Booking a Crane Service: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Renting a crane is a crucial step in many construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects. However, overlooking the finer details when booking a crane service can lead to delays, increased costs, safety hazards, or even project shutdowns. In this article, we explore the most common mistakes people make when hiring crane services—and how to avoid them.
Failing to Assess the Right Crane Type
Choosing the wrong crane is the most basic—and most costly—mistake. Different projects require different types of cranes, such as:
Mobile cranes for versatile, short-term lifts
Tower cranes for vertical and urban construction
Rough terrain cranes for off-road sites
Crawler cranes for heavy, long-term applications
If you don’t know which crane suits your project, consult an expert early. The wrong choice can mean scheduling delays, equipment failure, or unnecessary rental costs.
Underestimating Load Requirements
Every crane has a specific lifting capacity, and even a slight miscalculation can compromise the entire operation. Many project managers rely on rough weight estimates or supplier specs rather than accurate load data.
Best Practice:
Always confirm the total load weight, including slings, hooks, and any attachments.
Use manufacturer manuals or engineer evaluations when possible.
Share this data with your crane provider for a suitable recommendation.
Not Verifying Company Credentials and Certifications
You’re trusting a crane service provider with critical and potentially dangerous tasks. Yet, many businesses skip background checks on providers.
What to Check:
OSHA compliance
Operator certifications (NCCCO or local equivalent)
Equipment inspection records
Safety track record
Booking an uncertified or non-compliant company increases your liability and could void insurance.
Ignoring Site Access and Setup Limitations
Even if you’ve chosen the right crane, it might not fit your site. Narrow roads, power lines, unstable ground, or overhead structures can complicate crane setup.
How to Avoid This:
Schedule a site visit with the crane provider before booking.
Provide site diagrams and access information.
Consider rigging space, turnaround room, and boom clearance.
Skipping the Pre-Lift Inspection
Pre-lift inspections aren’t just a formality—they prevent major disasters. A skipped inspection can lead to rigging failure, equipment breakdown, or safety violations.
Required Checks:
Crane hydraulic systems
Rigging gear condition
Load weight verification
Ground stability
Communication systems
Ensure the team documents this step and involves a certified lift director.
Overlooking the Need for Permits and Legal Approvals
Crane operations may require permits—especially in public or urban areas. Forgetting this step can halt your project mid-operation and incur fines.
Permit Requirements May Include:
Road closures
Traffic control
Environmental clearances
OSHA notification
Coordinate early with your crane provider to secure permits in advance.
Poor Scheduling and Timeline Coordination
Cranes are expensive per hour. If your team or site isn’t ready when the crane arrives, you’ll waste money fast. On the flip side, booking too late causes project delays.
Best Practices:
Create a realistic and clear lift schedule.
Coordinate with all involved contractors and trades.
Include contingency time for weather or delays.
Not Including an Experienced Operator
Some companies book “bare cranes” (equipment only), expecting internal staff to operate them. Unless your team includes a certified and experienced operator, this is a critical mistake.
Even skilled staff may not know the specific controls or nuances of the rented crane, leading to performance issues or accidents.
Forgetting About Rigging and Support Equipment
Cranes don’t lift alone. You’ll often need additional support gear:
Slings
Shackles
Lifting beams
Rigging personnel
Taglines
Make sure these are quoted, included, and delivered with the crane—or plan to source them separately.
Choosing Based on Price Alone
Price shopping is understandable—but cheapest isn’t always safest or best. A low bid could mean:
Poorly maintained equipment
Inexperienced operators
Lack of insurance
No backup equipment
Tip:
Always evaluate value over price. Ask for previous project references and safety stats before deciding.
Not Reviewing Insurance and Liability Coverage
Crane operations carry inherent risks. If something goes wrong, liability can become a legal nightmare. Too many companies skip verifying insurance coverage.
Key Questions:
Is the crane insured for third-party damage?
Does the policy include rigging insurance?
Are both operator and equipment covered?
Who is liable in case of failure or delay?
Review documentation before signing the contract.
Lacking a Clear Lift Plan
Every crane operation—big or small—should follow a written lift plan. This document outlines:
Load weight and center of gravity
Crane positioning and boom angle
Communication procedures
Emergency protocols
A well-developed lift plan increases efficiency, coordination, and safety.
Failing to Communicate with the Entire Team
Crane operations involve multiple parties: riggers, site engineers, crane operators, safety managers, and ground crews. Lack of communication leads to:
Conflicting instructions
Missed signals
Unsafe working zones
Best Practice:
Hold a pre-lift meeting to align on timing, roles, and communication protocols—especially on radio usage or hand signals.
Working with Unreliable or Inexperienced Providers
A company may look good on paper but fail in real-world logistics, planning, or execution. Common signs of an unreliable provider:
Poor responsiveness to your queries
Incomplete paperwork or vague contracts
Lack of site visit before the job
Choose a partner with a proven track record, full transparency, and a focus on safety and professionalism.
Not Factoring Weather Conditions
Crane operations can be heavily affected by:
Wind
Rain
Lightning
Fog
Failing to plan for weather conditions can halt operations or create unsafe conditions.
Tips:
Check forecasts for all lift days.
Have a weather contingency plan in your lift schedule.
Know the wind limits of your specific crane.
Relying on Verbal Agreements Only
Verbal conversations may be friendly and fast, but they’re not reliable when disputes or delays arise.
Always:
Get written contracts and scopes of work
Include crane specs, operator details, timelines, costs, and liability clauses
Keep all email or digital communication organized and backed up
A clear paper trail protects both you and the provider.
Why Alltracon Is the Best Choice for Crane Services
With over 30 years of experience, Alltracon is your trusted partner for professional crane and rigging services. Whether you’re lifting a 1,000-pound industrial press, our certified operators, modern fleet, and safety-first culture deliver unmatched reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind—every time.
Conclusion
Booking a crane service is more than just calling a rental company. It’s a high-risk, high-value operation that demands preparation, coordination, and expertise. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save time, money, and headaches—while ensuring your project runs safely and on schedule.
Don’t leave your critical lifts to chance. Choose a reputable, experienced, and safety-driven provider like Alltracon to handle your crane needs with professionalism and precision.
