How much room does a crane need?

What decides the setup spot

Our process begins with choosing a setup location. A street, a driveway or an open lot can all serve, depending on the site. What matters is a spot with firm ground where the outriggers can be placed, within reach of the tree, with a clear path for the lift.

What the arborist checks

Access: can the crane reach the property through a gate, down a driveway or along the street? Ground: is it firm, level and free of buried lines and tanks? Overhead: are there wires, branches or roofs along the path of the lift? Reach: how close can the crane get to the tree, and where will pieces land?

If the crane cannot get close, the arborist may suggest a boom truck, climbing or a mix. The company owns a 75-foot Altec GMC boom truck as well as the crane, and the arborist decides what fits.

What to tell the office

Mention gates, overhead wires, slopes, parked cars and tight turns when you call. A street may need to be used; see whether a crane job needs a street permit. The visit is free and settles the question. Call 775.232.8243 or send the estimate form.

Because the crane is a large machine, its approach is part of the plan, not just the setup. Narrow streets, low branches, parked cars and overhead wires along the route can all matter. In some cases the crane sits on the street and reaches over a house, and in others it sits in the back yard. Ask the arborist where it will go, and ask what you need to move. Do not guess at the answer from the size of the yard alone.