Tag Archives: hiring a crane

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.

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.

5 Best Crane Practices

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Cranes have unrivaled mobility, maneuverability, and lift radius, allowing them to excel in small and large areas. While everyone understands the fundamental operation of a crane, it is equally critical to learn how to manage them and maximize their output.

To help you out, here are the best practices to consider when hiring a crane for your project.

Rent the right crane.

When selecting a crane, it is critical to consider the construction site’s terrain, potential impediments, and access limits.

You should note that cranes have varied weight loads, boom lengths, and other features. This makes the different cranes ideal for various applications.

A mobile crane, for example, would be excellent for simple load transportation from one area to another.

A tower crane, on the other hand, would be suitable for large-scale architectural buildings.

Choosing the proper crane for the suitable project location ensures that you have both efficiency and safety. The crane will also be cheaper to run in the long haul as it will do the work how it’s meant to.

Regardless of the type of crane you deem right for your project, ensure there are no obstructions on the site that will prevent the crane from reaching where you want it.

Before heading to the crane rentals, watch out for obstacles on your work site. These can be trees or buildings.

Remember that you want the task to go more smoothly, and you save some money, so always get rid of the obstacles before you hire the crane.

Get a package deal

Get the cranes as a package deal to save money and have peace of mind. This means that you shouldn’t just hire the crane. Also, get the various services and equipment that come with the crane.

An ideal crane package includes the crane rental, an operator to operate the crane, transportation of the crane to and from the job site, and occasionally extra equipment such as rigging and accessories.

By choosing a package offer, you can save time and effort by having the crane rental company manage everything.

When you are in the rental stores, don’t shy from expressing your exact demands and specifications to the rental provider so that the package deal can be tailored to your project.

As you rent the crane, be cautious of the number of cranes the rental company has. As a rule of thumb, rent from a company with many cranes. This way, you are sure that even if the crane that you hire breaks down, you can always get a replacement crane without incurring an additional fee.

Beware of safety and licenses required.

The last thing you want is to be on the wrong side of the law while looking to handle your project. To ensure this doesn’t happen, ensure you have the relevant licenses for the work.

As a rule, ensure the crane operator you hire has a High-Risk Work Licence (HRW).

When you have the proper licenses, you safeguard yourself and other people on the site.

You also should ensure that everyone on the site that you are working with is certified and authorized to work on such a site.

You should always hire a qualified rigger as you will not only put your life and that of others on the site in danger but also risk damaging the crane and other accessories.

Have all the necessary crane accessories

Besides the crane, you need plenty of other accessories depending on the nature of the project you are having.

Some of the accessories you might need include:

Rigging equipment: This includes slings, shackles, hooks, and chains that are used to secure and hoist the weight. The type and size of rigging equipment you use vary depending on the load’s weight and dimensions.

Spreader Bars: These horizontal bars with attachment points help disperse the load evenly and keep the crane stable. They come in handy when lifting large or wide goods.

Lifting beams: They are similar to spreader bars and give additional support and stability during lifting operations. They are more effective when lifting objects with several attachment points or that require extra clearance.

Crane Mats: Also known as crane pads, crane mats are placed beneath the crane’s wheels or tracks to protect the ground surface and give stability. You use them on delicate surfaces like asphalt or grass.

Load Monitoring Systems: These systems monitor and display the weight of the load being lifted and other important information. They give the crane operator real-time feedback, ensuring safe lifting techniques and reducing overloading.

You should double-check the systems to confirm they are working before hiring. It’s also wise to always inspect them before you do any lifting.

Work with a reputable crane company.

The crane company you work with greatly impacts the crane experience you get. When you work with a horrible crane company, chances are that you will have a horrendous experience.

The wrong company also won’t honor your agreement. For example, when you agree that the company will take care of the transport costs of the crane, they might fail to do it.

You should take your time to visit different crane companies and see what they have before you decide to work with one.

An ideal rental company should have a fleet of well-maintained, modern cranes in good functioning order. Reliable equipment ensures that operations are efficient and safe. You also save time and money as the machines don’t keep failing.

Since you are looking for a package deal, you want to ensure that the company has plenty of highly skilled and experienced crane operators.

When you work with competent operators, you are sure that lifting operations will go smoothly and successfully.

Safety is essential when dealing with heavy machinery, including cranes, so you must ensure that the crane services VA provider has a strong safety culture, adheres to industry norms and standards, and regularly examines and repairs their equipment to ensure safe operations.

When you are in the rental stores, ask to see the crane maintenance records.

The Right Way to Rent a Crane

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No doubt, renting cranes for a construction project can be scary. Crane rental can be especially hard for a person with no prior experience.

It doesn’t help that even the most minor mistake could cost a lot of money, and that’s not even counting the possibility of legal consequences for horrible mistakes.

When renting cranes, you don’t have to try and see what works. Here are a few easy ways to keep things running smoothly with the help of crane hire experts.

Research

No matter what you’re looking for, the Internet can make it easy for you to find a match. When it comes to renting cranes, all you have to do is click a few buttons.

But if you go with the first great deal, you put your building project at risk that you don’t need to. It’s easy to be surprised by hidden fees from a rental company that isn’t as trustworthy as it claims to be.

The best way to research is to go online and make a list of possible candidates, in addition to looking at testimonials and feedback.

You should then plan to interview these companies. The best place to interview these companies is at their offices. While at their offices, get to know about their experience level and the number and quality of their cranes.

Remember that you are better off with a company with many cranes. This is because you have peace of mind that if the crane breaks down, you can get a replacement quickly and without paying extra.

Accidents are common on construction sites, so it’s a brainer to want to work with an insured company.

You should interview three to five companies and settle on the best one.

Think about the distance to your site.

Once you have enough options to compare, consider how close or far the rental service is from where the project will be done. A few extra miles might seem like a little, but you also have to think about traffic.

Depending on when you need to move the cranes, even the smallest traffic jam could cause a lot of trouble.

When picking the best crane rental service for your business, distance is one of the most important factors because getting cranes to the site takes a lot of work.

Why put yourself in danger by choosing a service that is too far from your site?

You want to rent from a company close to your site, which saves you time as you don’t spend too much money and is less trouble as you don’t have a lot to deal with on the road.

Before you sign the rental agreement, you should agree with the rental company on who will be responsible for the logistics of delivering and picking up the crane.

It will be better if the company can provide the service at an extra fee as you are sure they will install it correctly for you. After all, they are experienced with it.

Get your site ready for the crane.

Aside from renting a crane, getting the site ready is also something to consider. Is everything ready for the crane, including the rigging equipment and any other details that might come up?

During transportation, is it necessary to get a permit to use the road around the project site? Can you stay in touch with the rental service during the transportation process to ensure everything goes well?

Before renting a crane, you need to know the answers to all these questions.

Remember that the last thing you should do is wait until the crane arrives for you to get ready. This is because most crane rentals VA will charge you by the hour. This means that the longer you stay with the crane, the more you pay.

You can now imagine having the crane on your site then you start getting ready. It will cost you a lot, won’t it? So always be ready before you bring it to the site. This way, you start immediately, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Tips To Consider When Rigging A Crane

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When you are undertaking crane rigging, you need to do several things to be safe and prevent accidents from coming about. Some of these things include:

Use the correct equipment

You should always use the right rigging equipment, as using the wrong equipment can be dangerous and can damage the load or even the machine. Some of the equipment you can use include:

Tag line: This is a small rope often attached to the load and used to guide it during the lifting process. The tagline comes in handy to help the operator maintain control of the load and prevent it from swinging.

When choosing a tagline, ensure that the line is strong enough to handle the weight of the load. The line should also be long enough for the load you want to move.

The material used in making the tagline plays a vital role when it comes to strength and durability, so ensure that it’s made from tough materials.

A final factor often ignored is the visibility of the tagline. To have an easy time keeping track of the load and avoid accidents, use a tagline made from a reflective material. It also doesn’t hurt if the line has a bright color.

Chokers: Chokers secure a load by wrapping around it, and in the process, it prevents the load from shifting during the lifting process.

When choosing the chokers, pay attention to the type of load you are lifting. This is because different chokers are designed for different applications. For example, rope chokers are best suited for round or cylindrical loads, while chain ones are better suited for irregularly shaped loads.

The load capacity is another important factor to consider. You should get a choker that is strong enough to carry the load you are looking to lift.

Rigging chokers are made from different materials, each with strengths and weaknesses. As a rule of thumb, go for one strong enough to lift your load.

Spreader bars: Spreader bars balance and stabilize heavy loads. They prevent the load from tilting or shifting during the lifting process. Like the other tools, choose spreader bars with the right dimensions, load, and other features.

Inspect the equipment

Before using any rigging equipment, inspect it for signs of wear or damage. If you find any issues, do not use the equipment and replace it with something in good condition.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Each type of rigging equipment has specific guidelines for how it should be used. Follow these guidelines to ensure the equipment is used safely and correctly.

Keep open lines of communication.

You need to keep the lines of communication open at all times. This means that from the crane operator to the riggers, everyone should communicate with each other to ensure that all the work on the site progresses safely and efficiently.

Besides providing walkie-talkies, you also should ensure that everyone on the site can use hand signals or other forms of communication to keep the operator informed of any changes or issues.

Keep the equipment in top shape.

You need to ensure that your crane is always in top shape. Many people inspect the crane when hiring, but this isn’t enough—you should also inspect it every time you are doing the lifting work.

Before you lift the load, let an experienced rigger or crane operator go through all the parts, including the slings, and ensure they are all in perfect shape.

Even when you are done with lifting, go over the machine and confirm that all parts are in good condition. Of course, when you see a problem, regardless of how minor it is, fix it.

Parting shot

These are tips you should consider when rigging a crane. For peace of mind, ensure that the rigging work is done by an expert that knows what they are doing. For the best outcome, hire the professional from the same crane rentals VA you hire the machines.

This way, you are sure that they are conversant with the cranes, and they are more likely to do an excellent job.

What Should You Consider When Renting A Crane From A Crane Rental Company?

Are you looking to hire a crane from a crane services provider? There are plenty of factors you should consider when hiring. These factors include:

Hire the crane from a professional company

Many people looking to hire a crane go online and key in search terms such as “crane company near me” they then proceed to contact the first company they come across and hire it. This is wrong.

Just because a company ranks high in the search results doesn’t mean it’s the best.

The right thing you should do is to contact five or more companies near your area and request an interview. During the interview, you should ask as many questions as possible that help you know more about the company and the nature of its cranes.

When you are in the rental stores, ask to see the cranes they have to hire and check their maintenance records. For peace of mind that the crane will give you great service, you should work with a properly maintained crane. If you come across a crane that isn’t up to date when it comes to maintenance, don’t work with it.

During the interview, you should also know who will be responsible for the installation and service backup. To save money, you should work with a company with technicians who will install the crane and help with the maintenance.

The company should also have a team of crane operators and riggers. This way, you have peace of mind that you won’t need to hire a professional to help with the crane operation and rigging work.

Have a clear plan of how you will do the work

It’s often said that you are planning to fail if you don’t have a plan. This means that for your project to succeed, you should have a solid plan on how you will go about it.

Before you even head to the rental stores, you should know the route the crane will use to get to your destination. If there are obstacles, you should get them out of the way, so you don’t waste too much time with the crane.

If you are getting the crane from a distance away, you need to plan how you will move the crane from the rental stores to your site.

If this is your first time having a crane project, it might be hard to devise a solid plan for executing everything, so it’s wise to work with a professional who will help you out.

Know the crane you need

What crane do you need to do the lifting? You should know about this before you head to the crane rental stores. This is because when you hire the wrong crane, you increase the chances of an accident happening.

Hiring the wrong crane also increases your money on the project. For example, when you hire a crane that is too small for your load, you will spend too much time with the crane hence you end up paying too much money for hiring the crane.

To be safe, you should work with a professional who will help determine the right crane for the work.

Hire an expert crane operator

You shouldn’t hire just anyone to operate your crane—you need to ensure that the professional you hire knows what they are doing and won’t cause an accident on your site.

As mentioned above, the best place to find a reputable crane operator is from the crane rental services VA providers.

The cool thing about hiring an operator from the crane company is that you have peace of mind that they are conversant with the crane. You are also sure that the rental company won’t entrust an unqualified person with the crane, so you can be sure that there are fewer chances of an accident on your site.

What Is The Most Important Rigging Precaution?

As much as rigging has plenty of benefits, it’s hazardous. For example, the load can fall from the crane and injure or, even worse, kill the site workers.

If you are wondering which is the most important rigging precaution you should take to prevent accidents, ensure that the equipment and the environment you are working on is safe.

Before you start lifting tasks, ensure that the crane you hire from crane services is strong and sitting on a stable surface. You also should carefully inspect the work area and ensure there are no dangers. This calls for you to ensure no power lines in the crane line.

You also should ensure that the path the crane uses is well done and there is no risk of the crane tipping over due to unstable ground.

Besides observing this precaution, you should consider plenty of other precautions to ensure that your rigging is safe. These precautions include:

Thoroughly inspect the rigging hardware

Before you start rigging, carefully inspect your hardware and ensure that it’s in tip-top shape. Inspect all parts for cracks, deformation, excessive nicks, stretches, gouges, and other imperfections.

To avoid costly downtimes, inspect the slings and ensure they are in perfect condition.

It’s also wise to inspect the crane before you start any lifting work.

Lift the right weight

You must have come across a load falling from the crane or the crane tipping over, right? Well, this is usually attributed to trying to lift more weight than the crane can carry.

One of the reasons why some people will overload the crane is due to a lack of knowledge. For example, if they don’t know how much the crane can carry.

The other reason is if they are in a hurry to finish the work.

It’s common for people to miscalculate how long the project will take to complete. Due to this, they will rush to hire a crane, rush to complete the project, and as a result, end up overloading the machine.

People will also overload the machine when they are looking to cut costs. You see, cranes are charged by the hour. This means that the longer you stay with the crane, the more you pay.

To cut costs, some people overload the machine to finish the work quickly. This is wrong.

The right thing to do is to ensure that the machine only carries the recommended weight. If you aren’t sure about the right weight it should carry, get the input of a professional.

Remember that the risks of overloading the machine significantly outweigh the money you will save by overloading, so avoid doing it.

Use the right rigging materials.

Besides properly rigging your load, you must also ensure that you use the rigging materials. From the rings, swivels, and nuts to the slings you use, ensure that everything you get is quality from a reputable store.

Some people try to cut costs by buying lower quality or even second materials. Don’t do this, as you will be putting your life and that of others at the site at risk.

You also end up spending too much money than you should. Since the crane is charged by the hour, having an accident means that you will stay with the crane for much longer than you should, which sees your rental bill go high.

You should always use manufacturer-recommended materials. If you aren’t sure about the right ones to use, get the input of a professional.

Work with experienced professionals.

It goes without saying that you should always ensure that you hire professional riggers and crane operators to do the rigging work.

While these professionals will be a little expensive to hire, they will give you peace of mind as you know that the work is done correctly and save you money as there are few chances of accidents happening.

If you are wondering where to find reputable professionals, the best place is from the crane rental services VA where you rent the crane.

4 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Crane

Did you know that you could be doing the wrong thing with your crane without knowing? Here are some of the ways you could be making crane mistakes:

Using the wrong crane for the job

If you have visited crane rental services, you must have realized that there are many types of cranes you can rent.

One of the major mistakes people make is choosing the wrong crane for the job. To help you out, here are some of the major cranes you will find in the rental companies and how you can properly use them:

Carry deck cranes are highly mobile ones that feature excellent rotation and easy setup. While they are great, their major flaw is they don’t handle rough terrain well.

Rough terrain cranes: Although rough terrain cranes can’t travel on public roads, they tend to handle difficult grades exceptionally well and will get the work done when working on tough terrain.

Crawler cranes: Since they use tracks instead of rubber wheels, crawler cranes are excellent for sites with soft terrain.

All-terrain cranes: They have the advantage of being able to travel on their own to the job site, and they handle the rough terrain extremely well when they arrive.

You have to rent the right one to get the most from your crane. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get the input of a professional.

You ignore load limits.

Different cranes have different load limits, and you should be ultra cautious of the limitations of your unit to prevent an accident.

As you are loading your crane, remember these things:

  • A crane will hold more weight when it’s on an outrigger than when on tires alone.
  • The crane will hold more weight if the boom stays over the front of the crane throughout the lift, whereas the capacity will be lower if the boom needs to swing.
  • The higher the load radius, the less weight the crane can lift.
  • To ensure that you never overload your crane, work with load charts.

You don’t read the operator manuals.

Even with highly experienced professionals, you should note that cranes from different manufacturers have unique controls, failsafe devices, and features. This means that even the most experienced professionals might not know everything about a crane.

This means that before you start working with the crane, carefully read the operator manuals and ensure that you understand everything pertaining to the cranes when it comes to:

  • Load capacities
  • Safety mechanisms
  • Operator controls
  • Stabilizers and counterweights

If you are having a problem understanding certain things in the manual, don’t ignore it—ask the technicians working in the crane rental companies.

You don’t inspect the crane.

After you have confirmed that the crane is in proper working condition in the rental stores, your work is done, right? Well, no.

For peace of mind and to reduce the chances of accidents happening on your site, you should regularly inspect your crane and ensure it’s in perfect working form.

Some of the inspections you should undertake include the following:

Pre-start checks: From their name, these are checks that you do before you start the crane. Your crane operator should check the tire condition, seat belts, oil levels, air reservoir, battery, and other factors.

Engine start-up checks: Before you start the daily work, the crane operator should start the engine, check the fuel level, pressure gauge, horn, signals, brain system, suspension, and other units and ensure they are in perfect condition.

Safety system inspections: To prevent catastrophic accidents, you should do safety system checks. During the inspections, evaluate the anti-two block, outriggers, and rated capacity limiter and ensure they are in perfect shape.

If there is a problem with your unit, regardless of how minor it is, don’t ignore it—fix it before you do the day’s work.

You work with the wrong professionals.

You shouldn’t hire just any contractor you meet. For the best outcome, take your time and hire experienced professionals that know what they are doing. The best contractors to work with are those from your local crane hire companies VA.