Four Critical Tips for Successful Crane Setup
If you are planning on using a hired crane on your property, you should consult an expert on heavy construction equipment for guidance on setting it up. In most cases, people focus on obtaining the right crane for the applications but forget that proper setup is critical for the success of the project. Remember, if a crane is installed poorly, it will be ineffective for your applications. Moreover, it could expose the workers to unexpected dangers. Here are some essential tips for setting up a crane on construction worksites.
Know the Ground Bearing Strength
You should know the load-bearing capacity of your ground if you are planning on installing a crane. Cranes are heavy, and they are designed to handle bulky materials. If the ground is weak due to the composition of the soil, your crane will not be able to stand. Calculating the load-bearing capabilities of the ground is a complex process. Therefore, it is advisable to contract a geotechnical engineer for site investigation and analysis.
Improve the Ground
You should think about improving the ground conditions before setting up a crane on your property. Simply speaking, if your land is not strong enough or there are potential hazards, you can make some changes, ensuring the safe use of the equipment. For example, if the ground is unstable due to loose soil, you can compact the soil and remove un-compactable layers. If the problem is shifting due to moisture, you can allow time for complete drying.
Choose the Right Crane Pads
You should be careful when selecting the pads for the crane installation process. You should be particularly diligent in identifying the correct pad sizes for your selected crane. If you acquire undersized pads, your crane will not receive sufficient support. Therefore, the equipment will be unstable and unsuitable for use. On the other hand, oversized pads are not ideal because they are unnecessarily costly. For the best results, you should follow the manufacturer's pad size recommendations.
Follow the Standards
You should discuss the safety standards on crane installation with the crane hire service to avoid accidents and legal repercussions. If you violate the rules, regulations and codes set to ensure worksite safety, the consequences could be dire for you and your investment. In general, it is important to understand the legal requirements by obtaining the right details from your contractor and equipment supplier. Moreover, you should ensure that you have taken all reasonable action to protect the workers.
Finally, you should ensure that the crane is inspected thoroughly before commissioning the lifting setup for use.