Heavy Construction Equipment: Repair, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

To Buy Or Rent A Bike? A Complete Guide

12 December 2022 by Clifton Barnes

Cranes are rigid equipment that builders and contractors use to hoist heavy items on construction sites. Usually, builders and contractors are conflicted over whether to purchase or rent the equipment. Below is a comparative analysis to help you make this decision.  

Buying A Crane 

Buying a crane suits contractors and builders who need the equipment for long-term use. For instance, you might need a crawler crane to lift loads in a mine or a floating crane when building a port. You must evaluate your current and future needs before purchasing a crane. For instance, you could buy a larger crane if you plan to lift heavier loads in future.

Other considerations to make include the following.

• Conduct a background check on the various manufacturers to determine the reliability and durability of the different crane models.
• Check whether the crane has a warranty on the various parts. After all, it would be unfortunate if you have to bear repair costs caused by manufacturing errors.
• Ensure the crane has state-of-the-art features. For example, a heated cabin allows you to work at night and during the cold months. The crane must also have modern safety features.
• How easy is it to service and repair the crane? The manufacturer should offer support services and avail replacement parts to crane owners. 

Renting A Crane 

Crane rentals suit people with short-term projects or those who cannot afford new cranes. Besides, it is your best option when you need different cranes at various project stages. For instance, you might need carry deck cranes at the start of your project and a tower crane at the late stages of your project. When renting a crane, you must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the required crane. Typically, you should ask your site engineers to establish the lift and weight limits of the required crane. Moreover, they must look out for challenging site conditions that could compromise the crane's safety. For example, you could opt for crawler cranes if the site has unstable soils that complicate the installation of tower cranes. 

As a crane renter, consider due diligence before hiring the crane. For instance, ask for inspection reports to determine the crane's condition. A physical inspection will help you identify leaking fluids, a damaged engine or a bent frame. Inquire about the rental conditions. For example, do you need additional insurance? Does the company deploy riggers and an operator to your site? Are you allowed to use the crane at night? Most companies are willing to negotiate these conditions to gain customer loyalty. 

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