Competitive Rates and other Factors to Consider for Crane Truck Hire

02 October 2017

Mobile crane trucks, typically used on construction and freight operations, are designed to lift and transport materials and heavy loads using the extended, hooked, skeletal / latticed arm mounted on the bed of a truck. They are often used to move pallets, crates, and other materials. They may or may not be stabilized by outriggers.

Crane Types, Lift Capacities, Stretch

Mobile Pick and Carry (Franna) cranes are easier to set up, have no outriggers, and have a stretch of approximately 6m. to 19m., and lift capacity of 10 to 20 tonnes. These are typically the most popular for hire.

Hydraulic cranes typically lift 13 tonnes or more and rotate either 180 degrees or 360 degrees, depending on the capacity. Most cranes can move on most highways without dismantling the crane and transporting it separately.

All-terrain cranes have 2-9 axles, all-wheel steering, and can typically lift loads 30 to 500 tonnes.

Rough terrain cranes are capable of lifting lift loads 20 to 145 tonnes.

Heavy lift mobile cranes are 6-axle cranes with Y-booms that need set-up, powered by 8 cylinder diesel engines and typically air operated disc brake systems.

Tracked crawlers have booms that can lift loads from as little as 3 tonnes to 750 tonnes.

For-Hire vs. In-House Purchase

Not everyone is qualified or experienced to operate lifts and cranes. In this case, it is advisable to hire the crane equipment and certified operator to perform lifting and transport activities.

Crane Selection

The selection of the right crane truck for the job or project is important. Primary factors determining the size of crane required are the load weight and radius / the distance from the crane the load will be placed. Load type and access are other considerations.

• Each truck and boom is rated to lift and move varying sized loads. Consider if the load will be lifted over obstructions (trees, power lines, buildings, etc.)?
• Will the equipment be required to operate within a restricted work area? What will the equipment sit on (matting) or be able to stabilise on?
• Some crane trucks move along highways from site to site while others may need their booms transported separately and assembled at the job site.
• Cranes may be front mounted or rear mounted; outriggers or none; varying number of axles, brake systems.
• Crane stretch / reach and lift capacities vary, for example, 1) Stretch @ 5.3 Meters = 1775kg, 2) Stretch @ 8.5 Meters = 1085kg.

Other considerations when hiring a crane truck include:

• Gas / diesel
• Automatic or manual operation; remote control
• Insurance on crane and goods
• Mileage charges
• Truck and crane maintenance record
• Fire / safety / first aid equipment on board
• Is the crane registered and compliant?
• Is the owner / operator licensed, experienced, CPCS (Construction Plant Competency Scheme) certified, and insured?
• Can only the crane truck be hired minus the operator?

Cranes are essential equipment for many industries from construction and utilities to freight and demolition. Due to the considerable expense of equipment, maintenance, and operator training for-hire crane services offers a less expensive, more viable alternative.