On lift day, the crane arrives, sets up, the crew rigs the load, the crane makes the lift, and everything is packed up. A simple lift can be done in a few hours. Here is what happens and how to get your site ready.
How long does a crane lift take?
Many single lifts take a few hours from arrival to departure, including set-up. The lift itself may take only minutes. Bigger jobs, such as several rooftop units, steel or a large tree, can take a full day or more. Remember that most companies charge a minimum number of hours, so a short lift may be billed as longer.
How long does set-up take?
Set-up time depends on the crane and the site, so ask for an estimate in the quote. The crew positions the crane, spreads and levels the outriggers on pads or mats, rigs the hook and blocks off the work area. Tight streets, soft ground or a permit closure that still needs barricades can add time.
How do I prepare my site?
Clear the path and the set-up spot before the crane arrives. Move cars from the driveway and the street spot if you can, and ask neighbors to do the same. Clear the load's path in the yard, take down anything in the way, and tell the crew about buried lines, septic tanks and sprinklers. Have the load ready to lift, with the HVAC or tree crew on site.
Do I need to be there?
It helps to be there, or to have someone on site who can make decisions. The crew may need to get into the yard, the roof or the building, and questions come up. You will stay well back from the lift area while the load is in the air.
Will the crane damage my driveway or lawn?
A crane can crack a thin driveway or rut a soft lawn, so ask how the crew protects them. Outrigger pads and crane mats spread the weight. Plywood can protect grass. A new driveway, pavers over sand and a yard after heavy rain are the most at risk. Talk about it before the day and put it in the quote.
Should I tell the neighbors?
Yes. Tell your neighbors a few days ahead, especially if the crane will block the street, the alley or their garage, or lift over their yard. In Evanston, the city usually notifies neighbors about a week ahead for right-of-way permits. Ask neighbors to move cars and keep kids and pets inside during the lift.
What if the weather turns on lift day?
If the weather turns unsafe, the operator will stop or reschedule the lift. Wind, lightning, heavy rain and ice are the usual reasons. Ask before you book how the company handles a weather cancellation, whether there is a charge, and how a new date is set, since street permits run on fixed dates.
Can a crane lift in a Chicago winter?
Yes, cranes work in Chicago winters, but snow, ice and cold slow things down. Snow banks can take up the set-up spot, ice on the roof makes the landing area slippery, and frozen ground can soften as it thaws under the outriggers. In winter, plan a backup date.
Want a price for your own lift? Tell us what needs to move, roughly how heavy it is and where the crane could set up, and we will send a written quote with the crane size, the hours and the price. Call or text (312) 964-8313.