Renting Heavy Construction Equipment

Renting A Crane For Your Construction Project

Having access to a crane can make it easier to maneuver heavy construction materials in tight spaces. Since cranes can be costly to purchase and maintain, many small construction companies opt to rent these pieces of equipment on an as-needed basis instead of buying their own. Partnering with a rental company can be a great way to access the crane you need to complete your construction project.

Here are three things to consider before renting a crane to ensure your experience is a positive one.

1. Determine if you need to invest in a full-service rental.

Before you invest in a crane rental to complete your construction project, you need to determine if a full-service rental is required. Full-service rentals come with not only the crane itself, but with a skilled operator to work the crane on your job site. 

Federal regulations require that any operating a crane with the ability to lift more than 2.000 pounds be certified to reduce the likelihood of injury. If you already employ someone with the proper certification to operate a rental crane, you can reduce your costs by investing in just the equipment.

If none of your employees have been certified, you will need to invest in a full-service crane rental to remain in compliance with federal safety regulations as you work on your construction project.

2. Determine your lifting needs.

Before you make the choice to invest in a crane rental, you need to carefully calculate your lifting needs for the duration of your construction project.

If you will be building in a confined area and need to lift heavy loads high into the air, then a hydraulic crane will be required. If you just need assistance moving construction materials around the job site, then you may be able to work with a smaller forklift or crawler instead.

Taking the time to determine your lifting needs prior to renting a crane will help you identify the most affordable piece of equipment that can meet your needs in the future.

3. Partner with an experienced rental company.

If you don't use a crane on every job, you may not be familiar with the permits required to transport and use these large pieces of equipment. By working with an experienced rental company, you will be able to rely on a rental representative to secure travel and use permits on your company's behalf.

Eliminating this task from your list of things to do ensures that your job site will be in compliance with local laws and regulations, preventing potential costly fines.

When thinking about renting a crane for your construction project, be sure that you are considering the qualifications of your employees, your lifting needs, and the experience level of the rental company you partner with to make the rental experience a positive one.