Construction sites use various cranes for all different types of work. Mobile cranes are a great option for sites that require repeated crane relocations and mobility. Safely operating a mobile crane is more than just pushing the controls to drive it around. Before any loads can be lifted, the site needs to be prepped and the crane needs to be properly set up. These steps prevent crane failures and potential injuries on the job site.
Interested in learning more about mobile crane setup? This guide will walk you through the basics of site preparation, how to safely set up a mobile crane, and offer mobile crane setup tips and tricks to keep everyone on the site safe. Reference this guide to ensure the proper steps are being taken to keep you and the rest of the construction site safe and efficient.
Importance of Proper Site Preparation and Positioning
Properly preparing the construction site and positioning the crane keeps workers safe and the crane working efficiently. Taking a few extra steps to prepare the site improves worksite safety and overall productivity, improving a business’s overall performance.
Safety measures for mobile crane positioning and site preparation include:
- Setting up adequate lighting.
- Posting clear signage around the site.
- Keeping pathways and walkways clear of any obstacles.
Positioning a mobile crane correctly ensures that its base remains stable throughout the job and doesn’t tip over. Taking extra care in preparation and positioning prevents accidents and injuries on a worksite.
In addition to improving workplace safety, these safety and positioning protocols improve the efficiency of the crane and the overall worksite. It may be an extra step in the construction process, but this step streamlines the overall work process while minimizing downtime. Proper preparation and setup prevent delays from crane problems or breaks, and they keep the crane running smoothly.
What Causes a Mobile Crane To Topple and How To Prevent Them?
Mobile Crane Setup: Best Practices for Site Preparation and Positioning
When planning for a mobile crane lifting procedure, preparation is just as important as the setup. Proper preparation and positioning keep workers safe and the crane operating as it should be. Keep these best practices in mind when setting up a mobile crane to maximize efficiency and construction site safety.
- Begin Preparations Early: Don’t start preparations right as the mobile crane needs to be set up. Start these preparations as early as you can so you can take your time and make sure you’re thoroughly prepared for the crane.
- Site Assessment And Planning: Take a look at the area where the crane will be positioned. Map out the site and make a plan for what preparations need to be made.
- Preparing The Ground: Make sure the ground is dry and solid. Remove any hazards or debris, like branches and stones, that could interfere with the crane’s balance or foundation.
- Positioning The Crane: Set the crane up so it’s facing the way it needs to be, and be sure it’s on level ground. Any sort of slope can throw off the crane’s balance.
Identify Any Hazards: Check the site for any potential hazards that could interfere with the crane. This can include other equipment, excess materials, or any structures that may be in the crane’s path. - Get The Correct Equipment And Support Materials: Once the mobile crane is in position, it needs extra support to keep it balanced and stable. Use the right materials and equipment to secure the crane and keep it steady as it moves loads.
- Supervise: When operating a mobile crane, always have someone supervising the crane’s movements. Having a second set of eyes ensures there are no obstacles in the way and the crane is operating as it should be.
- Securing Access: Heavy machinery such as mobile cranes can only be operated by a trained and certified operator. Make sure access to the crane is limited to those qualified to work with the equipment.
The On-Site Mobile Crane Setup Procedure
Once the crane’s location is prepped and free of any hazards, the next step is to set up the mobile crane. The process takes time and attention to detail to make sure everything is good to go. Here are the basic steps for safely setting up a mobile crane on a construction site:
1. Outrigger Deployment: The first step is to set up the outriggers, which are a set of hydraulic legs that extend from the truck of the crane. These supports keep the crane balanced and secured as it moves around lifting heavy loads.
2. Crane Assembly: Once supports are in place, it’s time to assemble the crane. Make sure each crane part is securely put together and assembled in the proper order.
3. Load Testing: With the crane fully assembled, the final step is load testing. This is where the crane lifts a practice load to make sure the parts are working properly and check for any mechanical issues with the crane.
Safety Checks and Inspections
Once the mobile crane is in position, a safety check needs to happen before you start operating the machinery. This check prevents accidents on the job site and ensures the crane is working at maximum efficiency. Each step needs to be checked carefully for even minor issues. Safety inspections on a mobile crane should include the following crucial steps:
- Check the Hydraulics: The crane’s hydraulics keep it stable and moving smoothly. Problems such as hydraulic leaks can quickly turn into catastrophic crane failures. This is why it’s important to thoroughly check the crane’s hydraulic system for any issues and address them quickly.
- Check Primary Components: Look over the main components of the crane such as the chains, wires, and hooks. Check for any wear and tear to these parts and address any potential problems as soon as possible before operating the mobile crane.
- Set Up Safety Equipment: Outside of the crane itself, there needs to be safety equipment set up around the crane. This includes barriers, proper lighting, and warning signs. This keeps other site workers safe and the work area clear for the crane to safely move around and carry loads.
Become A Certified Mobile Crane Operator
Mobile cranes are versatile tools that can easily navigate a construction site and be positioned wherever it is needed. This makes moving loads easier without having to repeatedly build and tear down a larger crane. However, mobile cranes have their own preparation and setup procedures to keep them running safely and efficiently.
Interested in becoming a certified mobile crane operator? Take the first step by applying to a certification program from Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC).
We offer extensive mobile crane operator training programs to get you started in the field. Our heavy equipment operations certifications prepare you to work in the construction industry with topics including construction site preparations. Our campuses are located in Georgia, California, Oklahoma, and Washington state.
Contact Heavy Equipment Colleges of America today to speak with one of our admissions counselors. Our team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the application process from start to finish. You can also schedule a visit to one of our locations and see what the campus has to offer. Start your career as a mobile crane operator by joining our crane operator training school at HEC!
