The Real Cost of Delays on a Lift and How to Avoid Them
A delayed lift costs more than lost time. It affects labor, equipment, schedules, and safety. Contractors across Northern Arizona run tight timelines, so even small setbacks can push a project off track. Many delays come from issues that can be prevented with better planning, clear communication, and the right crane for the job.
D&O Crane helps contractors reduce delays by pairing strong site preparation with certified operators and safe lift practices. Our teams follow OSHA guidelines, meet MSHA requirements, and maintain NCCCO certified personnel. When crews plan early, jobs move faster and stay inside safe limits.
1. Delays increase labor cost fast
When a crane sits idle, the project does not stop. Labor keeps running. Installers, roofers, welders, millwrights, and support crews still wait on the lift. Because of this, a thirty minute setback can stack into a much larger cost. Many contractors run multiple subs at once, and each delay ripples through the entire schedule.
Clear lift planning prevents most of these surprises. Our crane rental team reviews load weight, radius, access, and ground conditions before the crane moves. This cuts down on wasted labor hours and keeps the lift in motion.
2. Poor site prep is a major cause of delay
One of the biggest issues on a jobsite is poor site preparation. Blocked access, soft ground, missing measurements, and incomplete material staging all create slowdowns. When the site is not ready, the crane cannot set up or reach the landing point.
Most delays tied to prep can be avoided. A simple site walk with an operator solves many problems before the crane ever arrives. Our crews often help contractors review landing areas, radius limits, and outrigger needs. When access is tight or ground support is weak, our heavy hauling team can move equipment or adjust positions.
3. Late changes to the lift plan break the schedule
A lift plan is built around weight, radius, and boom angle. When these details change at the last minute, the entire lift may need to be reworked. Sometimes the crane needs more boom. Sometimes the radius increases because a structure or obstacle was not measured correctly. These late changes force operators to reset the lift, which slows everything down.
Our crews use safe planning methods based on OSHA, MSHA, and NCCCO standards. Contractors who involve us early avoid most of these late adjustments. This keeps lifts clean and predictable.
4. Weather, soil, and ground issues create hidden delays
Northern Arizona has dirt, rock, clay, and slopes that change with the season. Wet ground, loose gravel, and soft soil affect outrigger stability. When the crane cannot set safely, the operator must reposition or wait for stabilization. Because safety rules require proper ground support, there is no workaround.
Operators trained through NCCCO and inspected under our training and inspections program catch these issues early. With proper planning, delays tied to ground problems drop fast.
5. Weak communication slows the entire job
A lift requires clear coordination between the operator, signalperson, riggers, and the trades waiting for the load. When communication breaks down, the lift slows or stops. This often happens when crews are unsure of where the load needs to land or when site conditions change and nobody updates the plan.
Good communication reduces risk and improves speed. Our operators work closely with site leads to confirm landing points, staging, and rigging before the boom moves. This keeps everyone aligned and reduces downtime.
6. The best way to prevent delays is proper planning
Most delays are preventable. The right crane size, accurate measurements, solid ground, and early communication solve nearly every issue. When you involve a certified operator before the job starts, the lift becomes safer and much more predictable.
D&O Crane helps contractors plan lifts that follow OSHA and MSHA safety rules. We provide guidance on radius, boom height, rigging, site prep, and safe work zones. When the planning is strong, the lift stays on schedule.
Get started with D&O Crane
D&O Crane brings more than 30 years of lift experience across Northern Arizona. We support construction, HVAC, steel, solar, utility, manufacturing, and millwright work. Our crews show up prepared, communicate clearly, and keep the lift safe from start to finish.
Reach out now to keep your next lift on schedule.