which construction equipment Archives - Sheedy Crane

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April 9, 2020by elite0

Construction is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

When it comes to doing good work and planning a successful lift or job, deciding which equipment you should use is a high priority. Many OSHA violations and jobsite accidents can come from the fact that a worker or operator has erroneously decided to solve a problem using the wrong equipment. This can be something as simple as using a winch to lift something far too heavy for the load bearing capacity. Two common pieces of equipment that serve similar functions are the “boom truck” and crane. The only real question is, when should you use each?

What is a Boom Truck?

If you have worked in construction, it seems to be a silly question to ask. However, the term boom truck is often used interchangeably for several mobile vehicles with lifting capabilities. Basically, any vehicle that can move and has a crane atop it can be considered a boom truck.

Best Jobs for Boom Trucks

The biggest advantage that boom trucks have is that they can maneuver quite easily around a jobsite. Construction workers know that regardless of how well laid the plans are for a job site, as well as lift planning, a construction site is still a hectic place to get around in. If it wasn’t, OSHA would not be so strict on safety protocols involving personnel wandering around the lift area.

While a boom truck can lift heavy loads of several tons with stability, it’s not the prime choice of machinery to use with heavy duty lifting. The chief benefit of using a boom truck is the versatility it offers in handling a variety of smaller jobs around the site. A lot of times, equipment or materials need to be hoisted onto an elevated part of the jobsite, and a boom truck can very efficiently handle this task.

A cherry picker is a great example of a type of boom truck which has a loading basket fastened to it. This is a crucial tool for maintenance workers who often need to stop and go to various places and reach inaccessible heights.

When Should You Rent a Crane?

Cranes are best utilized for lifting extremely heavy loads which will require counterbalancing and more stability than a truck can offer. The vast majority of sites will require a mobile crane instead of the many other types of specialty cranes. Mobile cranes are most often used for moving equipment and materials that are too heavy for a boom truck or other smaller equipment to move.

There are many different steps involved in a successful construction job. When you think of a construction site the first thing you may think of is a crane. However, newly hired construction workers are surprised to find out that using a crane is only a small part of doing a majority of jobs. Before that time comes, there is a lot of planning, resource allocation, and set up involved at the site. Smaller equipment such as boom trucks can help facilitate that process and speed it up.

It is for this reason that companies like us at Sheedy Crane provide our cranes for rental. Ultimately, businesses operate on fine margins and are always looking for cost-effective solutions. While access to a crane is critical for completing many if not most big jobs, you will find it is much more effective to simply rent the crane for the period in which you actually need it.

This puts an even greater importance on planning your lifts and project management.

Bay Area Crane Rental

A crane is an essential piece of equipment in construction work. While there are many different tools and equipment available to do similar jobs, it is an irreplaceable aspect of getting things done on site. Whether using a boom truck or a dedicated crane, they are the prevailing tool for resource allocation and site management that allows projects to go smoothly, and safely.

Contact Sheedy Crane for all of your crane rental needs.


415-648-7171