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In the first war story Wednesday episode. I go back to the very beginning and talk about one the first crane rental projects that I was on. On this project I was to experience a portion of the breaking down and moving of a Manitowoc 2250 with the Max-er attachment. This was my first exposure to large cranes. I have been in love with cranes ever since. 

In episode 3 of the crane rental minute, I talk about integrated counterweights and how they benefit travel of rough terrain cranes. Leave your crane rental minute topics in the comments below.

The lift cylinder(s) in a crane are structurally a very important part of the crane. The outriggers keep the crane level and elevated off the ground. Much like the outrigger the lift cylinder(s) support the boom and everything involved with the boom, like the load, jib, etc. The lift cylinders are integral part of the crane. The lift cylinders provide an upward force that counteracts the downward force of the boom, load, etc. The lift cylinder is basically an actuator that provides a force in unidirectional force in a unidirectional stroke. The stroke of the cylinder determines how much force the lift cylinder can place on the boom, i.e. how much angle the boom can be increased.  

In episode 2 of the crane rental minute we talk about outriggers. I describe the purposes and functions of a crane outrigger. In this example you are looking at a Link-Belt RTC8030 rough terrain crane outrigger.

In this weeks episode we talk all about Rough Terrain cranes. Why you would use this type of crane. Types of projects this crane would go on and even how to move this large crane. Tell us what you think about rough terrain cranes below.

In this crane rental minute, we describe the purpose and functionality of a rough terrain crane in a minute. The clock is ticking... Want to test me with a minute of time and a crane question? - Email your questions here... Info@CraneServiceInc.com or leave them in the comments.

This week we discuss why you might buy or rent an all-terrain crane versus a crawler crane. Which crane is better? Which crane should you buy or rent? We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both crane types. Which crane model do you like better? Leave your comments below.

How do you become a rigger or signal person? In this episode of the Crane Rental Podcast we discuss what it takes in three easy steps. Step 1: Have a passion/develop a passion for this industry.Step 2: Be Qualified or want to be qualified.Step 3: Able to trust your instincts. How did you become a rigger or signal person or whatever you do? We want to know. Leave your comments below.

This week Todd Brown and Chris Martin discuss the importance of LAM [Load angle multipliers] or LAF [load angle factors].  This topic is essential to anyone in the crane rental industry or construction industry that is hoisting loads.  Do you know how much force you are applying to the slings that you are using?  We go over the math involved in  calculating the proper LAM or LAF for your lift.   Show Notes: Pythagorean theorem: A2 + B2 = C2 As your sling angle decreases relative to your load, i.e. 90 degrees or less, the amount of force your slings will be experiencing increases.   Leave your comments or notes below about what you know about LAM or LAF.  

In this weeks episode we learn how Robnett [Rob] Pulliam became an operating engineer/crane operator. Hear his story, as he started in the crane rental game at very young age. He fell in love with cranes and heavy machinery once he started being around the cranes and equipment his father operated. Rob would spend many of weekends in his teenagers years shadowing and working with his father on jobsites and learning how to operate cranes. Fast forward to now, Rob has passed this generalational legacy onto his son Robnett, Jr who can operate cranes and works with us here at Crane Service, as well. Three generations in the crane rental industry is a very interesting story. As you watch this video with Rob you will pick up on why he enjoys this industry so much.  Leave your comments below on how you entered into the crane rental industry, heavy machinery industry or heavy rigging industry.

This week we talk about crane rigging, a.k.a rigging 101. Todd Brown joins us with his "magic box" of rigging. We discuss proper ways to inspect rigging, different types or rigging and even talk about a shackle that is 2 generations old! Do you have any rigging stories or best practices for rigging? Leave your comments below.

In Episode 3 of the Crane Rental Podcast we talk with crane operator now Business Development Manager, Bob Warianka. Bob wanted to be a police officer in the Phoenix, Arizona area, but his life pointed him to the crane rental industry. Find out how Bob Warianka became a crane operator in our series, becoming a crane operator. How did you become a crane operator? Leave your comments below, perhaps it will help another person join this exciting industry.

So, you want to become a NCCCO crane operator or heavy machinery operator? Well this is the video you need to watch. We explain the process of how to become a crane rental operator. There are a few steps. Step One: Have a love/passion for the equipment. Step Two: Have a Class A drivers license. Step Three: Get into the crane rental industry by applying to a local crane rental company. Step Four: Get experience around the equipment by being a rigger/oiler/driver. Step Five: Get your NCCCO crane operating license. NCCCO [The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators - http://www.nccco.org/ Class A Drivers license: Information on obtaining your class 4 drivers licences can be found by visiting your local DMV or MVD or online by visiting your states DMV or MVD website. Crane Hotline Magazine - http://www.cranehotline.comAmerican Crane and Transport Magazine - http://www.khl.com/magazines/american-cranes-and-transport/ConExpo-ConAgg - http://www.conexpoconagg.com

Crane mats and proper ground conditions are essential to making a crane rental project go off without a hitch. In the crane rental business it is standard to mitigate risks in this very risky industry. That is where crane mats come into play. They help reduce the force you placing on the contact patch [i.e ground or supporting surface]. In Episode 1 we talk with Todd Brown from our safety department. He has been operating cranes since 1992. He explains to us that doing nothing is not an option on the matting side. Dica Mats: http://dicausa.com