Is It Really Cheaper For Independent Contractors To Hire Industrial Cranes?

Independent contractors are often forced to use various types of cranes in their day-to-day activities around a construction site. Examples of the various types of cranes include slewing cranes, franna cranes and non-slewing cranes.

Industrial cranes often come with a hefty price tag. This prompts a large number of independent contractors to hire such equipment, as opposed to purchasing personal equipment. Apart from the fact that the initial cost of crane hire is lower than that of crane acquisition, the cost-effectiveness of hiring an industrial crane is seen in various other ways. Here is a brief insight.

Crane Storage And Maintenance

In addition to the cost of crane acquisition, independent contractors who choose to invest in personal cranes also need to invest in proper storage for the equipment. Many times, this would require the contractor to establish a storage facility where cranes will be protected from exposure to harsh weather elements (e.g. moisture), which may damage electrical components of the crane. Establishing a storage facility is bound to be quite an expense considering the bulky nature of industrial cranes.

Hiring an industrial crane is also advantageous in the sense that it allows a contractor to avoid the cost of on-going crane maintenance. Crane maintenance often involves, but it is not limited to, the following activities:

• Cleaning, lubrication and even replacement of dry wire ropes on the crane
• Repair and/or replacement of parts of worn-out parts of the crane's break and clutch system
• Repair and/or replacement of leaking hydraulic systems within the crane.

With a hired crane, the cost of maintenance is borne by the equipment rental agency in question.

Labour and Licensing-Related Costs

Investing in a personal crane will also require a contractor to invest in skilled workers who will operate the crane and supervise its operations. At the very least, this means that the contractor will need to invest in training programs that will equip existing employees of the contractor (or sub-contractors) with the skills required to safely operate an industrial crane. Alternatively, the contractor would have to hire and retain the services of an already qualified crane operator.

Even if a contractor is to double up as the crane operator, he or she will need to apply for a high-risk work license from the relevant authorities. In order for a high-risk work license to be issued, the contractor will be required to undertake a safety training course so as to guarantee that he or she is fit to undertake high-risk work.

From the discussion above, it's clear that the initial cost of crane acquisition is only the first expense associated with owning an industrial crane. If you need a crane for a job, contact an industrial crane hire company in your area.