Blog - San Francisco Cranes, Hauling & Lifting | Sheedy Crane

AdobeStock_439825823-1280x776.jpeg

December 7, 2023by Sheedy Blogger0

Crane rentals can be a cost-effective way to handle your specific heavy lifting or construction needs. Renting a crane is almost always your best option if you don’t need one for continuous or long-term use. In this blog, we will take a look at crane rental benefits and the many scenarios where renting one will come in handy. 

Crane Rental Benefits

What you Should Look For:

Variety of Crane Models

Rental companies like Sheedy Crane offer a variety of crane types and sizes to suit many different project requirements. This flexibility allows you to choose the right crane for the specific job at hand. Projects with different lifting requirements will benefit from renting multiple types of cranes as needed. This allows you to use specialized equipment for specific tasks.

Latest Technology

Rental companies often update their crane fleets with the latest technology. Sheedy has a modern and extensive fleet of mobile and specialty cranes. 

Insurance Coverage

Rental agreements often include insurance coverage for the crane, reducing the financial risk associated with potential accidents or damages during operation. 

Avoid The Costs of Maintenance and Repairs

Sheedy crane’s equipment is well-maintained, which means you won’t have to worry about the costs and responsibilities associated with crane maintenance and repairs.

No Long-Term Commitments

Renting gives you the flexibility to use a crane for a single project without the long-term commitment associated with purchasing. Once the project is complete, you can return the crane without ongoing ownership obligations.

Expertise and Support

Rental companies like Sheedy also provide crane rentals with a qualified operator for an additional cost. Our operators are trained and experienced in using the specific crane model you need. If you have no experience in operating a crane, don’t make the mistake of using it yourself. 

When You Might Need to Rent a Crane

Residential and Commercial Construction Projects

Cranes are commonly needed for construction projects such as lifting heavy materials into multi-story buildings, placing steel beams, and assisting in the construction of tall structures.

Landscaping and Tree Removal

Cranes can also be useful in landscaping projects around the house, specifically for jobs like tree removal and placing heavy landscaping elements.

Industrial Maintenance

Cranes are important for maintenance jobs in industrial settings, including equipment installation, repairs, and machinery relocation.

Telecommunications

The telecommunications industry needs cranes to help build and maintain tall cell towers and telephone wires. 

Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure projects such as bridge construction, roadwork, and dam construction often require the use of cranes for lifting and placing large components.

Outdoor Event Setup

Large events, such as concerts or outdoor festivals may require cranes for setting up stages, lights, or other heavy equipment.

Renovations and Remodeling

When renovating or remodeling buildings, cranes may be needed to lift and position heavy materials, equipment, or construction components.

Emergency Situations

Cranes can be deployed in emergency situations for disaster response or recovery efforts, where heavy lifting is required.

Crane Rentals in the Bay Area

Now that you have a better understanding of crane rental benefits, let’s see if a crane will help you for your next project. Sheedy Crane is your most reliable crane rental service in the Bay Area. Call us at (415) 648-7171 to have a Sheedy estimator visit your job site or office.


AdobeStock_244534082-1280x747.jpeg

November 9, 2023by Sheedy Blogger0

The world of mobile crane technology is constantly evolving. Technological advancements in overall design, materials, and controls have drastically changed how mobile cranes work and increased safety for their operators. The earliest mobile cranes were often powered by steam engines or human labor, limiting their mobility and lifting capacity. As technology advanced into the Industrial Age, hydraulics and internal combustion engines such as diesel engines began to power mobile cranes, making them more versatile and powerful. 

Sheedy Crane has been in the construction industry since 1925 and has experienced the evolution of cranes first-hand. Here are some key examples of how technology has changed or improved them over the past 50 years. 

Telescopic Booms for Mobile Cranes

By the 1950s, the modern era of mobile cranes began with the addition of telescopic booms. Before this, most cranes relied on a fixed boom that could not extend beyond its normal length. Telescopic booms could extend and retract and be mounted on top of a truck, providing an increased reach and more convenience. This eventually became a standard feature you see in most of the mobile cranes Sheedy uses today.

How Four-Wheel Drive Changed Mobile Cranes

The introduction of four-wheel drive and all-wheel steering was a huge upgrade for the performance of mobile cranes and birthed the creation of all-terrain and rough-terrain cranes. These models are designed to handle a wide range of off-road and on-road conditions, making them more versatile for construction and other applications. Sheedy Crane has a huge selection of all-terrain and rough-terrain cranes available for rent. 

Technology is Improving Mobile Crane Interactivity

Operators can now use digital displays and controls to manage crane functions more efficiently. The integration of computer systems into mobile cranes has led to more control over crane operations. Some cranes are also equipped with automation features to assist with load positioning and control. Recent features like remote control have not only improved interactivity but have made mobile cranes much safer to use.

How Technology is Boosting Mobile Crane Safety

Many mobile cranes now have a remote control feature, which is becoming more common in the construction industry. They can enhance safety by allowing operators to control the machine at a safe distance from the load. Remote-controlled cranes also have GPS capability and collision avoidance systems, which make them even safer for operators. Additional features like load moment indicators, anti-two-blocking systems, outrigger monitoring, and advanced crane stability systems have been integrated to prevent accidents and improve overall safety.

Mobile Crane Rentals in the Bay Area

Since their introduction in the early 1900s, mobile cranes have continued to be an essential tool in construction. Sheedy Crane has been one of the leading crane contractors in North California since the birth of the mobile crane. We have a wide fleet of both mobile and specialty cranes, all controlled by licensed and certified operators. Please call us at (415) 648-7171 to have a Sheedy estimator visit your job site or office to assist you in planning and pricing your crane.


Cranes-1280x853.jpg

October 19, 2023by Sheedy Blogger0

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.


beautiful-shot-silhouette-crane-during-sunset-1280x830.jpg

September 11, 2023by Sheedy Blogger0

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!


crane-building-construction-site-1280x827.jpg

August 7, 2023by Sheedy Blogger0

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.


415-648-7171