Questions to Ask About Bare Rental Cranes
Expanding your construction business to include larger projects which involve cranes can bring in a lot more clients and work. However, some rental companies only offer bare rentals, which means that they do not provide operators for the machines you rent from them. Bare rentals can often be less costly than alternatives, so they're worth thinking about, especially if you plan to rent often. If you do rent only the machines though, ask these six related questions first.
How Will You Get an Operator?
The immediate issue for you, of course, is getting someone to safely move and operate the cranes you rent. There are many ways you can go about this. For starters, you might already have employees with the proper certification, in which case you simply must ask and investigate. You may also hire from outside your company. If you do this, though, you must think about whether you want them as an employee or an independent contractor. You might not have the budget for a new full-time employee, but finding someone who can jump in as needed can take some time.
Can the Rental Company Provide Advice?
Even if they're not providing a driver, the rental company can still provide informational value as well as the equipment. For example, they may be willing to consult with you about the work you have and the specific machines which can best accomplish your goals. You can ask about size, power and other features which can make the operator's job much easier.
If there are problems with the crane, find out how much a rental company is willing to help you troubleshoot.
Will the Rental Company Help Set Up?
Your existing workers will bear most of the responsibility for preparing the work site for the crane. However, you may be able to enlist the rental company's assistance in setting up cranes you're to use. Ensuring chains and other components are in good shape is vital for avoiding delays.
How Can We Best Schedule Crane Work?
It's essential that your work schedule be such that it accommodates the person you've hired to operate cranes, especially if they're an independent contractor. Do your best to schedule all tasks as well as possible so that they aren't standing around for hours without work to complete.
Working with a solid rental company will ensure you have great equipment, but use these questions to make your bare rental crane experience go smoothly.