It may seem like a simple question to ask, but deciding whether or not a crane would be a useful or required tool for your project can be difficult to answer. In this article, we have put together a few useful questions to ask yourself that should point you in the right direction. 

Should I hire or buy a crane? 

Crane hire is a cost-effective, easy method of gaining access to specialised, useful, high quality equipment instead of having to purchase and store a crane. Cranes are expensive machines to maintain and train personnel on. Crane hire services remove the difficulty around training, maintaining and storing cranes, giving you only the benefits of crane use.

NMT offers two types of crane hire, CPA crane hire and contract lift hire. Visit our about page to learn about the differences between these two options.

The NMT fleet of cranes can always optionally include a fully trained crane operator when you hire one of our machines. If you would like to learn more, why not give us a call on 0800 0266985 for free advice on what crane is suitable for your project.

What materials will your project be using? 

If you are using dense or cumbersome material, it may be worth getting a crane. This may be especially true if you are in a construction setting where some building materials aren’t able to be broken down into manageable pieces.

If you are using unwieldy materials, it may also be worth exploring haulage options, such as our heavy and light haulage trucks. These transport logistic solutions are a perfect fit for projects of almost any size. If you would like to learn more about our fleet of haulage vehicles, click here. 

Time, place and scale. 

If your construction project involves building a multi-story structure, you will most likely need a crane to lift materials to the upper floors. In general, if the height of the building is more than 5 stories, you should consider using a crane.

Another aspect that will affect your decision is where your project is located.Have a look at the accessibility of the construction site, if the construction site is located in a tight space or difficult terrain, such as a steep slope, it may be difficult or even impossible to move materials manually. In such cases, a crane can help you move materials quickly and safely.

Building projects in rural settings come with their own challenges and limitations. Whilst space limitation is often mitigated, other constraints, such as ground stability can mean that some types of cranes are unsuitable for rural work.

NMT’s fleet of all terrain cranes are perfect for rural construction projects. All terrain cranes are designed to handle any type of surface, ensuring that platform stability is always at a safe level. All terrain cranes are perfect for environments with variable weather patterns and varied ground types.

If your project is in a well-developed area, such as a city or any other densely packed urban setting, a city crane would be the best option for your construction. Alternatively, mobile tower cranes may be suitable if there is space and you require a higher vertical capacity.

If your construction project is large and complex and is expected to take several months or even years, it may be more cost and time effective to invest in a crane rather than relying on manual labour to move materials.

There are hundreds of variables that can influence your decision to use a crane in your projects, but as a general rule, if you have heavy materials to move, a multi-story building to construct, limited accessibility to the construction site, and a large, complex project, it’s likely that you will need a crane.

Specialised uses for cranes.

Construction isn’t the only industry in which cranes are useful tools. NMT has worked with film and television industry leaders, creating unique cinematography and set design opportunities. Our work on BBC’s Doctor Who and Universal pictures Fast and Furious 6 made iconic scenes possible.

If you want to make use of unique camera angles, create multi-level stage props or other specialised cinematic techniques, a crane may be suitable for your project. To learn more about NMT’s work in the film industry, visit our Film and TV specific website.

Broadly speaking, if you require a stable platform with high vertical manoeuvring capability, a crane is suitable for you. Some niche uses for cranes can include:

• High rise restaurants
• Bungee jumping
• Home extensions
• Domestic landscaping

The versatility of cranes makes it impossible to go over all of their possible uses. To get free advice, tailored to your project, give our team a call on 0800 0266985. If you would prefer, you can also contact us via our contact form.

NMT has provided quality crane hire in Bedford and the surrounding areas for well over forty years, helping thousands of clients like you to complete their projects.

To help construct and sculpt buildings and all shapes and sizes, a crane’s design has to be sophisticated enough to be able to adapt to the needs and requirements of any project. Having been developed over centuries, the crane’s design has reached a stage where no project is too big, but what are the components of a crane’s design which enable contractors and builders to build bigger and bigger? NMT Crane Hire outlines all the features and components which make these machines a mainstay on every construction site.

Hook

The hook part of the crane is what the load is connected to. It may not be as big in stature as some of the other components of a crane, however, it still remains one of the most important parts. The hook is connected to the house and the and effector and must be strong and durable enough to hold significant amounts of weight.

Hoist

The hoist is what creates the lifting motion of the crane within the rigging system. It is made up of a cranking mechanism or winding drum, using wires to raise and lower the hook. Depending on the model of the crane, hoists can be powered manually, electronically or by using pneumatics. 

Boom & Jib

The boom of a crane is the long steel arm that spans the length of the vehicle. Stretching from the operator’s cabin and ending with the hook, Booms distribute the weight of the load and provide the necessary height needed for certain jobs. The jib is an addition to the boom and is used when extra height is needed to be achieved. These also work well to take some of the weight off of the hoist, alleviating some of the stress.

Counterweight

As cranes have to regularly carry and transport extremely heavy loads, there is always the risk that the crane may lose balance and topple over – the counterweight is there to make sure that this doesn’t happen. These counterweights are usually placed at the back of the crane to offer as much support as possible. Outriggers can also be used for extra support if the operator feels that the counterweight won’t be enough to balance the load.

Operator’s Cabin 

The operator’s cabin is the control centre of the crane. As well as housing the operator, the cabin is home to all of the crane’s controls, the anemometer (which measures wind direction and speed), the scales and other essential features of the crane.

Contact NMT Crane Hire

If you have a project and are in need of a mobile crane, don’t hesitate to contact NMT Crane Hire. We can provide you with a fleet of vehicles suitable for any job. Contact us today on 0800 026 6985 or via our online contact form to discuss availability.

The construction industry is a sector that is consistently growing, so much so that you may be thinking of choosing it as your career path. One way of getting into the industry in an exciting way is to become a crane operator. A career as a crane operator may not be at the forefront of your mind when you think about obtaining a job in the construction industry, however, it can have some great benefits.

In this blog we are going to talk about some of those benefits, taking an in-depth look into why a career as a crane operator can be very desirable. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the main advantages of becoming a crane operator.

Hands-On Work

A big advantage of gaining a job as a crane operator is the hands-on nature of the day to day tasks you will need to complete. If you are looking for a career where you are constantly getting stuck in, then crane operating could potentially be the perfect career path for you. As a crane operator, you will get the chance to have a great, positive influence on a variety of projects, construction-based or otherwise.

You may have to cope with a high level of responsibility as a crane operator, however, that is only because you will be such a vital member of any team you are a part of. After your morning catch-up and briefing about the day’s tasks that lay ahead, you will get straight to work, being able to take an active part in each project and having a big impact on the job.

High Demand For Work

One of the main benefits of becoming a crane operator is that once you become fully trained and qualified, you will be in high demand for work. In comparison to the number of jobs that require cranes, there are not that many crane operators readily available. This means that you are likely to be able to find work relatively easily.

A crane operators salary in the UK is around £38,146 a year, according to TotalJobs.com. There is currently a high demand for crane operators within the United Kingdom, so once you are qualified, you are certain to find high amounts of work. On a personal level, knowing that you possess a skill that is difficult to come by means that you will feel more highly valued amongst your peers on a construction site. Being able to efficiently operate a crane can mean that you have many years of job security ahead of you.

Supportive Work Environment

Working as a crane operator will expose you to a supportive environment full of hard-working colleagues, all working together to achieve a common goal. Depending on the size of the project at hand, a construction site can feature hundreds of different workers. Playing such a pivotal role within a large operation can be pretty gratifying.

It should not be underestimated the sense of accomplishment you and your co-workers get from completing a project, especially one that you have been working on for a long period of time. Spending time working closely with a large team is a great way of building professional and even personal relationships. Working as a crane operator will give you the opportunity to work in unique environments, surrounded by highly skilled, experienced co-workers.

Contact NMT Crane Hire

If you are looking for a job as a crane operator, you can view a wide variety of jobs available across the UK, or if you would prefer, you can take a look at the jobs specifically located in London.

As well as being a leading company with nationwide crane hire and heavy haulage, NMT is also proud to be able to help experienced and aspiring crane operators find work. If you would like to contact NMT to ask for more information, please feel free to get in touch by filling out our online inquiry form or call us on 0800 026 6985.

Cranes are used for almost every type of construction project, and because of this, it is important that the correct crane is chosen for the job at hand. There are a wide variety of cranes to choose from, each of them suitable for specific tasks. Due to the broad selection of cranes to pick from, it can sometimes be difficult to be able to decide which crane is the best choice for the project you are undertaking.

In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the most popular mobile cranes used in the construction industry. We are going to talk in detail about the types of jobs that these cranes are best suited for, making it easy for you to select the right one next time a crane is required for a project you are working on. There are so many crane possibilities, both fixed and mobile, but we have chosen to discuss the most frequently used mobile machines as these are the cranes you are most likely to use.

Carry Deck Crane

Carry Deck Cranes are one of the most popular types of cranes used throughout the construction industry. Their relatively small size and 360-degree boom means that they are incredibly versatile, being able to be used for a wide variety of different tasks. Carry Deck Cranes have the advantage of being able to manoeuvre around tight spaces, getting into positions that other cranes could not fit in.

Carry Deck Cranes have a total weight capacity of 15 tonnes and a pick-up and carry weight capacity of nine tonnes. This impressive weight capacity combined with the crane’s manoeuvrability makes it ideal for lifting and transporting materials that require compact, low profile cranes. Carry Deck Cranes can be found on almost every construction site due to their ease of use and ability to transport large amounts efficiently. 

Crawler Crane 

On the other end of the spectrum to Carry Deck Cranes, Crawler Cranes are massive pieces of machinery that are heavy duty. The Crawler Crane’s lattice boom allows it to be able to lift incredibly heavy loads with ease. The sheer size of the Crawler Crane means that it has to be transported and assembled on-site, making it slightly less convenient than other crane types, but you will not get the same amount of lifting strength from many other cranes options.

An advantage to the Crawler Crane needing to be constructed is that the modular design provides more flexibility. Crawler Cranes are also built with a tracked platform, allowing the crane to carry more weight than if it were on wheels. The tracked platform also means that the crane can easily navigate hard and soft ground, and it is able to operate effectively on uneven terrain. For large projects where plenty of heavy loads need to be moved, the Crawler Crane is one of the best options available. 

Floating Crane

Floating Cranes are unique pieces of machinery that act as a sea vessel that has a crane attached to it. These types are cranes are mainly used for off-shore construction projects, but can also be useful for drilling and retrieving sunken ships. Some of these projects can often be hindered because of bad weather conditions making the sea choppy and dangerous, however, the Floating Crane’s design allows these tasks to be carried out safely even on rough waters.

Floating Cranes are usually mounted on a swing base, allowing the crane to move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. These massive machines are incredibly strong and have a lift capacity of over 10,000 tonnes, making them extremely useful when carrying heavy materials such as when they are needed to transport sections of bridges.

Truck Mounted Crane

Sometimes also known as a Truck Loader Crane, a Truck Mounted Crane is a truck that has a crane attached to the rear of the vehicle. The crane is used to load and unload goods and materials from the truck’s deck. These types of cranes have the advantage of generally being cheaper than strictly dedicated mobile cranes, plus, if the crane is not needed at a particular time, the vehicle still works effectively as a truck.

Truck Mounted Cranes can obtain easy access to worksites and are able to take on various attachments, increasing the versatility of projects they can be used to help with. This type of crane can also be handled with the use of a remote control. This means that when controlling the crane, the driver can get the best view possible of what he is moving, and keep to a safe distance at the same time.

Rough Terrain Crane

As their name suggests, Rough Terrain Cranes specialise in completing jobs on sites that have uneven and unsteady grounds. The crane is capable of working in confined spaces, even on rubble and uneven surfaces. They are able to do this with the assistance of hyper-sized axels, each having differentials to propel the wheels, making the vehicle all-wheel drive. 

Rough Terrain Cranes are equipped to move quickly over all surfaces, with their oversized tyres and hydraulic outriggers playing a big part in the crane’s stability. The outriggers in particular work well to level the crane out even when on uneven ground.

Contact NMT Crane Hire

Here at NMT Crane Hire, our highly skilled team of experienced professionals are able to provide you with the perfect crane for any job you are undertaking. We are only of the UK’s leading company’s in crane hire and we have spent the last 40 years building a reputation for being dependable and trustworthy. 

If you would like to get in contact with NMT Crane Hire, please feel free to get in touch by filling out our online inquiry form or by giving us a call on 0800 026 6985.

The Team Behind Every Crane Job

When picturing a crane, most people will conjure up an image of a tall, slight structure, operating high in the skies and manoeuvring large products and materials. In order for that image to come to life, however, there are a number of steps which have to be taken, and a whole crew that is responsible for making it come to life. With that in mind, NMT Crane Hire Ltd outline the specific teams behind every crane job.

Continue reading “The Team Behind Every Crane Job”

Top Reasons for Crane Hire

Crane hire is used for various different reasons; some are more common than others. Different types of cranes can also be hired for different types of jobs. In particular, the most common cranes’ people hire are mobile cranes and tower cranes. Mobile cranes are fantastic for various different tasks and jobs due to their versatility. Below, we’ve shared a few of the top reasons people need crane hire.

Construction

When you go to a construction site, what’s the first thing you’ll usually see? Cranes! Construction work is one of the most common reasons people use crane hire. Construction can involve a lot of working at height and lifting heavy objects, which is where crane hire comes in very handy. Heavy haulage cranes are particularly popular with construction projects. Mobile cranes are great for when the site is slightly smaller as they have excellent mobility and versatility.

Film & TV

Film and TV is another popular reason to use crane hire. Everyone loves a stunt scene in a film, but not many tend to think about what’s gone on behind the scenes when shooting it. More often than not, a crane has been used to help with the shooting. For example, do you remember the helicopter roof scene in World War Z? A crane was used to help with the filming of the helicopter.

Crane Hire Saves Money

Above, we’ve shared some of the projects crane hires is used for, but why do people opt for hiring over buying a crane? One of the main reasons is that it saves money. Not only is it already cheaper to hire than buy but you won’t have to worry about maintenance or storage costs which will, therefore, save you money in the long run! In addition to this, if you only need it for one project, there’s no point in buying one just for that.

Contact

To find out more about crane hire, get in touch with the team at NMT Crane Hire Ltd. Give us a call on 0800 026 6985 or fill out our online contact form and a member of the team will contact you as soon as possible.

Working with cranes requires specific training and expertise in order to utilise these in a safe and risk-free manner. There are legal requirements that need to be upheld to ensure you are safety compliant. NMT Crane Hire have outlined three important points to follow when it comes to crane safety.

1. Risk assessment

A risk assessment should be carried out before any work commences to ensure there are no foreseeable hazards. The assessment should be carried out by a person who is qualified to do so and can verify that all work will be carried out safely. The legal responsibility for the safe operation of cranes is shared between the crane hirer, who ensures the crane is safe to use when delivered, and the crane user, who makes sure the crane is used safely once it’s on their premises. If there isn’t a qualified person to carry out a risk assessment, you must ask the crane hire company for a ‘Contract Lift’, which means they will carry out the appropriate safety measures and supervise the work. 

2. Planning

Not only is it safer to plan work in advance, but it also makes financial sense as you will be able to book equipment in advance and avoid paying a premium for late bookings. The exact process of how each piece of equipment is going to be used should be outlined for all workers to see and understand to further lessen the possibility of risks. It should also be taken into consideration which employees are trained to work with which equipment, or if any training courses need to be scheduled. 

3. Staying safe at height

Legally, all workers must be trained on how to safely work at height if they need to, especially if also dealing with a crane. The most common injuries are falls from individuals who are either distracted or fall victim to unsafe railings or flooring. Therefore, regular training is imperative so that all employees are aware of potential hazards and are able to follow safety regulations effectively. The government have put together some guidelines to help you stay safe whilst working at height. 

Crane safety with NMT Crane Hire

Here at NMT Crane Hire, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. We have over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. If you would like to discuss hiring from us, please get in touch by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly. 

NMT Crane Hire prides itself on offering quality crane hire throughout the UK. Cranes are integral pieces of machinery in construction, helping transform urban areas with building offices, bridges, skyscrapers and more. Every modern skyline in a bustling city was built with the help of a crane. Here are some facts about construction cranes.

10 Facts About Construction Cranes:

1. Cranes were built by the Ancient Greeks

The first human-made crane was built by the Ancient Greeks around 500BC. It looked very different to the modern cranes we have today, instead of steel or metal they were made out of wood. Human or animal power was used to pull heavy objects up – but these early crane designs helped build some of the most recognisable and beautiful structures of the ancient world.

2. The crane arm (“jib”) was added in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the “jib”, or crane arm, was able to move both horizontally and vertically – mainly because it was used to unload cargo ships in a harbour.

3. Steam engine technology was added to cranes in the 19th Century

With the invention of the steam engine in the 19th Century, the new technology was also applied to provide cranes with power, which eliminated the need for humans and animals used as a source of power.

4. The first mobile crane was manufactured in the 1950s

In the course of the 1950s, there was a significant change in the material used to manufacture cranes. Strong steel was used and also placed on the back of trucks, which saw the introduction of ‘mobile cranes’.

5. 200,000 cranes are estimated to be in use around the world

Around the world, there are over 200,000 cranes in use, of which 125,000 cranes are used in the construction industry and between 80,000 – 100,000 cranes are used in general and maritime industries.

6. Tallest crane in the world is a Liebherr type 357 HC-L

The tallest crane in the world is the Liebherr type 357 HC-L and it can lift up to 18 tons at 44 metres a minute. This crane was used in the construction of the world’s tallest building: Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia.

7. Cranes are dangerous, leading to 42 deaths each year in the UK

There are around 42 crane-related deaths each year.

8. Only 11% of crane accidents are caused by mechanical failure

Out of all the crane-related accidents that occur on a construction site, only 11% are due to mechanical failure. If these failures are spotted early, then further damage can be prevented, which is why cranes are inspected daily and yearly.

9. There are over 20+ types of crane types

Like many other products and machinery, there is a wide variety of different types for an array of purposes or to be used for specific projects. Some of the main crane types include tower cranes, mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and rough terrain cranes.

10. Cranes share their name with a bird

We previously discussed our 5 most interesting facts about cranes, but construction cranes share their name with the tallest flying bird in the world.

Contact

We hope you have enjoyed our list of 10 most construction crane facts. To find out more about our crane hire services here at NMT Crane Hire, please contact our team by calling us on 0800 026 6985, or filling out our online enquiry form.

Working at height is dangerous, and when you add machinery and large construction cranes into the mix it becomes hazardous if the correct safety measures and precautions are not followed properly. If things go wrong, it can lead to injuries, fatalities and damage cost to buildings and materials. But, what are the most common crane hazards and how can you take measures to prevent them? 

In our latest blog, we outline the three most hazards. It is important to be aware of crane hazards and the ways in which you can avoid them.

 

3 Most Common Crane Hazards

Falling loads

This is one of the most common hazards when working with cranes. A falling load can result in serious injury, fatality or structural damage to a building or property, leading to significant time and money costs. There are a number of reasons why a load can fall from an overhead crane – operator incompetency, slipping, mechanical failure, and two blocking.

Electrical hazards

A large number of crane-related accidents involve the metal part of the overhead crane coming into contact with a power source (such as a high-voltage power line). This means an increased risk of the crane’s hoist line and boom touch in energised power lines – anyone who is directly touching them is most likely to be electrocuted. This can result in multiple deaths and injuries. It is crucial that a risk assessment is carried out before starting work.

Crane overload 

A large majority of crane failures also occur as a result of somebody overloading the crane. If you exceed a crane’s operational capacity, then you will likely subject it to structural stresses that cause irreversible damage. Ways in which you can overload a crane include: swinging or suddenly dropping loads; hoist loads beyond the cranes capacity; using defective components; dragging loads; side-loading a boom.

 

Contact

If you’re interested in hiring cranes or lifting equipment, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. With over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. Get in touch by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.