Choosing the Right Crane

Many large commercial and residential construction projects require the use of a crane. Having a crane on site makes the lifting of heavy materials easy to accomplish. This includes building materials, beams, HVAC systems, and other items that would be impossible to place without the use of a crane. You need to know what types of cranes are available to your company and which one to select for your construction projects. This knowledge will help you make the right decision when selecting a crane and give you an understanding of your options for acquiring this equipment.
You should be able to answer the question of what crane is right for you, whether renting or purchasing a crane makes sense from a cost standpoint, and why choosing the right crane for your construction projects makes life better for your company. If you are engaged in the building trades, especially in and around the greater Los Angeles area, this information should be of some help to you in your decision to use a crane.
Construction Management
The Right Crane
Choosing the right crane begins with an understanding of the types of cranes available and what they do. There are four basic crane types that perform different functions on a construction site. The four types are the overhead traveling bridge crane, gantry crane, jib crane, and monorail crane. They differ in the functions they perform, and the one you choose will depend on the type of project you have.
The overhead traveling bridge crane is found in factories and manufacturing plants, providing three axes for hook motion. The gantry crane is similar to the overhead crane except that it runs on tracks that can be found embedded in the floor. A jib crane features a boom assembly as well as a head that pivots. Finally, a monorail crane is another type of overhead crane assembly that can be found in foundries and is used to transport hot substances the length of the floor.
Renting vs. Purchasing a Crane
The type of construction you typically engage in will dictate the type of crane you should be using. A crane can be a valuable asset to your construction company if you choose to purchase one. It will require, however, a significant up-front investment on your part, which will impact your company’s working capital and place limitations on your ability to commit to other projects. Renting is an excellent option, especially if a desired type of crane is only needed for a specific project.
Say for instance you are involved in a Los Angeles building and construction project that requires the use of a jib crane. Choosing a crane rental in Hollywood as a way to acquire this equipment may prove a more cost effective solution for your company over the purchase of the equipment.
How the Right Crane Makes Life Better
There is no doubt that choosing the correct crane for your business will make life increasingly easy for you. If you have a company that has a need for crane equipment, consider what type you should have and the best way to acquire a crane in order to ensure that the crane you select fits within your budget and makes good financial sense for your business.