Crane News

How to Choose the Right Mobile Crane

Mobile Cranes | Jun 20 / 24

Knowing how to choose the right mobile crane for your project is crucial for ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. At TNT Crane & Rigging, we provide expert guidance on choosing the appropriate mobile crane for various construction and lifting tasks. That is why we have put together some information on how to choose the right mobile crane so that you can make an informed decision for your construction project.

Understand Your Project Requirements

The first step in choosing the right mobile crane is to thoroughly understand your project’s specific requirements. Consider the weight of the materials to be lifted, the height at which they will be lifted, and the radius within which the operations will occur. Additionally, evaluate the type of infrastructure project and conditions of the job site, including space constraints and ground conditions, as these factors significantly influence the type of crane you should select.

Types of Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes come in various types, each suited to different tasks and environments. These include:

  • All-Terrain Cranes: Ideal for both on-road and off-road projects, these cranes offer high mobility and are capable of handling a variety of lifting tasks.
  • Rough Terrain Cranes: Specifically designed for rough and uneven terrains, these cranes have rugged undercarriages and are excellent for projects with challenging ground conditions.
  • Truck-Mounted Cranes: These cranes provide mobility and speed of set-up and are perfect for projects that require lifting in multiple locations over a short period.
  • Crawler Cranes: Known for their stability and massive lifting capacities, crawler cranes are suitable for long-term projects on stable surfaces.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Mobile Crane

Choosing the right type of mobile crane depends on your project’s scale, duration, and environmental challenges. Some of the things that you should take into consideration when selecting a mobile crane include:

Lift Capacity and Reach

The core reason for choosing a mobile crane lies in its lift capacity and reach. Ensure the crane can handle the maximum weight of your project’s loads and reach the necessary heights and distances. Consulting with a crane specialist can provide insights into the crane’s capabilities and limitations, ensuring you select a crane that safely meets your project’s demands.

Learn how to calculate a crane’s lifting capacity.

Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount when operating any crane. It is essential to choose a crane that complies with all local safety regulations and standards. Before making a decision, verify that the crane has undergone recent inspections and is equipped with safety features such as load indicators, anti-two block systems, and robust emergency stop functions.

Operating Surfaces

Terrain has a significant impact on the effectiveness and safety of a mobile crane. While some units are only designed to operate on hard and flat surfaces, others can perform lifts on nearly any type of terrain. If you will be working with loose gravel, mud, or uneven surfaces, you will likely require a rough-terrain or crawler crane to perform each lift and navigate your site.

Obstacles and Obstructions

Tall trees, nearby buildings, power lines, and other cranes are just some examples of overhead obstructions that can prevent a mobile crane from performing a lift. If your project site features any of these obstructions, you will need to choose a compact or articulating unit that can perform lifts while avoiding them.

The Materials You are Handling

From large construction materials to heavy HVAC units, there are many materials and products that will need to be handled throughout a project. To ensure that these materials will be safely lifted and placed, be sure to consider the weight and size of every material or piece of equipment you need to handle. This will help you determine your lift capacity and outreach requirements, allowing you to select only from options that meet these specifications.

Transportation/Delivery Requirements

Some cranes are more difficult to transport and deliver to a project site than others. If your site is in an area that is difficult to access, you may have some restrictions on the types of cranes you can rent. Before renting a crane, confirm that it can be delivered to your site and determine how much it will cost as this will help you determine if it complies with your budget.

Consult with Experts

Given the complexities involved in selecting the right mobile crane, consulting with experts who understand the intricacies of crane operations and local regulations can be invaluable. TNT Crane & Rigging offers comprehensive planning services for complicated lifting projects, providing tailored advice based on decades of experience in the field.

Choosing the right mobile crane is a critical decision that impacts your project. Consult with the professionals at TNT Crane & Rigging by calling 1-833-479-7833 to request a quote to ensure your lifting operations are successful and safe.