Different Costs that will affect the Price of Crane Hire
Hiring a crane can be an expensive undertaking, whether you work in construction, civil, mining, or require general crane hire to complete a job. This is because the cost of crane hire is calculated based on a number of factors including: size and weight of the lift, consideration of the project and application, lifting requirements, site conditions/restrictions, along with engineering, planning, safety and compliance factors.
Below are some of the key things a crane hire operator will need to consider that will affect how much it will cost you to hire a crane.
Impact of Load Size & Load Weight on Crane Hire Costs
Perhaps the most obvious, the heavier and larger the size of the materials to be lifted, the higher the cost of the lift will be as bigger cranes with bigger lifting capacities will be required.
This is why it is critical to have detailed information regarding the materials associated with the job or project, to get a more precise estimate of crane hire costs. Having the weight and measurements of the materials to be lifted available is a great starting point and will provide you with some confidence on the associated costs involved.
Smaller lifts can sometimes be completed safely done with alternative machinery, which can significantly lower your costs. However, additional suitable equipment, planning, and experienced personnel are all required to safely undertake this. Read our guide here on alternate machinery to mobile cranes.
Additionally, knowing the weight of your lift enables us to provide you with a price guide. You can make a start by using our online booking system.
In 3 simple steps, you can select the crane size you need based on your lift weight and lift radius, check available crane options and make a tentative booking for your preferred date and time.
How Site Conditions and Restrictions affect Crane Hire Costs
Another key factor in estimating the costs of your crane hire is the conditions of the site including ground conditions, access restrictions, and any on-site obstructions.
Ground Conditions
When assessing the condition of the ground, examine if the ground on your site would be easy or difficult to deal with and whether or not it is level or uneven. This will help to identify the best fit crane for your project. Unstable or soft ground may require additional equipment to be hired such as stabilising plates to ensure that the crane can be safely operated during the lift.
Ideal ground conditions where crane hire costs will be lowest are always flat, hard ground such as concrete slabs and sealed surfaces.
Site Conditions
It is also critical to inspect the site and look for any possible obstructions that could be caused by neighboring buildings, powerlines, or trees. This could alter the lifting arrangements on-site and further planning may be required to ensure a safe and efficient lift.
For cases where there are overarching obstacles such as powerlines, a Franna Crane may be preferred, whereas for locations that require the load to be lifted to a second or third level floor, a crane with a longer boom length could be needed despite the lifting load being relatively light.
Further information on the site’s access restrictions, whether it be limited space to work in, or access to nearby roads – may alter the choice in crane and play a big part in associated costs.
Other Factors that affect Crane Hire Costs
Outside of load size/weight, ground conditions and site conditions, there’s still a range of other factors that will affect the cost of your crane hire.
Additional Crane Equipment
Different hook attachments, lifting gear and stabilising plates are among some of the additional pieces of equipment that may be required for your particular lift. The shape, weight and composition of the load you need lifted could mean that specialist equipment is required to ensure that the lift is completed safely and that the load is not damaged. Of course this comes at an additional cost for crane hire, but saves you money in damages to both property and people.
Time Taken
The travel time to the site, and also the time spent on the site will affect how much your crane hire costs. At Premier Cranes we conveniently offer crane hire from sites in Southbank, Sunshine West, Williamstown and Pascoe Vale South, meaning no matter where you want to hire a crane in Melbourne, we have a crane depot close by to minimise travel costs.
Weather Conditions
While technically part of time spent on site, weather conditions will affect the cost of your crane hire. Unfavourable weather conditions such as winds can lead to additional safety measures needing to be taken or delays in the lift being completed.
Ways Crane Hire Costs can be Reduced
In order to provide an accurate quote, minimise costs and deliver a safe and efficient lift, we highly recommend pre-planning the lift before the crane arrives on site. This will help alleviate any unexpected delays, unforeseen issues and additional costs.
The Premier team can organise to meet you on-site to provide an accurate quote and comprehensive lift plan to reduce the risk of any unexpected challenges. This will provide you with the assurance that your project will not be delayed and hit all deadlines.
Why Choose Premier Cranes?
When Premier Cranes & Rigging is engaged to provide lifting solutions, all our cranes are fit for purpose and people are trained to the highest standards. You’re tapping into the expertise and knowledge of our people that not only know our capabilities, but know the optimal method that will get the job done.
Our culture is driven by one tag – #TeamLifting. This requires continuous improvement, innovation, and an investment in our greatest asset – OUR PEOPLE. To learn more about how we operate, lift each other up and ensure a safe, efficient, and timely outcome for you – contact us today.