Big Boys' Toys: The Thrill Of Heavy Construction Equipment

Mobile cranes are highly indispensable in construction sites especially when it comes to moving, lifting, as well as lowering of materials. As their name suggests, the mobility of these cranes makes them highly preferred by many people with construction projects. However, before you get too excited about hiring one for your upcoming construction project, you need to understand that there are multiple options to choose from. 

That means choosing the best for your construction site may not be an easy task especially if you have never been in the market for one before. To help you select the most ideal mobile crane, here are some of the key things you need to have in mind.

1. Consider the Weight of The Load 

This is important because mobile cranes are designed with different load capacities. You need to choose a mobile crane that is capable of handling the weight of the load you have. Hiring a mobile crane with a smaller load capacity than what you need will be a waste of your money. Moreover, you will risk damaging it if you decide to use it to carry the load. 

Therefore, consider the maximum weight of the load you intend to move before you hire access equipment. Also, choose the next size up. That is, go for the mobile crane with a higher capacity than you think you will need. It's better to have a larger crane that can carry more loads than a smaller one that won't manage the maximum load you have.

2. Look at The Height Clearance

Once you determine the load capacity, the next thing you want to do is evaluate the height over which you intend to lift the load. When doing so, check the working environment carefully for things such as power lines, trees, and overhead buildings that may get in the way of the mobile crane's operation. You don't want any inconveniences that may affect the flow of work and result in project delays.

3. Evaluate the Terrain of Your Construction Site

Look around your construction site. What are the ground conditions? This will help you understand the kind of mobile crane you need to hire. For instance, if the ground is fairly solid and normal, a truck-mounted mobile crane will work perfectly. However, for rough terrain such as off-road conditions, go for an all-terrain or a rough-terrain mobile crane. Sometimes the ground can be quite soft such as the case of a muddy site. For such conditions, crawler cranes are the best.