The Five Ws Of Crane Rental
If you need to hire a crane service for your business or personal needs, there's a lot of legwork involved, especially when it comes to picking the right company. If you're in the market for a rental crane, check out the why, when, who, where and what of crane rental.
Why: Why Do You Need to Rent a Crane?
The first step of renting any heavy machinery is determining why you need it. There are many types of cranes, so you'll need to know why you need to crane to pick the right one. For example, if you are building a tall structure, you'll need a tower crane because they allow you to work up to 265 feet. However, for a smaller project, a crawler crane is perfect. Of course, if you don't use cranes often, you probably have no idea what type of crane you need. This is where a good rental company comes into play. Any excellent company has the knowledge and know-how to help you choose what tools you need for your project.
When: When Will You Need Access to the Crane?
Renting a crane isn't quite as simple as heading to your local car rental company and getting one the same day. You want to book the crane early, but wait long enough to properly judge when you'll need the crane. When searching for a crane rental company, make sure you choose one that doesn't have a lot of hidden fees when it comes to renting the crane. Questions include:
- Are there fees for delivering/picking up the crane?
- Can the crane be delivered/picked up on weekends and weeknights, and are there extra fees for this?
- Are there extra fees if you need the crane longer than when you originally booked?
Who: Who Will Operate the Crane for You?
In the right hands, a crane is a perfect tool for building and moving heavy items. However, in the wrong hands, it can be a dangerous weapon. It's incredibly important that you have someone with training and experience in operating the crane. Find a rental company that has operators with whom you can contract. You may have to pay an extra fee, but it's cheaper than causing damage or injury because someone wasn't qualified.
Where: Where Can You Apply for Permits?
You'll need to check with your city and state government to see about permits. Typically, this is performed by the City's Department of Buildings. In many cases, you'll need to complete an application to get a permit to use a crane. In New York, you can't even erect a crane before you have a permit. Contact your city's Department of Buildings or the city planning office to see if you need permits and where you can apply for them. A skilled crane rental company should also know what permits you need and where to get them, and they may even volunteer to do the work for you.
What: What Company Is Best?
A lot of times, people assume the best option is either the least expensive or most expensive, but that isn't the case. Just because a rental company appears cheap, it doesn't mean they don't have hidden fees. Also, a cheap rental company may provide cheap, inadequate services. On the other hand, the most expensive company may not meet what your needs and simply overcharge you. Make sure you ask the company about other factors besides the price, such as:
- Are there free services?
- Where can I find reviews of your business?
- How old are your cranes?
- How often are your cranes serviced?
The most important step in renting a crane is making sure you pick the right company that offers everything you need at an affordable price. If you'd like more information regarding crane rental, contact a rental company in your area today.