Choosing the Best Crane for the Job

The jobs done by contractors and construction companies are extremely diverse. Some projects, like a rooftop commercial HVAC installation, have their challenges but tend to be straightforward. Others, like steel erecting for a new office building or warehouse, are anything but. Luckily, the cranes offered by crane rental companies in Maine are just as diverse, ensuring there’s a crane perfectly suited to your project. When you contact American Aerial Services for local crane service, we’ll use the steps below to aid in your selection — or you can get a head start by going down this list ahead of contacting us. 🏗️

 

What is the Load Weight?

This is typically the first consideration when choosing a crane, since cranes are classified both by their type (truck mounted cranes, crawler cranes, and rough terrain cranes among them) and their capacity. It’s important to remember that the materials being lifted won’t be the only thing used when determining the needed capacity; the type and weight of the block used, the cable — which is heavy in its own right — and any extensions to the boom and jib will also add to the load over and above what’s being raised. It’s better to have the additional capacity and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

What is the Load Height?

The load rating of a crane can be a bit deceptive, since the maximum capacity won’t be the same throughout the entire height range or operating radius. Capacity decreases with increases in height and boom radius, and there are other considerations with regard to the boom length, reinforcements, counterweights, and other preparations that need to be made in order to handle heavy loads at extreme heights and awkward radii. We know how to do this, but advance planning ensures that it goes without a hitch; a change in plans, or a project specification that isn’t disclosed, can lead to delays while equipment is procured and modifications made.

 

What Are the Site Conditions?

Often, it’s not the load but the site that poses challenges. These include, but are not limited to:

 

• Soft ground or rough terrain on which it’s difficult to get good footing for the crane or its outriggers
• Space restrictions posed by the surroundings, including roads, power lines, and surrounding structures
• A site configuration that restricts access to certain areas
• A layout that requires materials to be transported to different locations on site
• Weather conditions that require special preparation or additional precautions

 

As part of your crane rental, we’ll be evaluating the site to ensure we provide the right equipment and have taken every precaution to complete the job safely.

 

Where and When is Your Project?

Having chosen the right crane for the job is important, but it also means that our work is just getting started. We’ll need to know the start date and duration of your project to make sure we have the right assets and attachments available as soon as they’re needed. We’ll need to work out the logistics of crane transport, setting up, and scheduling, making sure that our operators and support staff understand the particulars of the project and any potential hazards. Once those items have been taken care of, we’ll be ready to get to work alongside you.

 

Who’s Operating Your Rental Crane?

Unlike renting a Bobcat, a crane isn’t something you can stop by a local rental center, load up a gooseneck trailer, and have someone reasonably responsible operate the equipment once you’re onsite. Crane rental in Maine requires not just the right crane specifications — cranes ranging from 60 to 150 tons, in our case — but also the specialized knowledge, certifications, and experience to operate it right. It’s not just about bringing your project in on or ahead of time, or keeping it on budget; it’s about keeping everything legal, and keeping everyone safe, too. That’s why so many turn to American Aerial Services when it’s time for local crane service.