How To Choose the Right Crane Size for Your Project
When a construction project requires lifting heavy materials, exploring the variety of crane sizes and styles might feel overwhelming. But choosing the least expensive or the biggest lifting equipment without weighing some critical factors against the project requirements can spell disaster for your project.
During the project planning stage, Hook Crane Services is here to help you select the ideal equipment to maximize efficiency, safety, and your budget. As the leading crane service in Tucson, AZ, we have the heavy equipment you need to keep your project moving forward, no matter its size or scope.
The Two Main Variables That Influence Crane Selection
The crane selection process requires matching the equipment to two major criteria: what you’re lifting, and where you’re lifting it. An undersized crane can cause an accident, while an oversized one wastes time and money.
The Load
Ultimately, the most important consideration when considering different construction crane types and which one is best for your project is the load that needs lifting. In addition to considering the load weight, you need to know both the horizontal and vertical lift distance. These details determine the best construction crane types for any job; for example, while a telescopic boom crane is a workhorse that’s suitable for many applications, if you have ultra-heavy loads, a lattice boom crane is a better choice.
Crane capacity charts and regulations can help you find the perfect crane sizes for any project. These charts account for the working radius and the boom length to determine the crane capacity.
Working radius refers to the distance between the center of the crane and the hook. The heavier the load, the shorter the working radius, because too much weight moving horizontally can cause the crane to tip. The length of the boom also influences the capacity limit, since the further it extends, the less weight it can accommodate.
The Worksite
Worksite characteristics influence both safe crane operation and your options. Local restrictions on the height and movement of construction equipment, for example, can limit your choices, while site characteristics like uneven ground or surrounding structures also influence your options.
How far you need to move materials determines crane selection. If you have to move materials a considerable distance from one part of the worksite to another, a mobile crane may be the best choice. However, if the site can’t safely accommodate one of these machines for any reason, you may be better suited with a crane that has a longer boom.
Some jobs require using several cranes to safely move materials around the worksite.
Get Expert Help With Crame Selection
Guesswork and speculation aren’t safe when it comes to renting the best crane for your construction project. Hook Crane Services is here to help. Call us at (520) 323-0963 and we’ll help you compare different crane sizes and styles and review our equipment options so you can choose the machines that make your job safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. Learn more today.