The Four Little-Known Factors that Can Affect the Performance, Stability, and Safety of Your Crane

You will probably have a good idea of what you need to look for when choosing the right crane for your project or site – heading to an expert provider like PM Cranes with a clear enough of an idea – and some factors that can impact your decision include the load weight and your lifting height requirements. These are absolutely vital as they can lead to your project's success – or potentially lead to various issues. But some other key considerations and factors can affect your choice of crane, and not many of us may even be considering it. These factors also play a prime role in selecting the right crane, and they can affect your site or project's safety, efficiency, and cost. So, what are these, then? Here are the top four little-known factors that can affect your selected crane's performance, stability, and safety.

1. The terrain

Cranes will need adequate support to stabilise them on the ground, which is an immensely vital element, helping stabilise both the crane and its load. Your crane, therefore, will have to be suitable for your terrain. If the landscape is not even, you need to carefully select the support width. If it's rough, you need to choose cranes that have been expressly designed for rough terrain. On the other hand, if you have a firm and even terrain, a crane mounted on a truck can provide you with better mobility combined with stability.

You also need to consider the weather conditions, especially when it comes to snow, rain, and wind, but also in terms of heat. If, for instance, there is too much rain and the terrain becomes muddy, you need a specific kind of crane built for rough and muddy ground.

2. The accessibility

You also need to examine access to your site. In other words, can the crane easily access it? Of course, you would want to drive the crane to the site and drop it off with ease. But in reality, you could encounter various issues, particularly regarding safety, obstacles, and different regulations.

Most sites often feature unpaved roads, and not many of these roads are big enough for a crane, either. So, it pays to come up with a creative solution for this – such as the use of a specially-designed rough-terrain crane or a boom truck so you can gain access to sites that are harder to reach.

3. Potential issues on safety

You would also need to inspect the site and its surroundings for safety, but apart from this, you need to check the crane. There may be various potential issues regarding safety that you need to be aware of, and you may want to hire an inspector specialising in cranes. They will know, for instance, the local conditions of the weather, the terrain, and the local regulations.

Another aspect related to safety is the obstacles you may encounter. Obstacles such as streetlamp poles, power cables, scaffolds, catwalks, trees, and buildings can lead to issues, and you may need a crane with proper radio controls along with a skilled operator.

4. The cost

Of course, the cost is another factor. If you deal with similar sites and projects and are looking at an investment for the long term, it pays to get a proper, high-quality crane. On the other hand, you can lease it, too, but make sure the rental service you choose offers the best value.

 

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