How Certifications Ensure Excellence

 How Certifications Ensure Excellence

American Aerial Services offers over two decades of expertise working with contractors, steel erectors, and a variety of other businesses in the Portland, Maine area. We not only have a large inventory of equipment that we can use on projects of various kinds, but we also bring something even more valuable to the table, our people.

 

Our operators have undergone comprehensive training, are qualified, have undergone drug testing, and have current NCCCO operator licenses. Besides that, American Aerial Services is a proud member of the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) and is certified by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). Continue reading to learn more about AISC and the SEAA.

What is AISC and the benefits of being AISC certified?

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) was created in order to promote the structural steel design business in the United States and to better serve the construction industry as a whole. Contractors with AISC certifications have the staff, expertise, equipment, experience, methods, and capability to provide high-quality work. An AISC attribute enhances operational consistency and displays a commitment to quality, distinguishing partner contractors from the competition. These are some of the advantages of working with an AISC certified steel company:

 

Improved quality assurance: The most notable distinction between an AISC certified and a non-certified job is quality. From welding techniques to equipment calibration, your project will be held to the highest quality standards, all of which will be documented in the project's Quality Management System.

 

The latest technology: When you work with an AISC certified steel business, you can be assured that they are up to speed on the most recent codes and practices, ensuring that your projects pass inspection.

 

Increased efficiency: An AISC certified steel company is used to following a standard procedure when finishing a building project. Because the steel contractor you've chosen understands what's needed and follows their protocols, your project will experience fewer delays and complications.

 

Improved safety: A company that is AISC authorized adheres to high safety requirements, ensuring that your construction project does not experience any additional delays or expenditures as a result of a safety event. Your steel company, like you, wants to keep its employees safe, and following the AISC requirements helps your steel company do so.

Why are we an SEAA member?

SEAA is a well-known leader in steel erection industry training, resource development, and regulatory practices. SEAA is the sole national trade association focused exclusively on serving steel erectors, fabricators, and related service providers. The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) works to improve the steel erector industry's safety, productivity, and profitability. The following are the objectives of the association in reaching this goal:

●     Promotion of steel erectors' safety, education, and training programs.

●     Participation in initiatives that have an impact on the commercial construction industry in collaboration with others.

●     Establishing and promoting standards.

By obtaining this membership, American Aerial Service aims to ensure the highest level of safety and service excellence during our operations.

 

 

Quality work and reasonable costs are the hallmarks of American Aerial Services. We're not simply an alternative, we're the finest option for property owners, general contractors, and anyone else in Maine who needs our services. We at American Aerial Services strive to give you the best service possible by being members of both the AISC and the SEAA. To learn more about our services and certifications, contact us today!

How Cranes and Boom Trucks Can Help You Avoid Worksite Risks

 How Cranes and Boom Trucks Can Help You Avoid Worksite Risks

There are many hazards on a worksite. However, some can be easily avoided by using the proper equipment and machinery. One of the best ways to reduce the risk on a worksite to people, property, and profits is by using a crane or boom truck. Read on to learn more about how American Aerial Services can help you on your next job!

Increased Safety

A crane or a boom truck can help you get heavy items into place safely, without the need to get “creative”. A lot of times, workers try to muscle their way through the heavy lifting or use unsafe methods. However, this is inefficient and creates a much higher risk of your workers getting injured.

 

A worker died every 99 minutes in 2019, with fatalities in the private construction industry increasing by 5% since 2007. Many risks can be avoided by staying out of potentially dangerous situations. Often you will have workers trying to strong-arm a heavy object or trying to move it while it is off-balance. This can result in severe injury—or worse—if the workers lose control of the object.

 

A crane or boom truck makes it easy to move the object without your workers straining themselves or putting themselves in harm's way, should things get out of their control.

Improved Precision

Using a crane or boom truck can also help your team move the object into the perfect spot. One of the most important things on a job site is to make sure everything lines up perfectly. One wrong measurement or uneven placement can result in the entire job failing or even collapsing later in the project.

 

A crane makes it easy to gently lower the object down from above in the exact spot you need. American Aerial Services in Falmouth, Maine, is your source for crane and boom truck rentals. We’ll help you make sure everything is as precise as possible.

 

The best part about using a crane or boom truck? It’s easy to course-correct if the placement needs to be adjusted. You can lift the item back up and try again as many times as required.

Reduced Obstacles

Another significant benefit of using a crane or boom truck is the ability to move objects over unexpected (or immovable) obstacles. Time and manpower is money on a job site, and you can’t always get rid of things that are in your way. With a crane, you can lift heavy objects up and over most obstacles! Even something like a small ditch or a few boulders can make moving a heavy object on the ground nearly impossible.

 

Cranes can bypass most minor obstacles—or even some larger obstacles like small buildings—saving you a lot of time. You can also potentially avoid damaging nearby buildings, powerlines, or landscaping features you would have otherwise had to maneuver around.

 

 

Let American Aerial Services Help With the Heavy Lifting!

At American Aerial Services, we’re experts at moving things into hard-to-reach places. Let us help you tackle those heavy or oddly-shaped objects so you can keep your team safe and save money in the long run. The fewer unexpected situations you have to plan for, the less risk your worksite will face. The right machinery, and the right plan, will make a world of difference in your team’s productivity and risk mitigation.

 

Call American Aerial Services today and ask about our crane and boom truck rentals!

 

 

The fewer details you have to plan for, the less risk your worksite will face. The right machinery and the right plan will make a world of difference in your worksite's productivity and risk mitigation. Using a crane or boom truck to help your construction projects get done efficiently and safely. Call American Aerial Services today and let us do the heavy lifting for you. We also offer rental services if you feel comfortable operating these machines yourself.

Renting the Right Crane for the Job: Knuckle Boom vs. Telescopic

Renting the Right Crane for the Job: Knuckle Boom vs. Telescopic

Cranes are immensely useful machines with a host of advantages—the most important being that they allow people to move very heavy loads with ease. But considering all the different types and uses of cranes, it's important for people to make an educated decision.

 

Here's what you need to know about the differences between a knuckle boom crane and a telescopic crane.

Knuckle Booms Bend in the Middle

A knuckle boom crane is so named because of the joint in the middle of the boom arm. This “knuckle” can bend in different directions to allow more flexibility in moving a heavy load around. The lifting power comes from a hook at the end of the boom instead of a winch at the base of the arm. Most loads managed with a knuckle boom are loaded onto and off of the connected truck, and the truck transports the load to another location.

Telescopic Cranes Have More Power, But Can't Transport Loads

Telescopic cranes are the cranes most people imagine when thinking of a crane. They have very long crane booms that can be extended with extra boom additions. They can lift even more weight than a knuckle boom, but they can't transport heavy loads on the vehicle or transport loads for long distances. If whatever you are trying to lift, carry, load, or unload exceeds the weight restrictions on a knuckle boom, then you need a telescopic crane.

The Reach of a Knuckle Boom Is Shorter

A knuckle boom crane's reach is much shorter than the telescopic crane. It is limited by its attachment to a truck and the weight it can handle without tipping the truck over. It can't lift higher than the boom can go, and typically it doesn't have arm extensions like the telescopic crane. If you don't need to lift a load higher than the hayloft in a barn (i.e., second or third story), then you can use the knuckle boom crane.

Rent a Crane Based on the Amount You Need to Lift

It's important to know how much your crane is going to lift during the process of using it. Weight restrictions on cranes exist to prevent the weight from tipping the crane over onto its side. Despite the fact that cranes have anchors to put down and prevent tipping, you should never go beyond the weight restriction of your chosen crane. Find out how many tons your crane will have to regularly lift while in use and rent a crane that can lift just a little bit more than that.

 

For example, if you regularly lift loads that are 120 tons, rent a telescopic crane that can lift 150 tons. That way, if you underestimate how much a load weighs, your crane and crane operator will still be safe.

  

 

American Aerial Services in Falmouth, Maine, has several different cranes you can rent for as many days, weeks, or months as you need it. Contact us today to get a quote!

Is Your Project in Need of a Crane? Here’s How To Tell.

 Is Your Project in Need of a Crane? Here’s How To Tell.

At first, it may seem obvious whether or not your job or project needs a crane. If you need something big and heavy lifted high, you use a crane, right? Otherwise, you don't need one.

 

However, the reality is not that cut and dry. Sometimes even if a project is based close to the ground, a crane might still be your best option to move the load.

 

It greatly depends on how far you are moving the object, where you are doing the lifting, and what you are lifting. Here’s how you can tell if your project would benefit from a crane or boom truck.

What Projects Need a Crane?

For starters, if the object you need to move is very heavy and high in the air or if you need to move a heavy object a long distance horizontally over various worksite obstacles, then you will need to hire a crane. However, the answer is not so certain for jobs where you only need to move an object a short distance.

 

Many items are so heavy they need to be counterbalanced, and you need a lot of mechanical power to move them—more than what smaller machinery can produce. Even if you are only moving the object a short distance, if the item is over a certain weight, then either the laws enforced by OSHA or the laws of physics may require you to use a crane.

What Type of Crane Do I Need?

Cranes and boom trucks come in many different sizes and specifications to get the job done. While our cranes are very versatile and can handle many different types of work, there, unfortunately, is no one-size-fits-all solution.

 

Rather, it depends on both your worksite and the environment around your worksite. You will need to work in line with different regulations depending on if you are in a residential area, a business zone, etc.

 

Furthermore, the ground the crane is going to be operating on matters too. If the ground is too soft or uneven for example, then the wrong type of crane could sink or become misaligned, unbalancing the load. Additionally, when determining the right crane to use, you need to be aware of the load's weight, dimensions, hook-up points, balance points, etc., that you want to move.

 

In the end, many factors go into deciding whether you need or would benefit from using a crane and, if so, what type of crane you should hire.

How American Aerial Services Can Help

Choosing the right crane for the job might sound very complicated, but it doesn't have to be. American Aerial Services can help. When you call us, we will visit your job site to determine exactly the right type of equipment you need to get the job done right.

 

Lastly, we will work with your crew to ensure everyone is fully informed on how to work safely around our crane.

Don't Delay Your Project Any Longer!

Time is money, and if you need to move a heavy load safely, quickly, and as cheaply as possible, then a crane might be the perfect tool for the job. Contact us at American Aerial Services in Falmouth, ME today, and let us do the heavy lifting for you!

 

How Cranes Make Tree Removal Safer

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While some tree care companies still rely on ladders and chainsaws, more and more are investing in cranes to help with tree removal and care. Cranes make the job faster, easier, and safer, and they cause less destruction to the landscape around a removal site.

 

Here are some reasons why cranes are the safer option for tree removal services in Maine:

Cranes can remove trees in tight or difficult-to-access areas

Using a crane makes it much easier to remove trees from narrow, hard-to-reach areas! When trees are cut down with cranes, they don't fall straight to the ground. Instead, they are lifted from the cut space to ensure safe removal. Using a crane to remove the tree will reduce the possibility of it falling on a structure or onto a road. Simply put, it is the safest way to remove trees.

 

Cranes can also be used to remove trees from tight places, such as in between buildings, small parking lots, or even backyards.

Cranes are helpful in dangerous situations

There are many reasons why a tree's roots can become unstable. The tree may be old, damaged by a storm, or rotten. Thanks to cranes, these trees can be safely removed.

 

Cutting down these types of trees can be risky because of how they can fall. During the removal process, they might not fall in a straight line, or they might fall without warning, putting the tree removal workers who climb up in danger. It is safer for a crane operator to take care of these types of trees.

Crane operators are trained professionals

Not everyone can operate a crane. It takes practice and knowledge to maneuver such a large piece of equipment, especially in a confined space. While crane removal is safer than other kinds of tree removal, there are still risks involved. A climber still has to climb up, attach themselves to the tree, and cut down the tree piece by piece. The branches or sections of the tree that they cut away will be removed by the crane, using a steel cable or nylon strap.

 

The climber must constantly communicate with the crane operator, and know the weight of the wood to be lifted by the crane. The crane operator must know the maximum load that the crane can handle. Oftentimes, the pieces of a tree can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds!

 

Contact American Aerial Service

American Aerial Services provides crane rentals not just for buildings, we also do crane projects for tree removal companies. Contact us today to discuss how we can help with your next tree removal project in the Portland or Falmouth, ME area.

Benefits of Using Structural Steel in Large Commercial Buildings

 

Benefits of Using Structural Steel in Large Commercial Buildings

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Structural steel is by far the most durable, reliable, and cost-effective material available for the erection of large commercial buildings, both outside and inside. Wooden structures are moving out of fashion in Maine, and steel structures are becoming more popular.

 

Structural steel is perfect for warehouses, marinas, medical centers, manufacturing units, and farms, all of which can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your entire operation.

 

Here are some benefits structural steel can offer your commercial building in Maine.

Affordability

Your commercial building can undergo a lifetime of savings by investing in structural steel. Besides saving money on fast erection and labor, you can also easily recycle steel, meaning you will get your steel waste towed for free by other consumers.

 

Moreover, when it comes to sustainability, steel is made up of approximately 88% recycled product and is easy to recycle again after use.

Versatility

Steel reigns supreme when it comes to variety and versatility. Steel materials are ideal for building various things including airplane hangars, agricultural structures, indoor arenas, and skyscrapers. This metal also allows architects to be creative in their craft, and they can do so knowing that the construction will be solid and safe.

Customization

Structural steel is highly customizable, meaning you can adjust them to suit your business operations and objectives. With this material, you will have a working space that can completely fit your business requirements and enhance productivity and growth. More importantly, steel buildings are easy to adapt and redesign should they require alteration in the future.

Availability

The global enactment of steel has made it easy to get—both as ready-made components and raw alloy. You can often get fabricated parts from suppliers, with most firms selling both locally and abroad. You can also purchase frames and beams directly from suppliers. Firms can now operate under tighter deadlines and source steel parts from virtually anywhere in the world.

 

 

 

Structural steel has become a norm in the 21st-century construction industry. If you need to build yourself a large commercial building in Maine that can last, opt for steel. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us at American Aerial Services Inc.

Everything You Need to Know About Crane Rentals

 

Everything You Need to Know About Crane Rentals

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Renting a crane can help cut overall expenses in your project and ease the burden of buying, storing, and maintaining a crane. However, for you to hire the right crane and get the most from it, you need to consider several things.

 

Here are a few factors to consider before hiring a crane service.

Project Needs

What does your project require? Different kinds of projects require different types of cranes and equipment. You should also be aware that some machines are better suited for certain places and you can use them to lift various types of materials and equipment.

 

When choosing a crane, take into account terrain, structure height, weather conditions, and the weight of the materials that you want to move. If you aren’t sure how to figure out these factors, speak with a professional for assistance.

Capability and Experience

You need someone who knows what they’re doing. Hire someone with a solid reputation, long-term experience, and highly trained staff. Check out their crane inventory, inquire about the brand, capability, maintenance, and performance. Always ensure that all contractors are licensed and insured.

Operator Skills

Operating cranes is not a job for amateurs. Find out if the rental company has certified operators, and ask what type of training their operators undergo to ensure your job is completed safely and professionally.

Insurance

When hiring a crane, it is the responsibility of the leasing company to provide you with the safety requirements you will need. Ask about their insurance status and documents. Review the rental contract and understand what you are liable for in case of an accident.

Hiring Terms and Costs

Make sure that you go over your rental contract before signing to ensure that it clearly outlines the charges and terms of payment. For example, if the job halts or the equipment is incapable of handling the project it was hired for, what is the next step? When you choose the right company, they will go over what payment package will work best for your project.

 

 

If you are looking for an affordable, and reliable mobile crane rental service, get in touch with the team at American Aerial Services. We are AISC certified steel erectors with a team of extensively trained and NCCCO-certified operators. Our affordable rates are backed by extensive knowledge, commitment, and reliability.

 

Check out our available crane rentals and then call us to book a consultation. Our goal is to understand the scope of your project to ensure you receive the best equipment and operators you need.

3 Key Advantages of Telescopic Boom Truck Crane

 

3 Key Advantages of Telescopic Boom Truck Cranes

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Versatile, affordable, and easy to use, Telescopic Boom Trucks combine the benefits of a crane and cherry picker with the capacity and maneuverability of a flatbed truck. Before picking a crane for your next project, discover how the Telescopic Boom Track Crane compares to its counterparts.

1.  Perfect for smaller projects

If you are looking for a crane to hoist and move smaller loads around your project site, a boom truck might be the right option for you. It is much more affordable and maneuverable than larger cranes, and allows you to lift small to medium-sized loads effortlessly.

 

With the use of their permanently affixed winch, you can rely on them to be prepared for immediate lifting when you need it most. The winch of a telescopic crane, coupled with a rotating and telescopic superstructure, allows load movement linearly, making the crane easier to operate. Furthermore, the fixed winch is designed to be able to lift loads for longer periods of time than knuckle cranes.

2.  Greater Durability

The enclosed boom on boom trucks is designed to protect its hydraulic cylinders and components from the elements, making them less vulnerable to damage from the sun, dust, heat, moisture, and other factors. With a design that protects from wear and tear, telescopic boom trucks have a longer cylinder life and require less costly maintenance than knuckle cranes. The multiple exposed cylinders on a knuckle crane's boom can cause problems in some environments as well, making them less adaptable to some climates.

 

Most boom trucks over 30 tons come with enclosed operator cabins equipped with heat and air conditioning, keeping the operator safe from severe weather conditions, allowing them  to perform their jobs more comfortably.

 

3.  Ease of service and training

With the added benefit of protection from the elements and a design that reduces friction and wear, the telescopic boom truck crane costs less in terms of servicing than the knuckle crane.

 

Many of the setbacks that crane operators may face on the job are due to lack of training on the required equipment. Knuckle boom cranes tend to be more complex than other types of cranes and the complexity of the controls and movement often require several days to train new operators. On the other hand, boom trucks are designed with easy-to-use control systems,  which means the owners of telescopic boom truck cranes have a much easier time training new operators and filling positions quickly.

 

 

For over 20 years, American Aerial Services has offered quality work you can rely on, at competitive rates. No matter the size of the project, we have the team and resources to get any job done. Contact us today for your next building project or crane rental.

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.

Benefits of Using Cable Railings

 

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Meta: American Aerial Services knows all about cable railing installation and the advantages it presents

Benefits of Using Cable Railings

 

Cable railings are no longer exclusive to futuristic, Silicon Valley-esque office spaces. Today you’ll find this stylish, safe, affordable railing solution in lots of places, including small commercial properties and private homes. American Aerial Services knows all about cable railing installation and the advantages it presents.

 

Stylish and Safe

Cable railings are stylish and safe – just the combination that home and business owners prize. In terms of style, there are other railing solutions that provide unobstructed views but none – not even glass – blends into its surroundings like cable. And since the cable we use is top-rated in terms of strength and durability, you won’t have to worry about it snapping or losing tension. Another advantage offered by cable railings is that they’re nature-friendly. Whereas glass-panel railings can be a hazard for birds and pets, cable railings offer easy pass-through. Moreover, our cable is safe for kids and animals to be around.

 

Enjoy the View

Further to the point above regarding unobstructed views, this is a natural product of a cable railing system’s minimalist design. Traditional wood fences – slat, picket, etc. – are by nature thick and obstructive, and for practical reasons can’t be designed to produce a feeling of openness similar to cable. A cable railing system from our railing installation company in ME delivers a superior view and makes your lawn or deck feel bigger and more spacious.

 

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Cable railings are designed as a “component system”, which makes them easy to assemble and maintain. Additionally, the system’s flexible nature allows for a high level of customization. Not only are the dimensions of the system adjustable, but you can also integrate diverse materials such as stainless-steel posts, vinyl post sleeves, or even polished wood. Maintenance-wise, cable railing requires minimal upkeep compared to other railing options. Tension keeps the cables in place, and all that’s needed to keep them looking good is a wrench to tighten the connections every so often. This low level of maintenance, combined with a cable railing system’s minimalist design and durable components, ensures a long and trouble-free lifetime.

 

 

Added Value

Taken together, all of the qualities mentioned above – low maintenance, durability, versatility, and clean design – confirm that cable railings are a great investment for your home. Other railing materials incorporated into decks, balconies, and fence-works will wear out much quicker than cable, compromising value and safety. The cost to remedy these things prior to selling a home can be high, especially if their structural integrity is in doubt. No such worries accompany a cable railing system – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Cable railing increases a home’s value.

 

 

Contact Our Cable Railing Experts Today

For stainless steel railing installation, cable railing systems, and equipment rental in Maine, trust American Aerial Services. Contact our experts today so we can discuss the railing needs of your home or business. From our perspective, a cable railing system is an outstanding investment – one that’s equal parts stylish, safe, and easy to maintain.

A Brief History of Cranes

The first cranes were used in Greece more than 2,500 years ago. Powered by humans, they didn’t look much like the crane rentals in Maine offered by American Aerial Services, but they’re no less important for that. As cranes have changed and evolved, they’ve helped to change the shape of commerce, architecture, and construction down through the centuries. Here’s how we got to this point.

Early Cranes

When the pyramids and many other early structures were built, they relied on simple ramps and massive numbers of laborers. The Greek city-states, not having a large labor pool to draw on, had to get creative; primitive cranes that amounted to little more than block-and-tackle first emerged around 515 BCE. The Romans would refine these designs further, and each succeeding generation would add its own touches, developing cranes for use in harbors, shipyards, mining, and many other applications in the process. These were usually powered by humans or animals, but in many respects (their use of masts, jibs, pulleys, and winches), they weren’t too different from the cranes that dot building sites today.

Modern Cranes

As steam engines became more prevalent, their use came to everything from trains to excavators (“steam shovels”) and even cranes. Steam allowed for much higher horsepower and a higher mechanical advantage, but it had its limitations, too. The boilers were hot and often dangerous to work with, and anything small and compact was practically out of the question.

As internal combustion engines displaced steam, the crane really came into its own, especially in the postwar years. The Milwaukee Hydraulics Corp H-2 Hydrocrane was the first truck-mounted hydraulic crane. With hydraulic outriggers and a telescoping boom, it proved perfectly suited to the postwar construction boom. Many more models would follow, from companies as diverse as Bucyrus-Erie, Terex, Link Belt, and Liebherr, enabling cranes to go places and perform jobs that would’ve been unthinkable just a few short years earlier.

Cranes in the Present Day

Now, of course, cranes come in an amazing array of configurations, and are used for everything from building high-rise structures and oil derricks to unloading container ships. Some cranes, like the Liebherr 13000, which is designed for the building of nuclear power plants, are extremely specialized, while others are flexible enough to adapt across a wider range of applications. The crane rentals we offer fall into the latter category.

Crane Rentals in Portland ME

There’s a complex relationship between architecture and the cranes that make it possible. Humans are always making things larger and more complex, which means that cranes need to evolve to keep up — which, in turn, means that our buildings are freed to take on new forms. That’s why American Aerial Services offers xx types of cranes, each suited to a different task, and crewed by xxx-certified operators.

• The 60-ton Link Belt HTC 8660 Telescopic Hydraulic Truck Crane offers a 360-degree arc thanks to a bi-directional hydraulic swing motor. Front and rear winches handle up to 834 feet of rope with variable line speed.

• The 75-ton Link Belt HTC 8675 LB Hydraulic Truck Crane distinguishes itself by a versatile 8x4 driveline that handles all kinds of terrain with ease. That versatility is stretched further by attachments that include hook blocks, fly extensions, and more.

• The Terex T780 Terrain Crane only bests the Link Belt HTC 8675 LB by five tons, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve. Not least of these is a 65 mile per hour maximum travel speed, 126-foot maximum boom lift, and 133-foot maximum tip height.

• Outriggers, no outriggers, counterweights or no counterweights, and 90 tons of maximum capacity… the Link Belt HTT 8690 Telescopic Boom Truck Crane backs its brawn with plenty of brains so you get more done faster, and safer.

• Some projects call for the big guns, which is when we bring out the Link Belt HC 238 H Lattice Boom Truck Crane. Whether you need the flexibility of either tube boom or boom and jig configurations, or the power to lift up to 150 tons, we’ll ensure you have the right tool for the job.

Our construction concerns are more earthbound these days. Our temples are more likely to be built to commerce than a pantheon of fickle gods. That doesn’t mean that we don’t still reach for the skies, dreaming, and building, big. If your next construction project in Falmouth or Portland, ME requires crane rental or steel erecting, American Aerial Services honors its history even as we look to build the future. Call us today.