For a contractor, renting a crane is a more cost-effective option as opposed to buying it. This is because there will be no need for storage fees when the crane is not in use. Also, you will not need to train the crane operators, deal with the hefty maintenance costs, and also find a massive storage space to store them full time. If you are thinking about how crane rental operations work, then you are in the right place. Below are some of the factors that you should consider when renting a crane.
What Do You Need It For?
One of the critical things that you should consider is the needs of the project. It is crucial to know what your project entails and what it will need to help you choose the crane that is well suited for you. If you are new to this, it is crucial to note that the working conditions will play a massive role in the crane you choose.
An example of this is that if you are working in a rocky place, then you will need a crane that has sturdy chains to do the job. Also, when renting a crane, you will need a rigger. They will advise you on which machinery you need since they are usually highly experienced in lifting heavy equipment. They will also help you to fasten the cables, chains, and straps. In case you need more crew, they will advise you on the number based on what you need to achieve. It is also best advised to hire a rigger before the crane rental process begins. This is because they will be instrumental in heading the project in the right direction.
Choosing The Right Company
Once you have figured out what crane suits your needs as a business, the next step will be to choose the right company to rent it from. This can be a daunting task since there are so many companies these days. Therefore, it is crucial to find the right one for you to ensure that all operations go on smoothly. It is advised not to rent a crane from the first company you find. It is crucial to do extensive research to see if it suits you.
One of the critical things is to get quotes from different companies on the services provided. Choose the company that has the best services at an affordable cost. If you find that a company has questionably low rates, then it is best to avoid them. This is because their equipment might be substandard and will affect your work. To ensure that you get the right company, it is crucial to start this crane rental process months before the project begins. This will give you time to see what the different companies offer and choose one that works for you.
Are They Licensed?
When it comes to the company that you are renting a crane from, it is essential to ensure that they are licensed. Their crane operators should also be licensed and certified to do the task at hand. It is therefore advised to hire a crane with an operator to ensure that they are up to par and will do the job well. However, there is an option where you can rent a crane without an operator. This is called bare rental, and it is less costly than the original plan. Here, you will have one of the members of your crew operate the crane, and it is crucial to ensure that they are also licensed. However, some rental agencies do not have this option for heavy machinery since they need to ensure that they are operated correctly.
Is It Insured?
It is also vital to ensure that the crane has been insured before you rent it. Accidents happen at any time; therefore, it is essential to ensure that you are protected if that happens. One of the ways to do this is to check whether the crane is insured and up to date. Also, it is advised to ask about the terms of the policy and also what is covered. This will give you an idea of what you are getting into, and what will be insured in case an accident happens at the job site.
What About Permits?
Before you operate any crane at your worksite, you will need to have a city permit. It is therefore advisable to ask your rental agency if they can provide these permits. If they can, then it will save you the hassle of doing paperwork and getting the licenses by yourself. It is, therefore, better to choose a company that offers permits as compared to those that do not since they make the process smoother for you. Also, ensure that you hire a company that operates within your state since it does not make sense to hire another that is in a different state, as it will cost you more money and complicate the process.
Maintenance
You also need to know if the cranes are well maintained before you rent them. No one wants to start the crane rental process and find out that the cranes are failing even before the project is midway. It will delay the project, which will not be suitable for business. It is, therefore, vital to ask for the maintenance records of the various machines when visiting the different companies. This will help you to know how regularly they are checked, and if they are in good shape. Also, once you rent it, you should check it out every morning to see if it is in excellent working conditions.
Sign Here, Please
Once you have done the above and narrowed your options down to one company, then you will have to sign the contract. This is a crucial process, and even though many people fail to read it and go on to sign it, it is not advised to do so. This is because you will miss out on critical components that will affect you later on. Get to know what happens when the crane fails and all the fees that you will need to pay at the end of the rental period.
With the points above, the crane rental process does not have to be as daunting as it seemed. Ensure that you choose a reliable company to rent it from. By following the above points, you will be able to achieve your desired results.
