Imagine this: you’ve just scored a job contract and now it is time to start planning. You need to determine what equipment you will need, who to hire on your team, and whether you want to rent or buy the tools needed to complete the job. There is quite a bit of planning involved simply with making sure everyone and everything arrives on site in one piece! Here’s where B&M Tower comes in. We have been in the business of crane rental since 2006, but long before that, our founders worked for years as licensed crane operators. This knowledge and experience that Michael and Jayme put under their belts has helped them to give quality advice to renters. B&M is here to help you figure out the proper crane for your job, and provide labor, logistics and management for your crane. To learn more about all the advantages of renting from a reputable crane company like B&M, read on!
Crane Transport and Assembly
Figuring out how to transport your crane from the storage facility to your job site is no easy task. For those who decide to buy a crane, you will need to invest quite a bit of time and money into moving your crane. Oftentimes, cranes need to be transported in pieces on large trucks and then reassembled again on site. You may need to obtain special permits to move the crane, and you will have to coordinate your plans with a number of different people in order to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Alternatively, when renting a crane, the agency will usually deliver the crane on site and assist in assembly. These people likely have had years of experience working with the specific crane you are renting which means they know every step of the process like the back of their hand. Not only is this a great way to save time, it also guarantees that your crane will arrive safely and be assembled properly.
Trusted Crane Operators
When renting a crane, the rental company will typically send a certified crane operator to man the machine. It is imperative that only licensed and experienced crane operators work with the rented crane. Professional crane operators are well-versed in safety protocols which you would otherwise have to train new staff on. If you choose to hire an inexperienced crane operator, you risk workplace injuries as well as liability for damage to the crane.
Another benefit of using a crane operator straight from the rental company is that they are already familiar with the limits of the crane you are hiring. This means the operator understands the lift capacities and how to balance the crane for optimal efficiency and safety. When using a crane, you should never push the boundaries of its lifting capabilities. If you are using a professional crane operator from a rental company, they will be able to advise you if your crane is too far out of water and could potentially drop a load.
Multiple Crane Options
Buying a crane can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the cost of insuring the machinery in case of an emergency. Committing to one type of crane restricts the functions that you will be able to carry out since each crane is designed for very specific functions. For example, if you buy a mobile crane that is meant to work on smooth ground only, you will have to purchase or rent a separate crane to work on areas that are rough or uneven. If you attempt to use a crane in an environment it is not fit for, there can be grave consequences.
Alternatively, with crane rental companies you can choose from a variety of different crane types. Maybe at the beginning of your project you will require an all-terrain crane, but as time goes on you may need something with more height like a self-erecting tower crane! Working with a crane rental company gives you the freedom to switch out your cranes when you are done with them, and opting for a more job-appropriate crane to carry out other functions.
Cost Effective
As noted before, cranes can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $500,000, and that is the price for the machine only. On top of this you will need to pay for insurance, inspections, maintenance, repairs, storage and hiring a licensed operator. All of these expenses seriously rack up a lot of cash, and leave you with the responsibility of making sure you get your money’s worth. You really cannot skimp on any of these external costs, as they are imperative to making sure that your crane lasts a long time and is able to function properly.
Finding reputable vendors to insure your crane, or looking for an inspector that is affordable yet reliable will take time and research. Securing an adequate storage space can be difficult and costly as well, but it is something that cannot be avoided if you want to protect your crane from unnecessary wear and tear by the elements. On top of all that, keeping track of when your crane needs maintenance, as well as paying the bill, is not something many contractors want to think about. If you buy a crane and it does need new parts or repairs, not only will you have to pay thousands of dollars in fees, but your job site will have to put everything on hold until your crane is back in working condition.
When renting, the crane will be under the jurisdiction of the company in terms of maintenance. The crane you hire will guaranteed be in good working condition, up to date on safety inspections, and ready to get to work on site. Any repairs will be paid for by the company which significantly reduces your overhead. Additionally, if the crane that you are renting is not able to work due to maintenance reasons, the crane company will allow you to swap out the faulty crane for one that is in good condition so you can get back to work.
Advice and Expertise
Another huge benefit afforded when renting from a company is the years of knowledge that these guys have accumulated. You will never feel alone when you have the expertise of a crane rental company to guide you in making decisions. Whether you don’t know which type of crane to rent, or you are concerned about safety, you can always contact your rental company to ask for help. At B&M Tower, every team member is ready to answer your questions and work with you to keep your project on track for success. We have years of experience and understand the ins and outs of many makes and models of cranes. This knowledge equips us to serve our customers with high quality care time and time again. If you are looking for a crane rental company, reach out to B&M today for more information on our inventory, or just for some advice!
