Answering Your Top 7 Questions About Crane Rentals
Crane operation and rental are areas of knowledge that can be lacking, as they are not required on all job sites. When it comes to the cost of crane rentals, you need to be careful to research before you settle on a company from which to rent.
There is a balance between cost and value, and many considerations are taken into account when determining rental expenses. Every job's worksite and requirements are different. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions that come up about crane rentals and what to expect throughout the process.
1) What Is The Difference Between Bare Rental And Operated/Maintained Rental?
Bare crane rental involves leasing the equipment alone, leaving the renter responsible for operation and maintenance. This option suits experienced operators or companies with in-house expertise who can manage the equipment efficiently and safely. It requires the renter to possess the necessary qualifications and resources for operation and assume liability for any accidents or damages.
On the other hand, operated crane rental includes not only the provision of the crane but also a trained operator and often additional support personnel and maintenance guarantees. By hiring a qualified operator along with the crane, the renter benefits from professional expertise, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring optimal performance.
2) Who Comes With Operated Rentals?
It can be easy for those who have never rented a crane before to think that a crane rental comes with just the machine and an operator. Due to the inherent dangers posed by poorly managed lifts, however, crane rentals involve a number of other personnel to ensure the safety of everyone on site.
When you rent a crane, the rental business should provide you with qualified personnel covering the following roles:
- Crane Operator
- Signaler
- Dogmen
- Riggers
Your crane rental company will also be responsible for safe crane erection and maintenance throughout your rental period. However, these are the personnel you will be working with onsite.
3) What Impacts The Cost Of A Crane Rental?
There is a balance between cost and value, and many considerations are taken into rental expenses. The four most significant factors that will affect the price of your crane rental are:
- Length of the rental period
- Type and size of crane needed for the job
- Crane personnel for operation
- Job site location and hazards
While you can rent by the day, week, or month, expect to budget about $2,000 per day, on average. The exact price will vary depending on the type of crane and other conditions, but this should be your baseline.
For some jobs, you may not need a crane every day. Discuss the benefits of shorter rental periods versus having one on-site for a longer duration.
4) How Do We Determine The Crane Needed?
Every project has different lifting requirements, and there are just as many types of cranes to meet those demands. As obvious as it may seem, the heavier and larger the size of materials that you need to move, the larger the crane you will need. Having detailed information regarding your project and an accurate price is critical to getting the machine you need.
Provide the following information on your planned lifts to crane rental companies:
- Type of material(s) being moved
- The expected weight of those materials
- Height requirements for your project
Remember, you don’t want to test any machine's upper limits. Inclement weather and other site hazards may lower the capacity and leave you with a machine that can’t handle your requirements.
5) What Site Prep Needs To Occur Before The Crane's Arrival?
You need to ensure the crane can be delivered to the site, positioned correctly, and that the terrain and layout around it allow for safe operation. We have more detailed information on site prep in one of our prior articles, but generally, you need to ensure:
- There is enough access for the crane to be delivered safely to the site.
- The crane placement site has firm ground that has been graded and drained for stability.
- Overhead hazards are accounted for, and a lift zone is clearly marked.
6) Can Weather Delay A Job?
Weather extremes aren’t just relegated to the depths of summer or winter. Severe storms, winds, or rain can often pop up with little notice throughout the year.
Cranes are tricky, highly technical pieces of construction machinery that require proper maintenance, site preparation, and training to operate safely. If loads are improperly secured or the crane is controlled incorrectly, there is a serious risk of crushing injury or property damage, and severe weather increases those risks.
Often, the safest inclement weather operation you can have is to stop operating the crane until the weather event passes. That said, more often than not, you will find yourself needing to complete work on a non-ideal weather day that does not quite reach a point to which operations should cease but will cause slowdowns or delays.
7) Are There Restrictions or Requirements For Renting A Crane?
There are often restrictions and requirements for renting a crane, which can vary depending on factors such as the type of crane, local regulations, and the rental company's policies. Some common restrictions and requirements may include:
- If you opt for a bare crane rental, you may need to provide proof of operator qualifications and certifications.
- Renters and the rental company need to have adequate insurance coverage for both the equipment and liability purposes.
- Depending on the location and the specifics of the project, you may need to obtain permits or adhere to specific regulations related to crane operation. This could include permits for road closures, building permits, or adherence to safety regulations set by local authorities.
- Safety training for operators or personnel involved in the project may be required.
Crane Rental Experts In The Carolinas
No matter the job, using the right tool makes all the difference. Ensure you select a crane and company that fits your job site requirements for the safest and most effortless experience.
Serving the Carolinas for over 40 years, Parker's Crane is equipped with well-maintained, meticulously selected equipment that fits the job perfectly. We provide the cranes and quality OSHA-certified personnel and have extensive experience safely operating this specialty equipment.
If you are ready to learn more about crane rental costs in the Carolinas, contact the team at Parker’s Crane Service today.