5 Vital Tips to Consider When Renting a Winch for Your Construction Project

Winches have become a mainstay in most construction projects because of their convenience and pulling power. Winches make more difficult construction tasks easier such as towing materials to higher floors, cabling, and hauling. Although buying a winch can be a significant investment, the initial cost can be discouraging, and thus, most construction projects proponents would prefer hiring that buying. Here are some considerations when hiring an electric winch.

Winch Accessories -- A winch will need a few accessories to go along with it in the construction project. If you require more than one winch, you will need control valves. In addition, an electric generator to provide extra power for heavy-duty lifting and hauling will come in handy. Also, you will have to hire a fair-lead, which guides the winch cable when lifting. You can hire these accessories separately or from the same contractor depending on the offers provided.

Winch Operator -- If you want to reduce the cost of hiring a winch, always have a licensed professional who can operate this machinery. You will spend your money on hiring the winch only. It may also be an excellent idea to have a person who can operate at least two different types of heavy machinery such as a crane and a winch to cut on expenses. However, you will have to guarantee that you have a licensed professional before you can hire the winch.

Size and Performance of the Winch -- Choose the size of the winch depending on the type of construction project. The hauling and lifting capacity of the machinery should also be considered. A high-performance winch with enhanced pulling force will definitely cost you more than a small, low-performance winch. A top-shelf winch will set you back hundreds of dollars in hiring charges.

Insurance -- When a hired winch malfunctions or is damaged at the construction site, the contractor will hold you liable for the damage. Also, you can be responsible for damage to third party property or your employees. Planning ahead will save you money and headaches in the process. Take a comprehensive insurance scheme that will cover damage or loss to the winch, third party property, and injury to workers as a result of a potential malfunctioning of the machinery. Also, consider insuring against revenue loss due to time spent on replacing or repairing materials that will be lifted by the winch.

How long will the Winch be On-site? -- There is no need to hire a winch this week when the actual lifting work will start next week. Remember that the contractor will charge you based on the duration that the winch will take on the construction site. As such, hire the equipment when you are ready to start the lifting or hauling in order to avoid unnecessary costs.