Crane rigging equipment plays a crucial role in lifting and moving heavy loads in a construction or industrial setting. But cranes need the right type of rigging equipment in order to safely move objects around a job site. 

Here are five of the most commonly used types of crane rigging equipment that you should know before tackling your next big project. 

Rigging Hooks

Rigging hooks are used to lift any heavy objects. They get attached to the object and are designed to prevent slippage when the heavy load is lifted into the air. Rigging hooks are normally made with steel and come in many different shapes and sizes. Some common types of rigging hooks are eye hooks, clevis hooks, and swivel hooks. 

Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are made of steel cables coiled tightly together to form a rope-like lifting device. These are extremely strong and can come in several different diameters, depending on the size of the load being lifted. 

Wire rope slings are often used with hooks, clips, and more to attach and move a heavy load. Some downsides of wire rope is that it has a lower strength to weight ratio when compared to synthetic materials. It is also difficult to inspect and repair if broken, and can be susceptible to corrosion from the elements.

Synthetic Lifting Slings

Synthetic lifting slings are similar to wire rope slings, except they are made with materials like nylon or polyester instead of metal wire. These are lighter in weight, easier to handle, and offer more flexibility and shock absorbance than wire rope. Oftentimes, they are also much cheaper and easier to maintain. 

Synthetic slings have a bit more applications than wire ropes, however. They can also be used to strap down and secure construction materials since their material won’t scratch or damage any delicate loads. A downside of synthetic slings is that they’re more susceptible to cuts and tears, which can’t always be repaired. 

Pulleys and Blocks

Pulleys and blocks are used together to lift extremely heavy objects without any excessive force. They often use wire ropes that are looped through the pulley and attached to swivels, eye hooks, or clamps to connect to and lift other hardware. There are several different types of blocks, including snatch blocks, swivel blocks, tilt up blocks, and square blocks. 

Eye Bolts and Steel Nuts

Eye bolts serve as an anchor point for various rigging applications. They are often made from steel and can come in a few different models:

• Shouldered eye bolts – These are designed with a shoulder in between where the eye and shank join together. The shoulder design reduces bending and stress, making these the ideal option for lifting heavy objects at an angle.
• Non-shouldered eye bolts – These are the plain eye bolts without a shoulder, and are good for lifting objects vertically but not at an angle. 

Steel nuts also work in tandem with eye bolts as an anchor point. Some of the frequently used models are:

• Hex nuts
• Dome nuts
• Lifting eye nuts
• Ball end nuts
• Wing nuts

Heavy-Lifting Crane Rigging Services in San Francisco

Looking for some assistance on your next big construction project? Sheedy Drayage Company has been providing custom heavy-lifting services around the Bay Area since 1925. 
Please give us a call at (415) 648-7171 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Trying to avoid crane renting mistakes? Cranes are a necessary requirement for many construction projects and renting them is a great way to cut expenses. Sheedy Crane is the number one option for crane rentals in the California area. 

However, it can be a significant decision that needs thoughtful consideration to ensure the proper safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness for a project. Without the proper planning, renting a crane can come with a set of potential pitfalls. Here are some common crane renting mistakes that you need to avoid before making your final decision. 

1. Choosing the Wrong Crane 

Sheedy has a wide range of crane models to choose from, such as Hydraulic Truck Cranes, Lattice Boom Cranes, All-Terrain Cranes, and more. Choosing the wrong type can be a disastrous crane rental mistake that will delay your project for weeks to months. To avoid this, there are a number of factors to consider before renting. The first thing to understand is the specific requirements of your project. What is the maximum lifting capacity that will be needed, and how high will the crane need to reach? Will the crane need to be moved to different locations? 

Other things to consider are environmental factors, such as weather conditions and the surface of the job site. Does the area have flat or rough terrain? For example, if the site is off-road, renting a Rough Terrain Crane would be the best option for its mobility. Fortunately, Sheedy offers several models to choose from so you will always find the best crane for your project. 

2. Delivery Times 

Cranes are massive, and it can take a long time to deliver one to your job site, especially in major cities like San Francisco. You will want to make sure the crane is ordered well in advance to avoid any delays to your project and stay on schedule. Our team will help with the transportation and delivery of the crane to your job site. 

3. Insurance 

Even with the proper planning, accidents can still happen during construction. That’s why it’s important to have your crane rental insured. Luckily, Sheedy Crane owns and maintains all its equipment. They also offer safety and insurance programs to reduce risk as much as possible on the job site. 

Hiring Inexperienced Crane Operators 

If you are renting a crane, you will need someone who knows how to use it. That’s one of the major crane renting mistakes to avoid. You’ll want to make sure you hire an experienced crane operator to mitigate risk and have some peace of mind for your construction project. Thankfully, Sheedy Crane’s equipment is operated by NCCCO (National Commission For The Certification Of Crane Operators) licensed and trained crane operators. 

Rent With Sheedy Crane If you know what type of crane you will need for your job site, check out Sheedy Crane in San Francisco, CA. With our fleet of over 100 trucks, cranes, and other heavy-duty lifting equipment, we guarantee you will find everything needed for your next big project. Please contact us today for more information about our crane rentals!

Commercial crane rentals in San Francisco play an important role in the construction industry. Certain construction projects will require certain types of cranes to ensure proper safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness on the job site. Crane rental companies like Sheedy Crane can provide access to these tools without the financial burden of having to purchase them. 

How to choose the right commercial crane rental?

So how can you determine which crane will be the most effective for your next project? When choosing the right commercial crane rental, it’s important to know where your project will be. Will it be on smooth or rough terrain? Will the crane be needed on multiple sites? Each model from Sheedy Crane has a unique set of features that make them suitable for different types of projects. To make an informed decision on the best commercial crane rental for you, let’s 

examine the different types of cranes. 

1. All Terrain Cranes

All terrain cranes are versatile cranes that provide great mobility in tight spaces and around multiple job sites. They can be driven on public roads and highways as well as offroad surfaces like dirt and gravel. This makes them a great choice for a project that requires heavy-duty lifting in several different project locations. Sheedy Cranes offers all terrain cranes with carrying capacities of 200-500 tons.

2. Lattice Boom Cranes

Lattice boom cranes are also known as crawler cranes. These are another type of mobile crane that uses tracks instead of wheels. Their lattice design gives them a heavy lifting capacity and the tracks offer more stability compared to all terrain cranes. While lattice boom cranes can handle different terrains, they lack the overall mobility of all terrain cranes. They are a good choice for long-term projects in a singular location. Sheedy Cranes offers lattice boom cranes with different carrying capacities ranging from 165-225 tons.

3. Hydraulic Truck Cranes

Hydraulic truck cranes are a type of truck-mounted crane that use an internal-hydraulic system to lift heavy objects. These vehicles don’t have the same off-road capabilities as all terrain cranes, but they are useful on public roads and highways. Hydraulic truck cranes are best suited for places with smooth surfaces like cities or residential areas. You can rent these at Sheedy Crane with carrying capacities of 22-90 tons. 

4. Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are another type of mobile crane that specialize in projects at off-road locations. Rough terrain cranes contain oversized tires and all-wheel drive to handle harsh conditions and any type of terrain. They make a great choice for projects in remote areas with uneven surfaces. Sheedy Crane has multiple rough terrain cranes for rent with carrying capacities of 10 to 70 tons.

5. Roof-Mounted Cranes

Roof-mounted cranes are stationary and normally assembled on the roofs of high-rises and other tall buildings. These are useful tools needed for transporting heavy objects, people, and machinery up and down a building. Sheedy Cranes offers two types of roof-mounted cranes with carrying capacities of 30 tons and 50 tons.

Find the Crane You Need with Sheedy Crane Rentals

Hopefully this article helped you find the most useful crane for your next project. If you are looking at commercial crane rentals in the San Francisco: Bay Area, Sacramento, or Central Valley, Sheedy Drayage Co. will have you covered. We operate a fleet of over 100 trucks, trailers, crane rentals and other heavy-duty lifting and hauling equipment. To further reduce risk on your job site, we also offer crane rentals with a skilled NCCCO certified operator for an additional cost. Please contact us today for a quick and easy quote.

In the world of heavy machinery, hydraulic cranes stand tall as engineering marvels, blending power, precision, and versatility. These towering giants have revolutionized construction and industrial operations, enabling the lifting and transportation of colossal loads with remarkable ease and efficiency. This article discusses the intricate workings and capabilities of hydraulic cranes, from experienced companies like Sheedy Drayage Cranes, unraveling their fascinating mechanisms and shedding light on their wide-ranging applications. Understanding hydraulic cranes doesn’t have to be difficult.

The Essence of Hydraulic Cranes:

A hydraulic crane is a mobile crane that uses hydraulic systems to provide the force required to lift big things. The underlying concept of these cranes is Pascal’s law, which says that when pressure is applied to a fluid in a confined area, the pressure is evenly transmitted to all regions of the fluid and its container. This essential notion serves as the foundation for hydraulic crane functioning.

Hydraulic Crane Components:

(a) Boom: The boom is the primary arm of a hydraulic crane and plays a pivotal role in lifting operations. It consists of several telescopic sections that can be extended or retracted to achieve the desired reach and height.

(b) Hydraulic System: It relies on a complex hydraulic system to generate and control the lifting force. This system comprises hydraulic cylinders, pumps, valves, and fluid reservoirs. The cylinders extend and retract to provide the necessary lifting power, while the pumps supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate the crane.

(c) Counterweights: They have counterweights to help them stay stable when lifting hefty objects. These weights balance the load’s force, ensuring safe and regulated operations.

(d) Outriggers: Outriggers are extendable supports positioned around the crane’s base to enhance stability during lifting operations. They provide additional support and prevent tipping or tilting.

Significance in Various Industries:

The adaptability of cranes makes them indispensable in a wide range of industries. Some notable applications of Sheedy Cranes include:

(a) Construction: They are extensively used in construction projects, where they assist in erecting steel structures, placing heavy concrete components, and lifting building materials to great heights.

(b) Shipping and Ports: These cranes are vital in shipping yards and ports, enabling the efficient loading and unloading of cargo from ships and containers.

(c) Oil and Gas Industry: It can find its place in offshore operations, facilitating the lifting and installation of equipment on oil rigs and platforms.

(d) Emergency Services: play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts. They are used to lift debris, rescue trapped individuals, and aid in the reconstruction process.

Safety Measures and Operator Skills:

Operating a hydraulic crane necessitates knowledge and careful attention to safety regulations. Crane operators must be well-versed in load capacity, stability, and suitable maneuvering procedures. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential for ensuring peak crane performance and reducing the risk of accidents.

Advancements and Future Trends:

Crane technology is always evolving, with technological breakthroughs enhancing efficiency and safety. Computerized control systems, load monitoring sensors, and remote operation capabilities are all standard features on modern cranes.

Hydraulic Crane Rentals in San Francisco – Sheedy Drayage Co.

In conclusion, cranes with hydraulic functions have transformed the way heavy-lifting activities are completed in a variety of sectors. Their enormous force, combined with precision control and agility, has made them invaluable instruments for dealing with complicated building projects, logistical issues, and emergency circumstances. Technology will surely continue to push the boundaries of what is feasible in the realm of heavy machinery as it advances.

Visit the Sheedy website to get to know more about our professional services.

In recent years, technological advances have altered what it looks like to operate a crane. From improving the crane’s safety features to automating several important functions, cranes are easier and safer to operate than ever.  Let’s take a look at some of the important ways that technology has altered what crane automation and operations look like:

Improved Crane Safety Features

One of the most important ways technology has impacted crane operations is by introducing new and improved crane safety features. Here are a few examples:

• Sway-Reducing Technology: New and improved sway reducing technology makes it easier to start and stop the crane. This is important because it reduces the frequency of abrupt stops that lead to large amounts of sway. This reduced level of sway makes it possible for the user to focus on other aspects of the crane operation, creating a safer overall experience.
• Radio Controls: While older cranes required the user to be with the crane when operating it, controls make it possible to operate the crane remotely. This is an important safety feature that protects the user from harm and safety risks. Additionally, the user can operate the crane more effectively by controlling the crane from their preferred vantage point.
• Collision Avoidance Systems: Collision avoidance systems are designed to make it easier for crane operators to avoid accidents and collisions.
• Automated Drives: Automated drives make it easier than ever to control the crane’s motion and speed. Rather than having to manually control every aspect of the drive system, in modern cranes, a microprocessor handles the drive system, making starts, stops, and acceleration easier. 
• Improved Monitoring Systems: New and advanced monitoring systems make it possible to track the diagnostic information for various components of the crane remotely.
• Overload Sensors: New technology notifies the user when the crane is reaching its load capacity as an extra measure to prevent accidents and other damage. If the crane’s load capacity is reached, this technology prevents the crane from lifting.

Improved Efficiency

The improved load control introduced to modern cranes make it possible to complete necessary tasks more quickly and efficiently. Without the concern of managing load control, crane operators can focus on efficiently placing loads where they need to be.

Reach Out to Sheedy Crane Today

Thanks to modern advances, today’s cranes are safer and easier to operate than ever. From reducing sway technology to radio controls that allow the user to operate the crane remotely, the new and improved features in modern cranes help prevent accidents and damages, and make cranes easier to operate than ever.

Looking for a crane that can help you accomplish your next work job? Sheedy Crane offers a variety of mobile and specialty cranes, owned and personally maintained by us. Give us a call today to find the best crane rental for your next project in the San Francisco Bay area.