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Buyer guide
What size crane do I need?
The crane size depends less on the weight alone than on the weight at the distance it has to travel. Here is how providers work it out, so you can give them the right numbers.
The five numbers that decide it
- Load weight, plus the weight of the rigging, hook block and spreader bars. Rigging often adds 500 to 2,000 lb.
- Radius: the horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to where the load is picked and set. Measure to the furthest point.
- Height: how high the load must go, including clearance over parapets, trees or equipment.
- Setup space: outriggers on a 50 ton crane spread to about 20 to 25 feet wide.
- Ground: soft soil, fresh fill, sand or buried utilities may need crane mats.
Crane classes at a glance
| Crane | Rough capacity | Typical Kern County jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Boom truck | Up to about 20 tons close in | Trusses, pallets, poles, small HVAC units, generators |
| 25 to 40 ton truck crane | A few tons at 50 to 60 ft | Smaller rooftop units, light steel, signs, pool and spa sets |
| 50 to 90 ton hydraulic | Heavier units at longer reach | Larger rooftop units, commercial steel, pumps, compressors, pre-cast |
| 100 to 300+ ton all-terrain | Heavy picks, long radius | Tanks, vessels, plant equipment, utility work |
| Crawler crane | Very heavy, multi-day | Refinery turnarounds, solar and energy projects |
Worked example
A 6,000 lb rooftop unit sits 55 feet from the nearest spot where a crane can set up. With about 800 lb of rigging, the crane must lift 6,800 lb at 55 feet. At that radius, a 40 ton crane's chart may allow only around 7,000 to 9,000 lb. That is too tight. A 60 ton crane gives a comfortable margin, so expect quotes for the larger crane.
Watch for power lines
Federal rules (OSHA 1926.1408) generally require cranes to stay at least 20 feet from power lines up to 350 kV unless the utility de-energizes them or a specific clearance plan is in place. Point out any overhead lines when you request a quote.
Checklist to send with your request
- Item and weight (nameplate or submittal)
- Distance from setup to pick and set points
- Height needed
- Photos of the setup area, the access route and overhead lines
- Preferred date and time window
Free crane quotes
Get crane quotes from local providers
Tell us about the lift. We pass it to up to three independent Bakersfield-area crane companies, and they contact you directly. Free, no obligation.
What happens after you submit
- You send one request. About two minutes. Free, no obligation.
- We pass it to up to three independent crane companies that serve the job site and can handle the lift. It may be fewer than three, depending on who covers your site and job.
- They contact you directly by phone or email with questions and a price. You compare, choose and contract with them.
Tell us about the lift
All fields except company are required.
Include these for a faster, firmer price
- What you are lifting: the heaviest item, its weight and size
- Radius: distance from where the crane can set up to the pick and set points
- Height: how high it must go, including parapets or obstructions
- Site conditions: ground, access, gates and any overhead power lines
- Location and date: address or cross streets, and your time window
- Photos or a lift plan if you have them. Mention them and the provider will ask.
Bakersfield Crane Rental is a free referral service, not a crane company. We pass your request to independent, locally operating crane companies who quote and do the work. We do not own cranes or employ operators. How it works.