The Ultimate Guide to Crane Hire in Melbourne

Introduction:

Cranes are an essential piece of equipment for many construction and infrastructure projects in Melbourne. Choosing the right crane hire company is crucial to ensure your project runs smoothly and safely. This ultimate guide provides everything you need to know about crane hire in Melbourne - from the different types of cranes available to tips for finding the best crane hire company for your needs. Whether you're constructing a high-rise building, lifting heavy equipment, or any other large-scale project, this guide has you covered.

Different Types of Cranes Used in Melbourne

There are several different types of cranes used for various purposes:

- Tower cranes - The most commonly seen crane on construction sites. Tower cranes are affixed to the ground on concrete foundations and can reach great heights to lift materials up a tall building. They are ideal for constructing high-rises.

- Mobile cranes - Truck-mounted cranes that can move from site to site. Their base is still stationary during lifting. Better for lower-rise commercial construction.

- All-terrain cranes - Similar to mobile cranes but with all-wheel drive and more axles. This allows them to lift on rough terrain where a regular mobile crane cannot go.

- Crawler cranes - Also known as lattice booms. These cranes move on caterpillar tracks rather than wheels, allowing them to traverse uneven or soft ground conditions. Useful for lifting near rivers or marshes.

- Rough terrain cranes - Much like all-terrain cranes, these can lift on uneven ground. But they are smaller and more compact. Ideal for residential construction sites with space limitations.

Key Factors When Selecting a Crane Hire Company

Choosing the right crane and crane company for your project is critical. Here are the key factors to consider:

- Relevant experience - Look for companies experienced with projects similar to yours, whether it's high-rise commercial builds or smaller residential jobs.

- Safety record - A good safety record is a must. Check companies for any serious safety breaches in the past 5 years.

- Insurance coverage - Ensure the company has adequate insurance for the scope of your lifting job. They should be insured for any damage or liability.

- Available fleet - Select a company that has the specific crane types and lifting capacities needed for your project scope.

- Flexibility - Look for crane companies that can adjust quickly to any changes in plans and can provide crews on short notice if needed.

- Reputation - Check reviews and talk to previous clients about their satisfaction. A reputable company will have many happy repeat customers.

- Compliance - Choose a company that meets all legislated compliance and licensing requirements in Victoria.

- Cost - Get quotes from multiple companies and compare costs. But don't select based on price alone - safety and quality are paramount.

Crane Hire Process & What's Included

When you engage a crane hire company, they will assess your specific lifting needs and advise you on the best crane choice. Here's an overview of the typical crane hire process:

- Site inspection - The crane company will visit your site to survey the terrain and identify any site restrictions or access issues.

- Crane selection - They will recommend the optimal crane based on lifting height, capacity, reach, etc.

- Risk assessment - A safety risk assessment will be performed and a safe work method statement provided.

- Permits - They organize any road occupancy or council permits required for large crane operations.

- Transport & setup - The company will transport the crane to your site and set it up, including all rigging.

- Certified crew - An experienced crane crew certified to operate the equipment will be provided.

- Operation - The crew will make the scheduled lifts according to your instructions and timelines.

- Breakdown & demobilization - When the lifting job is complete, the crane is dismantled and removed from the site.

Most crane hire companies will include all of this in a simple package rate to streamline the process for you.

Key Crane Safety Tips

While a professional crane company will handle the bulk of safety, it's prudent to keep these safety tips in mind:

- Establish a clear exclusion zone around the crane's operation area and limit access.

- Ensure proper rigging procedures are followed, using only certified riggers. Never overload.

- Keep spotters on the ground to help the operator position loads.

- Don't allow workers underneath suspended loads.

- Know the weight of all materials being lifted.

- Avoid lifting over public areas and in high winds whenever possible.

- Crane operators should cease work in lightning storms or severe weather events.

By following safety protocols, crane lifts can be performed with minimal risk. Always put safety first.

Finding the Right Crane Hire Company in Melbourne

With this guide's advice, you should feel equipped to find the right crane and company for your Melbourne job site. Seek quotes from established firms like Mills Cranes, Brogan Group, andOTAL Cranes to compare. Check their experience, safety record, equipment fleet, and client reviews. Visit sites to see their cranes in action if possible.

Take the time to make an informed crane hire decision. This will keep your project on track and ensure workers and the public stay out of harm's way. Your construction team will be thankful for reliable, safe crane operations.