How to Hire a Crane

How to Hire a Crane

The crane rentals market will reach $53.1 billion by 2024, highlighting a boom in end-use industries. Using a crane for your construction project will foster its successful completion. The trick, therefore, is in knowing how to hire a crane.

Crane hiring lowers the project expenses while assisting with heavy lifting needs. Such benefits are only accessible when you find the right crane rental company. There’s, however, a wide variety of options which makes choosing overwhelming.

Before hiring a crane, you need to know everything about the process. If you’ve not done it before, this article is for you. Read the crane hiring guide below to learn all you need to know.

Check for Licensing and Insurance

Is the crane hire service licensed? It’s crucial to ensure that the crane rental company you’re working with is legitimate. Check their licensing and insurance status as the first thing.

Crane hiring services have to meet standards and regulations before they’re licensed. These standards apply to company operations and individual operators. You can thus trust their expertise when handling the project for you.

Accidents happen all the time in construction, so your crane rental should be insured. You wouldn’t want the liability to fall on you in case of an accident, right? Ensure the company has high-value insurance status for enough coverage should anything happen.

Consider Machine Availability

Does the company have the right cranes for your project? Not all cranes are made the same, so consider machine availability.

Check through their fleet for cranes suitable for your project. Most crane rentals have a massive fleet, from options like the Knuckle Boom Crane to larger ones. Only go for companies with the right crane for your project; otherwise, it can get disastrous.

It isn’t enough to ensure they have cranes; check the machines’ conditions. Only select companies with properly maintained cranes to avoid breakdowns at work.

Company and Staffing Experience

Crane rental companies need to know what they’re doing before letting them into your project. It’s thus necessary to check the company and staffing experience.

Find out about the past projects that the company has served within the industry. Ensure they have well-trained staff in machine handling with relevant field experience.

Complimentary Services

What else can the crane hire service do for you? Ensure their complimentary services will be included as part of the deal.

Complimentary services include logistics, installation, and maintenance. These services are critical for ensuring your project goes on without a hitch. Companies with such complementary services offer solutions for your project needs.

Hiring Terms and Costs

Now that you have found the company to work with, you should read through the agreement. Evaluate the hiring terms and costs to ensure they’re favorable.

Look through the agreement and make sure it has the crane hiring explained. Go through the nitty-gritty and ensure everything is well spelled out before signing. Agree on a payment plan suitable for your business, so you don’t break your bank on a crane rental.

You Now Know How to Hire a Crane

Knowing how to hire a crane doesn’t always have to be challenging. By getting the right crane rental for your project, you increase your chances of success. Consider the above crane hiring tips to make the whole process easy.

If you’re interested in learning more about cranes, Everything Cranes got you covered! Our crane-related content will equip you with more information about crane hire.

Check out our page today!

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Knuckle Boom Crane vs. Telescopic: Whats the Difference?

Knuckle Boom Crane vs. Telescopic: What’s the Difference?

According to Global Markets Insights, the boom trucks market size exceeded $1.3 billion in 2019. Over the next five years, industry experts estimate the market to grow at a 4.5 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This comes thanks in large part to urbanization and industrialization.

The choice for boom truck loader cranes often boils down to either a knuckle boom crane or a telescopic boom crane. Your selection should be based upon the intended use of the machine and your job requirements.

So here’s a look at important differences between these two pieces of equipment.

Telescopic vs Knuckle Boom Crane

With government infrastructure projects and private sector construction, spending in the boom truck market continues to grow. The demand for these trucks to help maneuver material and workers is increasing. They’ve proven themselves efficient and safe.

These types of cranes provide different advantages and disadvantages. It largely depends on your intended use and job site.

Knuckle Boom Crane

So, what is a knuckle boom crane? This machine gives project managers and contractors a versatile solution to their loading concerns. Sometimes called an articulating crane, folding crane, or loader crane, the knuckle boom provides precise maneuverability, fast loading, and compact storage.

The machine’s knuckle hinge allows for operators to retract and rotate the crane in a single movement. This combination of lifting and turning makes moving material more precise.

Knuckle booms have the ability to retract and expand at almost any angle. This allows the machine to move heavy cargo through confined spaces. The ease of loading and unloading material comes from the crane’s ability to complete various movements.

Operators prefer knuckle boom cranes for precise placement of material thanks to ease of use. And when not using the machine, the knuckle boom folds away, allowing for more loading space on the trucks.

Telescopic Crane

So, what is a telescopic crane? These machines are sometimes called straight boom cranes. They have a cable and hook, often attached to a winch. Telescopic cranes provide extended reach, with better vertical clearance, and are ideal for use with a winch.

The telescopic crane’s main advantage over a knuckle boom is its ability to provide a longer reach. The crane extends and retracts from the boom, allowing for adjustable vertical and horizontal length.

The crane lowers its cargo smoothly, which helps in moving potentially fragile material. The telescoping action comes in handy for operators who need to clear vertical obstacles while placing the cargo down. Getting over obstacles can be particularly useful in crowded job sites.

The main lifting a hauling device of these cranes is the winch. Although winches can be used with knuckle boom cranes, they’re better suited for telescopic cranes. Since the boom doesn’t bend, it provides sturdy support for the cable.

Crane and Load-Lifting Solutions

Looking for world-class equipment built with strong brands? HIAB is the world’s leading provider of load-handling machinery, intelligent services, and smart solutions.

No matter if you need a knuckle boom crane or a telescopic one, HIAB USA can help supply your project. Find a sales or service point near you to see how HIAB cranes can keep your business building and moving.

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The Importance of Overhead Crane Safety

The Importance of Overhead Crane Safety

Safety at the construction site must be a top priority. There’s no room for errors, especially when working with cranes.

Failure to promote overhead crane safety can lead to accidents. Crane injuries and deaths are becoming too common.

The best policy is to focus on overhead crane safety. Read on to learn more about overhead crane safety to help prevent accidents.

Major Hazards That Contribute to Overhead Crane Accidents

Preventable hazards are often responsible for overhead crane accidents. Exceeding the crane’s operational capacity can lead to issues. Too much weight can subject the crane to structural stresses.

A common cause of overloading includes hoisting a load beyond capacity. Another common cause includes the use of defective components.

Electrical hazards can also affect crane safety. During operation, an overhead crane shouldn’t come in contact with a power source. Taking away from power lines is important.

Falling materials make up a safety hazard. An unsecured load can slip and land on the crane and hurt the worker.

Preventive Measures

All employees must use overhead crane safety tips. It’s important to conduct safety inspections of the crane. OSHA states crane systems must undergo frequent inspections to assess for function.

The inspection should focus on the control pendant and load-bearing rope. It should also focus on the load hook and safety latch. The ladder, platform, and walkway must undergo an inspection too.

The operator must perform a pre-operation check before using the crane. The operator must test the operating controls.

It’s important to assess for crane damage. Do this by moving the crane a few feet in different directions. Certain sounds or movements can signal damage.

The Operator Must Focus on Safety

No matter the construction project, the crane operator must have the proper knowledge and skills to safely operate it. The operator must undergo frequent overhead crane safety training.

The operator must also have the proper certification. It’s ideal for the construction site to have an overhead crane safety program in place. Every employee must follow the program’s safety standards.

Using safety practices is a must. The operator should never leave a suspended load unattended. The load can fall and cause property damage or an injury.

After using the crane, the operator must move it to its designated storage area. The load block will also need to be returned to its designated area.

If there’s an emergency, the operator must shut off the main disconnect switch. Some cranes might not have a disconnect switch. The stop button can cut off power to the crane.

Overhead Crane Safety Must Be a Top Priority

Safety is paramount when working with overhead cranes. Using these overhead crane safety tips can help prevent injuries and deaths.

Being proactive is the best policy. It’s important to conduct inspections and pre-operation checks.

Want to learn more about crane safety? Click the link to get more information.

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Exploring the Many Types of Construction Cranes

Exploring the Many Types of Construction Cranes

If you work in the construction industry, you know how important it is to have the right equipment for the job. One of the most vital machines for lifting or moving materials around is the crane.

Cranes are a big investment and there are a lot of options to choose from. Which one is best for your business depends on your unique work requirements.

The good news is that there are only a few main types of construction cranes. The information below lays out the basic details and functions of each. It will help you make an informed decision about the best one to meet your construction needs.

Types of Construction Cranes

Most types of construction cranes fit into two categories: static and mobile cranes. As the names suggest, static cranes stay in one place and mobile ones can move around the construction site or to other sites.

The main difference between the two is that mobile cranes are not limited to a fixed path of motion like static cranes. Most mobile cranes are designed to move to different locations then do the work. But some mobile cranes can pick up materials then use wheels or conveyor belts to move them to another location.

Static Cranes

Static cranes serve different purposes. Here are some of the most common types and their uses.

Tower Crane

Tower cranes are among the most common construction crane types; you often see them along city skylines. They comprise a vertical tower or “mast,” and a load arm or “jib” with a counterweight. This design allows the crane to rotate 360 degrees along the mast, called “slewing.”

Tower cranes come in different variations. Hammerhead cranes are traditional types. Luffing tower cranes have jibs that can move up and down, which affords them a different range of motion and allows them to lift heavier weights.

Overhead Crane

These types of construction site cranes also are called “suspension” cranes, since they have a bar that moves along the top of two beams. They are often permanent structures used inside warehouses or areas with repetitive construction work. One big advantage is that they have a very high lift capacity, upwards of 400 tons.

Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes integrate into a truck or other vehicle. They generally have some type of telescoping or folding mechanism to make them portable. Here are some of the most common types.

Knuckle Boom Crane

A knuckle boom crane or “articulating” crane is a shorter crane that has a single “knuckle” in the middle of its arm. This allows it to fold back onto the vehicle, making it lightweight and highly maneuverable. These cranes also often have interchangeable attachments for gripping materials.

Grapple Cranes

Grapple cranes have long arms attached to a mobile vehicle. They are great for moving or loading lots of bulky waste, such as garbage or timber. They are intended for high usage, moving small loads from one place to another in a short amount of time.

Find Construction Cranes Near You

Now that you have an idea of the different types of construction cranes, you can decide which ones best suit your industry needs. A reputable retailer should be more than willing to give you further guidance on selecting the right equipment.

Everything Cranes is your source for all things crane-related. We have information on everything from safety to where to buy and sell equipment. Take a look at some of our other posts for more information.

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Three Things You Should Know About Operating a Forklift Crane

Three Things You Should Know About Operating a Forklift Crane

Cranes are some of the most dangerous types of heavy machinery that job sites use every day.

Because they lift such heavy loads, it’s essential that the people operating cranes know how to handle them. Accidents are more likely to occur when you don’t follow the best crane safety procedures.

If you’re a first-time forklift crane buyer, you need to learn the crane safety basics to make sure your employees stay safe.

Below, we’ll share the top 3 things we think you need to know about operating forklift cranes. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Only Hire Trained Drivers

When you buy a forklift crane, you need to hire people who can drive it. Don’t just allow any employee to get behind the wheel, though. In fact, improper training is one of the leading causes of forklift accidents.

There are special forklift crane certification courses your workers can take. These will teach them how to operate a forklift with safety in mind.

Make it clear to the other employees that they should not operate the forklift crane.

2. Perform Daily Inspections

A forklift crane needs to undergo an inspection every day. You should do this in the morning before your employees arrive at work. Use a log to keep track of any problems that show up.

In particular, you should take a look at the operating system, including the brakes, horn, steering, and lights. Look for damage to the parts of the crane that do the lifting. Search for leaks in the oil, water, or radiator. Check the fork for any damage, and look at the tire system as well.

Every forklift crane attachment should get inspected as well. If you have a crane hook attachment or a forklift crane jib, check both for damage.

Finally, inspect your warehouse for any forklift crane hazards and take care of them.

3. Have Employees Wear the Right Clothing

The ideal uniform of a forklift operator focuses on safety.

All forklift operators should wear hard hats, hard-toed shoes, and a safety jacket that makes them stand out. That way, they’ll have some protection from falling objects, and people can spot them if they’re in danger. It’s best to make everyone on your job site wear this, even if they’re not operating the forklift.

Forklift workers should also tuck their clothes in. Loose articles of clothing increase the risk of something getting caught in the machinery and causing an injury.

Train your forklift operators to make eye contact with people they pass. This will make them more conscious of their surroundings and help them keep track of the location of other workers.

Want to learn more about cranes? Look at this information about knuckle-boom and forestry cranes.

Ready to Get a Forklift Crane?

A forklift crane provides many benefits for your company, despite the risks.

One of the key aspects of forklift crane safety is finding the right vehicle for the job. Before you make your selection, look at how much weight it can handle. Some forklifts are stronger than others. Overloading a forklift can cause it to break down and create hazardous conditions.

If you’re ready to get a crane, check out more of our articles!

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Forestry Facts: What Equipment Is Used in Forestry?

Forestry Facts: What Equipment Is Used in Forestry?

The field of forestry is a booming business that appreciates both the beauty of nature and what it provides humanity. Worldwide, it is a $600 billion dollar industry that employs over 13 million people according to The World Bank.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to complete this impressive work?

If you’re in the forestry industry or thinking about expanding your business to include forestry operations, you’ll need to become familiar with the equipment used.

Luckily, we have you covered. Here are just a few of the basic types of equipment used in common forestry to feed your curiosities!

Knuckle-Boom Cranes

Any forester knows that the environment dictates your needs, not you. However, a knuckle-boom crane can be used for virtually all forestry jobs.

In a time where environmental security makes all the difference, trust that your crane meets world-class safety features that put operators first. HIAB cranes offer superior performance and guarantee your satisfaction.

There are many types of forestry cranes, and you may need different accessories depending on the job. We’ve listed a few of the major accessories you can add to improve the efficiency of your crane.

Before you purchase any additional pieces, check out this article to make sure you choose the right crane base for your needs.

Loader Crane Accessories

Adding accessories or attachments to your crane can maximize your workload, making your business available for more opportunities. We’ve written another detailed article specific to crane accessories, and you can find that here.

Clamshell buckets allow the crane to better dig and transport materials. Grapples and pallet forks can pick up a wider variety of objects, both hard and soft, improving the flexibility of your crane. Many attachments come in a variety of sizes that you can tailor to your needs.

For a more extensive list of accessories, check out these from HIAB.

Forestry Mulcher

Mulchers help to grind down trees, brush, and stumps so that removal becomes a breeze. Anywhere you’re using a crane, you’ll want a mulcher.

Forestry mulcher rental is also available from many suppliers if you’re wanting a more cost-effective solution. Rental is a great alternative if you switch locations frequently and may not need it all the time.

Material Handler Loaders

These excavators are similar to knuckle-boom cranes in that they can utilize attachments and are offered by most forestry suppliers.

Material handlers differ from most equipment pieces because of their heavy-duty components. Because of the tracked undercarriage and hydraulic lifts, material handlers are perfect for forestry jobs in more intense conditions. Make sure your loader is up to industry standards by purchasing from a trusted supplier, which you can find here.

Learn More About Cranes

We hope this article provides you with a small window into the world of forestry! Cranes can be customized for any operation, which is one of the many fascinating aspects of the industry.

For more information about how cranes are used for forestry, check out the other articles on our site. Or, learn about ways to operate this machinery in the safest way possible by looking over this informative safety article.

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Top Factors to Consider When Buying a Crane

Top Factors to Consider When Buying a Crane

Are you needing to buy a crane?

Many first-time crane buyers make the mistake of purchasing a piece of equipment that doesn’t serve their needs well. To get the most out of your crane, you need to know how it will fit into the work you’re doing.

As such, you need to take several things into consideration before you go about buying a crane. Below, we’ll get into everything you need to know as you make your final decision. Keep reading for a thorough crane buying guide!

Think About Your Long-Term Goals

When well-maintained, a crane can serve your company for more than 25 years. This makes them an excellent investment for companies that perform construction projects on a regular basis.

It also makes long-term planning crucial. You don’t want to spend money on a crane only to have it sit around unused for most of the year.

So, take a look at your company’s individual needs. If necessary, sit down with your team leaders and discuss upcoming projects. Be specific about the things you’ll want your crane to do. Then, use this information to find the crane that’s right for you.

Renting vs. Buying a Crane

Both renting and buying a crane come with unique advantages.

When you rent a crane, you’ll have a piece of equipment for the projects you need. You may need to put a security deposit down on the crane. If you return the crane in good condition, you should receive this deposit back. Yet, if the crane comes back damaged, you may not get your money returned.

Buying cranes removes the fear that you’ll not get your deposit back. Instead, you’ll spend more on the front end but get more workdays out of the product.

Budgeting for Your Crane

Cranes can cost anywhere from $10,000 to upwards of $1 million. The final price tag will depend on the type of crane you purchase. Overhead cranes are the cheapest and help companies move heavy objects. Tower cranes are the most expensive but have a high lifting capacity.

You’ll also have to pay maintenance fees. Most cranes require regular maintenance. As such, you should look into how much you’ll have to pay for maintenance each year. This can help you determine which crane option is the best for you.

The Working Area

The type of crane you need will depend on your working area.

Cranes are built to either work indoors or outdoors. If you plan on moving heavy objects in a factory or warehouse, you’ll want a crane designed for indoor use. Outdoor cranes often come prepared to handle rough terrains and might even be great in forestry conditions.

Want to Know More About Cranes?

Buying a crane can help your company in a number of ways, especially if you get the right one for the job.

If you want to know more about cranes, you’ve come to the right place! We publish crane-related articles on a regular basis. Find out everything you need to know about all types of cranes, including knuckle boom cranes.

Have any specific questions related to crane safety? Check out this page today!

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