Crane day is exciting; it means all of your hard work has started to resemble a building. It is also one of the easiest days to mess up if you have not sorted access, ground conditions or paperwork. Preparation can mean the difference between a simple installation and additional charges. For Timber Frame House Kits, visit https://merlintimberframe.co.uk/timber-frame-kits/
- Confirm the plan in writing
Request these details from your timber frame supplier:
Delivery date and arrival window
Lorry size and turning requirements
Kind of crane, lift plan and place for the installation
What is to be done on site (sign off on foundations, sole plates, etc)
- Make access simple
Before the lorry arrives:
Reinstate the path from the street to the set-down area
Be aware of height restrictions, trees, overhead cables and any tight turns
If necessary, organise parking suspensions or traffic management
Alerting neighbours cuts down the surprise factor when the crane arrives.
- Make the ground stable for heavy vehicles
A lorry and crane are both very heavy when loaded. Make sure:
Entrance and hardstanding can handle the weight
All soft ground is protected with mats or a temporary trackway
There is space for outriggers and safe working zones.
- Establish a landing and storage area
A flat, dry area for panels and materials. You want it within lifting distance but not too close.
- Optimise your site for developing straightaway
Organise labour, site tools and welfare. Waiting time and/or re-delivery may be charged if the frame cannot be put up upon delivery.
If you are not sure, then ask the supplier for a pre-delivery checklist. This is what they use to ensure that crane day runs smoothly.
Choosing the right crane for the job
Generally, a crane is needed whenever something cannot be done by manual labour alone, either because materials must be lifted into a hard to reach space or because they are too heavy to lift safely. On a home renovation that might mean steel beams or roof trusses, while larger projects involve a far wider range of loads.
Getting the crane to site is part of the planning. Anyone driving a mobile crane needs a licence that covers the vehicle and must be confident handling its size and shape. If you are unsure whether your licence covers moving a crane between sites, ask the hire company for guidance well before the day.
Cranes come in many sizes. A small davit crane, with its winch and counterbalance design, can lift 150kg with ease and suits small projects, while bigger builds need heavier lifting capacity. A good hire company will recommend a crane based on what you are lifting, where it has to go and any access issues on site.