Hiring a crane is relatively simple these days. However, if it’s the first time you’re hiring, there are a couple of points you need to get clarity on. Ensuring you have accurate information upfront will eliminate delays in the process.
Fortunately, the options of crane hire Melbourne has available make gathering the necessary information very easy. With quality crane hiring companies in crane melbourne, getting relevant quotes will help you find the best solution while you save money in the long run. Here’s all you need to know for a successful outcome.
What You Should Ask Before You Hire a Crane
Deciding to hire a crane to finalise a job at your work site is step one in the hiring process. There are a few other points to take into consideration before finalising the hiring process. Heavy crane hire services provide businesses with access to specialized equipment for lifting and moving heavy loads safely and efficiently, facilitating construction, infrastructure projects, and industrial operations with precision and expertise.
What is Your Budget?
Before anything else, have a proper understanding of the budget available. Contacting a few crane hiring companies in the area will give you a realistic idea of what to expect. Remember to enquire about hidden costs like administrative expenses. This will eliminate any surprises when it’s time to pay.
What Does the Construction Site Look Like?
Hiring a crane is not as simple as phoning for a unit to be delivered at a specific address. There are a few details that you need to provide to the hiring company so that a correct assessment can be made. These include:
- Ground conditions: Is the ground even or uneven? What are the conditions of the terrain?
- Overhead conditions: Factors that could influence the type of crane you need are not only on the ground. Overhead issues like powerlines, trees and buildings are equally important to note.
- Road access: It’s also important to provide details regarding the roads around the construction site. Are there roads to and from the site? Are they side or main roads? Will there be adequate space on the road to reach the premises and work? Is there lots of free space, or is it limited?
What is the Size and Weight of the Lift?
To make sure you get a precise quote, it’s crucial to know the exact details of the items that’ll be moved by the crane. Analyse the size and weight of materials to be moved. Also measure the distance the weight will travel. For example, instead of asking for a crane to lift building rubble, advise the weight and size of the items to be lifted over a specific distance. This ensures the correct rigging gear is used, as advised by the professionals from the hiring company. This can also prevent accidents.
What Type of Crane Will be Needed?
The type of crane you’ll need depends on three main factors:
- What are the ground conditions of the lift?
- Are there restrictions to site access?
- What is the size and dimensions of the lift?
By knowing exactly what the crane will be used for and what obstacles there may be, your vendor can help pick the right crane from the start. Cranes you can choose from include franna cranes, all terrain cranes and rough terrain cranes. There is an extensive range and models of cranes Melbourne companies can hire out, so you can get the ideal equipment for almost any task.
What is Covered by the Rental Contract?
When you’re gathering quotes it’s important to establish exactly what will be covered in the rental contract:
- Are there additional costs?
- Does the quote you requested cover maintenance?
- Will there be a replacement unit available if there is a repair issue with the machine you’ve requested?
- Are there additional costs per day?
- Will the first tank of fuel be included in the quote?
These are the types of questions you need get clarity on when comparing quotes. The more questions you ask, the less chance there is for something to go wrong. Remember, any issues that need to be sorted out later could result in downtime, so rather ask the questions beforehand.
What About a Site Inspection?
It’s advisable to request a site inspection by the hiring company. The hiring company needs to confirm that the crane you have requested will be right for the job you need done.
Also, before finalising the quote, ensure that there is a comprehensive lift plan in place. This will reduce the possible risk of setbacks, delays or unexpected obstacles.
Who Will Operate the Crane?
Before you finalise the quote with a hiring company, establish who will be operating the crane. A crane operator must be certified and have a valid license. If you don’t have a crane operator in your company, you’ll have to factor in the cost of hiring one. You could also ask the hiring company if they offer operators as part of their services and what the cost would be.
In Conclusion
Making use of a crane for a few days could really speed up the time frame of work to be done at your construction site. Having all the details available will ensure you get the correct crane at the correct price. Ultimately that will save you time and money as well as ensure your job is completed in the shortest time possible. Now you know how to get crane hire right, so your work timeline won’t suffer!