Crane Rental in Brownsville & Cameron County

*Ranges are typical, not limits. The real capacity of any crane depends on radius, boom length, configuration, counterweight and ground conditions—always check the manufacturer's load chart.

How to choose crane tonnage

A crane's advertised tonnage is its maximum capacity at a very short radius. At real working distances the capacity drops quickly—a "100-ton" crane may only lift a fraction of that at 60 or 80 feet. To size a crane:

1. Add up the total load: the object plus hook block, slings, shackles and any spreader bar.
2. Measure the radius: from the crane's center of rotation (where it can actually set up) to the center of the set point. Radius matters more than height.
3. Check boom length and height: the boom must clear the building edge or obstacles and still reach the set point.
4. Leave a safety margin: operators size so the lift stays comfortably inside the load chart; many treat anything above ~75% of chart as a critical lift.
5. Account for the ground: soft soil, slopes or buried utilities may push you to a different crane, mats or a different setup spot.

Not sure? Send us the weight, distance and photos—the operator will run the numbers against their load charts before quoting.

What to include in a quote request

• Load weight and dimensions — the heaviest piece, plus rigging (slings, spreader bars) if you know it.
• Lift radius — horizontal distance from where the crane can set up to where the load must land.
• Lift height — e.g. roof height, number of stories, or height of the set point.
• Job site address and access: paved or dirt, gate widths, overhead power lines, slopes, soft ground.
• Date, start time and expected duration — a single pick, a full day, or a multi-week project.
• Who supplies rigging and signal person, and whether you need the operator to provide them.
• Photos or drawings of the site and the load (you can email them after you submit the form).

Permits & lift-planning basics

• Qualified people: Federal OSHA rules for construction cranes (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC) require certified or qualified operators, qualified riggers and signal persons, and adequate ground conditions. Ask the operator for current certifications and a certificate of insurance before work starts.
• Power lines: OSHA generally requires keeping cranes at least 20 feet from power lines up to 350 kV unless the utility de-energizes the line or a specific clearance plan is in place. Call the utility early if lines are close.
• Ground and outriggers: Outrigger loads can be very high. Know where underground tanks, vaults, septic systems and utilities are; operators use crane mats or pads to spread the load.
• Moving the crane: Large cranes and their counterweights often travel under Texas oversize/overweight permits (TxDMV), which affects routing and timing.
• Streets and right-of-way: Setting up on a public street or sidewalk usually needs a permit or approval from the city or county—check with Brownsville or Cameron County before the lift date.
• Airspace: Cranes taller than 200 feet, or near a public-use airport such as Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), may need an FAA Form 7460-1 notice filed at least 45 days before the crane goes up.
• Critical lifts: Many contractors require a written lift plan for picks above roughly 75% of chart capacity, tandem lifts, lifts over occupied areas or personnel lifts.