Heavy Construction Equipment: Safety Tips and More

3 Fundamental Tips for New Construction Contractors When Renting A Crane

Hiring a crane can be a cost-saving measure during a construction project because the cost of buying one can be astronomical. Also, a crane can perform the heavy lifting of most equipment, workers and materials to upper levels of a structure. However, novice construction contractors might overlook fundamental aspects that must be considered when hiring a crane, including size, terrain and operator. Since you will be charged based on the duration of hiring a crane, it is prudent to plan earlier by determining the space requirements and clearing obstacles in the path of a crane. Here are some tips for newbie construction contractors to keep in mind when renting a crane.

Terrain and Accessibility -- The ground conditions of a worksite must be conducive to ensure the stability of a crane, especially under heavy load. For rough surfaces, it is preferred that you choose crawler cranes since the tracks offer stability, thereby ensuring that the equipment operates in rugged outdoor ground conditions without the need for outriggers. All obstacles such as construction equipment, materials and tools should be cleared from the path of a crane. Removing such objects saves you time and money by preventing damage and injuries.       

Accessories -- Depending on the type of crane you want to hire, you might need attachments such as outriggers, tower sections for internal and external climbing, and climbing cages. For instance, outriggers are essential for mobile cranes that require a solid base for enhanced stability. Most importantly, proper installation of outriggers is critical to the safe operation of a crane. For example, you should be mindful of the type of soil at a construction site because soil type affects stability and accessories required. Therefore, proper base preparation should be implemented using appropriate accessories to avoid the sinking of an outrigger on the weak soil.

Sizing and Reach -- Always remember to choose the right size of a crane because they come in different sizes depending on a contractor's hoisting needs. You may also incur extra costs if you need to hire a powerful crane. If you want a high-capacity crane, try the all-terrain type. Notably, consult a professional at a crane hire service for the right estimates before renting a crane. A crane's reach is the maximum height it can achieve for an operator to work safely. For high-rise buildings, consider a crane with a more extended range when compared to residential structures. Besides, the size and type of crane will determine the space requirement at the site.