Cranes are an essential part of many construction projections. These vehicles make it possible to do things that we could never do before, particularly moving and lifting heavy objects. But whenever things go wrong with these tools, it can lead to a disaster.
That’s why you must hire the services of a reliable and trustworthy crane rental company. To help you make the right choice, in this article, we cover what to look for in a professional service.
Skilled and trained operators
One of the most important aspects of choosing a crane rental is checking that they have skilled, experienced, and trained operators.
Officially, they need to be certified by relevant bodies and organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCO). Aside from this, they need to be aware of OSHA regulatory guidelines.
Ensuring this will be for your own good. More likely than not, the operators will be able to perform their work much better.
On top of this, the crane company should have all the permits needed to operate in your locale. All their licenses and certification should be valid and up to date.
Competitive pricing
As with any service, you should consider the costs when making your choice. You don’t want to hire a crane rental company that’s blatantly overpriced.
But keep in mind that reputable companies who offer high-quality services with highly-trained operators will often charge more than others. So don’t necessarily go with the cheapest option. Do some research first. And make sure there aren’t any hidden costs.
Consequently, ask for quotes from any companies that you’re considering. It should contain all the details you need with an accurate breakdown of the costs. The time spent gathering quotations and comparing them will be well worth it.
A responsible business will help you decide on the best options to suit your budget.
Type of cranes
You might know this already, but different types of cranes are required for different projects. Not all crane rental companies offer a range of equipment. So you always need to remember to ask them what options they offer and what they would advise for your needs.
For example, at B&M Tower, we have several different cranes available. One of these is the Grove GMK5150L, which is an all-terrain option that is brilliant for rough job sites.
Insurance
Whenever you are attempting any construction or moving project, insurance is a must. You should never compromise on this issue for the sake of cutting costs. Instead, you need to make sure that you hire the services of a crane rental company that is insured.
Unfortunately, accidents happen, especially when people are working with heavy objects and powerful equipment.
It’s your responsibility to ask for the company’s insurance status and documents. Review the crane hire contract and their products carefully. Check whether you will be liable in case of unfortunate accidents or erroneous operation.
For extra peace of mind, it could help to get additional coverage for third parties and your employees.
Maintenance and safety rules
Another factor to look for is the protective measures taken by the company. Ideally, the service should make safety their top priority.
It can be tricky to figure out how they handle these issues first hand. But a great way to find out is by doing some research on the reputation of the services. You could even ask them for a few references.
Next, you can question them about the safety measures they follow and how stringently they follow them. For example, do they give their operators sufficient protective gear and are there protocols that they adhere to.
Terms and conditions
Once you’ve decided on a crane rental service, you need to sign a contract with them to make them official. In fact, you need to avoid companies that don’t want to set up a written agreement.
Besides this, you need to approach this document with care. Don’t just skip over that long list of terms and conditions. You need to read it to make sure what you’re getting yourself into.
To properly understand it, go through it more than once. You might even ask a legal advisor to take a look.
Generally, there are a few questions that you should keep in mind:
- How long is the rental period?
- What are the total costs and fees that you will have to pay?
- Who is responsible for repairs?
- How will repairs be handled?
- What happens if there are any delays?
- Are there any unusual or unexpected conditions?
- What are your responsibilities according to the terms?
It can be useful to take a look at these tips for understanding a contract.
Additional services
Lastly, it’s a good idea to ask whether the rental company offers any additional services. Preferably, you should work with a knowledgeable company that knows the ins and outs of the industry. If they can’t offer you extra services, they could at least give you some advice.
For example, they might offer you:
- Other heavy equipment rentals
- Longer-term assistance such as maintenance
- Project management
- Equipment transport and storage
Getting the job done right
Hiring a credible crane rental company will help you keep your staff and site safe and protected. On top of this, it should streamline and improve the efficiency of the work process involved.
In summary, selecting a crane rental company isn’t a decision you should rush into. Instead, take time to hire a company that will be a pleasure to work with.
