Overview
A lift plan documents how a lift will be performed: load weight, rigging, crane configuration, radius, setup location, ground conditions and personnel. For complex or critical lifts, detailed plans are standard practice.
Critical lifts may include lifts near capacity, tandem lifts, lifts over occupied areas or lifts of high-value equipment.
Good planning reduces risk and surprises on lift day.
The usual process
- Gathering load and site information.
- Selecting crane and rigging.
- Calculating capacity and ground pressure.
- Documenting the plan.
- Reviewing with the team.
Key considerations
- Accurate load weights matter.
- Ground conditions affect setup.
- Critical lifts need extra review.
- Communication plans are important.
- Plans should be updated if conditions change.
Local notes for Colorado Springs
Wind along the Front Range, especially near the foothills, can affect crane operations, and lifts are postponed when conditions exceed limits. Altitude does not change crane load charts, but weather windows and ground conditions after snowmelt matter.
We take inquiries from Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield.
What to have ready
- Note the lift height, reach or pour distance needed, measured from where the equipment would set up.
- Mention whether you need an operator, rigging, delivery, permits or traffic control, or plan to handle those yourself.
- Include photos of the site and the setup area if you can.
- Describe the job site: address or nearest cross streets, access route, ground conditions and any overhead lines, trees or structures.
- Tell us who the on-site contact will be on the day of the work.
- List the heaviest and largest items or loads, with approximate weights and dimensions, or share the equipment spec sheet.
- Share your preferred dates, working hours and how long you expect to need the equipment or service.
Signs to slow down
- No questions about loads, ground conditions or site access before quoting.
- Vague answers about equipment inspection and maintenance records.
- Quotes that change significantly on the day without a clear reason.
- Dismissing wind, weather or ground concerns rather than explaining how they will be managed.
- No written quote that lists equipment, minimum charges, travel, overtime and cancellation terms.
- Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates or operator qualifications when asked.
- Pressure to proceed without a lift plan or site visit on a complex job.
Questions to ask a provider
- Do you provide lift plans?
- What info do you need?
- Is my lift considered critical?
- Who reviews the plan?
- How are changes handled?
Quick answers
- Who prepares lift plans?
- Often the crane company.
- Do all lifts need a plan?
- Many companies plan all lifts; complexity varies.
- What is a critical lift?
- A lift with elevated risk, often near capacity or involving multiple cranes.
Related topics
- Steel Erection: Crane support for steel erection, coordination and safety, and questions to ask.
- HVAC and Rooftop Unit Lifts: Crane lifts for rooftop HVAC units and equipment, planning and questions to ask a crane company.
- Construction Lifts: Using cranes for construction projects, scheduling and site coordination, and questions to ask a crane provider.
Have a lift planning question for your situation? Use the form below to send an inquiry.