Frequently Asked Questions about Crane Rentals in Chicago, IL

  • How much lead time do you require to set up a crane?

     Typically 2-3 days is enough notice, but we may book up earlier than that during busier times of the year. Sometimes we have openings available the next day, so don’t be afraid to call us if you have a last minute project that comes up.

  • What type of information do you need for a typical job?

    We need to know the weight of the item you’re lifting, where the crane will be setting up, the distance the crane will be set up from the building, the building height, and the distance in from the edge of the building to the center of the item that you’re lifting. We can measure most of these things for you on existing buildings using Google Earth.

  • Can you help me with any potential job permits that may be required?

    We handle all permits necessary to get the crane to and from the job, but if the crane will need to set up in the street, you’ll need to obtain a street blockage permit yourself in order for us to do the job.

  • What are your standard hours?

    Our normal crane operation hours are Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm. This includes travel time from our yard to the job and return. Anything before 7am or after 3:30pm will have additional OT costs. Any Saturday or Sunday work will be OT as well. Please call our office for pricing. 

Looking to Rent a Crane to Get a Project Completed? Here are some things to know.

Black rectangle with a white square in the upper left corner and a small white block in the lower right corner.

Accurate Measurements

  • How far will the crane be set up from the center of the object it's lifting?
  • Is the object going on a rooftop? What is the height of the building and how far from the building will the crane be?
  • How far in does the unit have to go from the edge of the building?
Black-and-white abstract shape with a white block in the upper left and a dark block in the lower right.

Accurate Lift Weight

  • What is the weight of the object or objects that you are lifting?
White rectangular panel with a small black square in the bottom-right corner.

Overhead Obstructions

  • Are there any electrical lines where the crane will be set up that could interfere with the lift?
  • Are there any trees or other objects that could interfere with the lift?
Black-and-white abstract geometric pattern with a large white square in the upper left and black blocks along the edges

Underground Utilities

  • Are there any underground pipes, tanks, sewers, power lines, etc.?
Black-and-white vertical abstract block with a white top and black bottom, split by a jagged diagonal edge

Street Permits

  • Will the crane be set up in the road? If so, you may need a city permit.
  • You WILL need to obtain a permit if the crane will be set up on a street in Chicago.
Minimal black-and-white abstract shape with a white corner and black lower-right block

Jobsite Accessibility

  • Is the area wide enough for the crane to get through?
  • Is there anything that the crane will have to drive under?
  • Will the crane be able to make tight turns to get onto the job?
Black-and-white minimalist square icon with a white top-left triangle and black bottom-right triangle divided by a diagonal line

Special Rigging

  • Are you going to need any special lifting equipment (spreader beam, chains, special shackles)?