How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Crane

If you have ever been involved in construction or heavy lifting projects, you know that cranes are an essential piece of equipment. Whether you need to lift and move materials, install structures, or complete other tasks that require significant lifting power, renting a crane is often the most cost-effective option.

But how much does it actually cost to rent a crane? Well, there are a lot of things that affect how much it costs to rent a crane, like what kind of crane it is, how big it is, how long you need it, where you need it, and what extra services you need.

In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about renting a crane, like:

• How to rent a crane and what information you need to provide
• The average cost of renting a crane
• What Factors Affect the Crane Rental Cost?
• Different types of cranes and their rental rates
• What other costs and fees you have to pay when you rent a crane

So after reading the guide, you will have a better understanding and estimate of what you can expect to pay.

How to Rent a Crane

First of all, let me tell you how you can rent a crane. There are two main ways to do it: online or offline. Online means using a national online rental network, like BigRentz, where you can search for different types of cranes in your area, compare prices and features, and book your rental online.

Offline means using a local crane service, where you can call or visit them and get a more personalized service. They may have more availability and flexibility. However, they may also charge higher rates and have less variety of cranes.

So to rent a crane, you will need to provide some basic information, such as:

• The type and size of the crane you need
• The duration of the rental
• The location of the job site
• The weight and dimensions of the load
• The height and distance of the lift
• The site conditions and accessibility
• The permits and insurance required

You will also need to decide whether you need an operator, a rigger, and a signal person to operate the crane safely and efficiently. Some crane rentals include these services, while others charge extra for them.

The average cost of Renting a Crane

Now, let’s talk about the most important question: how much does it cost to rent a crane? Well, there is no simple answer to that, because the cost depends on many factors that I will discuss in next section.

However, the prices range from $200 to $5,000 per day, $1,000 to $15,000 per week, or $3,000 to $45,000 per month, plus installation and dismantling fees for tower cranes.

To help you understand why the prices vary, I will break down the cost into various factors that will help you choose the right type and size of crane for your project and budget.

For example, if you need a small crane for a small amount of work, you may wonder why the price ranges from $200 to $5,000 per day. I will explain the reasons behind this price range. So, let’s move on to the factors.

Factors that Affect Crane Rental Costs

As I said before when it comes to renting a crane, there are several factors that influence the overall cost. It’s important to understand these factors and how they contribute to the final price so that you can make an informed decision.

👉🏽Type of crane:

The type of crane you need will have a significant impact on the rental cost. Different cranes have varying specifications and capabilities, and as a result, their rental rates can vary.

Mobile crane: These cranes are versatile and suitable for a range of construction and industrial projects. They are typically more affordable to rent compared to other types of cranes.

Average rental rates for mobile cranes can range from $200 to $1,000 per day, depending on the size and lifting capacity.

Mobile Crane Type	Lifting Capacity	Cost Per Hour	Cost Per Day	Cost Per Week	Cost Per Month
Small mobile crane	2.5 to 30 tons	$100 to $300	$200 to $1,000	$1,000 to $3,000	$3,000 to $9,000
Large mobile crane	40 to 400 tons	$250 to $750	$1,000 to $5,000	$3,000 to $15,000	$9,000 to $45,000

Tower crane: Tower cranes are used for tall construction projects and have high lifting capacities. Due to their size and complexity, tower cranes are more expensive to rent.

Rental rates for tower cranes can range from $1,500 to $15,000 per week, depending on the height and weight capacity required.

Tower Crane Type	Lifting Capacity	Cost Per Hour	Cost Per Day	Cost Per Week	Cost Per Month
Fixed tower crane	100 to 240 tons	$100 to $200	$1,000 to $2,000	$1,500 to $15,000	$15,000 to $45,000
Self-erecting tower crane	10 to 20 tons	$50 to $100	$500 to $1,000	$2,500 to $5,000	$5,000 to $15,000

Rough terrain crane: These cranes are designed for off-road projects and are equipped with large tires for improved mobility.

Rental rates for rough terrain cranes can range from $1,000 to $4,000 per day, depending on the size and lifting capacity needed.

Rough Terrain Crane Type	Lifting Capacity	Cost Per Hour	Cost Per Day	Cost Per Week	Cost Per Month
Small rough terrain crane	15 to 35 tons	$100 to $300	$200 to $800	$1,000 to $2,500	$3,000 to $7,500
Large rough terrain crane	40 to 80 tons	$200 to $500	$500 to $1,500	$2,000 to $5,000	$6,000 to $15,000

Crawler crane: Crawler cranes are known for their stability and ability to maneuver on rough terrain. They are often used for heavy lifting in construction projects.

Rental rates for crawler cranes can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per day, depending on the size and lifting capacity required.

Crawler Crane Type	Lifting Capacity	Cost Per Hour	Cost Per Day	Cost Per Week	Cost Per Month
Small crawler crane	50 to 100 tons	$150 to $350	$300 to $1,000	$1,500 to $3,500	$4,500 to $10,500
Large crawler crane	110 to 600 tons	$300 to $800	$800 to $2,500	$4,000 to $10,000	$12,000 to $30,000

👉🏽Duration of rental:

The length of time you need the crane will also affect the price. Most rental companies offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates.

Typically, the longer you need the crane, the lower the rate will be on a per-day basis.

Duration of rental	Price per day
Daily	$200 – $1,000
Weekly	$150 – $800
Monthly	$100 – $600

👉🏽Distance and transport:

If you are renting a crane that needs to be transported to your location, the distance between the crane rental company and your project site will impact the cost.

Transportation fees, including fuel and delivery charges, are typically added to the rental price.

Distance and transport	Price per mile
Less than 50 miles	$4 – $8
50 to 100 miles	$6 – $12
More than 100 miles	$8 – $16

👉🏽Operator fees:

In many cases, you will need to hire an operator to operate the crane. The cost of the operator is usually an additional expense and can vary depending on factors such as experience, certifications, and the duration of their services.

Table

Type of Crane	Operator Fee per Hour
14-ton hydraulic crane	$100 – $110
25-tonne crane	$420 per day
35-tonne crane	$1,750 per week
100-ton hydraulic truck crane	$350 – $370
Tower crane	$2,500 per week

The operator fee may also depend on other factors, such as the location, the availability, the safety team, and the level of insurance

Also Read: How Much Does a Dump Truck Load of Gravel Cost

👉🏽Additional equipment:

Depending on the requirements of your project, you may need additional equipment, such as rigging or attachments, which could increase the overall rental cost.

Additional Equipment	Description	Average Cost
Rigging	The hardware and devices used to attach the load to the crane, such as slings, chains, hooks, etc.	$50 to $500 per day
Attachments	The tools and accessories that enhance the crane’s functionality, such as buckets, forks, magnets, etc.	$100 to $1,000 per day
Lift plan	A detailed plan that outlines the crane’s operation, including the load, the rigging, the site conditions, the safety measures, etc.	$500 to $5,000 per project

Note: All these are just average rental rates that I got by researching and can vary depending on factors such as location and demand, since this is not like a product that has fixed price but it can vary.

Additional Costs to Consider when Renting a Crane

When renting a crane, it’s important to take into account additional costs beyond the daily or weekly rental rates.

Permits and insurance:

Cranes need permits to work in public areas, like roads, sidewalks, and parks. The permits may vary depending on the local rules, the type and size of the crane, and the duration and location of the lift.

You may also need to get insurance to cover any possible damages or liabilities caused by the crane. You should check with your crane rental company and your local authorities about the fees and paperwork involved.

Utility lines and obstacles:

Using a crane may require disconnecting or moving utility lines, like power, water, gas, and phone lines, to avoid problems or damage.

You may also need to clear any obstacles, like trees, buildings, or cars, that may block the crane or the load. These tasks may cost extra and require coordination with the utility companies and the property owners.

Lift plan and inspection:

Before using a crane, you may need to make a lift plan, which is a document that tells you everything you need to know and do for the lift, like the crane model, the load weight and size, the lift height and distance, the site conditions and risks, and the roles and responsibilities of the staff.

You may also need to check the crane and the load before and after the lift, to make sure they are safe and working properly. These tasks may need professional help and equipment, which may add to the crane rental cost.

Answers to the Questions that are Asked a lot

How is crane rental typically charged?

Crane rental is usually charged on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Some companies may also offer hourly rates for shorter-term rentals. Additionally, transportation, setup, and operator fees may contribute to the overall cost.

Are there any hidden costs associated with crane rental?

Hidden costs may include transportation fees, operator charges, fuel costs, and any additional accessories or safety equipment required. It’s crucial to inquire about all potential charges upfront to avoid surprises.

Are there any safety considerations that impact the rental cost?

Yes, safety considerations can affect costs. Some projects may require additional safety features or specialized equipment, leading to higher rental fees. It’s important to discuss safety requirements with the crane rental company.

Can I rent a crane for a short-term project?

Yes, crane rental companies often offer short-term rentals for projects with varying durations. Whether you need a crane for a day or a few weeks, you can typically find rental options that suit your project timeline.

Do crane rental companies provide operators, or do I need to hire one separately?

Many crane rental companies offer trained and certified operators as part of the rental package. Operator fees are often included in the overall cost, but it’s essential to confirm this with the rental company.

Are there any permits required for crane rental?

Depending on your location and the type of crane being used, you may need permits for road closures, parking, or other considerations. The cost of permits is typically not included in the crane rental and should be factored into your budget.

Wrapping up this Topic

Renting a crane can be a great option for your construction project, as it can save you money, time, and hassle, and let you use different types of cranes for different purposes without buying it.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the factors involved in crane rental, it’s time to make an informed decision about the cost. When comparing rental quotes from different companies, it’s essential to look beyond the initial price.

Consider factors such as the crane’s capabilities, rental duration, additional fees, and insurance coverage. By evaluating these factors comprehensively, you can choose a crane rental option that not only fits your budget but also meets your project’s needs effectively.

I hope this article has helped you understand how much it costs to rent a crane, and what factors affect the price. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading! 😊

Important Note: Please comment below with the price and type of crane you received from the rental company after reading this post and getting a quote for your work. This will help other users benefit from your experience.