Mobile Cranes

All-terrain cranes feature specialized chassis with hydro-pneumatic suspension systems and multi-axle steering that allow them to operate on both highways and rough terrain, while hydraulic truck cranes are mounted on standard truck chassis primarily designed for road travel. All-terrain cranes offer superior off-road capabilities with features like all-wheel drive and adjustable outrigger configurations, making them ideal for sites with challenging access, whereas hydraulic truck cranes excel in quick mobilization for projects near paved roads where their highway-legal design enables rapid deployment between job sites.

Mobile crane rentals are available as either operated and maintained rentals, which include a certified operator and crew, or as bare rentals where you provide your own qualified personnel. At Southway Crane, our operated rentals include NCCCO-certified operators who bring the expertise and safety protocols required for compliant crane operations, while bare rentals give you the flexibility to use your own certified operators when you have qualified personnel on staff.

Carry deck cranes are specifically designed for indoor facility work and confined spaces, with compact, low-profile designs that allow them to navigate through standard doorways, narrow aisles, and tight manufacturing environments. Their maneuverability makes them ideal for warehouses, production floors, and industrial plants where larger cranes cannot access, and they can pick, carry, and place loads in areas with overhead obstructions or limited clearance.

Choosing the right crane requires evaluating your lift requirements including load weight, radius from the crane to the load center, lift height, and site conditions such as ground bearing capacity and access restrictions. Southway Crane’s experienced team reviews your project specifications, conducts site assessments when needed, and recommends the appropriate crane type and capacity from our extensive fleet, ensuring you have equipment matched to your specific application whether it requires the reach of an all-terrain crane, the compact footprint of a carry deck, or the versatility of a hydraulic truck crane.

Mobile crane setup times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes for standard configurations, though larger cranes with complex rigging or counterweight requirements may need several hours depending on the specific lift plan and site conditions. Setup involves deploying outriggers, positioning crane mats for ground support, conducting pre-operation safety checks, and assembling any additional boom sections or jibs, with actual times varying based on crane size, configuration complexity, and whether the site has been properly prepared in advance.

Southway Crane’s mobile crane fleet offers capacities up to 800 tons, with lifting capacity varying significantly by crane type, configuration, and operating radius. Actual lifting capacity depends on multiple factors including boom length, load radius, ground conditions, and whether outriggers are fully extended, with each crane’s specific load chart providing precise capacity ratings for different configurations to ensure safe operations within manufacturer specifications and OSHA requirements.

We recommend booking mobile crane rentals at least two to three weeks in advance, particularly during peak construction seasons from spring through fall when demand is highest. Earlier booking ensures equipment availability, allows time for proper lift planning and permit acquisition, and often secures better rates, though Southway Crane also accommodates emergency and last-minute requests when equipment is available and urgent project needs arise.

Many mobile cranes can access residential areas, with compact models like carry deck cranes and smaller hydraulic truck cranes specifically designed to navigate narrow streets, driveways, and tight spaces common in residential neighborhoods. The feasibility depends on factors including street width, overhead clearances from power lines and trees, turning radius requirements, and whether the crane needs to travel on residential roads or can be positioned from adjacent streets, making a site assessment valuable to confirm access and determine the most appropriate crane for residential projects.

Mobile cranes require firm, level, well-drained ground with sufficient bearing capacity to support the crane’s outrigger loads, which can exceed 100,000 pounds per outrigger depending on the lift. The ground must be assessed by qualified personnel to determine its allowable bearing pressure, with crane mats or outrigger pads used to distribute loads when ground conditions are marginal, and sites should avoid areas near trenches, underground utilities, uncompacted fill, or slopes that could compromise crane stability during operations.