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Crane Rigging Rules You Should Follow at All Times

crane rigging

Rigging is a critical component in any application requiring heavy loads and equipment relocation. Workers’ safety should be the top priority when completing any rigging activity.

Remember that inappropriate load rigging can result in inadvertent slips, causing property damage and exposing riggers and other adjacent workers to safety risks, injuries, or even death.

To guarantee that all loads are carefully and properly rigged before any lifting technique, you should follow a set of rigging rules. These rules include:

Pick the correct rigging crane

Before operating a crane for a specific purpose, you must determine whether you are using the appropriate crane type. Two of the most common types of cranes you can use are mobile or fixed.

Mobile cranes are best suited for small access areas, while stationary cranes are ideal for complex tasks. Choosing the right type of crane ensures that the job is completed effectively.

The right way to go about it is to visit the crane rentals and explain to them the task you want to perform. Based on your description, they will recommend the best-suited unit.

Only hire qualified professionals.

All workers on the job site should be qualified in rigging safety. The workers you hire to do rigging tasks should be trained to follow all rigging protocols and equipment handling.

This is because professional riggers can predict a potential rigging problem before it occurs. If conditions become unsafe, this group of professionals will promptly stop the cranes or other material-handling equipment to ensure the cargo and any person is safe for lifting.

Be cautious of the crane workload limit.

You should determine the load’s weight by taking a look at the manufacturer’s specifications, catalog, and shipping paperwork. Choose equipment based on weight and size, such as the crane boom, slings, wire ropes, beams, and load.

You should consider the ideal workload weight. You can calculate this figure using the standard weight and suitable volume and area formulae. Rigging applications typically necessitate the calculation of the involved resistive forces.

Always ask about the maximum load you can lift when renting the crane. Before lifting, double-check and confirm that the load is the right weight for the crane.

Always ensure the load is balanced.

An imbalanced load can tip a crane over. To avoid this, always perform some basic rigging safety checks before lifting.

Before lifting, ensure the top suspension aligns with the load hook.
Ensure the crane’s chain and body are not in contact with the cargo.
Determine the crane’s center of gravity.
Make sure the load has ample swinging space.

If you notice that the crane isn’t balanced even by the smallest margin, don’t proceed with the lifting, as you will be putting your crane and people on the site in danger.

Be cautious of the weather conditions.

When planning lifting or hoisting activities, keep the environment and the expected forecast in mind. Consider wind direction, limited vision, and aircraft traffic.

Avoid abrupt movements or shock loading on rigging equipment in high cold temperatures since these can harm the brittle parts.

The majority of cranes have requirements for the highest wind speed they can withstand. There can be occasions when the load charts do not provide parameters, thus, you should consult the crane manufacturer to determine the maximum allowed wind speed for operation.

Always have a spotter on the site.

Spotters, also known as signalpersons, provide a second set of eyes when riggers do not have a clear view of the load due to their higher vantage point than the machine operator.

You should hire only competent, professional spotters trained in hand and speech signals for job site crane operation.

Inspect the crane daily.

There are three types of daily system inspections required for cranes. The first type is called pre-start checks. You are supposed to complete these checks before starting the crane.

Here, you should inspect the crane’s tires, oil levels, air reservoir, batteries, and other components.

The second type of daily check is the engine start-up check, which involves assessing the pressure gauge, fuel level, turn signals, and horn. Finally, you should do safety system checks to evaluate the rated capacity limiter, outriggers, and other associated components.

To be on the safe side, you should make these checks at least once a day before you start lifting. If you notice any issues, don’t proceed with the task.

Properly use the slings.

To avoid load swing, you should determine the load’s center of gravity and the crane while erecting any equipment.

Use proper sling methods to maximize lift efficiency while minimizing force requirements. Before raising the weight, remove and secure all unneeded slings.

As a rule of thumb, avoid dragging slings from under the load while maintaining adequate sling angles. This will lessen the chances of load imbalance and falling goods.

Keep the crane stable at all times.

Some cranes have outriggers that prevent them from tipping over during lifting and transporting activities. You can keep your crane stable by adhering to the manufacturer’s outrigger standards.

You can also increase outrigger pads or crane pads located beneath outriggers.

Store the crane properly.

Once your rigging task is completed, store your equipment in a location where environmental or other factors will not damage it. Make sure to inspect your equipment ahead of time to ensure its safety for the activity.

If you are renting the equipment from crane rental services VA, you should put up a temporary structure to place the equipment. If the weather isn’t that bad, consider always covering the equipment to shield it from the weather elements.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you should do to ensure you have a great time with your rigging equipment. To be safe, ensure that you follow the rules given.

When you have an issue with your equipment, contact a professional as soon as possible to diagnose and fix it.

Who Is Most at Risk When Working Around Cranes?

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Unfortunately, crane-related injuries often result in fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an average of 42 deaths per year happen from crane-related accidents.

If you just started working with cranes, or you are looking to rent a crane from crane rentals, you must be wondering who is at the highest risk when working with cranes, right? Well, the truth is that anyone without proper training can be a victim.

Crane accidents, like other industrial occurrences, are often the result of operator error. Operator errors occur for a variety of causes, including inadequate training, distraction, exhaustion, and, in severe cases, drunkenness from drugs and alcohol.

This puts everyone on the site in significant danger.

Common risks

There are plenty of risks that come when working with cranes. The most common ones are:

Electrocution

All employees, including the operator, are accountable for identifying electrical dangers. Crane booms may come into touch with overhead electrical lines due to their height.

When this occurs, the electrical current can travel along the boom, into the material line, and through the tagline before passing directly through the worker securing the tagline.

One of the most critical safety precautions crane operators can take is to have local utility personnel mark off overhead lines with safety flags. This increases crane operators’ vision and hazard awareness.

Employers must also maintain a safe distance between the crane’s operational location and any electrical wires.

To be on the safe side, you should handle cranes with a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from electrical lines. This distance includes the fully extended load.

Falling loads

Most people envision crane accidents as a big cargo being dropped from the crane’s greatest height. This is a real threat associated with crane operations that all worksite managers must be aware of.

Falling loads occur for a variety of reasons. To begin, if the load is not properly fixed or fastened to the crane’s load line, it may slip.

If the load is not properly balanced, it can shift the machine’s center of gravity, resulting in tipping, which puts everyone on the site in danger.

Another potential risk arises when the principal load line or a tagline is disrupted. Without the entire support of an undamaged cable, the load becomes unstable, and one or more lines may finally give way and release the weight.

Two-blocking can occur when the operator does not allow for enough slack when extending the boom. This generates extra tension in a cable, causing the load to snap off.

Weather conditions are also an important consideration for operators. When cranes operate in severe environments, loads that are not properly fastened with taglines may become unstable owing to wind force and unrestrained swinging.

Finally, falling loads might occur when the load exceeds the crane’s design capability. Riggers must follow OSHA crane rules by first determining the load’s weight and capacity, then properly rigging and shackling it.

Operators are also responsible for maintaining smooth control of the weight to prevent it from falling.

To minimize the chances of this accident happening on your site, take your time and only hire experienced crane operators who know what they are doing.

Struck by accidents

The crane’s swinging movements increase the chance of being struck by an object. When the crane is raising or transferring a load, an unprepared worker could be injured by swinging pieces.

According to BLS data, 52% of the fatalities happen as a result of struck-by occurrences. Nearly 27% of these fatalities occur when a worker is struck by a load that fell from a moving crane.

To prevent this accident, be ultra-cautious of the operator you hire. You also should ensure that you train everyone to be more cautious when carrying out their activities beneath the crane.

Caught between hazards

Another construction incident occurs when workers are caught in or between dangers. In crane operations, caught-in/between accidents occur when a worker is physically pinned or compressed by the crane’s swinging superstructure or crushed by its moving elements.

Every piece of construction equipment, from a basic skid steer loader to a big industrial crane, contains moving elements, which produce pinch points.

The most critical thing a construction business can do to reduce crane-related accidents is to provide, teach, and enforce two-way radio communication between the operator and ground personnel.

Ground personnel are most vulnerable to being compressed in pinch points. Thus, they must be aware when the operator begins working the crane, particularly while adjusting its swinging sections or driving it forward or backward.

Transportation hazards

The frequently disregarded danger of working with cranes is the risk of transporting cranes to and from work sites.

These accidents are frequently referred to as the fifth danger in OSHA’s list of deadly four. Cranes are massive machines that must frequently be transported over large distances by industrial trucks.

Crane transportation is a long and difficult procedure with numerous potential hazards, including crashes, runovers, and brake failure.

It’s estimated that more than 13% of fatal crane incidents occur during transportation. Oversized loads, such as cranes, are risky and can kill personnel who are not properly trained or do not adhere to crane safety regulations for transportation.

Best practices when working with cranes

To reduce the chances of accidents happening, you should be cautious about how you handle the cranes. To be on the safe side, here are tips you should observe:

Properly train your employees

As an employer, you must give proper health and safety training to all of your employees so that they are competent at their employment.

By educating your personnel, you improve workplace safety, satisfaction, and revenues while reducing injuries, fatalities, accidents, and illness.

Ensure people working on the crane know where to stand

You should never stand underneath a crane or have a weight lifted over you. Your personnel must be aware of this and avoid wandering through any areas where cranes are overhead.

Parting shot

Everyone working with cranes is at risk of getting injured or hurt, so you should be aware of this when renting cranes from crane services VA.

Besides hiring a well maintained crane, also ensure that you work with experienced professionals. It also doesn’t hurt to train the people handling the crane to reduce the chances of accidents happening.

Common Crane hazards and how to avoid them

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When you are working with a crane, there are plenty of hazards that come with it. The most common ones are:

Overloading

This happens when the load exceeds the crane’s capacity, but it can also happen when the cargo is swinging, dragging, suddenly dropping, or it’s centre of gravity is not immediately under the crane.

Overloading can decrease the structural integrity of the crane and increase the chance of the crane malfunctioning.

There is also the risk of the load falling and hurting the people working on the site. To avoid this, you should be ultra-cautious of the weight that you lift with the crane. As a rule of thumb, don’t lift more than the crane is designed to do.

Before you pick the crane from the crane rentals, confirm with them about the maximum weight that you can carry with the crane. Of course, you should never exceed it.

Falling/dropping load

Falling materials are another potential hazard when operating a crane, and they can cause significant injuries if someone is struck by or caught between them.

Objects may fall as a result of poor or inadequate rigging or material tying down. It could also be due to a mechanical failure of the lifting setup or even because of the movement of the materials being lifted.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, always do a double check of the load before you lift and ensure that it’s securely in place. It’s even wise for the crane operator to slightly lift the load to confirm that it’s securely in place. They should only continue with the lift after they have ascertained that it’s in place.

Sling angle

This is a critical issue that many people with limited crane experience do not completely get.

A resultant sling angle is created when you start the sling at the crane hook, go to the load at an angle, via I-bolt on top of the load, go to the opposite side through an i-bolt, and then back to the crane hook.

With this design, what appears to be a 45-degree angle due to the forces being applied to the sling is actually cut in half, well below what safety standards permit. People need to be aware of this circumstance so that they don’t overwhelm the sling.

Swing

Operators will undoubtedly encounter swing in the crane at some point, and it is critical that they understand how to remove swing from a lift properly.

The objective is, first and foremost, to not have a swing at all. However, due to the variety of conditions that may arise, a crane operator will occasionally encounter a swing and must know how to deal with it.

To reduce the risk of the swing, you should work with an experienced crane operator who can easily counter the swing.

Guide rope availability

When approaching a load, be careful not to touch it or the rigging. You need a guiding rope to help you out.

However, the challenge comes when there may not be a guide rope available. Someone may have stolen the guide rope, used it, and left it somewhere, but no one knows where it is.

Without the guide rope, operators may be enticed to briefly touch the cargo, which considerably increases risk.

Guide ropes aren’t always highly efficient, especially when it comes to regulating loads. The guide rope can assist with load rotation, however, it can only be pulled and not pushed, for obvious reasons.

To be on the safe side, work with rigging professionals who know how to handle the guide rope.

You might need two or more operators, each with their own guide rope, to control the load. Or, the alternative is to use a pole, which allows the operator to grab the load and push as well as pull it.

Wear/damage

It is usual for equipment to wear and tear with regular use. However, frequent inspections of the crane are required to guarantee that there is no serious damage to the hoist or rigging equipment.

Any sort of damage to the equipment should be categorized as either fixable—and fixed before the operator uses it—or damaged beyond repair and scrapped.

Working with damaged load-bearing equipment can affect their performance and potentially create safety hazards.

Crane training—the key to reducing the hazard effects

Training is essential for safe crane operations. Specific training needs can differ per jurisdiction so you should find the type of training that is ideal for your location.

Regardless of where you are located, training for personnel involved in crane operation aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for them to perform the task safely and effectively and to operate the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions as well as comply with applicable requirements and standards.

A comprehensive and up-to-date training program for crane operators and other workers involved in hoisting and rigging is a solid start.

Crane operator training includes both theoretical and practical hands-on components. It may include sections on crane components and safety equipment, as well as load handling concepts and how to calculate lifting capacity.

It could also comprise safe labor practices, such as agreed-upon communication methods and pre-operation inspections, as well as operating procedures and techniques, such as identifying factors that can affect hoist capacity.

Crane operation involves so many possible hazards that frequent refresher training may be required to review important knowledge and skills.

Parting shot

There are plenty of hazards that come with working with cranes. To be on the safe side, be on the lookout for these hazards and work on preventing them.

To reduce the chances of accidents happening, ensure that everyone handling the crane is fully and properly trained.

On-site training is also necessary for situations and applications that necessitate specialized skills or pose unique risks.

If an operator is expected to execute a task that is not covered in basic training, you can collaborate with the foreperson or supervisor to ensure the operator has the necessary knowledge of the scenario.

The people working with the cranes might be highly trained and experienced but if the crane is in horrible shape, they will have the worst experience. To ensure this isn’t the case, get well-maintained cranes from the crane rental services VA.

How to Get the Most Out of a Rental Boom Truck

boom truck rentals

Boom trucks have extendable arms or booms used for construction and maintenance in various industries. For businesses that do not need a boom truck daily, renting one from a boom truck rental is often cheaper. If you’re renting a boom truck, here’s how to get the most out of it.

Understand your needs

The first step in undertaking any building or repair work is carefully evaluating your needs. You need to consider what height and reach are needed, how much weight your truck must be able to lift, or if any additional features are required for convenient operation.

Likewise, if your project requires you to work in narrow spaces, then a boom truck with a compact design would be ideal. But if you need to get way up, a truck with an extendable boom would be necessary.

Not only will this understanding help you choose the right boom truck model, but it can also guarantee that your equipment is precisely what your project requires. You can use the boom truck much more efficiently, reducing accidents on the job site.

Get proper training for operators.

A boom truck operation is only as efficient and safe as the skill of its operators. The provision of professional training for personnel driving the boom truck is not merely a legalistic necessity, it’s also an essential step that goes hand in hand with good performance.

A rented boom truck has its particular controls, which the operators must know well. They should understand exactly how moves and outriggers are managed and important equipment like light poles that hook up with cables (as quick guides).

Secondly, they must be educated about safety methods and encourage them not to exceed load limits.

To be on the safe side, always hire experienced operators who know what they are doing. To be even safer, retrain the operators before you begin the project.

Schedule regular maintenance checks.

Like any heavy machinery, a boom truck must be well-maintained to run at its finest. The hydraulic system, controls, and safety features should receive special attention in regular checks on critical components. The hydraulic system–which regulates the movement of boom, etc.

You should check the controls to make sure they respond correctly when an operator gives a command. It’s also wise to do some testing to check for safety features such as emergency shut-off mechanisms and load sensors.

Besides helping you prevent unexpected breakdowns, regular maintenance can catch problems before they become serious–and may even save lives on the job site. By caring for a boom truck properly, the possible losses can be reduced, and production efficiency can be increased.

Check load capacities

All boom trucks have designated capacities for a variety of configurations. Passing these limits can endanger safety and damage the equipment. Before lifting materials or equipment, always double-check load capacities. Do not overload to avoid accidents.

Choose the right boom length.

Choose the right boom length for your project. A longer boom increases the truck’s reach but at the price of stability. Choose the shortest boom that does your work to provide a safer working environment.

Utilize outriggers

Boom trucks are fitted with outriggers to increase stability when in use. Install the outriggers correctly, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. This is important, especially on uneven terrain or when lifting heavy loads, as it prevents tipping over.

Plan lifts carefully

Plan lifts to reduce downtime and improve efficiency. The place, height, and weight of the cargo for obstacles. A thought-out plan results in smooth operation, free of accidents.

Use proper rigging techniques.

Proper rigging is needed to protect the safe handling of loads. Slings, hooks, and attachments must be appropriate. Rigging errors can make the load unstable and endanger men or property.

Adhere to safety standards.

By following industry standards and regulations, safety comes first. This means PPE and safe work procedures and ensuring that workers know emergency operations. A secure working environment is at the heart of operating a boom truck.

Monitor weather conditions

It is necessary to observe weather conditions before and during operations. Adverse winds, rain, or snow can threaten the boom truck’s stability and safety. If bad weather is predicted, reschedule work.

Optimize transportation

The boom truck must be moved to and from the job site rapidly. In that regard, you must ask yourself: Are they sure of a good delivery service? Or should you pick it up by car and save on travel time and expenditure?

Keep communication clear

Communication between the boom truck operator and ground personnel must be effective. Adopt common signals and devise clear communication procedures to avoid misunderstandings. This is particularly important when working on busy construction sites.

Document and analyze performance.

The keeping of an accurate record isn’t just paperwork, it is a strategic move. This documentation is extremely useful for assessing the efficiency of operations and identifying shortcomings.

Note down problems cropping up during operation (whether functional malfunctions of equipment, environmental obstacles, or unexpected hurdles). Include detailed notes on maintenance activities, such as repair work and replacements or routine servicing.

Return the equipment promptly.

Good rental practice includes respecting the terms of the rental agreement, most especially promptly returning the boom truck. Turning in the equipment early saves money on rent and expresses a professional attitude.

In addition, this makes it possible for the rental company to run its fleet efficiently by ensuring that equipment is available when other customers need it.

On-time returns improve relations with landlords. It creates trust and dependability, so when you need to rent again in the future, the rental company prioritizes your needs.

Moreover, it demonstrates that your organization is committed to honoring agreements and deadlines. As a result, other industry members will see you as professional in your approach to business matters.

Conclusion

A boom truck for rent can reduce the time needed to complete many construction and maintenance projects. If you get to know the business, safety always comes first.

You also should follow best practices and don’t forget, a properly maintained and operated boom truck will ensure the project gets done and your employees work in safer surroundings.

When you are renting the unit, always rent from a crane hire VA stocking high-quality and well-maintained units.

Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Crane

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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.

Heavy Machinery Movers: Which Is the Best for You?

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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

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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.

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.