Crane hire

[landyman]

Evening chaps. Has anyone got and views/experience with crane hire companies as I am looking to use one for a potential job. I know most of the usual companies by name but was really after any first hand experience with them ie: good planning and safety, helpfulness and a sensible price for what they are offering. Not necesarily interested in the cheapest but more so on what they have to offer.

[Rich Rule]

Lots of member have used cranes in the past. Might help if you put your location mate.

 

I could give you the lowdown on firms I have used, but it would be no good if you are in the North of Scotland for eg.

[John Shutler]

ive used king lifting a couple of times and always found them good enough. my local depot is southampton

[landyman]

Sorry location is Winchester so fairly close to you John. I was present on someone elses job with King and their driver was top notch.

[Treegeek]

Dorest crane hire I've worked with seen them in our area but meon valley crane hire are all ways being recommended when I've asked around.

[Gareth Dalzell]

Don't forget to check your Hired-In plant insurance policy. Often the wording on the crane docket means you are fully responsible for their machine when it on site even with their driver. So if you drop a big one and the crane topples over its on your policy. Just a thought if you're just starting to get into crane hire.

[landyman]

Had crossed my mind about that. Not sure if that would be covered under a "contract lift".

[Mark Bolam]

'Full contract lift' is more expensive, but any cock-ups are then covered by them.

 

If you're not sure I would pay up to £200/day for a crane-savvy climber and run the show from the ground.

 

There's a lot to do on the ground when you get a crane in!

[Gareth Dalzell]

Had crossed my mind about that. Not sure if that would be covered under a "contract lift".

 

I think you are right. From memory when we did our NEBOSH Cert they talked about a Contracted lift which was when the crane company gives you a cost to do a specific lift. Often something like lifting a beam onto roof or similar. I,m not sure if this would be classed as a Contract lift operation though.

[Peter]

Contract lift is where the crane company plans the lifting part of the job, specifies the machine and slings/chains etc, takes care of all the risk assessments and liability. It will cost at least twice as much as a hire.

 

If you hire it then you are responsible for risk assessments, planning and insurance etc.

 

However, any hire company and driver worth their money will work with you to make sure it gets done right.

 

If you havent done much crane work before getting an experienced climber is as Mark suggested will be a big time and worry saver.