Looking to Rent a Crane to Get a Project Completed? Here are some things to know.


Black rectangle with a white square in the upper left corner and a small white block in the lower right corner.

Accurate Measurements

  • How far will the crane be set up from the center of the object it's lifting?
  • Is the object going on a rooftop? What is the height of the building and how far from the building will the crane be?
  • How far in does the unit have to go from the edge of the building?
Black-and-white abstract shape with a white block in the upper left and a dark block in the lower right.

Accurate Lift Weight

  • What is the weight of the object or objects that you are lifting?
White rectangular panel with a small black square in the bottom-right corner.

Overhead Obstructions

  • Are there any electrical lines where the crane will be set up that could interfere with the lift?
  • Are there any trees or other objects that could interfere with the lift?
Black-and-white abstract geometric pattern with a large white square in the upper left and black blocks along the edges

Underground Utilities

  • Are there any underground pipes, tanks, sewers, power lines, etc.?
Black-and-white vertical abstract block with a white top and black bottom, split by a jagged diagonal edge

Street Permits

  • Will the crane be set up in the road? If so, you may need a city permit.
  • You WILL need to obtain a permit if the crane will be set up on a street in Chicago.
Minimal black-and-white abstract shape with a white corner and black lower-right block

Jobsite Accessibility

  • Is the area wide enough for the crane to get through?
  • Is there anything that the crane will have to drive under?
  • Will the crane be able to make tight turns to get onto the job?
Black-and-white minimalist square icon with a white top-left triangle and black bottom-right triangle divided by a diagonal line

Special Rigging

  • Are you going to need any special lifting equipment (spreader beam, chains, special shackles)?