There are several different types of cranes that can be used for many industries and projects. If you select the wrong crane for the job, it won’t be equipped for the conditions of the project. You could lose time, resources, and money. Worse, you could run into safety and noncompliance issues on your job site.
That’s why it’s important to work with an expert to choose the right crane for your project. At Coker Crane & Rigging, it’s our goal for your project to run smoothly, on time, and on budget. With our Crane & Rigging services, we’ll make sure that you find the perfect fit for your needs following all safety requirements. Read on to learn more about choosing the best crane for your project, or give us a call at (904) 849-7206 to help.
What to Consider Before Hiring a Crane Contractor
Just like your project, every crane has different specifications, capabilities, and functionalities to consider to ensure your needs are met. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind.
Proper Planning
Anyone can just rent you a crane. But if you do not hire a company that is well versed in the proper planning of a job, your project will surely suffer. A vast majority of projects need ample planning before a crane ever shows up at your job site. Pre-job site visits, Pre-Lift meetings, and 3-D Lift Plans are all processes needed to make sure your job goes safely and as planned. Allow us to do the leg work for you and assist in planning your project correctly the first time.
Weight & Size of the Lifted Item
To select the right crane, start by assessing the weight and size of the lifted item. The last thing you want is to hire a crane that is not equipped to carry the weight of your project. This can lead to unexpected delays and money loss.
Size of the Crane
Next, consider the size of the crane—is it too large to fit the grounds of the job site itself? Is it big enough to handle the job required?
Condition of the Terrain
The job site itself plays a role in determining the best type of crane to choose. What weather conditions will you work with? What are the space constraints of your site? Are there any ground treatments? These are important considerations for your site before making your selection.
Here are a few of the most common crane options to consider.
Rough Terrain Crane
Rough terrain cranes are used for a variety of off-road and on rough terrain job sites. To help them accomplish their tasks, they’re equipped with four rubber tires and 4-wheel drive. Rough terrain cranes are also fitted with telescopic booms and outriggers to improve stability and manage tight areas.
If your job site has rubble or uneven surfaces, using a rough terrain crane is a great solution. Their compact design allows them to move quickly around rough job sites. Rough terrain cranes are suitable for projects in all types of industries with a broad load capacity ranging from 30 to 165 tons.
All-Terrain Cranes
All-terrain cranes are mobile cranes that are designed for a wide range of applications. They have the ability to travel on the road and off-road and have capacities from 40 to 1,000 tons. They pack a lot of punch into their compact design and have the ability to pull up to a job, set up, and be hook ready in a short period of time. These cranes are by and large the heavy lifters in the construction industry.
Hydraulic Truck Crane
The Hydraulic Truck crane is unique due to its ability to collapse, compact and change length. If you are working on a short-term construction job, these cranes are a great choice. Setting up these cranes is quick work, which means your project gets completed that much faster. They have the ability to travel at highway speeds and set up in minutes. With large capacities and extreme versatility, they are a staple in the crane industry.
Carry Deck Crane
Need something more portable? A carry deck crane is perfect for loading and moving materials on job sites. They’re small, four-wheeled, and can rotate 360 degrees. This makes carry deck cranes perfect for navigating any sized space. Due to their small size, carry deck cranes are a staple on many industrial job sites.
Tower Crane
As the name suggests, tower cranes are massively tall, designed for construction on buildings like skyscrapers. A luffing jib on the crane moves up and down, while the fixed jib has an operating dolly that moves materials horizontally.
Due to their large size, tower cranes must be assembled. Once the project is complete, the crane can be deconstructed. If this is the crane for your project, factor in the time that will be needed for the crane assembly into your project timeline.
Coker Crane Can Help You Choose the Right Crane for Your Job
Confidently choose the right crane for your job. Contact Coker Crane today to work with an expert and find the right crane for your project today.