ForConstructionPros.com

Whether you're spec'ing a mechanic's truck or a dedicated crane body, the proper crane and options make the difference between productivity and frustration. You need to carefully consider lifting capacity requirements, duty cycle and budget.

According to Tim Worman, product manager for commercial vehicles, Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT), "Finding the right crane really boils down to answering two key questions: How much lift capacity do you need the crane to have, and how often are you going to use the crane?"

There are really three types of cranes to choose between: electric, hydraulic telescopic and articulating. Then you need to consider the appropriate load moment rating. Be cautious that you really understand the true capabilities of what you are purchasing. While two cranes may be listed as 6,000-lb. cranes, the capacities may actually differ within the working load zones of the crane. Calculating the load moment capacity required, then comparing it to the load moment rating of the prospective crane, can eliminate problems down the road.

In addition to a service body crane, also consider whether a dedicated crane body might be a good fit for your operation.

Archer Western has discovered the versatility of crane bodies while working in a crowded urban environment on the Valley Metro light rail project in Phoenix, AZ. It is utilizing two boom trucks equipped with National cranes. "We use them for running materials around - manhole sections, pieces of pipe," says Bob Fouty, senior project manager, Archer Western Contractors. "They have been real workhorses. We have those working both shifts."