If you’re planning on hiring a crane for your next project, it’s important to be aware that the cost is calculated based on a number of factors. In order to get an idea of what your crane hire might cost, you’ll need to factor in the size, weight, and composition of the load you’re planning to lift, the specific conditions and restrictions of the lifting site, the time you expect the project to take and any relevant weather considerations. 

Load size and weight

The most important factor that will influence the cost of your crane hire is of course, what you’ll be lifting. It may go without saying, but the heavier and larger the load you’re planning to lift, the more expensive your crane hire will likely be, as you will require a crane with a higher lifting capacity. It’s essential that you know the weight and dimensions of your load before you start the crane hire process as this information will determine which type of crane you need and prices can vary significantly between say a small 3-tonne crawler crane and a 55-tonne all-terrain crane.

Height of the lift

Another critical factor to consider is the height of the lift, as this is essential information when determining the crane you’ll need to hire. Higher lifts will require cranes with a longer boom, which are generally more expensive. 

Site conditions

Once you’ve determined the lifting capacity of the crane you need, it’s time to consider how it will navigate the lifting site. The first consideration is the condition of the ground. A crane that only needs to navigate a hard, level surface like a concrete slab or a finished road will likely be cheaper than one that needs to have additional features to allow it to safely navigate a construction site with uneven or unstable ground conditions. This may require an all-terrain or rough-terrain crane or other equipment like stabilising plates, which can add to the overall cost. 

You’ll also need to consider any obstacles that could make site navigation or boom operation more complicated. For example, does the crane need to navigate narrow spaces? Or are there obstacles in the vertical space that will need to be avoided such as powerlines or close-by neighbouring vehicles? The answers to these questions will help to determine the features or accessories of the crane you will need to hire, and therefore the cost. 

Extra equipment

Depending on your load and lift specifics, you may need to hire additional crane accessories such as a spreading bar, hoists, outriggers, man cage, pallet lifters, and different hook attachments. Each piece of extra equipment will come at an additional cost to your overall crane hire cost. Understanding the composition of your load and the requirements of your lift will allow you to factor in the cost of any extra accessories of equipment required.

Time

Of course, as with any hire, the period of time you require the equipment will have a massive impact on the total cost. We recommend doing some thorough pre-planning of the lift before the crane arrives on site, to minimise the time you’re paying for hire. Keep in mind that adverse weather conditions can draw out lift times, so it’s always worth checking the weather forecast before you hire. It’s also important to factor in the time it will take to transport the crane from the depot to your lift site. 

If you’re looking to hire a mobile crane for your next lifting job, contact the experts in mobile crane hire at St George Cranes. With over 25 years of experience, we can work with you to determine the best crane for the job and we’ll even give you tips to help you keep the costs of your crane hire to a minimum, while also ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and effective lift.