What a crane rental desk will ask

A rental desk sizes the crane from a handful of numbers. Have these ready and the first call goes fast. Guesses are fine; just say they are guesses.

The load

Weight is the big one. Check the spec sheet, the shipping ticket or the nameplate. Add the weight of any spreader bar, slings or rigging. For a rooftop unit, the model number is often enough for the desk to look it up.

Distance and height

Measure from where the crane can park to where the load lands. That distance, called the radius, matters as much as weight. A small load set far back on a roof can need a much bigger crane than a heavy load set close to the curb. Give the roof height and any parapet or wall the load must clear.

The setup spot

Say what the crane will sit on: a parking lot, a street, a new slab, grass or fill. Houston soil holds a lot of water after rain, and outriggers press hard on small pads. Mats may be needed. Note buried tanks, vaults or septic lines nearby.

Overhead lines

Note any power lines near the path. For lines up to 350 kV, 29 CFR 1926.1408(a)(2)(ii) says: “Ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer than 20 feet to the power line by implementing the measures specified in paragraph (b) of this section.” source CenterPoint Energy runs most of the lines inside the Houston area. If a line is close, the rental company may plan around it or ask you to contact the utility.

Access

• Gate width and any height limits on the way in
• Turns the crane and its trucks must make
• Whether a lane or street must close
• Plant or campus rules: badges, training, escorts

Timing and weather

Wind limits come from the crane maker, and big flat loads like signs catch more wind. From June through November, hurricane season can push lift dates back, so leave some slack. In summer, early mornings avoid some heat and traffic, so ask about those dates early.

A quick checklist

1. Load weight and size
2. Distance from crane spot to landing spot
3. Height to clear
4. Ground type at the setup spot
5. Lines, trees or buildings in the way
6. Date, time window and site contact

Photos help

Snap a few phone pictures of the setup spot, the path in from the street and the landing area. A rental desk can often size the crane from photos and a tape measure, which saves a site visit on small jobs.