The short answer
Most operated crane rental is billed by the hour, with a minimum number of hours per job, and the rate rises with crane size. Small, simple lifts with a boom truck can come in at a few hundred to low thousands of dollars; multi-day jobs with large cranes can run into the tens of thousands. The only way to know your number is a quote based on your load, reach, and site.
Rough ballpark ranges
| Equipment (operated) | Typical billing | Ballpark hourly range* |
|---|---|---|
| Boom truck | Hourly, often with a minimum | ~$100 – $250/hr |
| Small/mid hydraulic truck crane | Hourly, minimum hours plus travel | ~$150 – $350/hr |
| Large all-terrain crane | Hourly or daily, plus counterweight trucking | ~$300 – $700+/hr |
| Long-duration crane (weeks/months) | Weekly or monthly rate | Quoted per job |
*Estimates only — commonly cited U.S. ballpark ranges, not Phoenix quotes and not a price offer. Actual pricing varies by provider, crane, date, and site. Always get a written quote.
What drives the price
- Crane size and type: capacity is driven by weight and radius; a far-off set point can force a much larger crane.
- Minimum hours: many providers bill a minimum per job, even if the lift takes less time.
- Travel / mobilization: portal-to-portal time, and for big cranes, extra trucks to haul counterweight.
- Crew: operator is usually included; an oiler, rigger, or signal person may be extra.
- Rigging gear: spreader bars, slings, and specialty rigging.
- Timing: overtime, night, and weekend work typically cost more.
- Permits, traffic control, and lift plans: street setups and critical lifts add planning and cost.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Confirm each quote is for the same crane class and includes the same crew and rigging.
- Ask how travel is billed and what the minimum is.
- Ask what happens if the lift is delayed by weather, site readiness, or other trades.
- Confirm insurance and that the operator is certified for that crane.
Ways to keep costs down
- Batch multiple lifts into one mobilization.
- Have the site ready — clear setup area, materials rigged or staged, other trades scheduled.
- Give accurate weights and distances so the right-sized crane shows up the first time.
How it works
- Tell us about the lift using the quote form: the load, the reach, the site, and your date.
- We line up the right crew from the vetted, licensed and insured local crane companies we work with — one that handles that type and size of lift in your area.
- You get taken care of The crane company reaches out promptly, usually the same business day, to confirm details, schedule, and quote. You work directly with them, and there’s no fee to you.
