In Chicago, the person running a crane on permitted work needs a City crane operator license, so most lifts are booked as operated rentals. The quote should spell out the minimum hours, travel and permits.
Crane rental with an operator means the crane arrives with a person trained to run it, and the job is planned around your load. You tell us what needs to move, how heavy it is and where it has to go. We pick the right size of crane for the lift from the weight, the reach and the height, and the crew sets up, rigs the load and makes the pick. You do not need to know crane models or load charts.
In Chicago, the operator part is not optional for most work. The City says a person needs a City crane operator license to run a crane on work that requires a building permit, and that license calls for a current national certification for the types of crane listed on it. Ask any crane company to show the operator's City license card for the lift.
Operated rental is usually billed by the hour with a minimum, and many companies count the hours from when the crane leaves the yard until it gets back. Permits, street closures and the time to set up and pack up all add to the bill. We put the crane size, the expected hours and the price in a written quote, so you can compare it with others line by line.
Crane rental with operator in Chicago: common questions
Can I rent a crane without an operator in Chicago?
Bare rentals exist, but in Chicago anyone running a crane on permitted work needs a City crane operator license. For most homeowners and small contractors, an operated rental is the simpler choice.
How do I book an operated crane?
Call or text with the load, its rough weight and photos of the site. We look at the access and set-up spot, then send a written quote with the crane size and hours.
Is there a minimum charge?
Most crane companies charge a minimum number of hours. National price guides put it at about three to eight hours. Your quote should say what the minimum is.
How it works
- Free site look: Call, text or send photos. We look at the load, the access and where the crane can set up.
- Lift plan & written quote: Crane size, crew, time on site and price in writing.
- Permits & set-up: We check which street, sidewalk or airspace permits the lift needs before the day.
- Lift day: The crew sets up, rigs the load, makes the lift and packs up.