What affects the price
- Crane size: set by the heaviest load and, just as important, how far it has to reach from where the crane sets up
- Time: many operators charge by the hour with a minimum, and some offer day rates. Travel to and from the site may count.
- Setup: tight sites, soft ground needing mats, or setups in the street take more time
- Rigging and crew: spreader bars, extra riggers or a signal person can add to the cost
- Permits and traffic control: street setups may need a permit and cones or flaggers
- Standby: time spent waiting on materials, inspections or other trades is usually billed
- Timing: after-hours, weekend or rush jobs may be priced differently
How to keep cost down
- Get the crane as close to the load as safely possible. Less reach usually means a smaller crane.
- Have everything ready before the crane arrives: units disconnected, trusses delivered, rigging points checked.
- Group several lifts on the same site, or nearby sites, into one visit.
- Be flexible on the date if you can.
Get a real number
The fastest way to know what your job costs is to send the details. Use the form on this page, or see the guide for your lift type: rooftop HVAC, trusses, solar, construction, equipment or tower and utility.
This site is a free quote-request service, not a crane company. Your request goes to a local crane operator, who quotes and performs the work.