Cranes are one of the best human inventions out there. These extremely hardcore and rough and tough machines are specifically designed to lift and shift heavy loads on a daily basis. Considering the nature of the project, cranes can range from humungous to mini sizes. But not every time there is a need for a machine that occupies a lot of space, is expensive, and makes things more complicated than they already are. Sometimes, all you need to do is perform maintenance work such as glass paneling and commercial maintenance or need a mobile crane in a construction site. That’s where you need mini cranes and small crane rentals. So, let’s take a closer look at mini cranes and see how opting for them is something you should consider.
Uses Of Mini Cranes
Glass Pane Handling
Glass pane handling might appear a simple task but it requires a lot of skills and experience to carry out such tasks. You might have seen tall residential and commercial buildings getting huge pieces of glass installed. The primary factor that makes the process difficult is the non-porous nature of the glass.
It is extremely difficult to grip and lift glass as even a minor mistake could lead to a big one. There is always a risk of a glass pane falling from a height and shattering. If there is a team working on the ground, you will have to be extra careful as it could lead to serious injuries.
To handle such tasks, mini cranes are mostly used that offer an impressive combination of a hydraulic manipulator and vacuum lifter. Mini cranes are fully capable and are designed in such a way that they can move in any position using a very small footprint and total stability.
Another noteworthy feature of mini cranes is that they can be operated remotely as well, which gives the operator a lot more freedom and a clearer view of the surroundings. Considering the small size of these cranes, mini cranes are mostly used for indoor purposes rather than outdoors.
Construction
One major reason mini cranes have become quite popular in a short period is their versatility. Although mini cranes are mostly used for indoor purposes, that does not limit their function. Since these are great in terms of handling, mini cranes are used for all kinds of construction services as well.
The reason mini cranes are used at construction sites is that they have a small footprint but can manage several types of loads and tasks at the same time without consuming too much space. This is a win-win situation for other cranes in the area that might need some space to function safely.
Therefore, having a mini crane for your construction tasks is important as it will take care of other tasks as well once it is done with the major ones. Plus, the renal cost on these machines is comparatively low as well, which makes them a lot more budget-friendly. However, don’t forget to involve rigging companies MD when dealing with lifting and moving loads.
Industrial Maintenance
Industrial maintenance is something that never stops regardless of the time and day. You may have some hospital maintenance work or something related to a stadium, mini cranes are going to be the best choice when such tasks are taking place.
The reason is that mobile cranes such as mini cranes are easy to transport and can also make their way easily to such sites. In the case of other cranes such as tower cranes, you have to disassemble and assemble them on the job site and then carry them on trucks, which takes a lot of time and effort.
In the case of mini cranes, all you need is an operator and some attachments that will help lift different types of weights and you are good to go. Plus, you do not need a team on the ground to help you move things safely as the compact size of the cranes makes it a lot easier for the operator to do it on their own.
How To Choose the Right Mini Crane For Your Project?
Now that we have discussed the uses of mini cranes, it is equally important to discuss the factors that will help you narrow down the options and pick the right one instead of wasting your money and effort.
Understand The Project Requirements
The most important factor you need to consider when it comes to choosing the right mini crane for your project is understanding the requirements. Every project has some requirements that help the contractors decide and determine what they will need to get the tasks done.
Load capacity is something you need to be careful as there are different types of weights at the working site and you do not want to exceed the maximum lifting capacity of the mini crane. At the same time, you should also consider the lifting height, which means the maximum safe height at which the crane can load and unload weights.
Evaluate The Work Environment
The location of the project plays an important role in terms of picking the right crane. You wouldn’t want to opt for a crane that takes too much space and compromises everyone’s safety. If the task is taking place outdoors, you will need to evaluate the ground conditions to see if it’s soft, solid, or uneven.
In addition to that, space constraints can also be an issue sometimes as the booms extend and may come in contact with items in the surroundings. This is why, before the crane makes its way to the site, you need to clear away any obstacles that might hinder its performance.
Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a crane. Although modern cranes are loaded with safety features, you have to consider and look for some specific features like overload protection, remote control mode, and anti-tipping systems.
These features are simple but can prevent many serious accidents and casualties from taking place. If the crane you are opting for does not have such features, you should avoid going for it as they might not conform to the rules & regulations.
You may face a serious legal battle if an accident were to take place and costly injuries and damages are reported.
Consult An Expert
Regardless of how experienced or knowledgeable you are about mini cranes, you should always have an expert by your side, ensuring you make the right decision. The reason is that an expert will thoroughly inspect a crane and perform complete inspections to see if it matches the requirements.
You might have to pay for their service at the end of the day but an expert saves you from a lot of trouble down the road. Some rental services tend to make cosmetic changes to hide the flaws, which could lead to accidents. But an expert will help you avoid such problems.
Conclusion
Mini cranes are efficient and effective. When choosing a mini crane and hiring crane rental services DC, make sure that you give the selection process some time and do not rush it. You should also consult an expert and think twice before making a decision. Once a decision is made, it can be both costly and simply a waste. So, better be safe than sorry.