Hiring a crane can be daunting. Who do you choose?
How do you know if the company is trustworthy and not dodgy? It can be hard to find the time to do your research, but you need to get it right.
Researching ahead of time can save you a big headache later on.
Reputation
Before you choose a crane hire company, you should first check they are reputable. Look for a company that has been in the industry for a long period of time. Check the clients they’ve worked with in the past. If they have worked with well-known clients on an ongoing basis, it can indicate their trustworthiness and reliability.
Availability
Depending on your project deadline, you may need to prioritise certain contractors over others. Whether your project requires immediate service or you have a project running over a longer period, the availability of a contractor is crucial. Knowing which ones can accommodate your project timeline helps you limit your list of potential companies.
Site inspection
A thorough inspection of your site, before work starts, is imperative. It ensures the correct equipment can be selected for the terrain and site conditions.
On the day of the job, other factors need to be considered such as any extra equipment, obstructions, traffic management, exclusion zones, and safety.
Avoid companies that don’t spend time evaluating the site.
Skilled labour
Not all crane operators are created equal. It’s not difficult for someone to obtain a high-risk work licence and enter the industry with little experience to back it up.
Experience and training should go hand in hand. Check the credentials of anyone you hire before work begins.
Insurance
This is a very important aspect of hiring a crane company. Contractors worthy of their reputation must have the relevant insurances for the work they carry out.
Accidents can happen and can cause a huge amount of damage. Without insurance, the contractor may not provide compensation for any damages they cause. This can result in you having to cover the cost.
Always make sure you ask your chosen contractor to provide you with the relevant insurance documentation before starting work.
Appropriate equipment
It can be difficult to know which crane is right for your project. You need to be able to rely on a specialist to advise the best solution for the work to be carried out. If you’re not happy with their recommendation, don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
Each lift must be compliant with crane manufacturer standards and applicable regulations.
The contractor should maintain a strict inspection and maintenance schedule for all of their equipment. Inspections and any maintenance carried out should be recorded and made available to you should you request it.
Cost
The cost to hire a crane should not be your only consideration when choosing the most appropriate contractor. Hiring the cheapest crane hire provider can end up more expensive in the long run. You don’t want to choose a contractor that takes shortcuts. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
Don’t pay for a quotation. Most crane hire companies (like us) will provide you with a free quotation for your project.
Lift Planning
All construction projects take careful and methodical planning. A comprehensive lift plan is a necessity when performing high-risk work. Without proper planning, crane hire can become a considerable safety risk.
Safety
There are industry and safety standards that must be met for all construction work. Before work begins, crane hire companies should always provide a Safe Work Method Statement and associated documentation.
Up to date and regularly audited Workplace Safety policies should also be in place. There should never be shortcuts when it comes to safety.
Communication
Customer service is an important factor when choosing a contractor. So many companies ignore the importance of communication. When you evaluate contractors, check the way they communicate with you. If they don’t behave respectfully and transparently, it can be a warning sign of what’s to come.
At Associated Rigging, we understand that you have a choice of crane hire companies to choose from. But the reality is, not all contractors are created equal. That’s why we are focused on providing an exceptional service with the safest, most reliable, and cost-effective solutions using the latest technology.
We have operated for over three decades and recognise that each project is unique and presents its own challenges. We are regularly updating our crane fleet and ensure our staff are trained in the latest lifting mythologies and safety standards. Experience and skills are vital and we have an abundance of it.
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.
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