Self-propelled or rotating mobile cranes are machines used for lifting any type of load, normally for short-term work. Normally many companies do not have this machinery, but, if needed, they can hire it (with an operator) from a company specialising in construction equipment rental.
When hiring a crane, it is important to know what information to give to the person who picks up the phone, so that they can quote the price for a crane that fits the requirements.
We asked experts in crane hire in Lincoln about what information is typically required, to avoid misunderstandings, or subsequent issues on site:
- Situation of place where the work is to be carried out
Logically, the site where we want the work done is one of the first things to say, since it will not be the same if the work is local or in another area. For the initial offer it is not usually necessary to say the exact address, just the area.
- Weight of object(s) to be raised
Crane hire experts usually have many types of mobile cranes and usually of different tonnages (different maximum load capacities for lifting). The greater the weight of the object to be lifted, the greater the lifting capacity of the crane required, and, logically, the greater the cost of hiring.
- Distance from the crane to the point where the load will be deposited/lifted
This is called the mounting radius, and is the distance from the point of the load (object) to the centre of the crane. The greater the radius of assembly, that is to say the farther from the position of the centre of the crane we want the load to be placed, the less weight the same crane can lift, and this will also determine the type of crane that can do the job, and therefore the price.
- Height to which load will be transferred
The height at which we want the load to be placed is also another essential fact, because together with the radius, the higher that point, the more the crane has to extend in order to deposit the load. The length of boom required will be affected when the height at which the load has to be placed is very high.
- The load to be handled
It might seem unimportant exactly what is to be moved; whether it’s a pallet of oranges, a piano, a new car or a prefabricated concrete piece, but it is important. There are two reasons why:
The first is to know the length of the element that is to be moved, because if the load is long, cables of at least the length of the load to be lifted will have to be used, avoiding compression that could damage the load.
The second is to know if there is a need for the load to be placed in the same position as it is on the truck that transports it, or if it is going to have to be turned in the air before being deposited in the final location. This would involve the use of mobile cranes with special characteristics.
- Load-carrying couplings
Cranes usually carry slings (metal cables) of different lengths, canvas tapes, chains, and shackles of different dimensions, etc. The couplings required will depend on the maximum weight of the load that the crane can lift. In any case, to avoid surprises, it is better to know the type and maximum weight of the load. This will allow the personnel to provide the most suitable couplings, shackles, cables, lifting claws, etc., according to the work to be done.