Are you looking to lift heavy equipment? There are a number of things you should know. Here are some of the things as given by crane services providers:

You need different types of cranes

One of the things many people renting cranes for the first time don’t know is that there are many types of cranes that are ideal for different applications. The most common ones are:

Telescopic: A telescopic crane features a boom with a number of tubes that have been fitted inside each other. The hydraulic mechanisms extend and retract in order to shorten or lengthen the boom.

Due to the large boom, you use the cranes to transfer objects to a high place. While they are common in ports, you can also use them in your construction site when looking to transfer construction materials to a higher place.

What makes the cranes attractive?

The cranes have a number of attractive features. One of the features is that you can easily adjust the height according to the place you want to transfer the object. You can also use the cranes in rescue operations. Since they are mobile, you can easily transport those goods. When properly maintained, the units move loads with excellent precision.

The only flaw with the cranes is that they aren’t truly mobile. This means that they can’t move by themselves over a long distance—you have to carry them using a truck. When you are renting the unit, you also need to rent a truck that you will use in the transportation.

Mobile cranes: They are the most common types of cranes and you will find them at most construction sites. They feature a steel struss or telescopic boom mounted on a mobile platform. The machines come in different sizes and shapes. There are also of many types for you to choose from. The most common ones are:

• Sedelifter
• Vehicle-mounted
• Telescopic Handler
• All terrain

The main advantage of having a mobile crane is that you are able to access areas where static cranes can’t reach. The cranes are small thus don’t require a lot of space. The pieces are also cheaper thus you can afford them even when operating on a budget.

Truck mounted crane: From its name, this is a crane that is mounted at the back of a rubber tire truck that provides them with mobility. The outriggers extend vertically or horizontally and you use them to stabilize and level the crane when hoisting heavy materials.

What makes a truck-mounted crane attractive?

The crane has a number of advantages that include:

• It can travel on the highways by itself
• The machine is easy to move and less expensive
• You can use it for multiple purposes
• You can use it in loading and unloading motor truck rolling stock
• Highly flexible
• You can rotate them 180 degrees. The more expensive ones can rotate 360 degrees

While the units come with their fair share of positives, they also have their negatives. One of the negatives is that they move slowly around sites. You also can’t use them for long hire periods.

You need crane hooks

When renting cranes, you not only need the cranes, you also need hooks that you use to attach the load to the cranes. Just like cranes, there are many types of hooks that you can choose from. You have to choose from single crane, double crane, laminated, forging, closed hooks, semi-closed hooks, and electric rotary hooks.

Different types of hooks are ideal for different applications. You should be keen when choosing the hooks and ensure that you don’t choose the wrong ones.

You should be cautious when using the crane and hooks

While cranes make your work easy, they pose a lot of danger when you don’t use them properly. For you to protect yourself, always ensure that you rent a properly maintained machine. While you are at the rental store, ask to see the maintenance records. Don’t rent a poorly maintained machine as it will be a ticking time bomb at the work site.

Most of the crane rentals VA will provide a crane operator but if you have to hire one, you should hire one who is highly experienced. The operator should also be certified to work in your local area.