.
4. Tires vs. Treads
The terrain at your work site dictates whether you need a crane with tires or treads. For soft, wet ground conditions, treads are the better choice because they move slower and prevent the crane from sinking. Tires work best on level or paved roads because they allow the crane to move faster and easier.
5. Work Permits
It's inevitable that you'll need to obtain city permits before operating a crane rental at your work site, so check with your rental agency to see if they can provide these permits for you. If they do offer permits, this can save you the hassle of filling out the paperwork and obtaining them yourself. If the rental agency does not provide permits, they might be able to help you determine which permits you'll need to operate the equipment.
6. Crane Safety Program
Look for a rental service that offers training programs to teach your crew how to safely operate the equipment, as well as maintain it properly. If the rental agency does not offer any such program, this could be a sign that their safety standards are not as rigorous as they should be.
7. CCO-Certified
A rental service with CCO-certified operators indicates that the agency pays attention and takes industry standards seriously. Even if this is a bare rental, there's always a chance you'll need help down the road. If the company offers its own labor and supervision services for machinery rentals, this could be a huge help for meeting deadlines if your project falls behind schedule.
The bottom line is that the more information you have before renting a piece of heavy equipment, the more successful your project will be. It's up to you to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line, so be sure to gather as much information as possible about the work site and the items being lifted. Once you have a list of questions prepared, as well as vital information about the project and site, you're ready to call for a quote.
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