Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Crane

crane services

Are you preparing to begin a commercial building project? You will need a crane. If purchasing a crane is not an option, renting one from a crane rental services provider may be a more cost-effective solution.

You need to get in touch with a reliable crane rental company to discuss your requirements. To have a great time and rent the right unit, you must ask yourself several crucial questions. These questions include:

What do you want to lift?

Understanding the weights of the heaviest items you want to lift is critical. Knowing the weight of the load may appear straightforward, but there may be more to it than meets the eye.

You should learn the actual weights of your loads because it will determine the size of the crane you need to hire. The weight also has a significant impact on safety and efficiency of the unit.

Some people will advise that you guess the weight of the load, but don’t do this. You also should never randomly add weight.

You may think you are saving time, but doing this causes an error that may bother you later.

Adding a “contingency” load of a reasonable value to your load is best done directly and with the crane company’s input.

So, if you aren’t sure about the exact weight you want to lift, consult the crane company, and it will help you estimate it.

You can adjust the value of this contingency as conditions change and the project evolves, and you’ll always know where you stand.

The load’s dimensions is another thing to consider, so pay attention to it. Large items may be difficult to transport, so be cautious of their sizes.

While you are at it, know the location of the center of gravity. An excellent way to do it is to consult the fabricators’ designs. If your load’s center of gravity is not specified, let the fabricator help you estimate it. Don’t do it alone, as you will likely mess up.

How long will you need to hire the crane?

Before renting a crane, you must determine how long you will need the crane. The longer you use the crane, the more it costs.

As you are coming up with the cost of hiring the crane, consider the cost of deploying the crane. All-terrain cranes are designed to be driven on highways and are more cost-effective to transport than crawler cranes.

Larger all-terrain cranes typically require one or two truckloads of counterweights. Crawler cranes may need anywhere from a dozen to several dozen truckloads to get there, which means they will be expensive to transport.

The worst mistake you can make is hiring a crane only to find that you need it longer than you estimated. To ensure that you are hiring the crane for the right amount of time, work with professionals who will help you analyze the magnitude of the project and the amount of time it will take you to complete it.

Who will operate the crane?

The crane operator you hire significantly impacts the quality of experience you have with your crane. When you hire an inexperienced crane operator, there is even the risk of the crane collapsing and causing an accident.

To be safe, hire a contractor that knows what they are doing.

Most crane rental companies have two types of services. A service where they hire you the crane with the operator and one where they simply hire you the crane, and then you find your operator.

To avoid complications, hire a crane together with the contractor. This way, you are sure that the contractor is well-versed with the crane, and they are less likely to cause an accident.

They also are more likely to take good care of the crane as they use it regularly.

When you visit the rental companies, don’t just accept the operator recommended by the company. Instead, take your time to review their certifications and ensure they are experienced enough and authorized to work in your area.

Do you need to prepare the site?

Sometimes, you might need to prepare your work site to reduce the chances of accidents. Before renting a crane, bring a geotechnical expert to examine the area and recommend the best place to install the crane.

When hiring, find engineers supplying you with the ground-bearing pressures your equipment will exert on your location. If these pressure levels need to be reduced, the engineers will work with you to devise solutions to reduce the values to acceptable levels.

If the intended crane position is on disturbed soil, you may have to compact the soils. Remember that you shouldn’t erect cranes on disturbed or freshly backfilled soil, so you must give the soil time to settle before you bring on the crane.

Occasionally, the ideal site for the crane is above utilities, pipes, vaults, vessels, or other vital objects that may impact the crane’s capacity to support its operation at that location.

You must know about these subsurface problems to avoid damage.

To avoid accidents, work with engineers with extensive expertise in dealing with these difficulties and are eager to collaborate with you to find a solution.

Parting shot

When hiring a crane from crane services DC, you should ask these questions. As a rule of thumb, take your time hiring the crane.

Take your time and find a crane that is the right size and type for your project.

You also should hire an experienced crane operator who will minimize the chances of accidents and take good care of the crane.

Finally, properly prepare your work site. As a rule of thumb, work with experienced engineers who will adequately prepare the area and, at the same time, guide you on the best procedure to lift your load.

Guide to Hiring the Right Crane for Your Project and Save Money

crane hire

When you are looking to hire a crane for your project, you want a crane that will not only perfectly handle your project, but also save you money, right? If this is the first time you hire a crane from crane rental services, here are tips to ensure you hire the right unit.

When you have a small site

You need a small crane if you have a low-intensity site with a small number of workers (12-15) and a required lift capacity of up to two tonnes.

A classic example is when you are building a timber frame or conventional house using pallets of bricks, blocks, and mortar. In such an instance, you need a small tower crane controlled by a remote control.

You can considerably cut your running costs by employing this type of crane with one worker loading the hook and operating the crane controls.

You should teach many site workers to undertake this function, allowing you to continue operating in the event of an absence rather than waiting for a single trained operator to return.

As you can tell, this keeps the crane operational and the project on track. You also don’t rely on one person to do all the work.

When you have a large or busy site

A tower crane will be more appropriate if your loads exceed two tons at 30 meters, and your project will take 20 weeks or longer.

Saddle jib or flat-top cranes are available in various height and jib configurations, making them more versatile and less expensive to hire than mobile cranes with comparable lifting capabilities.

Be cautious of the height of the crane.

The height of a crane significantly impacts costs. The tall crane is not only expensive to hire, but also requires a larger and stronger base to withstand the stresses, which necessitates a lot more concrete and steel.

Taller cranes also require more electricity and emit more carbon emissions. As a result, even a modest reduction in the height required for your lifting requirements might significantly impact your overall costs.

Before you hire a crane, take your time and find out if there is any way you can hire a slightly shorter crane than you would ordinarily need. This calls for you to work closely with experienced contractors who know what they are doing.

Watch where you position the crane.

The placement of the crane, as well as other construction site factors, will impact your final expenses. A common example is when a materials shop is placed in the middle of a courtyard or the center of the site.

This means that if you have more than one crane, when one is loading, the other cannot get to the materials and must sit idle, wasting time.

This configuration significantly increases the likelihood of collisions and makes site operations complex and inefficient.

To save time and money, set up the materials store conveniently. This way, you will have maximum hook time and low crane-hire expenses.

Ensure you have enough power.

Three-phase power is required for sites installing a lift shaft, as most tall buildings do. Wherever possible, you should install power as the first thing, allowing you to use mains power for the tower crane during construction.

This is substantially less expensive than using a generator with its related hire charges, fuel tank, and fuel.

Be cautious of the rental company you hire from

The rental company you choose to hire from has a significant impact on the crane you hire and your experience.

As a rule, don’t hire from a rental company with a single or a few cranes. This is because you won’t get a replacement crane in the event the one you are using breaks down.

The best way to do it is to hire from a company with many cranes. As much as the company is expensive, you should note that you might save a lot of money in the long run.

This is because if the crane you are using breaks down, you need to notify the rental company, and they replace the crane at no extra cost on your part.

Hire a well-maintained crane.

How well-maintained the crane is is important as it determines how well it functions, not to mention how much money you spend.

As a rule of thumb, you should hire a crane that is in perfect shape. This calls for you to do a double or even triple-check on the maintenance records of the crane and ensure that it’s well taken care of.

You should avoid a poorly maintained crane as it will keep breaking down, and you don’t want this.

A well-maintained crane will indeed be a little expensive to hire, but in the long run, it will be cheaper as it will function more efficiently and won’t break down too regularly, which means that you will complete your project without many complications, and within the shortest time possible.

Parting shot

You don’t have to be complicated when it comes to saving money when undertaking crane hire VA. You only need simple modifications to lower your expenses throughout a building project, both in one-time hire prices and continuing operational expenditures.

When doing the hiring, don’t hire from any company. Instead, take your time and hire from a reputable company with many cranes to hire from.

As a rule of thumb, don’t hire from a small company with a single crane. Even if they give you a great offer, they might be too expensive.

As mentioned, a small crane company has no replacement crane when the one you are using breaks down. The consequence is you are forced to hire another crane from a different company, which, as you can tell, is too costly.

All About Heavy Equipment Transportation

heavy equipment moving

Heavy equipment transportation requires careful planning, whether you are transporting the heavy equipment across state lines or just down the street.

You should do the loading and unloading with extra care, and there are laws to follow. To help you out, here are heavy machinery moving guidelines that will assist you in maintaining safety and efficiency.

Understand your heavy equipment.

There are numerous types of heavy equipment you can use in various industries, such as construction, industrial, oil and gas, military, maritime, forestry, and agricultural enterprises.

Some of the equipment you can transport include backhoes, excavators, rock trucks, loaders, graders, and other machines.

The weight of big machinery can vary. The federal government considers cargo to be a heavy load if it exceeds:

A gross truck weight of 80,000 pounds
20,000 pounds for a single axle
The tandem axle weight is 34,000 pounds.

Challenges of heavy equipment transportation

Transporting overweight or big equipment has special obstacles. The obstacles that you need to be aware of include:

Safety

You should prioritize the security of the equipment. This is not only for the driver’s safety, but also for the safety of other drivers on the road. As a rule of thumb, you need to ensure that your equipment is not too heavy for the vehicle carrying it.

You also need to ensure that you are transporting it at the right time of the day. You don’t want to transport it during the peak hours as you might cause a lot of inconvenience.

You also need to know how you load and unload the big equipment. You need to load the crane properly, and when you get to the site, unload it safely.

Transportation rules and regulations

Because of the dangers that come with transporting heavy equipment, you should be aware of the norms and regulations that you should follow.

You should note that failure to understand the various regulatory standards for size and weight can be costly.

The Department of Transportation is in charge of high loads on the road, but each state handles it differently.

Most states require a heavy load permit, although what constitutes overweight varies from state to state. The restrictions for signage, flags, escorts, and permitted modes of transportation can also vary depending on size, weight, and route.

You are obliged by law to hold liability and cargo insurance, so you should get it before you start the transportation.

Plan the logistics

When selecting a route for a big load, you should keep safety and laws in mind. You should have limitations on how equipment is fastened to a trailer or when the truck can be driven.

You also should have the appropriate cars on hand. In most cases, a flatbed truck will suffice, but don’t be surprised if a heavy-duty, tri-axle lowboy is required.

To load or unload safely, you’ll need knowledgeable personnel. You need a driver with many hours of service experience.

Remember that experienced drivers quickly notice when a large load alters the handling of their car. So go for the experienced ones as they will make your work easy and let you know when there is a problem.

Tips when loading and unloading heavy equipment

Cargo loading and unloading can be dangerous. This is especially true for big machinery. To ensure that you are safe, you need to consider these tips:

Undertake a risk management.

You should develop a rigorous strategy for preparing equipment and personnel for transportation and offloading each heavy equipment.

It will even be better to involve a senior manager or supervisor in assessing hazards and what may be done to address them. You should also detail the plan to resolve any potential compliance issues.

Work with experienced professionals

Transporting a tractor is not the same as moving a pallet. In addition to its weight and size, the equipment is likely to be inconvenient.

Heavy haulage is also costly. You don’t want anything to happen to valuable assets while the moving company is in charge of them.

You should document your operations and ensure that all personnel you hire are adequately trained in the best loading and unloading techniques.

Always do a pre-inspection

Heavy equipment places a significant strain on the vehicle. Before loading, be sure the vehicle or trailer you are using is capable of the job.

Check the vehicle tires, lights, brakes, and tie-down points. You should also double-check the weight-load restrictions.

Secure the equipment

Frequently, the manufacturer will provide instructions and engineering requirements for securing and stabilizing equipment during transportation. To stay on the safe side when securing the heavy equipment:

Use heavy-duty chains that are tight enough to prevent movement or shifting, ensuring that the equipment is secure while the vehicle is moving.
Determine appropriate tie-down places. The use of appropriate points saves equipment damage and aids in security.
Align the chain and hook binder grades to meet your maximum working load.
Use wedges, chocks, or cradles to secure your load

Be on the lookout for risks

If you do not fulfill the specified limits for load weight, height, or length, you risk incurring expensive fines.

To be on the safe side, investigate the rules for each jurisdiction along your path to proactively document and permit as needed.

Weather conditions can also have an impact on road safety. From the start, a large load truck behaves differently when it rains, snows, or sleets, so you should take extra measures.

Rough road conditions can also be an issue. Potholes on the highway could cause equipment to go loose. This creates a risk during transit and unloading.

Understand the route

Planning the route ahead of time allows for optimizing elements that may affect driver and equipment safety.

Avoiding traffic, construction, and traveling in adverse weather makes transportation easier.

Anticipating the path also allows you to determine which permits are required. Make plans ahead of time to avoid excessive idling or deadhead driving.

Parting shot

There are plenty of things you need to consider when moving heavy machinery. To stay on the safe side and have an easy time, work with heavy equipment movers VA who know what they are doing and will streamline the process and make it easy for you.

Heavy Machinery Movers: Which Is the Best for You?

crane services

Moving big machinery is difficult and often requires the use of specialized equipment. The common areas you need to undertake heavy machinery moving are in industrial and construction environments.

If you want to move heavy machinery, a wide range of heavy equipment movers are available. They include:

Forklifts

Forklifts are flexible equipment to lift and move large machinery within a facility. They are available in various capacities and configurations, ranging from small electric forklifts for interior use to bigger diesel-powered forklifts for outdoor use.

Forklifts are ideal for short-distance transportation, but you can also use them for long-distance or off-road movements.

When hiring a forklift, consider the task you want to undertake with the machine. Are you using it in warehouse operations, construction, or manufacturing? Think about this before hiring.

You also need to determine the forklift’s weight capacity and height requirements. This will give you an idea of what the forklift can do and the areas you can use it.

Finally, consider the topography and operating circumstances of the forklift. Are you looking to use it inside, outdoors, or in a difficult terrain? Think about this and hire the right one.

Mobile cranes

Mobile cranes are known for their capacity to lift and transport huge items. There are many types of these cranes, including hydraulic, rough, and all-terrain cranes.

Mobile cranes are ideal for moving heavy machinery on building sites and other outdoor locations. You can equip them with various attachments to meet specific lifting and movement needs.

When hiring mobile cranes, ensure that you hire the right ones that will be able to lift your intended equipment and navigate your area.

The last thing you want is to hire a crane to discover that you can’t use it in your location.

Crawler cranes

These are tracked, self-propelled machines built for large lifting. These machines have the benefit of being stable and mobile on rough terrain, making them ideal for moving big machinery in difficult situations.

Crawler cranes are best used in major construction projects when agility is critical.

When hiring the crane, ensure that it can work in your area.

Transporter systems

Self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) are specialized equipment for transferring big loads. These systems comprise several wheeled modules that may be separately operated, providing for precision movement and weight distribution.

SPMTs are best used to transport huge and heavy machinery, such as transformers and industrial components.

Rigging and skidding equipment

Rigging and skidding equipment comprises hydraulic jacks, skid shoes, and other items used to lift, move, and position heavy machines.

This equipment is best used when moving machinery in a restricted space or when a more cost-effective alternative is required.

Towing and recovery vehicles

Towing and recovery vehicles are used to transport broken or damaged heavy machinery. These vehicles are available in various sizes and capabilities, making them suited for various recovery and transportation jobs.

Hydraulic platform trailers

Hydraulic platform trailers are designed to transport large and heavy goods. They feature hydraulic systems you can change to handle different weights and sizes. These trailers are widely used on public roadways to move big equipment across long distances.

Things to consider when hiring heavy equipment movers

For you to get the most from the machinery you are hiring, you need to consider several things, including:

Weight and dimensions of the machinery

You must consider the weight and dimensions of the equipment you must transport. Heavier and larger machinery may necessitate using specialist machinery movers such as mobile cranes, crawler cranes, or transporter systems.

Choosing the right heavy machinery movers is critical in logistics to ensure industrial equipment’s safe and efficient movement.

Terrain and location

The terrain and location you are looking to use the machine are critical factors in selecting the right mover. Rough terrain may necessitate crawlers or all-terrain mobile cranes, while indoor environments may benefit from forklifts or rigging equipment.

Distance and accessibility

The distance that you need to move the moving machine and the route’s accessibility are critical considerations you should make.

If you want to move the equipment over a long distance, you should go with hydraulic platform trailers or specialist carriers, whereas indoor or tight places may need rigging equipment.

Safety

Compliance with safety standards and permissions may determine which machinery mover suits your requirements.

Always make sure that you are adhering to all legal and safety regulations to prevent accidents from coming about.

As a rule of thumb, ensure your machinery is strong enough to move your intended machine.

When transporting heavy machinery, footwear is extremely vital because anything that falls might easily injure personnel’s feet. This can lead to issues like accident litigation and employees missing work, which you certainly don’t want to happen.

To keep your employees safe, provide them with the relevant footwear.

You can use machine skates for smaller machinery that must be transported across your business.

Machine skates are an excellent alternative for moving machinery across a factory or shop floor without heavy lifting. As the name implies, this entails placing the equipment on ultra-strong machine-moving skates to transport it to its new location effortlessly.

You should use lifting jacks when placing the machinery on top of the machine skates. Installing the machinery on the skates takes little time, depending on the size of the machinery you are lifting.

Parting shot

You can use this equipment to move heavy machinery for crane rigging DC or any other task.

For an easy time, maintain clear communication with everyone involved.

Tricks to Spend Less with Rented Cranes

crane services

When hiring a crane for your project, you don’t want to spend too much on it. Profit margin drives decision-making in every aspect of construction, and even seemingly insignificant project modifications—like overspending or underperforming equipment—can have a big effect on the final financial result.

Due to this, getting every detail right is crucial.

When renting cranes from the crane rentals, you can avoid overspending by taking the time to plan and procure cranes, as well as by taking into account some basic site considerations.

The things you need to consider include:

Rent a small cane for small sites

A small crane with a remote control is the most economical option if you have a low-intensity site with a small workforce (12–15 workers, for example) and a required lift capacity of up to two tonnes, which would suggest you were building something with a timber frame or conventional houses using pallets of bricks, blocks, and mortar.

You will reduce the running costs greatly if you employ a remote-controlled model that only requires one person to load the hook and operate the crane controls.

Additionally, you can train multiple site workers to perform this task, allowing you to continue working without waiting for a single trained worker to return. This keeps the crane running and the project moving forward.

If, on the other side, you have a large site, you should get a tower crane. This crane is ideal when loads exceed two tones at thirty meters, and your project takes over twenty weeks.

Compared to mobile cranes with a comparable lifting capacity, saddle jib or flat-top cranes are more affordable to hire and come in various height and jib configurations. So, if your project fits into the crane, go for it.

Hire cranes that are tall enough.

A crane’s height significantly influences costs. And it’s not just the cost of the rental. Also, the costs of keeping the crane running.

You need more concrete and steel for the base of a taller crane to be huge and strong enough to support the crane’s weight.

Additionally, taller cranes use more electricity and emit more carbon dioxide. Therefore, even a slight reduction in the height required for your lifting requirements might impact your overall expenditures.

To ensure that you don’t rent a crane that is too tall than you need, determine the highest point that the crane can reach. This dimension will assist you in figuring out the necessary crane height. As you decide on the right crane, consider any impediments or barriers that could limit the crane’s reach.

These include power lines, neighboring buildings, trees, and so on.

Position the materials appropriately.

The cranes’ location and other building site features will also impact your expenses. One well-known instance that frequently happens is when a materials shop is placed in the center of a courtyard or other open space on the property.

If you have multiple cranes, this implies that while one is loading, the other cannot reach the materials and must wait, wasting time in the process.

In addition to raising the chance of collisions, this configuration often makes site operations challenging and ineffective.

Optimizing the location of the materials store within the overall lifting plan will guarantee seamless operations, resulting in longer hook times and lower crane rental expenses.

For a great experience, provide open, unobstructed access to these locations.

You also should ensure the site has well-built walkways and access roads so the cranes can navigate it. These paths should be clear of obstructions and large enough to fit both cranes.

As a rule of thumb, have a specific location for storing the materials. Ensure that both cranes can easily access this area. This area should be placed strategically to reduce the distance that cranes must go to pick up items.

Ensure the crane has enough power.

You will need three-phase power if you install lift shafts—most tall structures do. The power should be installed as soon as possible to use the tower crane’s primary power during construction.

You should ensure that you have enough power before you bring on the crane because doing so is far less expensive than using a generator, even with the additional rental fees, fuel tank, and fuel.

You can cut the costs throughout a building project with a few easy adjustments, including one-time hire fees and continuous operating costs.

Work with the right team.

Finally, you should ensure that you have the right team. This calls for you to ensure that everyone, from the crane operator to the riggers, is experienced and knows what they are doing.

Many people will argue that you will end up spending more money than you need when hiring expert riggers, but this isn’t the case.

When you hire experts, as much as they will be a little expensive to hire at first, they will save you a lot of money in the long run.

When you hire inexperienced contractors, as much as they will be cheap, they might cost you too much money. This is because they will do substandard work, and you will have to redo it, which will likely be too expensive.

There is also the risk of the crane breaking down or even getting damaged due to being handled by inexperienced technicians.

As much as you want to spend less on your project, take time and find experienced professionals. Thankfully, most crane service DC providers have their team that they work with; hence, you don’t need to worry about finding the right team to work with.

Why you Should Hire a Crane for Construction

In constructions, particularly those entailing the handling of hefty loads and the meticulous positioning of materials, a single apparatus often rises above all others—the crane.

Whether your project entails the construction of towering skyscrapers, cozy residential abodes, or any structure in between, the merits of opting for crane rentals are manifold and can significantly impact the achievement of your project’s objectives.

In this article, we’ll delve into ten compelling rationales supporting the idea of leasing a crane for your construction requirements.

Lifting heavy loads with ease

Imagine the construction of a new skyscraper, where steel beams weighing several tons each need to be precisely positioned at great heights. Or picture the construction of a bridge, where massive concrete segments need to be lifted into place with pinpoint accuracy. These are the types of challenges where cranes truly shine.

Cranes are engineered with the power and precision to tackle these monumental tasks. These machines are furnished with sturdy winches, cables, and hooks, enabling them to effortlessly raise and convey burdens that would be unfeasible, if not entirely insurmountable, for human laborers to manage by hand.

The load-bearing capability of cranes spans a broad spectrum, ranging from more compact mobile cranes, apt for moderately hefty loads, to towering tower cranes, capable of hoisting exceptionally weighty materials to heights extending hundreds of feet into the atmosphere.

Precision

Cranes are engineered with the power and precision to tackle these monumental tasks. They are equipped with robust winches, cables, and hooks that can effortlessly hoist and transport loads that would be impractical, if not impossible, for human workers to handle manually.

The lifting capacity of cranes varies widely, from smaller mobile cranes suitable for moderately heavy loads to towering tower cranes capable of lifting extremely heavy materials hundreds of feet into the air.

What sets cranes apart is their mechanical advantage. They utilize principles of physics to make lifting heavy loads seem almost effortless. Many cranes’ hydraulic systems and counterweights effectively balance and stabilize the load, ensuring it remains steady and controlled throughout the lifting process.

Safety

In the construction industry, safety is paramount regarding the welfare of workers, property, and the public in general.

Most construction sites are inadvertently hazardous spaces due to heights, the nature of materials being used, machinery, and the operations involved. When you hire a crane, you reduce the likelihood of accidents because these machines come with safety features and are operated by professionals.

Save time

Time is money, and this applies to the construction industry as well. Since every moment counts, you cannot afford always to have delays.

Hiring a crane can save you time because it effortlessly expedites load placement, material handling, and workflow streamlining. As you can imagine, this will considerably reduce project timelines, resulting in significant cost savings.

Ultimately, when you rent a crane, you’re not just procuring a piece of machinery but investing in your construction project’s effectiveness and financial sustainability.

Reach new heights

Are you building a skyscraper or a simple multi-story building? Whatever the case, a crane will be useful when getting construction materials to higher levels.

With a crane, your workers will be safer and work more efficiently, all while saving time. In the long run, you will also save money because you are less likely to have injured workers who require medical attention or delays in achieving construction goals.

Versatility

The remarkable adaptability of cranes within the construction sphere stands out as one of their most compelling attributes. These exceptional machines come in various sizes and configurations, each meticulously designed to cater to specific project prerequisites. This brings us to the sixth compelling rationale for enlisting the services of cranes in construction: their versatility.

This adaptability ensures that a suitable crane type exists for your construction endeavor, irrespective of its scale, location, or intricacy. It signifies the ability to cherry-pick the precise tool for the task, thereby optimizing efficiency, safety, and productivity.

Whether you’re engaged in constructing a modest residential dwelling, a soaring skyscraper, or anything in between, cranes present a custom-tailored solution to your construction needs. Their flexibility underscores their indispensable role within the industry.

Save money

In construction, the importance of cost-effectiveness cannot be overstated. It extends beyond immediate expenditures to encompass long-term savings and advantages.

Although procuring a crane may appear as an initial cost, it frequently emerges as a more economical choice than alternative approaches. The swiftness and efficiency of crane operations can lead to diminished labor expenses and shorter project durations, yielding cost savings that outweigh the initial investment.

Less site congestion

Consider the space required to store weighty construction materials and machinery at the site. Cranes aid in alleviating site congestion by promptly relocating materials to their designated spots, thereby liberating valuable space for other essential tasks and operations.

Enhance project versatility

Having a crane readily available expands the spectrum of projects you can undertake. This tool allows you to engage in more expansive and ambitious undertakings that might have been attainable with this invaluable equipment.

Elevate project excellence

Last but certainly not least, cranes can markedly enhance the caliber of your construction endeavor. Their exactitude, celerity, and proficiency in handling substantial loads contribute to a more streamlined and effective construction process, culminating in a superior end product.

Conclusion

When you embark on a construction venture, particularly one entailing intricate lifting requisites, opting for crane hire is not just a choice—it’s a prudent decision. The benefits, spanning from heightened safety and efficiency to the augmentation of project quality, are unmistakable.

Therefore, the next time you plan a construction project, think about the potential and precision a crane can bring to your site. The success of your project may pivot on it.

When hiring the crane, ensure that you do it from reputable crane rental services VA that stock high-quality and well-maintained machines.

Setting a Crane Tips

crane services

After renting a crane from crane services, and you are considering how to start the lifting, you should consider relevant factors such as the risk of the crane overturning or collapsing due to the foundations or supporting structure failing and the crane and foundations/supporting structure combination being unable to withstand the forces imposed on it.

The risk of the crane colliding with other plants, structures, or objects on the job site, as well as the loads and lift trajectories, including load pickup and drop off or installation locations, are other factors to consider.

The crane standing design should adhere to the crane manufacturer’s guidelines or the advice of a competent person, such as an engineer.

The crane standing should be constructed to withstand the stresses that the crane is anticipated to inflict on it while in, out of service, and during erecting and dismantling.

These forces include the crane’s dead weight, the load’s dead weight, and lifting attachments.

When a crane is supported by or linked to a permanent or temporary structure, the structure’s construction must be capable of withstanding the forces produced by the crane.

When the crane will be located near subsurface services, excavations, or embankments, precautions should be taken to maintain its stability.

Watch out for collisions.

If there is a chance of cranes colliding with other plants or structures, place the crane such that the clearance between the crane and its load and other plants, structures, and personnel is as small as possible.

The good thing is that cranes operating in close proximity may share the same airspace. People in each work area should confer and implement safe work systems to ensure enough space between cranes and where they operate. If you use multiple cranes, ensure that each work location appoints someone to implement the safe work system.

You should have a safety observer (also known as a ‘ spotter’) in areas where a collision between a crane and other plant or structures is possible.

You should call the local airport operator if cranes are set up in or near flight paths to find out where these are in the region where the crane is operating. You also should consider installing airplane warning lights on the crane’s highest point if necessary.

Be cautious when working near power lines.

You must guarantee that no person or crane at the site comes within a reasonable distance of an overhead or subsurface electric line.

If this is impossible, conduct a risk assessment and adopt risk-management controls. Control measures must be in accordance with the criteria of the Electricity Supply Authority.

Deploy a safety observer when the crane, its load, or anyone operating from the facility is in motion and will likely cross a restricted work zone around electric wires.

Electric lines can provide severe threats such as electrocution, arcing, explosion, or fire resulting in burns, unpredictable cable whiplash, and other electrified items such as signs, poles, trees, or branches.

Regardless of voltage, contact with energized overhead or subsurface electric lines can be lethal. Coming into contact with an overhead power line is not essential to be electrocuted. A ‘flashover’ or ‘arc’ can electrocute you when you are close to a line conductor.

The majority of dangers can be avoided by observing appropriate operating distances for persons and cranes working near power lines. The safe working distance will be determined by the sort of work being performed and the voltage of the electric wires.

To identify the type of control measures required, contact the relevant Electricity Supply Authority. This may entail disconnecting the power line for the length of the work.

You should note that contact with energized overhead electric lines may affect crane components such as tires and hydraulic and electrical systems.

If contact occurs, the crane should be taken out of service immediately until it has been inspected by a competent person and verified safe to resume regular operation.

Maintain crane stability

One of the main causes of severe crane accidents is a failure to maintain stability.

To ensure that your crane is stable, you need to consider the following:

Crane operation parameters that result in an overturning moment greater than the crane’s stabilizing moment—the crane counterweight typically provides the primary stabilizing moment, the ground conditions and means of supporting the outrigger pads or the crane tires

If the crane has moveable parts, the slope of the ground includes both the side slope and the slope of the ground in the direction of motion.

Wind conditions—will change depending on the size and shape of the suspended load and crane boom, as well as how the load is lifted or moved; for example, a sudden stop when mobilizing a load may cause the load to swing and destabilize the crane.

The load may swing suddenly if the crane moves abruptly when mobilizing or slewing.

Cranes should only be sited and operated on stable surfaces developed by a competent person, have the proper bearing pressure, and are free of major holes or indentations that could cause the crane and weight to move abruptly due to instability.

Consider the wind conditions.

Winds add additional weights to a crane and reduce its stability. When wind speeds exceed those suggested by the manufacturer, crane operations should be halted and, if necessary, the crane stowed.

The crane’s design wind speed should be specified in the manufacturer’s instructions and noted on the load chart(s). If you will be operating in areas with strong winds, check this information before you rent the crane from the crane rentals VA.

You should hire experienced crane operators as they will be aware that, depending on the boom length and luffing angle, the wind speed at the height of the load may be larger than the wind speed at the height of the crane’s cabin. As a consequence, they will be able to make the necessary adjustments.

The crane operators should base their decision on these variables to undertake a lift on the information provided by the crane manufacturer and guidance from competent individuals such as an engineer or rigger.

If the crane operator believes it is unsafe to lift the load, it should not be lifted until written authorization from a competent person confirming the load is safe to lift and how it is to be lifted is provided, or the conditions change, and the crane operator decides it is safe to make the lift.

5 Overhead Crane Myths You Should be Aware Of

Overhead cranes are highly versatile and can be used in various applications. Due to their versatility, there are plenty of myths surrounding them. These myths include:

You can get away with overloading the cranes.

The common misconception is that overhead cranes have several safety features, such as an overload prevention system, so you don’t have to worry about overloading the overhead crane.

Even if some sections of the overhead crane have built-in safety features, the overall safety of the overhead crane system cannot be guaranteed under overloading.

The reason for this is that overloading a crane can stress its components beyond their design limits, potentially resulting in structural failure. This can lead to catastrophic mishaps, such as the crane falling, putting workers in danger and inflicting extensive damage to the surrounding environment.

Even occasionally, overloading a crane can severely shorten the crane’s lifespan. Repetitive stress on the crane’s components can cause premature wear and tear, necessitating more regular maintenance and repairs.

Overloading a crane jeopardizes its stability and balance, increasing the possibility of an accident. The crane could also tip over or swing unexpectedly, endangering operators, adjacent employees, and the load itself.

Overloading can also damage crane components, including the hoist, trolley, wheels, and structural elements. This might lead to expensive repairs and downtime for the crane.

Loading a crane beyond capacity can even result in legal ramifications, fines, and regulatory penalties. When you rent a crane from crane rentals, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees and equipment, and intentionally overloading a crane is a breach of workplace safety standards.

To stay on the safe side, always use your crane as per the laid down regulations. As a rule of thumb, never overload your machine.

You should lift until you reach the upper limit switch

The upper limit switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the crane from rising any higher when it has reached a predetermined safe height. Its purpose is to prevent collision with obstacles, the trolley from striking the end of the runway, and the hook assembly from potentially damaging the crane or the load.

The misconception is that you should lift your crane until it hits the upper limit switch. In overhead cranes, lifting till you hit the upper limit switch is not encouraged and can be dangerous.

Instability can result from lifting a weight until the upper limit switch engages. This is because you can have unexpected swinging or shifting of the load, which could result in accidents, injuries, or damage to the load itself.

Using only the upper limit switch can give you a false sense of security. Assuming that the limit switch will always avoid accidents, you can become complacent and fail to adequately examine the load, the surroundings, and other potential threats.

If the load is too heavy, the crane may approach the upper limit switch while remaining within its load capability. This can result in unintended overloading, which is dangerous and can harm the crane.

To protect your crane and prevent accidents, you should avoid relying on the limit switch and follow the right crane procedures instead.

The secondary brake will prevent injury.

In overhead cranes, a secondary brake is an additional safety element that provides an extra layer of protection if the primary brake system fails.

The primary brake system is in charge of stopping the crane’s motion when it is not in use, while the secondary brake is designed to engage in the case of a primary system failure, preventing the crane from moving unintentionally.

Some people think that just because the overhead crane has a secondary brake, they can work safely beneath a load. Well, this is wrong.

Secondary brakes are intended to serve as a backup safety measure in the event the primary braking system fails. They are not, however, a guarantee against unintentional crane movement, and depending entirely on secondary brakes while operating beneath a crane can still pose major safety risks.

Many risks come with working underneath a crane, even with all the brakes engaged, so you should avoid doing it. If you have to work beneath a crane, use correct safety measures, such as wearing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), staying clear of loads, and carefully collaborating with crane operators and other people working on the site.

Using the reverse button is the best way to stop the crane

The believe that when the crane is moving in one direction, the most convenient way to control velocity is to press the reversal button, is wrong.

Reverse plugging speed control was a viable method of controlling speed in the past, but for modern motors and contactors, which are much more compact, heat causes premature component failure.

Because current motors have various means of soft start and soft stop, usually with variable AC inverters, reverse plugging is no longer a choice with more advanced designs.

You can push the reverse button all you want, but it will only work once the crane comes to a complete stop.

To be safe and ensure that your crane stops when you want it to, you should use the brakes and not the reverse button.

Since the crane worked yesterday, it will work today

Some people treat a crane like a car. Since it worked perfectly yesterday, it will work today. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Anything can go wrong since cranes lift heavy loads and work long hours. To stay safe and have peace of mind that the crane is in good working condition, you should inspect it.

You should note that you shouldn’t only inspect it when getting it from the crane rental services VA but also rent it every day before you start the lifting.

During the inspection, take a brief look around the area. Is the crane in good working order? Is there anything dangling? Is there evidence of crashes or damage?

You also should listen to the crane. Start the hoist. Is there any strange noise made when it reaches the upper limit switch or is dropped to the ground? Is the trolley and bridge movement audible when in use? Are there any other sounds? If present, you should find their source and fix them.

7 Tricks to Reduce Crane Accidents On Your Site

crane services

Cranes are extremely powerful pieces of machinery that allow for the lifting of big items on construction sites. However, cranes are also potential risks because their weight can cause harm if mishandled.

Of all the reported crane accidents, more than half resulted from workers being injured by objects or equipment, and more than 20% included the crane operator.

These figures emphasize the need for crane safety during all stages of operation, including crane hire, transport, setup, rigging, and lifting.

Would you like to reduce crane accidents on your site? There are several things you can do. They include:

Work with the right crane.

Choosing the right crane is the first step toward ensuring safe crane operation. Cranes can be movable or fixed, with fixed cranes used in industrial environments or complex or tall construction projects.

There are many types of cranes, so be sure you get the proper one for the job.

Carry deck crane: These highly mobile cranes have a simple setup and rotation but struggle to handle tough terrain.

Crawler cranes are ideal for places with soft terrain since they employ tracks rather than rubber wheels.

Rough-terrain cranes: While they cannot drive on public highways, they can tackle steep grades and challenging terrain on the project site.

All-terrain cranes have the advantage of being able to travel to job locations on their own and tackle harsh terrain once there.

There are dozens of crane types, ranging from small to gigantic cranes. It’s up to you to take your time and select the appropriate crane for your site.

Inspect your crane every day.

The crane operator should use a daily inspection checklist to ensure the crane is safe before operation. These inspections include pre-start, engine start-up, and safety system inspections.

Before starting the crane, the operator should inspect the tires, oil levels, seat belts, air reservoir, and battery, among other things.

Before starting the engine for the day, the operator should also check the pressure gauge, fuel level, turn signals, horn, suspension, and brain system.

They also should undertake safety system checks to avoid catastrophic incidents. They should check the anti-two block, the rated capacity limitation, and the outriggers.

Operators should also execute a series of hydraulic system checks to ensure the crane can lift properly.

Ensure the crane is stable before starting work.

Outriggers or other stabilizing features are necessary on mobile cranes to prevent the crane from tipping over during operation. Keep the following in mind when stabilizing the crane:

To establish how far outriggers should be extended, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

Under outriggers, place outrigger pads or crane pads.

Don’t use outriggers over voids, depressions, or unstable ground.

Many crane mishaps and tip-overs are caused by poor outrigger setup, so make sure you’ve done a thorough safety review of the outrigger location.

If you have any doubts, don’t proceed with the project. Call it off until you are comfortable.

Correctly rig the load.

Load rigging protects objects from falling and potentially injuring those on the job site. Consider the following factors when rigging a load:

Hitching: Slings can be attached to a load in various ways. Always consider the object being hoisted as well as the object’s weight distribution. You can use basket hitching and choker hitching are two popular hitch configurations. Always use the correct one.

Sling angle: When a non-vertical angle is utilized, additional forces are applied to the slings, lowering their overall weight capability. Use slings that are adequately certified for weight at a specific angle.

A thorough grasp of force, weight distribution, and rigging techniques is required to enable a safe, stable lift of even the most irregular and heavy loads.

Pay attention to the load limits.

Despite the fact that many modern cranes feature load moment indicators and rated capacity limiters, crane operators should still be able to read load charts to prepare for a safe lift. Keep the following in mind while reading load charts to establish the safety of a lift:

On rubber vs. outriggers: A crane can carry a lot more weight when it’s on outriggers rather than just tires.

Rotation: A crane can retain greater weight if the boom remains above the front of the crane during the lift. You should note that the capacity is substantially reduced if the boom must swing; thus, check the correct column.

The greater the load radius, the less weight the crane can lift. Load charts rarely cover every potential radius; therefore, always refer to the next highest radius to stay within safe limits.

Load charts are the most important tool for safely planning a lift and avoiding crane failure or tip-over.

Plan your movements

Before crane movement, design and clear a path of any obstructions. Hazards that cannot be moved, such as electrical lines or other permanent elements, should be avoided, and the operator should always maintain a safe distance.

You should keep your crane at least 10 feet away from power lines.

To be safe, have a signal person to lead the crane during travel, alerting the crane operator to potential hazards and informing other site staff of the crane’s progress.

Work with the right people.

Crane operation requires qualified workers for setup, rigging, signaling, and operation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards requiring crane operators to be trained, certified, and properly evaluated.

Follow the regulations and ensure that only a qualified person operates your crane.

It’s tempting to hire the first person that you come across that says that they can operate a crane. Don’t do this. You should note that a crane contractor should be experienced and know what they are doing.

It’s also tempting to hire a cheap contractor to save some money. Again, don’t do this, as the cheap contractor will most likely be inexperienced and will lead you to more problems.

The best way to do it is to hire the professional that comes with the crane that you hire from crane rental services VA.

Best Practices when Moving Heavy Machinery

heavy machinery moving

Moving heavy machinery, such as huge crawler excavators weighing 80 to 100 tonnes, is difficult. These massive machines are designed to handle difficult tasks such as digging, lifting, and loading heavy materials for infrastructure projects and stone, sand, and other aggregates in quarry manufacturing facilities.

Due to their size, these machines require specific treatment from one job site to another or from a dealership to a quarry.

Are you looking to undertake heavy machinery moving? Here are the best practices to make your work easy and smooth:

Know the weight and height of the machine.

Understand your machine’s size and weight before you plan to move them. Consider the attachments you’ll need to transport when determining the size and height.

By doing this, you will easily match the transport vehicles, such as trailers or heavy haulers, to the equipment and adhere to gross vehicle weight ratings laws. Remember to keep the weight of the trailer in mind when determining the overall weight of the machine.

Get the necessary permits.

You’ll need a larger trailer with a higher weight rating when transporting heavy machinery. Oversize loads may require special approval or transportation permits along your route. The permit may also require escort cars to accompany you on the road to inform other drivers of your load.

To have an easy time, plan your transportation route. Keep an eye out for small highways and bridges with weight limits.

Check that your trailer and excavator can pass beneath bridges and overpasses. Choose a route that is simple to drive. Oversized loads should be properly marked with flags, signs, and lighting, so have these to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.

Properly load the heavy machinery.

Understand the owner’s manual’s basic operating and loading instructions before putting your heavy machine and accessories onto a trailer. To help you out, here are some loading and safety tips to consider:

Place the trailer on solid, level ground.
Check if the ramps can support the weight of the machine. If necessary, add blocks under the ramp for support.
Remove any oil, trash, or muck that could cause the machine to slip or slide from the ramp and equipment.
When loading the machine onto the trailer, travel up the ramp with the heaviest end first.
Start the engine at the lowest possible speed. When loading or unloading the equipment, travel at the slowest pace possible.

Distribute your machine’s weight on the transport vehicle. Remember that improper weight distribution increases the pull on the transport vehicle and causes tire wear. Sometimes, it can cause the transport vehicle to tip over if you use an uneven road.

The best way to determine if the load is distributed is to look at the transport vehicle’s suspension and ensure it’s balanced.

Properly secure the machine.

Secure your crawler excavator or any machine you are transporting in a way that prevents it from tipping or rolling off the trailer while traveling in accordance with laws. Your equipment must not be able to shift in a way that compromises the transport vehicle’s stability.

Once your machine is loaded onto the trailer or transport vehicle, proceed as follows:

Drop the bucket or attachment to the ground.
Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake. Set the battery disconnect switch to “off.”
Before transport, secure all doors and covers.
Chocks, cradles, or wedges should be placed before and behind each track. Install tie-downs at the front and rear points, as specified in your owner’s manual.

To prevent movement, most manufacturers require at least four tie-downs. D-rings, chain slots, or built-in strap rails are features of some transport devices.

These allow you to connect your equipment to the vehicle easily. Use the recommended connection points and securements at all times. It will help to reduce damage and increase the efficiency of carrying your excavator.

Inspect the tie-down points and equipment to secure your machine before carrying it.

All pins and connection points should be secure, and the hooks should still be functional.

Remove the tie-down equipment from service if any cracks, stretches, or fatigued links are discovered. All tie-down equipment should be able to meet or surpass the weight rating of the machine.

Be ultra-cautious when transporting the machine.

During transportation, secure the attachment or accessory to the machine. If that isn’t possible, use chain straps to ensure the attachment. Don’t overlook hydraulic attachments. The hoses should be routed so they do not interfere with the equipment on the trailer.

Hoses should not be lying beneath the machine, in the way of a tie-down, or connected so that they can become disengaged. You should secure all hydraulic hoses according to the owner’s manual.

Once you have loaded and secured the machine and attachments, ensure that you or the driver can see out the front and sides of the transport vehicle. Don’t obscure the view, as it might cause an accident. If you load the machine and it blocks your view, the transport vehicle is too small, and it’s time to get a larger one.

Safely unload the machine.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, unload your machine and attachments carefully. Here are a few things to remember when unloading:

Remove any considerable debris from the unloading area and level the ground as much as possible.
While the machine is on the trailer or transport truck, walk around it. Check that nothing is out of place.
Release the burden by removing the chains and ties one at a time.
Back your machine down the ramp slowly.
Carry out a last inspection. Check the crane and attachments to ensure they are fully operational.

Parting shot

Transporting big equipment, such as crawler excavators and attachments, necessitates careful consideration and planning. However, if proper practices and local transportation restrictions are followed, it can be simple and safe.

Work with experienced heavy equipment movers VA to determine the proper processes to make your project successful.