When renting a crane and comparing crane rental companies, costs always become part of the conversation. While the cost of renting a crane is only one factor to consider as you assess crane rental providers, understanding the variables that impact costs is important. However, keep in mind that not all crane companies are created equal. Make sure that you understand the scope of services, overall capabilities, and ease of doing business when comparing crane rental companies to ensure you’re getting the best overall value for your job site.
Coming up with a range of costs for a crane rental may sound easy. While cranes can be rented on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly, getting to ballpark pricing is difficult given all the complexities and factors that go into a crane rental and your job site. Outlined below are factors that influence the price of renting a crane.
Key Takeaways
- Crane rental cost depends on a handful of project variables: the type and size of crane required, the duration of the rental, labor and operator needs, and transportation to and from the job site.
- Project management and engineering services can also affect the total cost, especially on complex or multi-phase projects where lift planning and coordination are part of the scope.
- The lowest hourly or daily rate is rarely the lowest total cost. Mobilization, downtime, scheduling reliability, and the scope of services included all factor into what a crane rental actually costs over the life of a project.
- Comparing crane rental providers on value rather than price means weighing capabilities, fleet availability, safety record, and ease of doing business alongside the rate quoted.
Factors That Influence Crane Rental Costs
How much does renting a crane cost? While renting a crane may be cheaper than buying one, crane rental costs may vary for the following reasons.
Crane Type
Crane rental costs depend on the type, size, and configuration of the crane you need for your project. The lift weight and radius must both be considered to determine the best type, size and configuration crane for a given project.
Consulting a crane professional is always the best way to make sure you’re getting the right crane for the job. Given the variety of crane types, sizes, and configurations, it can be difficult to understand which crane and configuration works for your lift. Larger cranes may have higher lifting capacities and therefore can perform lifts below that lifting capacity, so you want to make sure that you don’t overpay for a large crane that can do your lift when a smaller, more cost efficient one will do. Crane professionals like those at Maxim Crane can make sure you get the crane you need, not the crane that will do the job at a higher cost.
Labor Requirements
When renting a crane, consider the professionals you need to hire to operate your crane. You’ll need everything from transportation and logistics coordination to personnel to operate the crane and truck drivers to deliver the crane. You’ll also need qualified technicians to maintain the crane while it’s on the job site (i.e. oil changes, lubes, etc.) You’ll need someone to coordinate the logistics of the job site as well. The amount of labor needed to properly execute a project can be overwhelming and it needs to be factored into the overall cost.
There are typically two types of crane rentals; bare rentals and operated and maintained rentals. When you choose a rental company like Maxim Crane, opting for the operated and maintained rental means that the company takes the work off your hands by coordinating transportation, assembly, and dismantlement; the hiring of certified operators and service personnel; and providing the necessary insurance coverage, which allows you to focus on other aspects of your job.
Choosing an operated and maintained rental eases several burdens and offers a turnkey solution for your crane rental. When comparing pricing for bare rentals vs. operated and maintained, consider the time and effort saved and the value created for your job site when you hire a crane rental company to do it all for you.
Bare rentals, while more economical on the surface, leave you responsible for the coordination and management of licensed operators for the crane & providing the necessary insurance coverage. Once you add in those costs and consider the time you may spend hiring labor, an operated and maintained rental may become a more efficient choice.
Project Duration
The duration of time required for the crane to be on a job site also influences the cost of a crane rental. Some construction projects will need a crane for a small section of the work and may only require a few hours with the crane, while others need it for the entire project duration which could be years. Depending on your job demands, you can rent a crane:
- Hourly
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly
As a full-service crane rental company, Maxim Crane, will consult with you to make recommendations based on your unique needs and the duration of your project.
Transportation/Hauling Requirements
Transportation cost is one of the most variable line items in a crane rental, and it’s also one of the most overlooked at the quoting stage. The cost depends on the distance from the provider’s yard to the job site, the size and configuration of the crane being moved, and the assembly and disassembly scope at both ends of the trip.
Larger cranes require more trucks. A mid-size hydraulic truck crane may travel under its own power, but a large all-terrain crane, crawler crane, or tower crane typically requires multiple loads to transport the boom, counterweights, and supporting equipment separately. Each load carries its own permitting, escort, and routing requirements, and the time to assemble and dismantle the crane on either end factors into the rental window.
Mobilization fees cover the trip from the yard to the site. Demobilization fees cover the return trip. Both are typically quoted separately from the rental rate itself, and both scale with distance. For projects in remote locations or far from a provider’s nearest yard, mobilization can become a meaningful share of total project cost.
A provider’s geographic footprint has a direct effect on transportation cost. The closer the nearest yard is to the job site, the shorter the mobilization trip, the fewer permits required, and the faster the crane can be on site. For contractors working across multiple locations or running multi-site programs, a national accounts program can streamline the logistics by coordinating crane availability and mobilization through a single point of contact, often from the yard nearest each site rather than a single home base.
Project Management Services
Once you rent a crane, it is helpful to have a project manager to advise from the beginning to the end of the project. Project management involves assisting in creating a site and logistics plan based on resources, budget, and timeline.
Involving a project management team from the crane rental company ensures timely delivery and assembly of the rented cranes, but not all crane rental companies provide this service. Consider the project management needs of your lift and consult with your crane rental provider on their capabilities to assist you with project management services. Some crane rental companies offer this service as part of the crane rental, while others offer it as an additional line item or simply don’t offer the service at all.
Engineering Services
Developing lift plans to ensure the safe operation of the crane and a successful lift is an invaluable tool. Engineering services from a crane rental company aim to improve operation safety, better productivity, and overall better planning for your project. Highly experienced engineers and engineering services offer peace of mind by helping develop lift plans specific to your job and working with sales, logistics, and service to make your lift that much more efficient.
Like project management services, some crane rental companies offer engineering services, and some don’t. While there may be additional costs associated with selecting engineering services for your lift, the value created by handing off this aspect of the lift is hard to put a price on. When comparing quotes, be sure to ask if engineering services are included in the price.
Bare Rental vs. Operated and Maintained Rental: Cost Differences
One of the largest factors in crane rental cost is whether you’re renting the equipment alone or renting the equipment with a qualified crew. The two options are typically called bare rental and operated and maintained rental, and the cost structure of each is meaningfully different.
A bare rental delivers the crane to your site without an operator or maintenance support. The hourly or daily rate is lower on paper, but the responsibility for the lift sits entirely with your team. That means providing a certified operator, supplying a qualified rigger and signal person, carrying the appropriate insurance, handling routine maintenance responsibilities, and absorbing any downtime if mechanical issues arise during the rental. For contractors with the in-house crew and certifications already in place, a bare rental can be a cost-effective choice.
An operated and maintained rental includes the crane, a certified operator, and the maintenance support to keep the equipment running. The hourly or daily rate is higher than a bare rental, but the rate covers the operator’s wages, certifications, and the maintenance responsibility that would otherwise sit with your team. For projects where lift scopes are complex, schedules are tight, or the contractor doesn’t have crane operators on staff, an operated and maintained rental often comes out lower in total project cost once the full picture is accounted for.
The right choice depends on the project. A short, straightforward lift on a site where the contractor already has a qualified operator may pencil out better as a bare rental. A multi-week lift program, a critical lift, or any project where downtime carries a real cost to the schedule typically favors an operated and maintained rental, where the provider absorbs the operator and maintenance variables.
Hourly, Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Crane Rental Pricing Structures
Crane rental providers typically structure pricing around the length of the rental, with rates available on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Each structure fits a different kind of project, and choosing the right one has a real effect on total cost.
Hourly rates apply to short, single-day work where the lift can be completed in a few hours and the crane can return to the yard the same day. Hourly pricing usually carries a minimum number of hours (a four-hour minimum is common in the industry) to cover mobilization and the operator’s day, even if the lift itself takes less time. Hourly rates fit well for one-off rooftop unit placements, mechanical equipment sets, or small structural lifts.
Daily rates apply when a crane is needed on site for a full working day or longer. Daily pricing tends to be more cost-effective than stacking hourly minimums when the work spans most of a shift. This is the most common structure for typical commercial and industrial lifts where the crane stays on site for one to several days.
Weekly rates apply to projects where the crane is needed across multiple consecutive days. Weekly pricing is generally lower per day than the daily rate, reflecting the reduced mobilization and scheduling overhead spread across a longer rental window. Weekly structures fit well for steel erection, multi-pick mechanical scopes, and phased installation work.
Monthly rates apply to longer-duration projects where the crane is dedicated to the site for an extended period. Monthly pricing offers the lowest effective daily rate of the four structures, which is why tower crane rentals on multi-month construction projects almost always use monthly pricing. For projects of this length, the conversation also shifts from raw rate to scheduling reliability, fleet availability, and the provider’s ability to support the full duration without disruption.
The right pricing structure usually becomes clear once the project schedule is mapped out. For multi-phase projects where crane needs vary across the build, a phased budgeting approach can help align the right rate structure to each phase rather than defaulting to a single structure for the whole job.
Popular Cranes to Consider
To determine which crane would be most suitable for the job you’re looking to do, it’s important to know the types of cranes available. Fleet size becomes increasingly important when looking at the impact on costs. Companies with more varieties of cranes across a larger fleet have an edge in making sure the crane type you need is available when you need it.
Depending on your lift requirements, your crane rental company may recommend one or more of the crane types listed below.
Tower Crane
Tower cranes are a staple on construction sites due to their ability to lift heavy materials to significant heights, especially in environments where space constraints prevent the use of larger mobile cranes. These cranes can be anchored to the ground or mounted on ballasted bases, making them versatile for different site requirements. One of their key advantages is height adaptability; as construction progresses, tower cranes can be tied to structures or extended with additional components to reach higher elevations, making them ideal for tall building projects.
Tower cranes are typically used for long-term projects, often remaining on-site for several months or even longer. This extended presence allows them to efficiently handle repetitive, heavy lifting tasks throughout the project’s duration. However, their deployment involves complex logistics. They usually require multiple truckloads for delivery, and additional cranes might be necessary for their assembly and eventual dismantling. These factors contribute to the tower crane rental costs and are an important consideration in project planning.
Moreover, due to their comprehensive capabilities and the complexity of their installation, the overall value they bring to large-scale and height-intensive projects often justifies these costs.
Carry Deck Crane
Carry deck cranes are versatile and compact, making them ideal for jobs in confined spaces like industrial plants. They excel in environments that require maneuverability and are commonly used in tasks such as bridge construction and general infrastructure projects.
These cranes are designed for easy transportation, typically delivered to job sites via semi-truck, which allows for quick deployment and setup. Their operational efficiency and flexibility mean that they are often rented for shorter periods, such as hours or days, to complete assignments that demand agility and speed.
When considering a carry deck crane rental, transportation logistics play a significant role in the overall cost. Though smaller than many other crane types, ensuring efficient delivery and setup is crucial for maximizing their utility on a job site. Their mobility and adaptability make them an excellent choice for site managers seeking efficient lifting solutions in space-restricted areas and for projects requiring rapid completion.
Crawler Crane
Crawler cranes are highly suited for projects requiring the lifting of extremely heavy loads, making them a preferred choice on large commercial construction sites and in industries like renewable energy and energy production facilities. Known for their impressive lifting capacity, crawler cranes are essential in situations that demand significant weight handling.
These cranes come equipped with various components, such as different boom sizes, jibs, and counterweights, allowing them to tackle diverse lifting tasks. Transporting these components to a job site often requires multiple truckloads and sometimes additional cranes for their assembly. The preparation of the lifting surface is another crucial aspect, as crawler cranes need a stable platform, often referred to as a “dance floor,” to ensure safe operation.
The costs associated with deploying a crawler crane can vary widely, influenced by the size of the crane, the complexity of transportation, and the site preparation needs. Maxim Crane assists clients from start to finish, ensuring the right crawler crane option is selected for the job and overseeing the meticulous logistics involved in its deployment. Despite the complexity, crawler cranes provide the power and efficiency for projects demanding heavy-duty performance.
All-Terrain Crane
All-terrain cranes are known for their exceptional versatility, combining robust off-road capabilities with the ability to travel on highways at high speeds. This dual functionality makes them a highly efficient choice for projects that require mobility across diverse terrains.
One of the standout features of all-terrain cranes is their adaptability to different site conditions, providing superior maneuverability on rough terrain while maintaining excellent performance on paved roads. This makes them ideal for a wide range of projects where site accessibility and quick relocation are key considerations.
When planning a rental, it’s important to account for potential additional truckloads needed for transporting components such as counterweights and jibs. Despite these logistical considerations, the all-terrain crane’s combination of power and flexibility often results in cost savings, as it reduces the need for specialized transport arrangements.
Overall, all-terrain cranes offer a practical and economical solution for projects that demand a versatile, mobile crane capable of handling both rugged work sites and urban environments with ease.
Hydraulic Truck Crane
Hydraulic truck cranes are highly versatile and are utilized in a variety of projects, both short-term and long-term. Their design allows them to travel easily over roads, simplifying transportation logistics and making them a convenient choice for many job sites.
These cranes are well-suited for jobs that require frequent relocation, as their over-the-road capabilities allow them to move between locations with minimal setup time. However, depending on the specifics of the job, additional components like booms, jibs, and counterweights may be necessary, potentially requiring extra truckloads and logistical coordination.
When planning for a hydraulic truck crane rental, efficient logistics management is crucial to ensure timely delivery and assembly of all necessary parts. Their adaptability and ease of transport make them an attractive option for project managers who require a reliable lifting solution that can quickly adapt to changing site demands and conditions.
Rough Terrain Crane
Rough terrain cranes are specifically designed for challenging work environments where standard truck-mounted cranes may struggle. These cranes are equipped to handle off-road conditions efficiently, making them ideal for construction projects in rugged or uneven terrain.
Key features of rough terrain cranes include a wide wheelbase, robust tires, and high ground clearance, which provide stability and ease of movement over difficult landscapes. The incorporation of power steering and all-wheel drive further enhances their handling capabilities, ensuring precise maneuverability on even the toughest job sites.
In terms of logistics, rough terrain cranes are typically transported to job sites via semi-truck, and any additional components required for operation will also need careful coordination for delivery. Understanding these transportation needs is crucial for cost planning when renting a rough terrain crane.
Overall, the specialized design of rough terrain cranes makes them a valuable asset for projects that demand reliable performance in challenging environments, offering the stability and mobility necessary to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
Why Renting a Crane Is the Best Option
Despite all the factors that go into crane rental pricing, renting a crane along with additional services may be less expensive than owning a crane outright, especially over the long-term. This is especially true when you take maintenance and repairs over the life of the machine into consideration.
Also, purchasing a crane means that you’re limited to its specifications and capacities. Each crane has specific functions, so you can’t use it for lifting on a variety of projects — you can only use it on projects it’s designed to tackle. That huge investment may be hard to justify.
By renting a crane, you can get the type that meets your specific needs on any project. To keep operational expenses low, consider renting cranes for specific jobs only when you need them. You’ll escape the stress of owning and operating a crane.
Search For Value from Your Crane Rental Provider
With all the variables that go into crane rental rates, you’ll need to engage a reliable rental company that can advise you on the appropriate crane for your project, advise on the requirements of your lift, and plan logistics accordingly. A company like Maxim Crane Works specializes in the rental of cranes and heavy lift equipment, including rough terrain cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes, hydraulic truck cranes, and other conventional truck cranes.
As a one-stop-shop company, we also provide a turn-key solution, offering project management, engineering, maintenance, and heavy haul services in one company and through a local single point of contact, so that you can focus on managing other aspects of your project.
Reach out to us today for a smooth crane operation on your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a crane per day?
Daily crane rental cost varies based on the type and size of crane required, the duration of the rental, whether the rental includes an operator, and the distance from the provider’s yard to the job site. Smaller mobile cranes carry lower daily rates than tower cranes or large crawler cranes, and operated and maintained rentals carry higher daily rates than bare rentals because the operator’s wages and maintenance support are built into the rate. The most reliable way to get an accurate daily rate is to request a quote based on your specific project scope.
What factors affect the cost of renting a crane?
The primary factors are crane type and size, project duration, labor and operator requirements, transportation and mobilization to and from the job site, and any project management or engineering services included in the scope. Site conditions, lift complexity, permits, and the rate structure (hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly) also play a role in the final cost.
Is it cheaper to rent a bare crane or an operated crane?
The hourly or daily rate on a bare rental is lower than the rate on an operated and maintained rental, but the total cost picture is rarely that simple. Bare rentals require the contractor to provide a certified operator, qualified rigger and signal person, insurance, and routine maintenance support. When those costs are accounted for, an operated and maintained rental often comes out lower in total project cost, especially on complex lifts or projects with tight schedules.
How much does a tower crane cost to rent?
Tower crane rental cost is typically structured on a monthly basis because tower cranes are usually deployed for the duration of multi-month construction projects. The rate depends on the model, lifting capacity, jib length, height under hook, and the assembly and disassembly scope at the start and end of the project. Tower crane rentals also typically include erection, climbing, and dismantling costs that are quoted separately from the monthly rental rate.
What are typical crane rental rates by crane size?
Crane rental rates generally scale with lifting capacity. A smaller boom truck or carry deck crane will rent at a lower rate than a mid-size hydraulic truck crane or rough terrain crane, and large all-terrain cranes, crawler cranes, and tower cranes carry the highest rates due to capacity, transportation requirements, and assembly needs. Within each crane category, rates also vary by make, model, and the specific configuration required for the lift.
What’s included in a crane rental price?
The included scope depends on the rental type. A bare rental typically includes the crane itself and standard transport to and from the site. An operated and maintained rental includes the crane, a certified operator, and the maintenance support to keep the equipment running. Additional services like project management, engineered lift planning, and specialized rigging are typically quoted separately and added to the rental scope based on the project’s requirements.
