Over the years, some misconceptions about heavy equipment rentals may have kept businesses from renting. In this article, we’re going to separate the myths from the facts to help you with your decision-making process.
Misconception #1: Crane Rental Equipment Isn’t Well Maintained
Many believe that if you rent a crane, hoist, or any other heavy equipment, you’ll be stuck with obsolete or neglected equipment. The thinking is that some crane companies neglect maintenance or avoid buying new cranes simply to save money.
Fact: Rented crane equipment is well maintained and often has the latest technical features.
When you rent a crane from a reputable rental company like Maxim Crane Works, you’re not only renting the machine, you’re buying the confidence that the machine is expertly and frequently maintained and repaired. Additionally, some rental crane fleets tend to offer relatively newer equipment giving you access to modern features that you may not be able to have if you own a crane or other heavy lifting equipment.
Misconception #2: Renting Crane Equipment is Complex
Crane operation, maintenance and logistics can feel overwhelming. If you own your equipment, you’re on the hook for all the costs associated with running, maintaining and transporting the machine. Renting, especially when you rent from one of the largest crane rental companies in the world, like Maxim Crane, simplifies all aspects of providing heavy lift services on your job site.
Fact: Renting is more efficient than owning.
When you rent your crane equipment, hiring an end-to-end, turn-key crane rental company will make your job site run much easier. From getting the right crane, to maintenance programs and operators, rental companies like Maxim Crane can take the burden of big lifting projects off your shoulders and give you and your employees and customers precious time to focus on other aspects of your project. A crane rental company can take care of lift planning, logistics and project management with a comprehensive owned and operated crane rental.
Misconception #3: You Can Only Rent Crane Equipment on a Long-Term Basis
Some companies hesitate to rent heavy equipment because they think they need to rent the crane for a long period of time, and since they may only need the equipment for a few hours, they don’t see the value.
Fact: The terms and conditions for renting cranes are flexible.
You can rent to fit your needs. You’re allowed to set up rentals daily, weekly, monthly, or long-term, depending on your goals and the type of crane you rent. Rentals can be so flexible that, if your needs change during a project, you can exchange one model for another one.
Don’t forget to read through any rental contract before signing, and make sure to ask questions if you’re unclear about anything.
Why Should You Rent A Crane Rather Than Buy?
Now that we’ve discussed some of the common misconceptions, let’s look at some reasons why you should consider renting cranes and other heavy equipment instead of buying. Crane rental offers numerous benefits, including:
Zero Maintenance
Owning heavy equipment, such as a crane, gives you a capital asset, but it comes with the cost of repair and maintenance. When you hire heavy equipment from reputable vendors, the crane rental providers bear the cost of repairs.
Reduced Cost of Disposal
When it’s time to invest in new equipment and sell off the old, owners need to make sure they’re getting the most out of potential buyers. Renting means you don’t have to deal with reselling equipment in the open market.
Flexibility
When you work with the proper crane rental provider, you’ll have the flexibility you need to finish your project. Whether you have multiple projects to tackle or an emergency on a job site, you’ll be able to choose exactly what you need for the job.
More Space
When you own heavy equipment, you need to consider the cost of storage. Renting instead of buying means that’s never a problem.
No Transportation Cost
When you own a crane or other heavy equipment, you have to coordinate transportation from one location to another. You might have to hire new staff, pay overtime, or hire contractors. But if you’re renting the equipment, the rental provider can cover all necessary transportation logistics as part of rental.
No Capital Investment
Renting can be more affordable than owning— your profits on one job won’t be thrown away just because you needed to purchase a vehicle that isn’t in your fleet.
Trained Operator
Operating heavy equipment like a crane is no job for amateurs. Comprehensive crane rentals often come with the option for the rental company to provide a trained operator, saving you time and money on employing and training an operator of your own.
Multiple Options
Sometimes a project on a job site requires more than one piece of equipment. Rental companies have a variety of heavy equipment models you can choose from to complete your task without a hitch.
How to Rent a Crane
When setting out to rent heavy equipment, make sure you pay attention to these steps.
1. Find Out the Required Job Specifications
To know what you need, consider the height and weight requirements of the job, the terrain at the site, and any specialized attachments or extras you’ll need.
Height requirements
You need to know how high the machine can reach. Make sure to ask questions and confirm the crane rental company’s fleet can meet your needs.
Weight requirements
If you’re going to be moving heavy objects, know the weight of your object.
Terrain
The terrain is often a factor, especially on job sites with varied terrain like pavement, dirt or gravel. Do you need an all-terrain or crawler crane, or will regular wheels work?
Extra attachments
This is all going to depend on the job you need to do. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, you can discuss it with a crane specialist to clarify your attachment needs.
2. Determine the Time You’ll Need the Equipment
You need to know when you’ll begin using the rental and how long you’ll be using it. Some companies offer project management as part of your rental agreement. This service helps to coordinate your lift including dates and time of the lift.
3. Ask about Additional Fees
There might be additional environmental fees or insurance charges. Sometimes the fees are added to the quote, but since you can’t be sure, it is important to ask if there will be any further charges.
4. Inspect the Equipment
Before bringing rented heavy equipment to your site, check its condition. Don’t do this alone. Go with someone who’s a trained operator or an employee who knows what to expect from the given equipment. You may also consult your crane rental specialist to make sure all inspections have been completed.
5. Ask Questions About Support
To keep you from being caught off-guard, know what to expect from the rental company’s customer support. Be sure to ask about turnaround times when you speak to the customer service team.
6. Get a Quote From the Rental Company
After you’ve decided on what you’re renting, and how long you’ll need it for, request a detailed quote from the rental company. This quote should include any ancillary services like transportation of freight charges.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Renting A Crane
Renting heavy equipment can be pretty simple if you take the proper steps. If you don’t, it can be a challenge. If you use these tips, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free rental.
Book well in advance
You don’t want to find out that there’s no equipment available for you when all other plans are in place. That’s why you need to make your equipment booking far in advance.
Involve your facility management team
If you’re doing a heavy lift on a complex job site, make sure to get your company’s or area’s facility management crew in the know. Update them on your plan. They need to know what to do with parking lots and other properties around where the heavy equipment requires access. They’ll clear up any obstacles that might spring up later.
Schedule rental for working hours
Pick a time when your workers are normally on the site. Don’t schedule your rentals during overtime unless there’s an incredibly pressing reason.
Read through the contract
People frequently don’t read the contract. Don’t rush to grab a rental deal that seems good but leaves you holding the bag in the end.
Common Errors to Avoid While Renting Cranes
Many new renters make common errors. Below are a few of them, and what you can do to avoid them:
Not Creating a Realistic Schedule
To maximize the value of your rented equipment, you need to create a realistic schedule. Be honest with yourself. Check the project scope and make rough estimates based on how broad it is. When you hire the right rental company, they should have a team to help you build your schedule. Remember that it’s better to build a schedule with some wiggle room so that you can accommodate delays.
Renting the Wrong Type of Equipment
If you don’t get good guidance from a rental provider, you might end up renting something that isn’t quite right for carrying out the job. To avoid paying for something you won’t be able to use, make a realistic assessment of what you need before placing your order and let your crane rental provider consult with you on the best crane for the job.
Renting the Wrong Size of Equipment
Apart from renting the wrong equipment type, you might rent a piece of machinery that doesn’t fit the parameters of the job. Remember to consider the project, the project site terrain, and operating conditions. Working with a crane rental specialist or expert can make sure the crane can fit where it needs to on the job site.
Not Preparing the Site
You’re likely to become overwhelmed with renting heavy equipment for your project, but this is a critical step. As the rental company prepares to bring their equipment to your site, do all the necessary work on your end. Clear the path, fell the trees and remove all obstructions. Make sure your team knows what to expect and that you’ve got a coordinated plan together, so that, when the rental arrives, everything’s ready and work begins immediately.
Not Obtaining Necessary Permits Early
So you won’t have to pay a fine or get shut down, make sure you’ve got all your necessary permits and licenses. It’s better to do this early so that you don’t have to make a ton of last-minute phone calls. Most cities require that you obtain specific permits before you can start work. If you’re not personally in charge of getting the permits, make sure to request a copy from whoever is, so that you know for certain that you have them.
Renting The Equipment at the Wrong Time
This is an easily avoidable planning error. Make sure you know when the equipment is needed on the site and have things ready so you can start using your rental immediately.
Choosing the Wrong Rental Company
Many people make this error because they do not conduct proper research before signing up with a company. You need to ask questions and look through reviews by previous clients. If possible, get references.
That is why you should consider companies like Maxim Crane, which specialize in the rental and sale of lift equipment, including hydraulic truck cranes, rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, tower cranes, conventional truck cranes, and boom trucks.
Time to Rent Your Crane
You need heavy lifting equipment to help you with certain activities on the site. But while renting comes with its many benefits, if you do not follow the right process or engage a company that is not the best fit for you, it can quickly become frustrating.
Thankfully, companies like Maxim Crane are renowned for giving clients the best support. You get to rent the best quality and most versatile equipment they provide. So you won’t have any problem renting your crane, trailer, hoist, or other heavy rigging equipment from them.
