

Uniting Cranes
Frequently Asked Questions
Cranes
1. What types of cranes are there?
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Mobile Crane (All-terrain crane)
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Truck Mounted Crane (Cherry picker)
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Crawler Crane
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Rough terrain crane
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Tower crane
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Overhead crane
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Gantry Crane
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Jib Crane
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Floating Crane (Marine)
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Loader Crane
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Railroad Crane
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Bulk Handeling Crane
2. How much does it cost to rent a crane?
Crane rental costs can vary significantly due to several interrelated factors, each of which influences both the type of equipment required and the overall project complexity.
Crane type plays a major role in pricing. Mobile cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes, and rough-terrain cranes all have different operating capabilities, setup requirements, and transportation needs. For example, tower cranes and large crawler cranes typically command higher rental rates due to their specialized components, longer setup times, and higher operating costs.
Lift capacity directly affects cost because higher-capacity cranes require more counterweight, and specialized transport. As lifting capacity increases, so do fuel consumption, maintenance, and the expertise required to operate the crane safely.
Radius (or reach) is the most critical factor. This can increase rental costs even if the load itself is relatively light.
Duration also influences pricing. Short-term rentals are usually charged on a daily or weekly basis and have higher per-day rates, while long-term rentals typically are negotiated at reduced monthly rates. Extended projects may also incur costs for standby time, maintenance, and inspections.
Location and site access can significantly impact total costs. Urban or congested sites may require smaller, more maneuverable cranes, traffic control, or special permitting. Remote locations can add transportation, mobilization, and demobilization expenses. Limited access, poor ground conditions, or restricted setup areas may also require additional engineering, crane mats, or support equipment.
In addition to these primary factors, costs may also include certified operators, rigging crews, fuel, insurance, permits, and any required safety or engineering studies.
Together, these elements determine the final crane rental price and should be evaluated early in project planning to avoid unexpected expenses.
3. Do you provide certified crane operators with rentals?
Yes, all crane operators are certified in accordance with OSHA requirements and may also hold state, NCCCO, or city-specific certifications depending on the project location. These credentials ensure operators are trained and tested on safe crane operation, load handling, and regulatory compliance. Many projects require NCCCO certification, which is nationally recognized and involves both written and practical examinations. Highly trained, experienced operators enhance job site safety and efficiency by executing lifts accurately and anticipating potential hazards..
4. Can I rent a crane without an operator?
In most cases, cranes are rented with certified operators for safety reasons. However, bare rentals may be available for qualified companies with licensed operators.
5. How do I know what size crane I need?
Our project managers begin by evaluating your job site conditions, including available space, ground stability, access points, and any overhead or surrounding obstacles. They then review the load weight, lift radius, and required lift height to ensure the crane selected can safely and efficiently handle the lift within its operating limits.
Based on this assessment, we recommend the most cost-effective crane type which is typically a mobile, all-terrain, rough-terrain, crawler, or tower crane. This detailed planning helps minimize costs, reduce risk, and ensure the lift is completed safely and efficiently.
6. What are the safety standards for cranes and rigging?
Each state or city may have its own specific crane regulations and licensing requirements, but all jurisdictions ultimately operate under the governing frameworks established by OSHA and ANSI.
We strictly follow OSHA regulations, ANSI safety standards, and NCCCO certification requirements to ensure the highest level of safety and regulatory compliance on every job site. Our team aligns with widely recognized ANSI & OSHA standards, including the ANSI B30 series, and the Rules of the City of New York, Chapter 33 (Safeguards During Construction and Demolition). Which sets clear requirements for crane operations, rigging methods, load handling, and inspection procedures.
In addition, all cranes undergo routine, scheduled, and documented inspections, along with preventive maintenance and safety checks, to meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI requirements. Our operators participate in ongoing training programs based on NCCCO, DOB, OAHA and ANSI crane safety standards and best practices, allowing them to stay current with evolving regulations, equipment technology, and safe operating procedures.
7. Do you handle permits, engineering and lift plans if required?
Yes, we provide professionally engineered lift plans and assist with securing all required permits for crane operations.
Permitting requirements vary based on job location, crane type, lift scope, and surrounding infrastructure. Depending on the site, permits and approvals may be required from multiple agencies, including the DOT for street usage and traffic control, the DOB for building for crane operations, and transit authorities such as the MTA when work impacts buses, subways, or rail lines.
Our team evaluates each job individually to identify all applicable permitting requirements and agency approvals. We coordinate with engineers, inspectors, and local authorities to ensure lift plans meet regulatory standards and site-specific conditions. This comprehensive, job-specific approach helps prevent delays, ensures compliance, and allows crane operations to proceed safely and efficiently.
8. What industries work with cranes the most?
We commonly serve construction, industrial, mechanical, HVAC, commercial, oil & gas, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure industries, providing crane solutions tailored to a wide range of project demands.
Each industry presents unique challenges, and our team understands the specific safety, scheduling, and logistical requirements involved.
By working closely with contractors, engineers, and project managers, we deliver reliable lifting solutions that support efficient workflows and minimize downtime. This broad industry expertise allows us to recommend the right equipment, staffing, and lift strategies to ensure safe, cost-effective, and successful project execution. And What makes this great is, we get to learn a little about each industry with every lift.
9. How far in advance should I schedule a crane rental?
We recommend booking a crane at least 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and allow time for any necessary permitting and approvals. In many cases the biggest factor that can delay deployment is the time required to secure permits. However we do offer emergency service and same day rentals whenever possible.
10. How mush does it cost to insure a crane?
Yes, all cranes are fully insured, inspected before every job, and maintained to manufacturer and industry standards.
11. What certifications do your crane operators hold?
Our operators are NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) certified and meet all OSHA requirements. City specific licences including NY, NYC , NJ, CT.
Rigging
1. What is rigging?
Rigging is the process of preparing, lifting, and moving heavy loads safely using cranes, slings, chains, hoists, and other equipment. Careful planning, engineering, and trained professionals ensure safety and precision.
2. When is a Master Rigger required?
A Master Rigger is required for critical lifts, including oversized or unusually shaped loads, tandem crane operations, or any lift with high risk. They oversee planning, execution, and safety compliance.
Depending on your site location there are certain lifts that will require a Master Rigger to be present.
For example, the NYC Department of Buildings requires a Master rigger when:
Here are a few key scenarios requiring a Master Rigger under NYC DOB rules:
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Hoisting/Lowering any load (Any Weight) with a wind sail over 500sqf
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Loads Over 95% of crane capacity
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Critical Picks: Any lift deemed "critical" requires the licensee to be present and actively supervising.
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Tower Crane Operations: This includes erecting, jumping (climbing), or dismantling tower/climber cranes, demanding direct supervision.
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When boom length is over 300'.
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Crane Boom Operations: Being present for crane boom placement, jackknifing, or raising from a laid-down position.
3. How do you lift equiptment in tight or restricted sites?
In some cases, construction conditions require lifts over buildings or roadways. In more hard-to-reach areas using specialized solutions such as spider cranes, cantilevered gantries, or elevator shaft access can be considered. When traditional cranes cannot safely reach the set location the safest and most efficient option, may be a helicopter lift to complete the installation safely.
4. What industries use rigging most?
Construction (EXAMPLE: concrete, steel)
Manufacturing (EXAMPLE: aerospace, wind power)
Oil and Gas (EXAMPLE: installing offshore platforms, pipelines and heavy drilling)
Shipping (EXAMPLE: loading/unloading cargo containers, maintaining ships, and constructing docks)
Power Generation (EXAMPLE: turbines, boilers, and large components in power plants)
Mining (EXAMPLE: massive drills, crushers, and conveyor systems)
Wind Energy (EXAMPLE: erecting wind turbines, manufacturing turbines)
Event production and Entertainment (EXAMPLE: Suspending large lighting rigs, speakers, and stage structures)
4. What licenses do you need for rigging?
Basic rigging training typically begins with the 16-Hour Rigging Worker course. From there, individuals can advance to the 32-Hour Rigging Supervisor certification. For more specialized work, the next step is obtaining a Special Rigger credential, which can then lead to roles such as Lift Director or Climber/Tower Crane Rigger.
At the highest levels, qualified professionals may apply for Sign Hanger or Master Rigger licenses. Many foundational certifications are earned through third-party organizations such as NCCCO, CIC or Site Safety, while licenses like Special Rigger and Master Rigger are issued through the Department of Buildings and carry extensive eligibility and experience requirements. All career paths begin with basic training and successful completion of a certified course and exam.
Transportation
19. Do you provide transportation for oversized loads?
Yes, we offer specialized trucking and logistics support for oversized and heavy haul loads in addition to crane rentals.