Even before you go about finding a reliable crane hire company, you must first identify the hire option you would like that best matches your project needs and budget. Are you looking for standard crane hire or contract lift hire?
What, then, is the difference between these two options available to you when you need crane hire services? Here is what you should know.
The Burden of Responsibilities
With a standard crane hire, you get the equipment itself, and, if you so choose, an operator. You will be responsible for lift planning and supervision, signalling and arranging slinging. Succinctly put, it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have a competent appointed person to oversee every aspect of the operation.
On the other hand, a lift contract hire provides for the crane hire company to take on more responsibilities, right from selecting the most suitable crane to the planning and supervising of all lift operations. The appointed person will be an appointment of the company.
The Burden Of Risk
A lot of legal liability and risk falls on the crane hire company with a lift contract hire agreement compared to a standard hire. The company is responsible for any damage to the hired cranes and other related equipment or their loss. It's also liable for damage to property and injury to third parties.
What this means is that it falls upon the hiring company to obtain proper and adequate insurance. The policy should cover both the equipment and what's being lifted against loss or damage. It should also cover injuries to both staff and any third parties.
Disparity in Cost
With the crane hire company bearing much of the risks and responsibilities, as outlined, it is only reasonable that a lift contract hire attracts more in upfront costs than a standard crane hire. You will, after all, be paying for just the equipment hire and operator with the latter option.
Looking at the bigger picture, however, the extra costs of running the lift operation and getting insurance cover may add up, driving up the cost of a standard crane hire in the long run. It would be such a costly affair if you had to bear legal liability, without insurance, for any accidents on-site or the hired equipment suffers any damage.
Bottom Line
Most crane hire companies offer both hire options. An understanding of what each option means will better inform you which one to choose.
Share11 May 2020
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