When it comes to hiring a mobile crane, there are many factors to take into consideration before choosing the right mobile crane and the best crane hire company for the task.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A MOBILE CRANE?
Mobile cranes are extremely versatile pieces of machinery due to their small footprint and mobility. They are regularly used in a range of industries including the construction industry, the rail industry and the events industry.
Mobile cranes are used so widely because they can be transported easily between sites and don’t have to be assembled. Mobile cranes don’t require a lot of space meaning they’re great for small spaces and can be easily stored on any site.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A MOBILE CRANE?
Choosing the right mobile crane for the job can be a challenge and there are numerous factors to consider. We have outlined the main considerations for hiring a mobile crane.
THE WEIGHT OF THE LOAD
Different mobile cranes have different capacities; some mobile cranes can only lift lighter loads whereas others are designed for extremely large loads.
Because of this, the weight of the load is one of the first factors to consider when hiring a mobile crane. If you are planning on lifting various loads, you should determine the maximum weight of the largest load you intend to lift.
You also need to take the angle of the boom into consideration as well as the weight of the load. The load you are planning on lifting may only be 30 tons, but you may need to hire a 60-ton mobile crane due to the angle of the boom.
THE TYPE OF TERRAIN
Another factor to consider before hiring a mobile crane is the terrain. Is the ground of your site soft, muddy, rough, uneven or sloping? To ensure that the lift is carried out safely, the mobile crane will have to be stabilised properly. To do this, you will need to determine whether you need a rough-terrain crane, truck-mounted crane or all-terrain crane.
If the ground is soft and muddy, you may be best opting for a mobile crane that is mounted on crawler treads. Whereas, if the ground is firm and stable, a truck-mounted crane with rubber tyres will work.
If you are unsure of which mobile crane to hire, or you’re unsure of what the ground will be like on the day of the lift (due to weather changes), opt for a rough-terrain or all-terrain mobile crane. Rough-terrain cranes are very versatile and can manoeuvre easily on various types of terrains.
HEIGHT CLEARANCE
The working environment and the area surrounding the lift should always be factored in when hiring a mobile crane. There are various things that could obstruct the movement of a mobile crane including power lines, trees and buildings.
In order to avoid an accident, you should know the dimensions of the buildings or any other obstructions near to where the object is going to be lifted or lowered. You should then choose a mobile crane with the right height to prevent any incidents or delays.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Like all cranes, a mobile crane can be a dangerous piece of machinery if not used safely. Health and safety should be the most important factor to take into consideration when hiring a mobile crane.
A breach of health and safety when using a mobile crane can cause damage, injury and even loss of life. Here at Altida, each of our mobile cranes can be supplied with a fully certified and experience crane operator. Our cranes and lifting equipment are also tested and certified for safety.
In fact, we are leading the way in health and safety compliance within the crane hire industry. All of our crane drivers and operators have either CPCS or NPOSR accreditation and are competent and safe at all times.
Hiring a mobile crane with a crane operator from a trusted crane hire company like Altida will guarantee the safety of the crane and site staff.
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MOBILE CRANE HIRE EXPERTS
Here at Altida, we are experts in everything to do with lifting and can make the process of hiring mobile cranes simple.
We can offer a free, no obligation site survey and can give you advice on which type of mobile crane is best for your site. We can also generate a thorough and detailed method statement for you.
Whether you are planning a large construction job or a small-scale event; we have the right crane hire service for you. We will do all we can to ensure the safety of your lifting operations.
Get in touch with us at sales@altida.co.uk or call 01246 261915. Or, you can fill in the contact form here.