Heavy Construction Equipment: Repair, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Easy Crane Hire Guide

30 October 2019 by Clifton Barnes

If you own a small construction business, you may sometimes encounter an assignment where you need to operate in tighter areas or lift heavier loads higher than you normally need to in your usual operations. Rather than pass up the opportunity, why not hire a suitable crane to do the job? You will find this solution is both simple and surprisingly economical.

Always keep in mind that, as the business owner, it is your duty to work together with the crane hire company to protect your workplace and make sure safety is a priority.

Prior to hiring a crane, a quick read through this simple guide will get you up to speed and prepared for a smoothly running project. Just follow these straight forward steps.

Work With the Right Company

Don't just go with the first company that you come across. Take your time when making your choice.

It is vital to find a business that knows the industry inside and out and has many years of experience. Cranes are heavy and complex machines that are intricate to operate. You will need a company that offers a wide range of cranes and recent models that are regularly maintained and extensive training programs for all crane operators.

Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, you want a company that can answer all your queries with patience and expertise.

Find a company that provides all of these details combined with substantial experience in the industry and you will be sure that they can match your requirements with the perfect machine.

Single Out the Right Crane for the Job

You need to have some of the most important project details on hand to provide the hire company with all the relevant information. For instance, tell them such things as the total weight you need to lift, the materials you will be handling, the maximum height required, the nature of the terrain you will cover, how accessibility to the worksite works and how often the crane will operate.

Luckily, you don't need to know all the details about the different crane models available. Today's cranes come in a wide variety, including mobile, crawler, rough terrain, side-left and many more specialty models. However, if you provide the right information, your hire company can provide the right crane. It will suit the project and match your budget.

Double Check the Safety Features

It is beneficial to be able to recognize the most important safety features on cranes. See if the crane has the following:

• Ergonomic seats to give the operator back support as well as comfort
• Adequate visibility points with mirrors and a suitable window design
• Plenty of access points such as grab rails, ladders and footholds
• Temperature control for comfortable operation

Naturally, these features are important for the operator's safety and also in reducing injury in the workplace.

After you have hired the right cane and the project is underway, it is sometimes easy to let things relax. It is most important that you are constantly watchful and aware of safety precautions in crane operations.

Be Constantly Observant

A designated person should be on duty to oversee the use of the crane whenever it is in operation and be able to assist the operator by giving direction. This avoids possible accidents and unwanted collisions.

Be aware of weather conditions and make sure the crane does not operate in unfavorable circumstances such as in a heavy rainstorm or strong winds.

Look out for any unexpected hazards such as underground cables.

Taking these simple steps will ensure that you know exactly how to get the best crane for your job and also the ability to provide a safe environment for your workplace.

For more information, contact a crane hire company.

Share