6 Mistakes To Avoid When Renting A Crane
Renting a crane is not something you do every day, and there are plenty of mistakes you need to avoid in order to be successful with your project. Some are obvious, and others are not.
Be Sure to Get Adequate Insurance.
With any construction project, you need basic liability insurance as well as workman's compensation coverage for your team. If you start renting additional equipment, however, you may not be covered under your regular policy. Take the time to call your insurance agent and let them know exactly what you are rented, how long it will be in use, and who will use it. Adding an insurance rider or increasing your coverage during the rental period is always a good decision.
Don't Forget to Protect Ground.
When planning for the job, take into consideration where your crane will be placed and how it will be maneuvered into position. Grass lawns and perimeter landscaping can be extremely malleable in the spring and will be destroyed without plywood or ground protection mats to drive across. Likewise, asphalt can become soft in the summer heat and, possibly, unsafe for your team members when using the crane. Inside a building can be equally hazardous. Tile floors can get scratched, and marble may not be able to withstand the weight of the unit.
Measure the Doorway.
This is one of those seemingly obvious statements, but you would be surprised at how many contractors forget this basic step before renting a crane. If you need to do work inside an existing building -- in an atrium, for example -- you must measure the doorway that you plan to enter. Many crane and lift systems are designed to enter through residential doors, but there are some models that need a wider entrance. Measure the doorway and cross-reference it with the spec sheet carefully. If in doubt, call your rental agent and discuss the matter further. If the crane arrives on site and doesn't fit, you are losing a lot of man hours while trying to figure out a solution to what was an avoidable problem.
Plan Your Time Wisely.
Renting large equipment, like a crane, a scissor lift, or an aerial work platform, is expensive. You need to have a detailed work schedule so you can maximize your efforts and minimize your costs. It is a waste of both time and money to have your team moving the unit back and forth between two or more locations. Start in a logical location and work your way around the building methodically.
Understand Your Storage Options.
Your on-site storage options will vary depending on if the building is existing or new construction. Check with the general contractor in charge of the project to determine if you have to take down your crane each night for security purposes. If you do, what is the storage situation like? Will you be required to transport it clear across the parking lot? Is there an overnight security guard or cameras? If you can keep it in place, what safety measures are being used to prevent unwanted people from climbing on it?
Read the Company's Reviews.
Before renting anything, read the company reviews. Social media pages, crowdsourced review platforms, and the Better Business Bureau all host reviews -- both positive and negative -- about local companies. These are generally posted by previous clients so you can get a basic understanding of how customers are treated as well as the quality of the rental equipment. If you have trouble locating reviews, try typing "[name of company] review" into your search bar. Don't enter a rental contract without doing your homework.
Thinking your project through and addressing all possible issues before they arise can make your crane rental a success.