Overview
On construction projects, cranes lift trusses, beams, precast elements, materials and equipment. Coordination with the schedule and other trades is key to efficiency.
Planning includes delivery sequencing, crane positioning, rigging and safety zones.
Repeat lifts may benefit from longer-term rental arrangements.
How it typically works
- Demobilization.
- Coordinating deliveries.
- Reviewing lift schedule.
- Selecting crane.
- Executing lifts.
Before you decide
- Sequencing deliveries saves time.
- Safety zones must be established.
- Communication with crews.
- Weather contingencies.
- Longer rentals may be economical.
Local notes for Colorado's Front Range
Wind along the Front Range, especially near the foothills, can affect crane operations, and lifts are postponed when conditions exceed limits. Altitude does not change crane load charts, but weather windows and ground conditions after snowmelt matter.
We take inquiries from Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo.
Getting ready to reach out
- Tell us who the on-site contact will be on the day of the work.
- Mention whether you need an operator, rigging, delivery, permits or traffic control, or plan to handle those yourself.
- List the heaviest and largest items or loads, with approximate weights and dimensions, or share the equipment spec sheet.
- Note the lift height, reach or pour distance needed, measured from where the equipment would set up.
- Note any site rules, such as general contractor requirements, safety orientation, insurance certificates or restricted hours.
- Include photos of the site and the setup area if you can.
- Share your preferred dates, working hours and how long you expect to need the equipment or service.
Warning signs
- Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates or operator qualifications when asked.
- No clear answer about who is responsible for permits, traffic control or site preparation.
- Vague answers about equipment inspection and maintenance records.
- Pressure to proceed without a lift plan or site visit on a complex job.
- Quotes that change significantly on the day without a clear reason.
- No written quote that lists equipment, minimum charges, travel, overtime and cancellation terms.
- No questions about loads, ground conditions or site access before quoting.
Questions worth asking
- Can you support repeat lifts?
- How do you coordinate with deliveries?
- What lead time do you need?
- How do weather delays work?
- What personnel do you provide?
Common questions
- How long can I rent a crane?
- From hours to months.
- What if it's windy?
- Lifts may be postponed for safety.
- Can a crane set roof trusses?
- Yes, it's common.
Related topics
- Operated and Maintained Crane Service: What operated and maintained crane rental includes, versus bare rental, and questions to ask.
- HVAC and Rooftop Unit Lifts: Crane lifts for rooftop HVAC units and equipment, planning and questions to ask a crane company.
- Lift Planning: What a crane lift plan covers, when it is needed and questions to ask a crane or rigging provider.
Tell us a little about what you need, and we'll get back to you about construction lifts.