Overview
Operated and maintained, often abbreviated O&M, means the crane comes with a qualified operator and the crane company is responsible for maintenance. This is common for mobile crane rentals.
Bare rental, where the customer provides the operator, is less common and carries more responsibility for the customer.
O&M service may include additional personnel such as oilers, riggers or signal persons depending on the crane and job.
How it typically works
- Crane and operator provided.
- Setup and teardown.
- Optional riggers and signal persons.
- Maintenance handled by the crane company.
- Lift planning support.
What affects the outcome
- Responsibilities should be clear in the contract.
- Additional personnel may be extra.
- Overtime rates may apply.
- Insurance requirements vary.
- Operator qualifications should be verified.
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.
What to have ready
- Tell us who the on-site contact will be on the day of the work.
- Note the lift height, reach or pour distance needed, measured from where the equipment would set up.
- Note any site rules, such as general contractor requirements, safety orientation, insurance certificates or restricted hours.
- 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.
- 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.
Warning signs
- Dismissing wind, weather or ground concerns rather than explaining how they will be managed.
- No written quote that lists equipment, minimum charges, travel, overtime and cancellation terms.
- No clear answer about who is responsible for permits, traffic control or site preparation.
- Vague answers about equipment inspection and maintenance records.
- Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates or operator qualifications when asked.
- Quotes that change significantly on the day without a clear reason.
- Pressure to proceed without a lift plan or site visit on a complex job.
How to vet a provider
- What's included in O&M?
- Are riggers included?
- What are overtime rates?
- Who is responsible for the lift?
- What insurance is required?
Common questions
- Who directs the lift?
- Responsibilities should be defined in the contract and lift plan.
- Can I rent a crane without an operator?
- Bare rentals exist but involve more responsibility.
- What does O&M mean?
- Operated and maintained: crane comes with an operator and maintenance.
Related topics
- Mobile Crane Rental: How mobile crane rental works, crane types and sizing, site requirements and questions to ask a crane company.
- HVAC and Rooftop Unit Lifts: Crane lifts for rooftop HVAC units and equipment, planning and questions to ask a crane company.
- Lift Planning: What a crane lift plan covers, when it is needed and questions to ask a crane or rigging provider.