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Crane rental questions
Costs, operators, permits, certifications and lead times, plus how this referral service works.
How much does it cost to rent a crane in Bakersfield?
Most small to mid-size operated crane jobs in the Bakersfield area land between about $1,000 and $3,500 for a short day, including the operator. Larger all-terrain or crawler cranes, long jobs, extra rigging crew and permits push it higher. See the pricing guide for ranges by crane type.
Do crane rentals come with an operator?
For mobile cranes, almost always. Most crane jobs are "operated and maintained" rentals: the crane company supplies a certified operator and is responsible for the machine. Bare rentals (crane without operator) exist for some equipment, but you then need your own certified operator and your own insurance.
How far ahead should I book?
Give as much notice as you can. One to two weeks is comfortable for routine lifts. Busy periods for oilfield, construction and solar work can stretch lead times to several weeks. Same-day or next-day lifts are sometimes possible for small cranes and boom trucks, so say so on the form if it is urgent.
What information do providers need for a quote?
The heaviest item and its dimensions, how far it must travel horizontally from where the crane can set up (the radius), how high it must go, the ground conditions, any power lines or obstructions, and the date. A few photos of the site make quoting much faster.
Is this a crane company?
No. Bakersfield Crane Rental is a free referral service. We pass your request to independent local crane companies, who quote you and do the work. You contract with them directly. The service is free for you; providers may pay us a marketing fee for the introductions. Read how it works.
Do I need a permit to use a crane in Bakersfield?
If the crane or its outriggers sit in a public street, alley or sidewalk, you will usually need an encroachment permit: from the City of Bakersfield inside city limits, or from Kern County Public Works in unincorporated areas. Lifts near airports may need FAA notice. Your crane provider can usually tell you what applies and often handles it.
What certifications should a crane operator in California have?
California requires operators of most cranes to hold a certification from an accredited body, such as NCCCO (Cal/OSHA, Title 8 Section 5006.1). Cranes also need an annual inspection and certification by a Cal/OSHA licensed certifier. Ask for the operator card and the current crane certificate before the lift.
Can you help with out-of-state or industrial projects?
Yes. Project managers based outside the area often need a local crane for a plant shutdown, equipment set, tank or vessel move, or a solar or utility job. Describe the scope on the form and the providers will follow up.
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.