Selecting the Right Crane in Northern Arizona | D&O Crane

Choosing the Right Crane for Your Next Lift

Selecting the right crane can make or break the success of your lift. With so many variables—weight, radius, site access, and terrain—it’s critical to match your equipment to your project’s unique needs. D&O Crane, Northern Arizona’s trusted provider for over 30 years, helps contractors safely and efficiently plan every lift with the right machine for the job.

This guide explains the main crane types used across Cottonwood, Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff, helping you make an informed decision. Learn more about our fleet on the Crane Rental page.

1. Start With Lift Requirements

Every project begins with understanding your load weight and lifting height. A small residential lift may need only a 15-ton boom truck, while large commercial or industrial work may require a 120-ton or 175-ton all-terrain crane.

Use the following benchmarks to narrow your choice:

  • Under 20 tons: Residential construction, HVAC installs, light steel work
  • 20–60 tons: Mid-size commercial jobs, truss setting, machinery placement
  • 60–175 tons: Industrial, infrastructure, or bridge work requiring extended reach

2. Evaluate Site Access and Terrain

Northern Arizona’s terrain ranges from mountain slopes to tight city streets. Cranes like the 33-ton National or 40-ton Freightliner excel in confined spaces, while all-terrain cranes such as the 120-ton Demag or 175-ton Liebherr provide superior mobility and stability off-road.

D&O’s team can perform a site walk to assess ground conditions, overhead obstacles, and setup space before dispatch. For transport or delivery of large components, combine crane service with our Heavy Hauling division for a seamless lift and logistics plan.

3. Consider Boom Reach and Setup Space

Boom length determines how far a crane can reach without relocating.

  • Boom trucks like the International 15-ton and Kenworth 15-ton reach roughly 70 feet.
  • Mid-range cranes such as the Freightliner 55-ton extend up to 125 feet.
  • Large all-terrain cranes reach over 200 feet with jibs.

For restricted areas or interior work, compact options like the FMK 8-ton mini crane provide precise control where traditional cranes can’t fit.

4. Verify Certifications and Compliance

Every crane and operator should meet the latest OSHA, MSHA, and NCCCO standards.
At D&O Crane, each machine undergoes annual inspection and load testing through our Inspection and Training Division. Our certified operators handle rigging, signaling, and lift planning with precision and full documentation.

5. Request a Consultation Before Scheduling

Not sure which crane you need? Our experts will calculate your lift radius, load chart, and setup requirements before mobilizing equipment. This eliminates surprises and ensures your project runs safely and efficiently.

We’ll help you choose from:

  • 15- to 40-ton boom trucks for local construction
  • 55- to 120-ton cranes for larger commercial jobs
  • 175-ton cranes for heavy industrial and bridge work
  • Mini cranes for tight or indoor spaces

Work With Northern Arizona’s Crane Experts

With decades of experience across every lift type imaginable, D&O Crane provides personalized service, modern equipment, and a spotless safety record. From small residential lifts to statewide industrial operations, our team brings reliability and certified professionalism to every project.

Plan your lift today or request an on-site consultation through our Contact page.

Get Started Today

Plan your next lift with Northern Arizona’s trusted crane provider.
📞 928-649-8283
🌐 www.dandocrane.com