Andy,
I also aproach the crane rental as part of the raising cost and add it to the bid accordingly.
For your consideration: If you purchase a crane, you will probaly be the one operating the crane. Therefore you would not be able to oversee the raising as effectively. For me this role is critical as I am the most experienced on the crew and find it advantagous to observe, problem solve and direct.
I however do know that everyone is different. There is a shop near me that has there own crane. I think it depends on what you like to do with your time and money. If you like running cranes and the repairs, insurance, training, etc that accompany them, then by all means go for it.
I would rather put my money into shop material handling and storage systems such as forklifts, in shop overhead cranes, etc.
Forklifts: In the past I worked in shops without them and vowed that when I started my own business that I would have one. I am a small shop (me and another guy), but material handling takes up alot of time and is inherently heavy and potentially dangerous.
I have a simple forklift that works well in my yard. 6000lb rough terrain. It is a 2 wheel drive, so I have to put chains on in the winter. However, it works perfectly for my limited application(moving material safely and efficiently in my yard.)
-Collin
