Crane Rental (11)

What Is a Crane Used for in Construction?

A construction crane is used to lift, lower, and position heavy materials that other equipment cannot safely handle. Contractors typically rent a crane when loads are too heavy, too high, or too far out of reach for forklifts or telehandlers.

Cranes use booms, hoists, and cables to move materials with control and precision. This allows crews to place large components exactly where they need them while maintaining safe lifting practices on active jobsites.

Contractors rely on crane rentals for various construction tasks, including the following:

• Steel Erection: Cranes set beams, columns, and trusses so structural crews can align and secure building frames.
• HVAC Placement: Mechanical contractors use cranes to place rooftop units and large equipment onto elevated pads or platforms.
• Concrete Panels: Construction cranes help pick, rotate, and place precast panels, allowing crews to tie them into the structure without rehandling.
• Infrastructure Projects: For on-road and utility work, cranes handle large components such as girders, pipe sections, and rebar assemblies where access and clearance are limited.

Types of Cranes Available for Rent

BigRentz offers a wide range of cranes for rent, making it easier to match the right machine to your site conditions and lift requirements.

Mobile Cranes

When a job calls for fast setup and flexibility, mobile cranes are often the go-to choice. They can travel to the site, complete the lift, and move on quickly, which makes them well-suited for short-term work or projects with multiple lift locations.

All-Terrain Cranes

All-terrain cranes are designed for harsh conditions where access and ground conditions vary. These machines handle heavier loads and longer reach while still being able to travel between sites or across uneven terrain.

Carry Deck Cranes

In tight or congested spaces, carry deck cranes offer a practical solution. Their compact footprint allows operators to pick a load and move it short distances, which is especially useful inside active industrial facilities.

Crane Trucks

Crane trucks combine lifting capability with the convenience of standard road travel. They’re commonly used for lighter to mid-range lifts where quick mobilization matters, such as setting small equipment, materials, or structural components.

Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are central in projects that rise vertically and require constant material movement. Once installed, they provide consistent height and wide coverage, supporting daily lifting needs across mid-rise and high-rise jobsites.

With our crane rental services, you can source the right crane type without coordinating multiple suppliers.

Mobile Crane vs. Tower Crane

Mobile cranes and tower cranes serve many of the same lifting needs, but in very different ways. The right choice usually depends on how the site is laid out and whether lifts are occasional or part of daily operations.

Mobile cranes are built for flexibility. They set up quickly and can move around the site or between locations, making them a practical option for short-term work like structural steel picks, equipment setting, or utility installations at moderate heights.

A tower crane rental is better suited for longer projects, especially mid-rise and high-rise construction. Once installed in a fixed position, a tower crane supports daily lifting across the jobsite, providing the height and coverage needed to efficiently move materials to elevated floors.

Crane Lift Capacity and Reach

Lift capacity and reach are two important factors when planning a crane rental. They determine what a unit can safely handle.

Lift capacity refers to the maximum weight a crane can raise in a specific setup, depending on numerous factors, such as the crane type, crane boom length, and load radius. A crane that can lift a heavy load close to the carrier may have reduced capacity as the load moves farther out.

Reach describes how far the crane can extend both vertically and horizontally. Boom configuration, available setup space, and site conditions all influence how far the crane can safely work.

To size the crane correctly, a crane rental company typically asks about load weight, pick-and-set locations, and the required lift height before assigning equipment.

Carry Deck Crane vs. All-Terrain Crane

Carry deck cranes are compact and easy to maneuver, so contractors often choose them when they need a crane for hire that can operate in tight spaces. They work best for lighter loads and short-radius lifts where materials need to be picked and moved around a facility.

All-terrain cranes are designed for outdoor work where both road travel and off-road capability matter. They offer higher lift capacities and longer reach, making them a better choice for heavy lifts or projects that require moving between multiple locations.

On some jobs, teams may also consider a crane truck rental when mobility and access are priorities.

Crane Rental Cost Factors

Crane rental pricing depends on the details of your lift plan. Rates shift based on the crane type, site conditions, scheduling, and the level of support your lift requires. Below are other factors that influence crane rental rates:

• Crane Type and Size: Larger or more specialized cranes generally cost more than smaller units.
• Lift Capacity and Reach: As load weight and required reach increase, the crane size and configuration must scale accordingly. This directly affects equipment selection and overall cost.
• Rental Duration: Short-term lifts are often priced daily, while longer projects may qualify for weekly or monthly rates. Mobilization and setup are also factored into shorter rentals.
• Operator Requirements: Many crane rentals include or require certified operators and, in some cases, additional crew. Labor costs are part of safe and compliant lifting operations.
• Jobsite Location: Distance, access, permits, and site conditions all influence pricing.

Because every lift and project is different, the best way to understand crane rental costs is to request a quote through BigRentz. Our team can recommend the correct crane and provide accurate pricing based on your project needs.

Crane Rental FAQs