If you run a commercial construction company, then you are sure to have encountered projects where cranes were required. In such situations, there are plenty of crane hire companies available to help your business arrange the right crane for your job requirements.
Not only will the right crane hire provider equip you with the appropriate crane type, but they will also properly deliver the crane to your location and ensure it is handled by a certified crane operator.
But with so many crane hire companies available, how do you know which one is right for you?
If you want to make sure the crane you choose is right for you, read on. This article will guide you through the right questions to ask to ensure that you hire the right crane company for all of your needs.
Table of Contents
Gather the right information
Before you pick up the phone to make a call, it’s important to have the following project information ready:
- Project location
- Access restrictions or obstructions
- Site conditions
- Load value
- Weight and dimensions of the load
- Lift and set elevations
Gathering this information before you start shopping around will give you more detailed responses from potential crane companies. All the data will allow them to estimate the cost of your project. They will also be able to suggest the right crane types for your project’s needs.
Now that you have this information available, these are the critical questions you must ask when considering a crane company to work with.
1. How much experience do you have?
Extensive experience translates to a formidable reserve of skills, understanding, and knowledge of the crane industry. Experience is a key ingredient to success within the construction industry.
Commercial construction jobs can be potentially dangerous. A crane hire company with proven work experience will be able to manage your job requirements with accuracy, speed, and safety in mind, saving your business time and money.
2. What cranes do you have available for hire?
There are several types of cranes that your business can hire. From agile mobile cranes to mighty tower cranes, each crane type serves a specific purpose. To effectively complete your construction project, you’ll need the right type of crane.
An experienced crane hire company will provide advice on the type of crane that will best suit your unique requirements.
3. Will a crane operator be provided?
Cranes are specialized heavy machinery. They require a certified crane operator who can execute your project’s needs in a safe and professional manner. Only work with a crane hire company that conducts a full crane operations induction every time one of their crane units is installed.
This type of duty of care shows that they prioritize safety over everything else.
4. What insurance do you offer?
Regardless of how safe your job site can be, accidents can happen. When working with heavy equipment such as cranes, you will want to be insured. Confirm what kind of insurance is provided with your crane hire. This includes worker liability insurance for the operator.
Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of their current insurance policy. This will ensure that you are not held liable in the event that there is damage to the crane or your property, or a crane operator is injured on the job.
5. Do you have customer referrals and reviews?
Customer reviews are often an overlooked factor when sourcing crane hire. However, customer reviews and referrals can give you a clearer picture of what working with the crane company is like. When shopping for the right crane vendor, ask for referrals or reviews.
A trusted crane hire company will be more than forthcoming with these testimonials.
This is a crucial time to address any concerns you may have regarding your chosen vendor. Look at how past customers review the company’s customer service, equipment quality, and operator experience.
If a company is unwilling to provide reviews or referrals, walk away. They may be hiding potential problems that can quickly hinder the success of your construction project.
The right company for the right job
With better preparation comes a greater chance of success in finding the right crane hire partner. For those hiring a crane for the first time, these questions will serve as a guide to identifying the best people to help your project become successful.
Even if you have used crane hire services before, these questions will help ensure that you find the right team to get the job done in the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner possible.
AUTHOR BIO
Hermann Buchberger is the Founder and CEO of Active Crane Hire (ACH). He’s taken the company from start-up to Industry Leader offering the largest fleet of construction cranes in Australia. ACH launched a new type of crane previously unheard of in the Australian market: electric tower cranes. The company’s infrastructure and associated services now comprise a fleet of trucks and trailers, a crane-rigging team, mobile crane technicians, a fleet of service vehicles, and an extensive range of crane spare parts.