Crane operators make good money. Their job is challenging but doesn’t require years of advanced study. So how does a person become a crane operator? The Process of Becoming a Professional Crane Operator Typically, a young person graduates high school, takes some trade school courses and then completes general crane operator training followed by an… Read more »
Using Construction Cranes in Bad Weather
Have you heard of the term “weathervaning” as it relates to cranes? If you were in a major city where a tower crane was spinning around thanks to powerful winds, that’s weathervaning. Now most people would assume that a tall crane like that, spinning around in the wind, wouldn’t be safe or normal, but it… Read more »
How to Maintain a Crane’s Chain Hoist
If and when you rent a crane from Astro Crane, you might be dealing with a chain hoist. What are some safety tips for a crane’s chain hoist? Routine Maintenance For starters, perform routine maintenance on the crane’s hardware to make sure it’s operating efficiently. Astro Crane does this, and if/when you are in possession… Read more »
Experience is Key When Selecting a Crane Operator
If you had a classic car that you’ve spent hours and hours working on, would you trust your 16-year-old nephew to drive it? Probably not. Why? Because a 16-year-old does not have much (if any) experience driving cars. The same idea applies to operating cranes. Would you trust an expensive piece of machinery in the… Read more »
How Construction Cranes Are Maintained
Construction cranes need maintenance. How are they maintained? Typically, construction cranes are inspected by experts who know what to look for– any signs of wear and tear, missing parts, etc. OSHA guidelines should be followed, and, of course, safety is paramount. Cranes can experience problems that need fixing… and this could be due to corrosion,… Read more »
How to Maintain Construction Cranes in the Summer Heat
It’s summertime and you know what that means: sunny days and hot temperatures, even in places like Boston, Providence and Hartford. Hot weather isn’t just for Florida! If you’re using or renting a crane in the summer, how can you best take care of it? Cranes Need Shade Too Ideally, when it’s sunny and hot… Read more »
The Types of Engines Used in Tower Cranes
If you see a construction site in a city, you’ll likely see a tower crane there, too. These giant, tall towers rise hundreds of feet in the air, dotting many city skylines. They can lift heavy loads to extreme heights. Since they’re pretty expensive to own, many construction companies look to rent them instead– using… Read more »
How a Crane Operator Will Help You With Your Next Construction Project
Are you a practical person who likes to drive and the thought of driving heavy machinery doesn’t intimidate you? Then you might be a good crane operator. Some people who work as laborers on construction sites may end up deciding to further their skills (and career) by training to be a crane operator. It’s not… Read more »
Static Vs Mobile Cranes
There are a lot of different types of cranes, including two main categories– static and mobile ones. Static cranes work in place and typically aren’t moved around a job site, while mobile cranes can be more easily moved. Mobile cranes usually have a telescopic boom and are cable-controlled, which makes for a quick setup. Of… Read more »
Crane Purchases Versus Crane Rentals
Okay, you have a job to do and you need a crane to do it. Do you rent a crane or buy one? What are some of the pros and cons? Well, you’ve come to a good place to find out… What Should You Know About Construction Crane Rentals? If you’re thinking of renting a… Read more »