Renting a crane is often necessary for certain types of projects. For many contractors, having a crane on the job site gets the work done much easier, safer, and faster, helping cut down the overall project costs. Furthermore, hiring a reliable crane rental service is a dozen times easier than buying a crane as it eliminates the hassle of buying, storage, transportation, and maintenance.
Albeit being the easier option, renting a crane is not as burden-free as it may seem. There are still a lot of factors you have to consider to ensure that you’re choosing the right crane to rent.
This guide outlines some of the most important ones:
1. Crane operator’s track record
Shopping around for the best crane rental company is easier said than done, which is why you have to know what to look for when considering a particular company.
One of the first things that you have to look at is the crane company’s track record. What can they boast about when it comes to capability and experience? Have they worked with projects similar to yours? What is their reputation like? To find out more about these things, here are some strategies that you can use:
- Check out the portfolio on their website; if they don’t have one, ask for it
- Ask about the capabilities of their cranes
- Find out how they maintain their cranes
- Look at what previous customers are saying about them outside of their website
- If you know can, interview a previous client about their experience with the company
2. Clearance requirements
Of course, you’d have to make sure that the crane will fit on your work site. If you’re working on a large construction site, this is likely not something that you have to worry about. But if you have spatial constraints, find out the amount of clearance you need before shopping around for a crane for rent. Keep in mind that apart from actually fitting the machine on the construction site, the cab and the arm need enough space to properly operate.
3. Insurance
Another crucial factor that you have to consider when choosing a crane rental company is their insurance status. Make sure that you understand what your team may be liable for in case of an accident that damages the crane. If the rental company does not offer coverage, you might want to get backup insurance for your staff and subcontractors just in case. Keep in mind that repairing a crane can get quite expensive, and if you have to pay for damages out of your own pocket, then you’re defeating the purpose of saving money through renting.
4. Skilled operators
Operating a crane safely and correctly requires a certain level of skills and experience, which can only be acquired through proper training. If you’re renting a crane but plan to have it used by your own staff members or subcontractors, you must ensure that they have the proper certifications to operate a crane without endangering anyone’s life or property.
On the other hand, if the crane company provides their own operators as part of the rental package, you must do due diligence to ensure that their people are qualified. Ask about certifications, training, and job experience. If the company trains their people regularly, the better you can be sure that they are well-equipped for the job.
5. Work site terrain
Another thing that you should never forget to overlook is your work site’s terrain. If the ground is soft or wet, cranes with tire treads work best as they move slower and can prevent the crane from sinking into the soil. Cranes with tires, on the other hand, are the best option for paved or leveled surfaces since they allow for easier and faster movement.
6. CCO Certification
Look for a crane rental company with operators that have CCO certifications. CCO-certified crane operators have to take multiple exams to gain the credential, which means they take industry standards, labor codes, and safety protocols very seriously.
7. Other services
If you need to rent other equipment or hire other services, look for a company that can offer you the best value for all that you need. For instance, if you need to rent a crane and get a storage yard rental service, look for a company that offers both to get a lower price.
Renting a crane is often easier than buying and keeping one, and considering these factors beforehand can make it even more hassle-free. On top of making the actual renting process easier, you’re also helping ensure that your project stays on schedule.
