Informed crane hire is key to locking in the best equipment for the job.
For two decades, United Crane Services has offered mobile crane hire in Perth. We know the right heavy-duty machinery can be a game changer.
The points below will help you select a crane that supports peak performance, maintains your budget, and honours all safety requirements.
Lock down the basics
Confirming project details is the first step towards choosing the right equipment for a safe, efficient lift.
Load details
Load weight refers to all weight the crane handles, including rigging weight and any lifting accessories and attachments.
The shape of your load is as relevant as the weight. Load dimensions are also essential when selecting safe rigging.
These numbers will help confirm your choice of crane has the capacity and capability to lift the load with minimal risk of damage.
Lift distance
A crane’s weight capacity is not fixed. How much a crane can safely lift reduces as the vertical or horizontal limit of the crane’s reach approaches.
Lift height refers to how high the load travels upward, with the ground as the starting point, to the hook’s saddle at the highest point the crane rises.
Lift radius is a measure of the horizontal distance a load travels, from the centre of the crane to the load centre.
Remember to factor in obstacles on-site that the crane will be required to lift the load over or around, as they likely impact lift height and radius.
Site specifics
If a crane isn’t suitable for the conditions, you increase the risk of tipping and other workplace accidents. Points to consider include:
- Terrain
Note uneven surfaces, ground softness, and any sloping. Additional equipment may be required.
- Interior or exterior
Certain designs deal better with interior locations, especially if space for the crane is limited.
- Available area
- Verify how much space on-site is clear for the crane, including the required safety zone.
- Transport requirements
Outline the crane’s transportation needs. Check roads and entry and exit points, confirming route width and stability.
- Job demands
Define whether the crane will be stationary or moving between points on-site, as this can impact choice of crane.
- Manoeuvrability on-site
Confirm any necessary movement around the site can be accommodated, including when other work is ongoing.
- Load delivery logistics
Ensure adequate access and storage space for materials and any equipment delivering the load to the crane.
- Situational awareness
Take the time to look up. Bridges, overhangs, trees, powerlines, scaffolds, and platforms are potential risk factors.
Job details and budget
You want a crane that performs well and meets all safety requirements, while avoiding paying for a level of service capacity you don’t need and won’t use.
Once the parameters of a project have been outlined, deciding on the best crane for your needs and budget becomes clearer.
Overall expenditure may encompass more than crane hire. Questions worth asking:
- Are all equipment costs accounted for?
Your budget likely covered crane and rigging, but on-site extras may be called for, especially with certain terrains.
- Will traffic be impacted around the site?
Make a note if traffic control will be required, and calculate potential costs. Check the legal safety requirements.
- Are additional permits needed?
A wide range may apply. Clock impact on surrounding space including pedestrians, traffic, business, cyclists, infrastructure, nature, and airspace.
- Is bad weather likely?
A realistic schedule will factor in the possible cost of extended downtime due to harsh weather conditions.
- Is this a wet hire or a dry hire?
If your crew does not hold necessary equipment qualifications, budget for a licensed operating team.
UCS professionals can answer questions around potential equipment needs, crane performance, and fees for our experienced operating staff.
Crane type
At UCS, our mobile crane fleet is divided into three main categories:
Hydraulic boom cranes
Powered by an internal hydraulic system, the design supports manoeuvring. Popular for heavy lifts in construction, transport, shipping, and infrastructure.
Lattice boom cranes
Suited to heavy lifting with long boom lengths and high capacities, while also offering stability, these cranes are known for projects where extreme height and heavy lifts are a factor.
Pick-and-carry cranes
Often used to move loads around a site as they can pick up and carry the load small distances. Great when space is limited and transport needs are straightforward and close range.
The UCS team are always available for input around equipment selection. Our crane fleet caters to a wide range of industries and sectors.
For further information on cranes we offer and how they can be utilised in your workplace, check out types of mobile cranes in Perth.
More helpful insights can be found in boom lifts versus scissor lifts, and top industries that are using overhead cranes.
Safety factors
Hiring your crane from a reputable source like UCS ensures quality equipment that is always well-maintained.
Be aware you still need a comprehensive checklist for your team to follow each time the crane is utilised on-site.
Take care to keep to the recommended maintenance schedule for your crane, and reach out if in need of repairs.
Confirm everyone working with the crane has the correct qualifications and licenses, spanning operating, rigging, and dogging.
Run through safety standards required on-site. WorkSafe WA offers a checklist to help verify safety and compliance.
The extras
If a crane requires extra accessories, we can fit you with specialised lifting equipment such as spreader bars and man cages.
From crane service and maintenance to our lift and shift hire service, the focus is always on solutions tailored to your workflow.
Reaching a decision
Ask us anything. Our input and feedback come from years of experience in Perth’s mobile crane, rigging, and transport hire industry.
Want to talk specs on a stiff boom folding crane? Need feedback on a mobile boom crane for an upcoming job? We can outline pros and cons.
Always on call, United Crane Services is available for hire 24/7, every day of the year. For an obligation-free quote, make contact with our team.
