How to determine the best crane for the job

Cranes are often used for construction, demolition, manufacturing and clearance projects – moving and lifting large, cumbersome loads between varying heights safely and efficiently.

Whilst there are several varieties available within our fleet, the success of your project often depends on your choice of crane.

Choosing the wrong type or size of crane can increase the cost of your hire and, more importantly, put those working on your site at risk.

That’s why we thought we’d share some top tips to help you make an informed decision.

 

5 factors to consider when hiring a crane

 

1.    Access

Unfortunately, not all sites have paved roads that are large enough to fit a crane.

Gates and barriers can restrict access and some cranes will struggle to navigate narrow country lanes and sharp turns.

If your site is hard to reach, it’s worth considering a crane that can be transported and assembled on-site. Although it will take longer to get started on your project, it’ll minimise the risk of damage to both the crane itself and your site.

 

2.    Load weight

The materials or objects being moved can have a bearing on the type of crane you’ll need to hire.

For example, if you’re moving or lifting awkwardly shaped loads, special rigging equipment may be required to ensure maximum safety.

Assessing the weight of your load materials carefully and finding out how much capacity each type can handle will help you avoid renting a crane that has more or less power than you need.

 

3.    Lift height

The height the object has to be lifted to is how high the crane’s boom needs to reach.

If the reach is vertical, a crane with a longer boom length will be required.

When calculating the lift height, you also need to consider the weather conditions. Wind will cause loads being lifted at great heights to sway.

 

4.    Terrain

If your site is situated off-road, on rocky terrain, some cranes may not be able to function in these areas due to the ground conditions being soft or unstable.

Likewise, certain cranes are better suited to solid site conditions (i.e. concrete or tarmac) and flatter areas, ensuring mobility and stability.

Considering the terrain on your worksite will determine which type of crane will be safe for your project.

 

5.    Cost

After considering all of the factors above, you need to check the cost of each crane type (as well as any additional equipment required and insurance cover) and see if it’s within your budget.

In most cases, the price of crane hire will depend on the type of crane, how long you need it and whether you have a competent team of your own.

If you don’t have an appointed person with the relevant knowledge and experience or a qualified slinger or signaller, a contract lift is ideal. Admittedly, it will cost you more than a Construction Plant Hire Association (CPA) crane hire, but you can trust that every aspect of your lifting operation will be taken care of on your behalf.

 

Need an expert opinion?

Here at Bryn Thomas Cranes, we have an extensive fleet of modern cranes available to hire from our strategically located depots and accommodate the requirements of almost every industry.

If you’re unsure which type of crane is right for your upcoming project, you’re welcome to use our handy crane size calculator.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to discuss your needs in full, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Bryn Thomas Cranes today.

You can either call 01352 733 984 or drop us an email at flint@brynthomascranes.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.