Rough terrain cranes as the term suggests are cranes that are specifically designed for rough terrains. These machines come with advanced features and technology to help keep them stable while positioned on uneven surfaces. At the same time, these machines are capable of lifting extremely heavy weights as well. But considering the number of options out there, purchasing or renting a crane from crane rentals could be difficult at times. To make the right decision, you need to be aware of the basic information. We will guide you about rough terrain cranes in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
What Is A Rough Terrain Crane?
As mentioned earlier, rough terrain cranes are a specific type of crane that are designed and made for challenging environments. You might have seen and observed cranes at construction sites with tracks and other important features but rough terrain cranes are slightly different from that.
Rough terrain cranes have evolved over the years and today, come with all the important features and specifications pre-programmed and installed. Rough terrain cranes are mostly found at sites and on terrains where other cranes find it difficult to move and function.
Furthermore, rough terrain cranes come with more or less the same physical features as the jib, outriggers, and hydraulics to be able to withstand extremely heavy weight. These features and specifications are important when it comes to lifting heavy weights to a certain height.
While some cranes are used for indoor tasks such as in warehouses and all, rough terrain cranes are a different breed. They are not suited for indoor activities and are mostly used for outdoor projects.
How To Choose The Right Rough Terrain Crane?
Now that you are familiar with the basics around rough terrain cranes, it is important for you to know how to choose the right rough terrain crane as well.
Research Rental Services
The first thing you are going to do when it comes to choosing the right rough terrain crane is look for referrals. You might want to ask your friends and family members first in case they have someone who can source you a crane. If not, you will need to do your homework and look for crane rental services on the internet.
If you have some crane rental services nearby, you might want to personally visit and interview them as well. The key to picking the right rental service is going through their portfolio and ensuring they have all the licenses and certifications to be permitted to rent out or sell cranes.
Some states have strict regulations regarding the renting and selling of cranes, especially used ones. The reason is that crane rental services and rigging companies DC need to maintain and keep the cranes in perfect condition to meet the safety protocols. Since construction sites have a lot of risk, the cranes need to be in perfect working condition at all times.
Check Rough Terrain Crane Specifications
While going through the options, you might have to spend a considerable amount of time and effort to pick a crane that matches your needs and preferences. You might think that rough terrain cranes are the same but that is not the case. Rough terrain cranes differ based on the specifications.
Every construction site is different in terms of the type and weight of the loads. This is why rough terrain cranes come in different sizes as well. To avoid spending a considerable amount of time and effort, you should inspect the site first and then, define your needs and preferences. Try to match these requirements with the specifications of the cranes to pick the best option.
Inspect The Crane
Once you have finalized the crane, you need to inspect it in detail along with the rigging equipment. You might be able to save the trouble while purchasing or renting a new crane but if the crane is already used, you will need to inspect it in detail and with an expert on your side, if possible.
From the outside, the crane may appear perfectly fine but it is the inside that you should worry about. Minor leakages, cracks, and damages could prove fatal when heavy weights are being lifted. Plus, some crane rental services tend to make cosmetic changes to hide the shortcomings as well.
But, with a second pair of eyes helping you out, the probability of such flaws going unnoticed is less. That said, you can ask your friends or family to help you out with the process.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Rough Terrain Cranes?
Better Mobility
Rough terrain cranes carry relatively a lot more advantages than other regular cranes. These cranes can easily maneuver themselves around complicated obstacles and are compact to make it easier for the operator to perform lifting tasks without consuming too much space.
Rough terrain cranes come with a 4×4 system that allows them to cope with difficult terrains even if it is muddy or snowy.
Mobility On Black Ice
Black ice tends to be a dangerous type of ice and rough terrain cranes are also able to handle that. This is why you will observe rough terrain cranes to have wider and larger tires in diameter.
This also gives the crane a good ground clearance. But since they cannot travel at high speeds. These cranes are transported to other sites if needed urgently.
Does Maintenance Help Rough Terrain Cranes Perform Better?
The ultimate purpose of maintenance when it comes to rough terrain cranes is to ensure the weight-lifting tasks are done safely. You should know that construction sites have a lot of people on the ground along with items and objects that could be deadly if they were to come in contact with humans.
This is why some states impose hefty fines and even revoke licenses of crane rental services if they are found distorting the numbers or manipulating them. Because rough terrain cranes lift extremely heavy weights daily, it is important for experts to perform a thorough inspection and maintenance.
This includes cleaning, repair, and replacement of the parts. The frequency of crane maintenance depends on the usage. Ideally, cranes should be checked by a professional at least once every 2 or three months. In the meantime, it is the operator’s job to perform an inspection both before and after using the crane.
Conclusion
Rough terrain cranes are surely fascinating types of cranes. You might be looking for the perfect crane for your needs but you will have to go through the information mentioned above. This will help you understand how these cranes work and what you need to look for in them. If you still find the process complicated, you should consult an expert and also find reliable crane services MD. It would be a lot better to be patient throughout the process instead of hurrying it and making things worse in terms of time and money.