Before Speccing Service or Crane Trucks Consider These ...
Nov. 04, 2024
Before Speccing Service or Crane Trucks Consider These ...
Ten representatives of propane truck builders and truck equipment manufacturers shared with BPN some questions buyers should be prepared to answer when they sit down with a builder to spec out a new work truck.
What Operations Will the Truck Be Used to Perform?
What Size Tanks Will You Be Moving, and Where Will You Be Moving Them?
When buying a crane truck, these questions will help you determine how much reach and how much weight capacity you need. Knuckleboom cranes have a longer reach, but stick cranes are more popular. At the end of the day, the serviceman wants to set a tank where it is most easily accessible, explained Jerry Jones, co-owner and vice president of
Knowing how the truck will be used will help determine the model and equipment that will serve you best. I start out by asking the customer to tell me about their business, said Jason Soulon, regional sales manager for Westmor Industries (Morris, Minn.). Are they carrying cylinders, or 500s, or s? Are they using the truck every day? How many tank sets are they doing per day? The number and size of tanks you want to haul at once will tell you the length of the body. The anticipated payload will tell you the GVWR you will require in a truck. Your willingness to set a tank where the customer wants it, even if its far from where the truck can park, will determine the reach youll need in a crane. I just ask the customer to talk so I can get a 10,000-foot view of their business, Soulon added. If you are going to own the truck for six, seven, eight, or nine years, you need to think about what your business is going to grow into.When buying a crane truck, these questions will help you determine how much reach and how much weight capacity you need. Knuckleboom cranes have a longer reach, but stick cranes are more popular. At the end of the day, the serviceman wants to set a tank where it is most easily accessible, explained Jerry Jones, co-owner and vice president of Pacific Truck Tank (Sacramento, Calif.). A 21-foot reach is most common, but a 30-foot reach is becoming more popular. For the price difference, guys want the extra nine feet of reach, even though most of them want to set the tank close.
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What Is The Largest Tank You Are Going To Transport and Set With the Truck?
If its a , youll want a truck with at least a 14-foot body so the majority of the length of the tank is on the truck bed floor, to keep it level, said John Hawkins, CEO of
Who Will Service the Hydraulic Equipment?
Anthony Gentile at truck equipment manufacturer
What Will You Be Carrying and What Kind of Storage Will It Require?
If you have components that you want to keep out of the weather, such as HVAC parts, Eric Salinas, general manager at the Houghton Lake facility of
How Wide Is Your Service Area?
This will help you determine how much storage youll need. If you are out 35 miles from the office, you want to make sure you have all the parts youll need, said Wayne Terpstra of (Kansas City, Mo.). That will save time, because you wont have to run back. The answer here is cabinetshaving enough of them and the right kind. Fittings, regulators, tools, straps... its amazing how quickly a guy will fill that up.
What Material Do You Want Used For the Storage Cabinets?
Choices include aluminum, stainless steel, and steel that is painted. Most buyers choose aluminum in order to save weight. Everything you add to the truck, adds weight, explained Salinas of Signature Truck Systems. We make sure we are mindful of the total weight to make a useful truck. Some buyers favor stainless steel or mirror stainless. They want that show look and bling factor. They like that shiny surface on as many items as possible. VanDenBoom of Signature Truck Systems added, Many marketers take advantage of the large, smooth aluminum doors on our Linebacker to display their logo or specific advertising
Do You Know About the Latest Innovations?
Hydraulic truck equipment manufacturer
Do You Want to Equip Your Crane With the Latest Safety Equipment?
Automatic safety systems began appearing on cranes in the s, but theyve become more prominent in the last five years. The same thing that happened in the auto industry has happened in the crane industry, said Brett Collins, owner/president of crane manufacturer
Do You Want to Equip Your Truck With The Latest Safety Systems?
Two options that have been growing in popularity in the last two or three years are back-up cameras and rear obstacle detection systems, reported Soulon of Westmor Industries. Ive seen data that the biggest expenses related to accidents are backing accidents, he explained. Thats especially true when trucks operate around trees and garages. A back-up camera provides cheap insurance to prevent such accidents, and a rear obstacle detection system supplements that by giving the driver an audible warning. These are now reasonably reliable and more affordable than they used to be, Soulon said. Theyre not cheap cheap, but they will pay for themselves if they prevent an accident.
Have You Considered These Details?
Oppermann of Stellar Industries suggested several basic questions to consider when choosing an LP crane and body. What size of crane is needed? This is based on the reach needed of the crane and the weight of the tanks theyll be lifting, he noted. Will the crane be on the curbside or the street side? Is a lift gate or a workbench-style bumper better suited to your needs? What type of stabilizers do you need? For example, manual out, manual down or power out, power down? What length of body is needed? This is usually based on the size of the tanks and amount of storage needed for equipment and parts. How many tank saddles are needed on the body? Is corrosion and/or payload an issue? This helps determine if a steel body or aluminum body would be better suited to their needs. What do you want to go in the compartments to hold equipment and parts? This is used to determine the type and how many drawer sets and shelves are needed in the body, Oppermann added.
What Kinds of Equipment Are Your Peers Using?
One way to make sure youre aware of the latest options and are considering everything youll need, is to see what kind of equipment others in the industry are using. We show people pictures of trucks weve built in the past, said Roger Smith, general manager and vice president of marketing, propane sales, at
Whats It All Going to Weigh?
When specifying the equipment to be added to the truck, consider its weight. If its a 19,500 GVWR truck, by the time you add a couple of tanks, the tools, and the driver, you can be at the top end GVWR of the truck, said Terpstra of Custom Truck One Source. You want to stay legal and safe, and you dont want to wear out the truck over time. When youre at the top end of the trucks capacity, youre putting stress on it and it will wear out faster. To save weight, he added, most buyers are going with aluminum truck bodies. That way, they can put more payload on the truck because the bed and body are not as heavy.
Where Will You Have the Truck Serviced?
When selecting a chassis, consider where you will have the truck serviced. If you have already have a dealer service shop you know and trust, that will help you make the choice. At Pacific Truck Tank, the chassis most commonly used for crane trucks are the Ram and the Ford F-550, typically equipped with up to a -pound crane. Trucks are a personal preference, said Jones. I usually ask the buyer which dealer is closest or has the best service.
What Kind of Engine Do You Want?
H&H Sales Co. is seeing more customers buy crane trucks with gasoline engines, especially the new Ford 7.3-liter. A customer just picked up one and he was really impressed with the power, said Hawkins. H&H Sales Co. also converts that motor to propane using dual-fuel systems from Alliance AutoGas or ICOM. Just make sure there is a shop in your location that will work on a propane or dual-fuel engine, Hawkins suggested. Gasoline and dual-fuel engines are gaining ground because diesel engines are more expensive to buy and they require more frequent oil changes and filter replacements.
What Do Other Customers of the Truck Builder Say?
Before selecting all the equipment, youll be selecting a truck builder. Smith of Kurtz Truck Equipment suggests asking each builder for references and then talking with those customers. The biggest thing is, buy your crane truck from someone who is known for quality, he said. I advise talking to different manufacturers, getting references, and talking to their customers. That way, youll end up with a truck you will be happy with.
With your answers to these and other questions, a truck builder can customize a truck to the jobs you expect it to do, the loads it will be hauling, the terrain it will be covering, and the personal preferences of both the business owner and the driver/technician. When it hits the road, that truck should deliver state-of-the-art safety and productivity. Steve Relyea
As youre selecting the chassis and equipment for a new service truck or crane truck, you should also be thinking about your business, how it has changed since you last bought a truck, and how it may change over the next several years. Ready with that information, you will be better able to work with a truck builder to create a truck that will meet your needs throughout its operating life.Ten representatives of propane truck builders and truck equipment manufacturers shared with BPN someIf its a , youll want a truck with at least a 14-foot body so the majority of the length of the tank is on the truck bed floor, to keep it level, said John Hawkins, CEO of H&H Sales Co. (Huntertown, Ind.). If you want a liftgate, youll want to go to a longer, 16-foot body. If the truck is going to be used for service work as well as tank setting, you might want to consider a 22,000 GVWR chassis, like the Ford F-600 or the Chevrolet Silverado C, rather than the 19,500 GVWR that has been commonly used. The amount of equipment people want to haul will put a load on the 19,500 GVWR truck, especially if its going to be a multipurpose truck that is used for not just tank sets, but also service work.Anthony Gentile at truck equipment manufacturer Omaha Standard Palfinger (Council Bluffs, Iowa) suggested asking about the hydraulic equipment. As regional sales managereastern and national key account manager of work truck bodies & lifting systems, he advises buyers to ask: Will operator training be provided for the hydraulic equipment? What are the service requirements for it? Where and how can I get service for it? What is the warranty on the components? Beyond these concerns, Gentile said buyers of crane trucks generally ask about new features; payload availability; and warranty coverage on the entire unit, if any. Larger fleet customers normally have standard specification requirements, he reported. Smaller fleet customers may know what they want to do with the new unit, but not exactly what chassis, body, and crane they need. More often than not, they ask for guidance from the truck builder in regards to updates on a new chassis, crane, body features, and/or regulations.If you have components that you want to keep out of the weather, such as HVAC parts, Eric Salinas, general manager at the Houghton Lake facility of Signature Truck Systems (Clio, Mich.), suggested building your service truck on an extended cab pickup. With an extended cab, you can keep sensitive components in the cab, without having to squeeze it in behind the seats, he explained. On any truck, cabinet sizing, storage systems, materials, and tie-down locations can be customized to secure the cargo you know youll carry. Mike VanDenBoom, president of Signature Truck Systems, suggested also telling the truck builder of any in-cab equipment the serviceman might use, such as a tablet. We ask if there is anything inside the cab they want us to install, he said. We want to deliver a turnkey truck that is ready to go on day one.This will help you determine how much storage youll need. If you are out 35 miles from the office, you want to make sure you have all the parts youll need, said Wayne Terpstra of(Kansas City, Mo.). That will save time, because you wont have to run back. The answer here is cabinetshaving enough of them and the right kind. Fittings, regulators, tools, straps... its amazing how quickly a guy will fill that up.Choices include aluminum, stainless steel, and steel that is painted. Most buyers choose aluminum in order to save weight. Everything you add to the truck, adds weight, explained Salinas of Signature Truck Systems. We make sure we are mindful of the total weight to make a useful truck. Some buyers favor stainless steel or mirror stainless. They want that show look and bling factor. They like that shiny surface on as many items as possible. VanDenBoom of Signature Truck Systems added, Many marketers take advantage of the large, smooth aluminum doors on our Linebacker to display their logo or specific advertisingHydraulic truck equipment manufacturer Stellar Industries (Garner, Iowa) has added two innovations to its product line that may be new since the last time you bought a truck. One is an aluminum LP crane body, which was introduced within the last three years. Customers have really appreciated the weight savings aluminum offers along with corrosion resistance, said Adam Oppermann, product manager. The second innovation is the evolution of the handheld crane remote. For instance, the Stellar CDTplus crane remote features an LCD screen that shows an operator how far out the crane is, how much weight is being lifted, and how much more it can lift. It also alerts an operator as the crane gets close to its maximum lifting capacity by increasing vibrations as it nears the maximum capacity. This allows the operator to keep their eyes on the lift and not having to look down at the remote, making it safer for everyone in the area, Oppermann explained.Automatic safety systems began appearing on cranes in the s, but theyve become more prominent in the last five years. The same thing that happened in the auto industry has happened in the crane industry, said Brett Collins, owner/president of crane manufacturer Venco Venturo Industries (Cincinnati, Ohio). Cars went from carburetors to ECMs; the same has happened in cranes, with safety systems, sensors, and programmable logic controls. The technologies offering safety-related benefits include vehicle stability and grade indications, overload protection, and warnings of malfunctions. There are multiple alerts that tell you if you are doing something wrong, Collins explained. These systems can help compensate for operator error. Even if a guy tries to do something he shouldnt, these will stop him.Two options that have been growing in popularity in the last two or three years are back-up cameras and rear obstacle detection systems, reported Soulon of. Ive seen data that the biggest expenses related to accidents are backing accidents, he explained. Thats especially true when trucks operate around trees and garages. A back-up camera provides cheap insurance to prevent such accidents, and a rear obstacle detection system supplements that by giving the driver an audible warning. These are now reasonably reliable and more affordable than they used to be, Soulon said. Theyre not cheap cheap, but they will pay for themselves if they prevent an accident.Oppermann of Stellar Industries suggested several basic questions to consider when choosing an LP crane and body. What size of crane is needed? This is based on the reach needed of the crane and the weight of the tanks theyll be lifting, he noted. Will the crane be on the curbside or the street side? Is a lift gate or a workbench-style bumper better suited to your needs? What type of stabilizers do you need? For example, manual out, manual down or power out, power down? What length of body is needed? This is usually based on the size of the tanks and amount of storage needed for equipment and parts. How many tank saddles are needed on the body? Is corrosion and/or payload an issue? This helps determine if a steel body or aluminum body would be better suited to their needs. What do you want to go in the compartments to hold equipment and parts? This is used to determine the type and how many drawer sets and shelves are needed in the body, Oppermann added.One way to make sure youre aware of the latest options and are considering everything youll need, is to see what kind of equipment others in the industry are using. We show people pictures of trucks weve built in the past, said Roger Smith, general manager and vice president of marketing, propane sales, at Kurtz Truck Equipment (Marathon, N.Y.). They take bits and pieces of each and design their own. Thats especially true when it comes to storage cabinets, he added. Most peoples biggest concern is storage. For some people, its a security blanket. The more cabinets they have, the more they can carry.When specifying the equipment to be added to the truck, consider its weight. If its a 19,500 GVWR truck, by the time you add a couple of tanks, the tools, and the driver, you can be at the top end GVWR of the truck, said Terpstra of Custom Truck One Source. You want to stay legal and safe, and you dont want to wear out the truck over time. When youre at the top end of the trucks capacity, youre putting stress on it and it will wear out faster. To save weight, he added, most buyers are going with aluminum truck bodies. That way, they can put more payload on the truck because the bed and body are not as heavy.When selecting a chassis, consider where you will have the truck serviced. If you have already have a dealer service shop you know and trust, that will help you make the choice. At Pacific Truck Tank, the chassis most commonly used for crane trucks are the Ram and the Ford F-550, typically equipped with up to a -pound crane. Trucks are a personal preference, said Jones. I usually ask the buyer which dealer is closest or has the best service.H&H Sales Co. is seeing more customers buy crane trucks with gasoline engines, especially the new Ford 7.3-liter. A customer just picked up one and he was really impressed with the power, said Hawkins. H&H Sales Co. also converts that motor to propane using dual-fuel systems from Alliance AutoGas or ICOM. Just make sure there is a shop in your location that will work on a propane or dual-fuel engine, Hawkins suggested. Gasoline and dual-fuel engines are gaining ground because diesel engines are more expensive to buy and they require more frequent oil changes and filter replacements.Before selecting all the equipment, youll be selecting a truck builder. Smith of Kurtz Truck Equipment suggests asking each builder for references and then talking with those customers. The biggest thing is, buy your crane truck from someone who is known for quality, he said. I advise talking to different manufacturers, getting references, and talking to their customers. That way, youll end up with a truck you will be happy with.With your answers to these and other questions, a truck builder can customize a truck to the jobs you expect it to do, the loads it will be hauling, the terrain it will be covering, and the personal preferences of both the business owner and the driver/technician. When it hits the road, that truck should deliver state-of-the-art safety and productivity. Steve Relyea
Crane Rental—Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Crane rental can seem challenging what are the different kinds of cranes? How do you know which type is best suited for your project? How do you ensure you meet all safety requirements? You may have many questions about how exactly to rent a crane and how to find the right one to meet your needs.
This article will walk you through 10 of the most asked questions about renting a crane. The answers to these questions should give you confidence in finding the right crane and rental agreement when the time comes to talk to a dealer.
1. What Is Crane Rental, and Why Should I Consider It?
In many ways, crane rental is similar to renting a car. You decide what type of crane you need to accomplish your project and find a rental company with that type of crane.. Once located, you enter into a rental agreement for a specified period. During this time, the rental company maintains ownership, but you are responsible for the crane and its activities. When you are finished using the crane, you simply return it to the dealer.
Renting a crane is a good option for small construction companies that cannot afford to purchase one and do not need the services a crane can provide full-time. Crane rental allows you to use a crane without having to come up with a large amount of money required to purchase and maintain one.
2. How Do I Go About Renting a Crane and What Should I Expect During the Process?
The first step in renting a crane is finding a reputable rental company. Many fly-by-night companies and individuals may offer you better prices on a crane rental, but you may not have the benefit of a well-maintained vehicle with ample insurance and a dedicated team to support you. It is better to go through a company with a history and reputation of providing high-quality cranes and fair rental agreements.
You should inspect the vehicle and look for any obvious problems, like leaking fluids or welded patches on the body. Once you have done all of that, read through the rental agreement carefully. Be sure that your rights and responsibilities are clearly documented, as are those of the rental company. If it all checks out, sign the contract and get to work with your rented crane.
3. How Much Does Crane Rental Cost and What Factors Influence the Price?
Cranes are a vital piece of equipment on many construction sites. They can be used for a variety of tasks, including lifting heavy materials, moving equipment and clearing debris. As a result, they can save a lot of time and labor costs.
The price to rent a crane varies depending on the type of crane, the rental company and the length of the rental period. The price will also be affected by the location of the construction site and whether or not an operator is required.
Generally, you should expect to pay between $200 and $ daily to rent the most commonly used types of cranes. Larger tower cranes may run as high as $15,000 a month and are rarely rented for shorter terms.
When considering the cost of renting a crane, it is important to determine how long the project will take and what type of crane is best suited for the task.
Crane supply and demand is another factor to consider. If you live in an area where construction jobs are plentiful and many people are looking to rent cranes, you will pay more to get one if theres less supply to choose from. However, bigger demand often means increased supply, and you may get lower competitive rates. If, on the other hand, construction jobs in your area are few and far between, your rental costs will be lower unless there are no cranes nearby, then prices may be higher. It all depends on availability.
By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that you get the best possible value for your money. Several factors influence the cost of renting a crane.
4. What Is the Difference Between Bare Rental and Operated & Maintained Rental?
When youre considering renting a crane, you have two main options: bare rental and operated & maintained (O&M) rental. Heres a breakdown of the key differences between these two types of rentals:
Bare rental is just that youre renting the bare crane, without any operators or maintenance personnel. This option is typically cheaper, but it also means that youre responsible for providing the operator and operating the crane and maintaining it in good working order. If something goes wrong with the crane, youll be on the hook for repairs.
An operated & maintained rental, on the other hand, includes operators and maintenance personnel in the price of the rental. This option is typically more expensive, but it can give you peace of mind knowing that there are professionals on hand to operate and maintain the crane. If something does go wrong with the crane, the rental company will be responsible for repairing it.
5. What Are the Requirements for Renting a Crane?
During the rental process, you will be asked to provide proof that you have someone certified to operate the crane. Most states have specific requirements for obtaining this license, so be sure to check with your local authorities. If you do not have a crane operator certified by OSHA to operate the type of crane you are renting, the rental company may have operators you can hire for the duration of the rental.
You may also have to provide proof that you have the appropriate permits and legal documents to do the work you need the crane for.
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In addition, youll need to have insurance that covers the use of the crane. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damage that may occur while the crane is in use.
You may also be required to prove that you can cover the rental costs. This may entail a credit check.
Be sure that the company youre renting the crane from is reputable and has a good safety record. During the process theyll be able to answer any questions you have about the requirements needed. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your construction project goes smoothly and safely.
6. Are There Any Restrictions on Where I Can Use a Rented Crane?
When renting a crane, you may be wondering if there are any restrictions on where you can use the equipment. In most cases, the answer is no as long as you have the necessary permits in place, you can use your rented crane anywhere within the city limits. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. For example, if youre planning on using your crane in a crowded area or near power lines, youll need to get special permission from the city first. Additionally, some cranes are not designed for use on soft surfaces like sand or gravel, so youll need to take that into consideration when choosing a location for your project.
There are plenty of local, state, and federal restrictions on where you can use a crane, but none of them are directly linked to the crane being a rental. Before starting any project, you need to take the time to familiarize yourself with the regulations and laws affecting the area the project is located in. This includes any that pertain to the use of cranes. As long as you do your research ahead of time and get the necessary approvals, there shouldnt be any problem using a rented crane wherever you need it.
7. What Safety Considerations and Precautions Should Be Considered When Renting a Crane?
Before renting a crane, take the time to consider the safety of your crew and the surrounding community. Here are just some of the main considerations and safety precautions to keep in mind (please note that this isnt a comprehensive list):
- Make sure the crane is properly inspected and certified by a qualified person
- The operator of the crane should be properly trained and licensed.
- All workers in the vicinity of the crane should be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- The area around the crane should be clear of obstacles and hazards.
- Before a project begins, check the terrain to make sure that a crane could safely navigate it.
- Check to see what underground utilities are in the area. These may be damaged by the weight of the crane or its activities.
- Look for overhead wires in the areas where the crane will be operating.
By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure a safe working environment for everyone involved.
8. What Types of Cranes Are There?
In a nutshell there are three basic types of cranes:
- Mobile: Can be moved from spot to spot
- Fixed: Are anchored to the project they are being used on
- Specialty: Designed for specific situations, like floating cranes on boats
Mobile cranes are the most commonly rented of these three types. There are several types of mobile cranes. These include:
- Truck Mounted Cranes: These are usually limited in how much weight they can carry but have the advantage of being able to travel over the road to get to the worksite.
- All-Terrain Cranes: These can be capable of higher lift loads. They have wheels and can travel over the road and on most worksites.
- Crawler Cranes: These are fitted with tracks instead of wheels and can be used even in muddy or very rough terrain. They cannot be driven over the road; they must be hauled to the worksite.
- Carry Deck Cranes: These are small and have limited lifting capacity, but they are versatile, can squeeze into small spaces, and can maneuver in tight worksites.
9. How Do I Choose the Right Crane for My Needs?
There are several important factors to consider and questions to ask yourself when renting a crane. Here are a few to start with:
Weight
If you are considering renting a crane, the first question you need to answer is: How much weight does the crane have to be able to lift? Renting a crane that lifts more than you need is a waste of money. Renting a crane that cannot handle the workload you need may result in costly delays, machine breakdowns, or injuries.
Terrain
The next thing to consider when thinking about a crane rental is the terrain the crane will have to work through. Many worksites have rough ground and become slippery and muddy after rains. If this is the case with your worksite, be sure to find a crane that can traverse it safely.
Size
Finally, there is the size of the crane to consider. Generally speaking, you want to use the smallest size available to handle the workload you need. The smaller the crane, the lower the price, and the more likely the crane you rent will be able to maneuver around your worksite.
10. What Are Common Myths About Crane Rentals That People Often Believe and Why Are They Wrong?
- Renting a crane is not cost-effective: If you need the services of a crane for only part of the time you are on the worksite, then a crane rental may be much less expensive than owning one. With a rental, you do not need to worry about the cost of maintenance, insurance, or storage of the crane when it is not in use.
- Rental cranes are unsafe: While it may be true that unscrupulous people may rent you a crane in disrepair, respected rental companies wont. They know that if they get a reputation for renting faulty equipment, they will not stay in business for very long.
- Once you rent a crane, you are on your own: Most rental companies offer many services after you rent the crane. These may include operator services, scheduled maintenance, and service call. In some cases, they will even provide the fuel for your rental crane.
Begin Your Crane Rental Journey with Maxim Crane Works
If you are ready to tackle renting a crane, reach out to Maxim Crane Works. Maxim Crane Works is one of the leading providers of crane rentals in the United States. In addition to crane rentals, Maxim Crane Works also provides crane operator training and certification, rigging and transport services, and crane safety inspections.
No matter what your project entails, Maxim Crane Works can help you get the job done safely and efficiently. So, if youre ready to tackle renting a crane, reach out to Maxim Crane Works today. You wont be disappointed. With a large variety of cranes for rent and friendly and helpful staff, youre sure to get the right crane to meet your needs.
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