Chances are you don’t think a lot about the process of renting a crane. The thought probably only pops up when you need one. It can be common for someone to Google local crane rental companies and go with the first result on Google. However, the reality is that different companies can provide vastly different experiences, and some simply may not fit your needs. Here are five tips for choosing the right crane rental company.
Types of Cranes
While there are many important considerations, you want to start with finding the right crane for the job you need. Cranes come in several types, including crawlers, hydraulic cranes, and forklifts. So the first thing you need to determine is what type you need for your job and then find companies that offer those types.
For example, if you need a hydraulic crane, you’ll likely want to shop around for companies that have boom trucks, which are hydraulic cranes mounted onto a commercial truck. You’ll also want to ensure that the cranes can handle the load you need for the job as cranes are rated for different tonnages.
Reputation
Once you know the companies with the types of cranes you need, you’ll want to check their reputation. This is probably the most critical aspect of your overall satisfaction with the job. You’re going to want a reliable mobile crane operator with plenty of experience as they will be able to get the job done efficiently while their track record has kept them in business.
There are many ways to check the reputation of a crane truck company. Google reviews play an essential role, helping you to see others’ experiences. You can also contact any colleagues or friends who may have used a company in the past. Even simply calling and chatting with the company about your job can help you get a sense of their experience and professionalism.
Availability
Obviously, if you need a crane, you have to ensure it is available for the date you need it. However, some more considerations go into availability. The first thing to think about is the timeline of your job. Are you flexible on dates within a specific range? If so, ask a company for their availability and determine which dates work best for you.
However, if your project has a high priority timeline, you probably won’t have much flexibility and may run into issues where your preferred company does not have a boom truck available. In that case, you’ll want to contact your second choice. This is one of the reasons why evaluating different companies is very important.
Check Proof of Insurance & Permits
One thing that people often forget to do is check for the more minor details. These are two important things that fall into that category. You do not want to work with a company that lacks full insurance coverage from a reputable company. We have a natural tendency to assume that a company has these things in place, but some don’t. Be sure to ask for proof of insurance when speaking with a company.
Additionally, your mobile crane company needs to know the various laws and requirements for the area to ensure that they can move forward with the project. Asking them about what permits are required and if they will obtain them is crucial. Established companies should have a long track record of this. This can help you avoid potential fines for noncompliance.
Evaluate Training & Equipment
You want a well-trained mobile crane operator tackling your project on their well-maintained equipment. Different companies have a variety of training requirements for their staff. Ask a prospective company to view their staff’s credentials. Then, you can compare these to other companies in the area to evaluate the level of expertise.
Additionally, it is important that crane trucks are regularly inspected and up to date on maintenance. Any crane company should have extensive records of its inspections and maintenance. Ask to view them in order to ensure the equipment you’re renting is likely to be in good working order. There is nothing like an unexpected problem to shut down a job.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of things to consider when selected a mobile crane company. Dependable Crane has an extensive record of service within the greater Sacramento area. We pride ourselves on maintaining quality equipment, highly trained professional staff, and excellent customer service. We want your rental process to be hassle-free. We offer competitive pricing and are happy to speak to you about your job. With Dependable Crane, you can count on a focus on safety and efficiency, ensuring that you walk away satisfied. We help general contractors keep their projects on budget with our focus areas. Feel free to reach out today to chat about your needs.
