Overview
Rooftop HVAC units, generators and other equipment often require crane lifts. These lifts involve coordination with mechanical contractors, building owners and sometimes street permits.
Lift planning considers unit weight, rigging, radius to the roof location and setup space. Early morning lifts are common in busy areas.
Rigging points and curb adapters should be prepared before the lift.
The usual process
- Confirming unit weights.
- Planning crane position.
- Permits and traffic control.
- Rigging and lift.
- Setting the unit.
What affects the outcome
- Weights should include rigging.
- Building access may be limited.
- Street permits may be needed.
- Coordination with HVAC contractors.
- Weather.
Local notes for Denver
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 Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Arvada, Westminster.
Getting ready to reach out
- Note any site rules, such as general contractor requirements, safety orientation, insurance certificates or restricted hours.
- 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.
- Describe the job site: address or nearest cross streets, access route, ground conditions and any overhead lines, trees or structures.
- Mention whether you need an operator, rigging, delivery, permits or traffic control, or plan to handle those yourself.
- Share your preferred dates, working hours and how long you expect to need the equipment or service.
- Include photos of the site and the setup area if you can.
Signs to slow down
- Quotes that change significantly on the day without a clear reason.
- Vague answers about equipment inspection and maintenance records.
- Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates or operator qualifications when asked.
- No questions about loads, ground conditions or site access before quoting.
- No clear answer about who is responsible for permits, traffic control or site preparation.
- No written quote that lists equipment, minimum charges, travel, overtime and cancellation terms.
- Pressure to proceed without a lift plan or site visit on a complex job.
What to ask before you commit
- What size crane is needed?
- Who provides rigging?
- Can you handle permits?
- Do you work early mornings?
- What's the minimum charge?
People also ask
- Are permits required?
- Often for street setups.
- How long does the lift take?
- It depends on setup and the number of units.
- Why use a crane for rooftop units?
- Cranes safely place heavy equipment on roofs.
Related topics
- Steel Erection: Crane support for steel erection, coordination and safety, and questions to ask.
- Construction Lifts: Using cranes for construction projects, scheduling and site coordination, and questions to ask a crane provider.
- Lift Planning: What a crane lift plan covers, when it is needed and questions to ask a crane or rigging provider.