The Day to Day Life of a Crane Operator

Construction cranes are a feat of engineering, so it is no surprise to learn that operating these machines is an intricate and complex science. To understand how these machines are handled and manoeuvred on a daily basis, NMT Crane Hire outlines the routine practices of a crane operator.

1. Assemble the Crane

Before anyone goes climbing up to the operating cabin, the first job is to set up and assemble the crane. Crane operators are responsible for driving trucks and materials to worksites and aiding the assembly process. This process consists of blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing, bolting the boom sections together to extend or modify the boom for pile driving or high lifting, depending on the job.

2. Safety Checks

Once the crane has been assembled, the next step is for the crane operator to carry out routine safety checks. These checks consist of checking for any signs of visible damage or wear and tear to the wire ropes, hooks and every other part. The responsibility of assessing the conditions also falls to the crane operator. Due to the nature of the machines and their structure, operators must err on the side of caution and only use the crane if the conditions are suitable. Take a look at our previous blog to find out How to Operate a Crane in Bad Weather.

3. Operate the Crane

Finally, after the crane has been assembled and all the checks have been carried out, it is time to get to work. With a typical shift lasting between 8-12 hours, a crane operators lift of tasks consists of lowering materials into place, lifting and manoeuvring them by demand of the site manager, and aiding the general construction of every project.

To find out more about this line of work, contact NMT Crane Hire today by calling us on 0800 026 6985 or by leaving us a message. You can also browse all of crane operator vacancies here.

The NMT Blog of Crane Records

Cranes are synonymous for lifting big and lifting high, but in their own world, what are some of the biggest feats achieved by cranes? In their latest blog post, NMT Crane Hire breakdown all the records set by cranes to provide you with the definitive collection of crane records.

Highest Bungee Jump From a Crane – UK

For any Britons looking to get their fix of adrenaline, the tallest bungee jump in the UK is the place to go. Based in Gloucestershire, thrill-seekers can climb up 400 feet (higher than the peak of St Paul’s Cathedral) and hurl themselves off, all in the name of fun. To put this into context, the worlds highest bungee jump is only slightly higher, with jumpers throwing themselves off the 764 feet Macau Tower in China.

Most Cranes per Country

Unsurprisingly, as a country in a period of mass construction and development, Dubai holds the records for the most amount of cranes per country. With figures suggesting that 25 per cent of the world’s tower cranes are situated in Dubai, this up and coming city-state blows every other country out of the water and provides some explanation as to the size and scale of the city-state’s commitment to construction.

World’s Tallest Crane

As a piece of machinery that is measured by its height, one of the most notable crane records is the world’s tallest crane. This accolade belongs to the Liebherr 11200-9, with its boom that extends up to a whopping 550 feet. To put this into perspective, this mobile crane can lift materials as high as the world-famous Washington Monument.

Heaviest Weight Lifted by a Crane

As well as their height, cranes are also judged by their ability to lift heavy, but which crane has lifted the heaviest? Well, this accolade falls to ‘Taisun’ crane at Yantai Raffles Shipyard, Yantai, China on 18 April 2008, which managed to lift a barge ballasted with water which weighed in at 20,133 tonnes.

To set some of your own crane records, recruit the help of one of our many cranes and contact NMT Crane Hire today by calling us on 0800 026 6985 or by leaving us a message via our contact form.

A Beginners Guide to Crane Hire

Despite being used on a variety of different construction sites all around the world, the process of hiring a crane is far more complex than you might think. In their latest blog post, NMT Crane Hire Ltd outline each and every step you need to take in order to enlist the help of any type of crane.

The Job

First things first, you need to identify the type of work you will be undertaking and what kind of crane is best suited for your task. If, for example, you are undertaking routine construction work and simply need to shift large quantities of materials, a mobile crane is more than likely the ideal option. If you are working in architectural construction, however, then a tower crane will be the crane of choice for your site. Crane hire options can accommodate for jobs of any size and scale, so make sure you know exactly what you need and how long you need it for.

If you wish to find out more about the specific types of crane, then take a look at our previous blog: The Different Types of Crane.

The Contract

One of the most important aspects of crane hire is understanding which type of crane hire contract you need. There are two main contract options available for cranes; CPA and Contract. If you are able to provide a fully qualified CPCS appointed person and can outline specific method statements and risk assessments to cover all lifting operations, then you may wish to opt for a CPA contract. However, if you need to enlist the support of a crane hire company, then NMT can provide your site with a fully qualified and experienced CPCS appointed person and prepare all method statements, risk assessments and crane layout drawings, specific for each lifting plan for you.

Find out more about CPA and Contract lift options in our recent blog: CPA Crane Hire vs CPA Contract Lift: Which Is Right for Me?

Contact NMT Crane Hire Today

Once you understand the specific details of your job, then the next step is to get in touch with a crane hire company and finalise dates, costs and any other variables. Contact NMT Crane Hire Ltd today to draw on the support of our experienced and qualified team. Contact us on 0800 026 6985 or leave us a message via our online contact form.

A Guide to Crane Safety

As one of the biggest pieces of machinery known to man, there are strict procedures and protocols in place for when it comes to operating a crane. To avoid any injuries or mishaps, there are a number of rules surrounding crane safety that must be adhered to in order to protect those working on construction sites.

NMT Crane Hire Ltd have written this post to outline the basics in crane safety.

Continue reading “A Guide to Crane Safety”