These days you can hire just about anything you need for short-term use. This also includes heavy-duty machinery such as cranes, excavators, and even smaller power tools. There are extensive benefits to hiring the machinery you need without having to opt for a long-term commitment.
With this in mind, many construction and building companies are opting for the crane hire Melbourne businesses rely on to reach deadlines. If you’re getting ready to research crane hire for the first time, this post is a must-read to help you get the process started.
Assess the Situation to Choose the Right Option
Crane hire is not only more cost-effective but allows you the benefit of choosing the best model for the job needed. The following few pointers will help you make the right choice for your budget and your deadline.
1. Decide on Your Budget
If you’ve never hired a crane before, it could be difficult to draw up a budget right off the bat. To help with this, do a few online searches of rental companies in the area. This will give you an idea of the rental costs and you’ll be able to establish a budget. You will need to do this if you need to submit an initial request to management or the business owner for the funds.
2. Assess the Potential Construction Site
Not all cranes are the same and while the process is quite simple, you will need to choose a machine with the right capacity to do the job. The rental company will need to know extensive details about the job site so that they can make an effective recommendation.
Here is a list of the basics to consider:
- Road access: Are there roads around the job site that will enable the crane to access the area? This is essential as some cranes are larger than others and may require a specific route to get to the job site.
- Ground conditions: Your rental agent will want to know if the ground is uneven or muddy. Knowing what type of terrain to expect may be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a tracked or wheeled crane.
- Overhead conditions: If your c is in a built-up area, you may be faced with issues such as trees, powerlines, and other buildings that may get in the way of a large crane. In these instances, it may be necessary to look for alternative routes or smaller crane models.
3. Review the Weight and Size of Items to Lift
When you’re discussing the type of crane you’ll need, you will have to be sure of the weight and size of the load you need to move. Will you be moving several loads of building materials?
Knowing this will enable the rental company to provide you with a crane that has the necessary rigging gear to stabilise the crane. It’s essential to ensure that the correct size crane to eliminate the risk of an accident.
Additionally, understanding the lifting radius of the crane is equally important. Cranes have a specific reach or boom length, and exceeding it can create stability risks. If your materials need to be lifted over tall structures, make sure to inform the rental company, so they can recommend a model with the appropriate boom extension.
4. Read the Fine Print on Your Rental Agreement
Shortlisting the rental agents you’re considering also involves reading the fine print on the estimates and rental agreements. Here you will need to check for hidden fees as well as the criteria for maintenance and repairs if necessary.
Since there’s always the possibility that a job takes longer than anticipated, it’s essential to enquire about the process of extending the rental contract. Are there additional admin fees associated with this aside from the additional rental costs? Will you need to draw up a new contract for this or can you simply extend the one you sign?
5. Check the Operation Needs
Hiring the right crane for the job is only the first part of the equation. You will also need to assess who will be operating the crane. Will you need to train an employee or hire a contractor for the period you use the machine?
Speak to the rental agent as some agencies may offer an operator for an additional fee. This may be an option worth considering as the rental agent will be well-versed in the current legislation surrounding crane operation.
6. Invite the Rental Agent to the Site
It’s also a good idea to invite the rental agent to the job site if you’re not sure about the exact machine that you’ll need. This will go a long way to reducing a considerable amount of running around trying to find the right machine to ensure safe and secure crane operation. For smaller, more straightforward jobs a site inspection may not be necessary.
Final Thoughts
Crane hire is the quickest way to get heavy lifting done around your job site. Researching available options and comparing them to the job requirements will ensure that you choose the best solution to get the job done as quickly and safely as possible.
Be sure to compare quotes to ensure that you get the best rental deal possible. Choosing the right rental agency will definitely make your next rental so much easier!
