As we move through this interesting period of Covid lockdowns business is still moving ahead. The construction industry is still moving ahead and government stimulus packages are going to ensure a busier time moving forward. McIntyre crane services many industries including Roofing and building, construction and concrete, infrastructure, power line, HAVC, Oil and Gas to name a few. These industries are located throughout Alberta from Banff to Edmonton to Fort McMurray. Regardless of the industry or job, crane companies all have different standards. One thing that we all have in common is that we are all crane companies. If you are looking to hire a crane company, wether you are in Edmonton or Calgary, here are some tips on what to look for:
Things to look for when choosing a crane company
When considering which company to partner with for your business or project, there are a few key considerations to take into account and questions to ask when partnering with a crane company:
Crane and Rigging Safety
Crane safety is of utmost importance for both your staff and others on site. When considering different crane companies, there are a few questions that you should ask:
- Do they have membership or certification from the leading Crane and Rigging safety standards organizations like COR, Alberta Construction Safety Association, Comply Works, Avetta and ISN? (For more information links to these associations can be found at the bottom of this article.)
- Do they have written safety procedures that they follow?
- How often they service their cranes and rigging and how often they are inspected.
- When inspecting the cranes, do they make use of a standard checklist or something like an automated asset compliance and verification software?
Skilled Crane Operators
Don’t be afraid to ask for the qualifications of the operators, this is your worksite or job! A good crane hiring company will always offer skilled, knowledgeable crane operators to operate the crane you’re looking at if you don’t have one. Crane operators should be licensed and be able to show their credentials when you ask for them.
Wide Selection of Cranes
Questions applicable to the company’s crane fleet are very valid. It gives you insight into the scope of their service offering. A reputable hire company has usually been in business for a while and is equipped with a fleet of machines that can lift a variety of classes. You want a company that has experience and knowledge, an industry track record and a fleet that is well serviced and safe. When working with machines of this nature and capacity, it is important you partner with a reputable brand, not a company that is just a fly by night.
Service
Like any industry, you want to be treated right. Check the companies history, read reviews, read the replies to those reviews. There are many methods to check a Crane companies history of customer service.
Price
Crane rental prices are often at the top of everyone checklist and rightly so. Keeping a strict budget on any engineering or construction project is key to its success and everyone is looking for a competitive price. However, we would recommend not basing your entire decision simply on price. Cheaper is not always better when it comes to renting heavy machinery like this and you’ll want to make sure the company you choose ticks all five of the boxes we’re suggesting.
If you have any questions about hiring a crane and rigging company, please contact us.