Crane rental services are available for cranes & safe experienced operators. Read a guide about crane rental & crane operation services in 2021.
Jobs with heavy lifting requirements present certain financial, logistical and potentially dangerous scenarios. Purchasing or renting your own crane is an option if you understanding liability regulations and how to operate the crane safely. Professional crane operation services are also available to provide cranes and experienced operators. What are my best options for renting a crane and/or hiring crane services? What are the typical costs?
Numerous safety aspects are crucial to take into consideration when renting and operating a crane. Are you qualified to operate the machine yourself and do you have adequate insurance/liability coverage? Finding professional crane rental and operation services is easier to do today than ever before. Read ahead for an informative guide about crane rental and crane operation services in 2021.
Crane Operation 101
Operating a crane is a serious responsibility requiring skills, experience and adherence to numerous safety/liability regulations. Cranes are manufactured in a wide variety of styles and sizes and are designed to handle an even wider array of heavy-lifting jobs. Operators are required to follow local, state, and federal regulations and work in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. Operators must also pass the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) examination. Permits, notifications and proof of liability coverage are also required.
Tower, overhead and mobile cranes all require different operational skills and protocol. Tower crane operators handle control consoles/movement and are directed via hand/radio signals as given by a supervisor, foreman or other qualified crane operation signaler. Overhead crane operators have to observe the load attached to the crane and make absolute certain it is safely secured and inside safe lifting limits. They also lift, move and position loads onto the crane. Mobile crane operators use foot pedals and dials to control and operate applicable equipment. Maximum lifting limits and weight capacities must also be kept in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Cranes are used for lifting heavy air conditioning/heating units on top of buildings. Extremely heavy metal support beams, shipping containers, vehicles and even entire sections of buildings are moved and lifted with cranes.
Liability & Safety Considerations
Crane operation is subjected to strict regulations pursuant to proof of liability coverage and overall safety. Contractors are given information regarding the conditions of the ground where cranes will be operated. Multiple potential hazards exist underground, which if not accounted for could risk the safety of crane operations and cause property damage, injury or death. Such underground hazards include utility lines, tanks (empty or full), steam lines, faults and more. Cranes are required to be assembled and disassembled under the supervision of qualified personnel. Proximity to power lines must be assessed. Power line-related safety/distance requirements as mandated in United States Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) codes 29 CFR 1926.1407 - 29 CFR 1926.1411 must be met. Additional liability and safety requirements include:
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Safety devices & operational aids must be tested & functional prior to operation.
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Operator’s/maintenance manuals, load charts & proof of passed inspection must be in the crane at all times.
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The ANSI Standard Hand Signals for Lifting must be posted on or near the crane.
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Struck by & pinch/crush hazard area training is required pre-operation.
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Swing radius/work area safety protocols must be followed (guardrails, barriers, warning signs, control lines, etc.)
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Fall protection is required at all times.
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Operations are permitted only with constant supervision present, signals comprehended, inspections verified and all requirements/checklists completed.
Why Hire a Crane Rental & Operation Service?
Operating a crane yourself requires training, planning, skill and specific liability insurance coverage. Surety bonds might also be required depending on the nature/location of your operation and the state in which it is performed. Cranes are expensive machines and insurance is therefore also expensive. For example, insuring a one million dollar crane might cost you a $20,000-$30,000 insurance premium for your job.
Renting a crane is possible if you have the budget, training and personnel. Hiring a service, which also provides trained/insured operators allows you to focus on other aspects of your job. Hiring a full crane rental & operation service is also more affordable than many people might expect and the safety/security it provides might save you money in the end by preventing accidents.
Typical Costs
Typical costs for renting a crane and/or crane operation service vary based on numerous factors. Tower cranes cost approximately $14,000/mo. Mobile cranes are rented hourly from $100-$600/hour based on crane type/quality and job requirements. Mini cranes might only cost approximately $120/hour and a 120T-capacity crawler crane might cost approximately $17,000+ per month.
Boom trucks are available for additional charges. What type of lifting capacity do you need? The more lifting capacity a crane has the more expensive it will cost to rent. Length of use, delivery fees, flagman/rigger rates, lift plans, permits and more all affect the costs of renting a crane in 2021.
Best Crane Equipment Companies & Brands
Sometimes it makes more financial/practical sense to buy your own crane. Cranes are available for sale from top U.S. manufacturers and from locations around the world. Renting a crane makes sense for one-time or smaller jobs and top rental services (including operators) are also available today.