This discussion is valid and I would like to suggest that the tool one person uses effectively is often wasted by another. I am not trying to defend owning a crane as a agood investment but renting a bare crane (by the day ,week or month without an operator) is often on par with a telehandler for cost, material handling and placement during assembly. For panels a crane is a good way to go. On difficult sites a crane is the only way to even get materials on the deck. Whatever the machine make sure you are insured to use it right after you complete your certification for operation. Whatever the machine do not pick anything up or attempt to place it without knowing the capacity of the machine at desired range and the weight of the materials. FOr raisings a pro operator is a good idea although we all have stories to share.
For raisings a small crane supporting a hired on crane allows the big crane to be a temporary brace while other parts are flown in. In many parts of the world a small tower crane is on site from the beginning again because material handling and access to the site are limited and socialized medicine has society thinking about a the sore back a little differently. In the Rocky Mtns I have been on sites where a tower crane is the job site forklift, radio controlled, geez. Of course there was a shuttle bus for the labor on the job so...
With one helper and my rig I can place 400 pounds 75 feet from center of radius with 1 finger, an insurance genius, a check book and a plan. If the load is staged for assembly order this is very efficient, if the joinery is well cut that same helper can slide the joinery together while it is on the hook.
Remember that building is an owner financed operation, factor in all expenses and make sure you price accordingly.
Would I buy another crane? That would depend on the amount of work I had lined up. Will I rent whatever is needed to do the job safely? Always
Construction is material handling and picking the right machine for the job should be by design, make you money and save the owner money in the bargain. Machinery is almost always cheaper than labor.
Safety first,
Curtis
