A little preparation makes lift day fast and safe, and a crew that’s ready when the crane rolls up keeps the whole job short. Here’s what to expect and how to get ready. Questions about your specific lift? Call us: 303-761-2666.
Who does what on lift day
Bill Boom provides
- The boom truck and a professional crane operator
- The rigging equipment — slings, straps, and shackles suited to your load
You (the customer) are responsible for
- Rigging the load. Placing the rigging and connecting it to the unit is your crew’s job, not the operator’s. The operator’s job is operating the crane.
- Disconnecting the unit (power, gas, ductwork, mounting bolts) before the crane arrives
- A signal person or someone coordinating with the operator during the lift
- Receiving and detaching the load at the set point
Before the crane arrives
- Clear a spot for the truck. The boom truck needs firm, level ground and room to set its outriggers. Tell us in advance about soft ground, steep driveways, overhangs, or tight access.
- Look up. Power lines near the lift path are the single biggest hazard on any crane job. Mention them when you call — every time.
- Have the unit ready. Fully disconnected, unbolted, and accessible, with the old unit ready to come off before the new one goes on.
- Have your crew on site. Someone has to rig the load and receive it. If your crew isn’t ready, the lift waits on them.
Know the hand signals
If your crew is new to working with a crane, two things worth a look before lift day so everyone is speaking the same language:
- Crane hand signals chart (one-page PDF) — every standard signal with a drawing; print it and bring it to the job.
- The most common signals are illustrated right on our home page.
This page is general information about how crane lifts usually go — it is not rigging instruction or safety training. Rigging is the customer’s responsibility and must follow OSHA standards.
Ready to schedule your lift?
Tell us the weight, the height, and how far in from where the truck can park — we’ll quote it on the call.
📞 303-761-2666 (303-761-BOOM)Questions we get before lift day
Who does the rigging on a crane lift?
Your crew does. Bill Boom brings the boom truck, a professional operator, and the rigging equipment: slings, straps, and shackles suited to your load. Your crew places the rigging, connects it to the unit, and receives and detaches the load at the set point. The operator’s job is operating the crane.
What needs to be done before the crane arrives?
The unit fully disconnected, with power, gas, ductwork, and mounting bolts off, and accessible. A firm, level spot cleared for the truck and its outriggers. Your crew on site to rig and receive the load. And tell us ahead of time about soft ground, steep driveways, overhangs, tight access, and any power lines near the lift path.
Do we need a signal person?
Yes. Someone on your crew coordinates with the operator during the lift. A one-page crane hand-signal chart is linked on this page. Print it and bring it to the job.