Category: Cranes

Why Load Testing Is Essential for Safe Crane Hoisting

Every crane lift depends on reliable equipment, proper planning, and confidence that a crane can perform exactly as expected. One of the most important ways to verify that reliability is through load testing. While it may seem like just another step in the process, load testing plays a critical role in protecting workers, equipment, and… Read more »

Common Rigging Mistakes That Can Cost Thousands

Rigging is one of the most critical parts of any lifting operation, yet it’s also one of the easiest areas for costly mistakes to occur. Even a seemingly minor oversight can result in damaged equipment, project delays, expensive repairs, or, most importantly, serious safety hazards. As such, preventing common rigging mistakes can help contractors, project… Read more »

The Pros of Crane Rentals

Renting a Crane

Why buy a crane when you can rent one? Astro Crane of New England has an extensive, well-maintained crane fleet, with hydraulic cranes available for rent, ranging from 6 to 600 tons. Lower Cost to Rent Cranes Is cost an issue? Buying and owning a crane means you have to pay a lot of money… Read more »

How Site Conditions Impact Crane Selection

550 ton Liebherr crane working lifting

When planning a construction project that requires lifting heavy materials or equipment, choosing the right crane is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While factors such as load weight and lift height often receive the most attention, site conditions play an equally critical role in determining which crane is best suited for the… Read more »

What Life is Like as a Professional Crane Operator

An Overview of Being a Crane Operator

As crane operators, no two days are exactly alike. One morning may begin with lifting steel beams for a commercial construction project, while another could involve setting HVAC equipment on a rooftop or assisting with industrial machinery relocation. No matter the project, preparation is always the first step. Basically, crane operators are responsible for the… Read more »

Remember These Things When Renting a Construction Crane

Construction Workers

Are you planning to rent a construction crane sometime soon to finish a project? It’s a great option for those construction companies that only need to rent a crane from time to time. However, before you do it, there are a few questions you should ask yourself and the crane rental company you choose to… Read more »

The Process of Crane Rigging

When a load is live and under a hook, it has been lifted thanks to crane rigging, which requires a combination of math, geoengineering and mechanical information in order to get it right and prevent accidents. Shapes, weights and riggings may vary, but one thing’s for sure: riggers need to know about lifting requirements and… Read more »

How Rigging Affects Crane Safety and Performance

Crane Rigging Under Gray Sky

While cranes often get the spotlight, rigging plays an equally critical role in determining the safety, stability, and overall success of any lift. Proper rigging is a core component of crane performance and jobsite safety. The Foundation of a Safe Lift Every successful lift begins with a detailed rigging plan. Rigging connects the load to… Read more »

Reasons to Use a Full Service Crane Company

  If you were planning on selling your house, would you want to go with a realtor who is well-established and devotes all their time and energy to selling houses, or someone who just got their real estate license and is doing it “part time?” Ideally, you’d choose the full time, experienced person to work… Read more »

Keep These Things in Mind When Planning a Crane Lift

Crane hoists a container high into the air

Planning a successful crane lift takes far more than simply selecting the right machine and showing up on site. Astro Crane has spent more than 30 years supporting contractors and project managers throughout New England, and we’ve seen firsthand how proper planning can make the difference between a smooth, efficient lift and costly delays. Understand… Read more »