Poles: Forklift or Crane?

[George Stolz]

What do you prefer for setting pole lights? If you had a forklift on site that you could use for an hour to complete the task, would you call out a crane instead?

 

[mivey]

I would use the forklift if it could be rigged correctly and there is no difference in liability. Neither a crane nor a forklift is a "pole setting" specific tool and just require proper rigging.

Liability might be a factor. Does hiring the crane also get you a bonded, expert rigger? Will you have a bonded, expert rigger with the forklift?

 

[Cow]

My boss just about tipped a zoom boom over trying to set poles on uneven ground with the mast way in the air. He parked it immediately and rented a crane instead. If you have nice flat ground and the forklift is free, I'd use it. Otherwise a crane is the way to go IMO.

 

[tkb]

A forklift is only designed for a vertical load.
Any sidways loading may make the whole forklift unstable and apt to tip over.
Unless it is a flat level surface and you can get right up to the base, I would use a crane or a lull.

 

[masterinbama]

A properly set and rigged LULL type lift will set most poles under 40'.

I wouldn't attempt it on any extremely sloped surfaces though.

 

[George Stolz]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Situation is a flat surface, 25' steel poles, Lull-style (but the other brand, I think) big honking forklift.

 

[masterinbama]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Situation is a flat surface, 25' steel poles, Lull-style (but the other brand, I think) big honking forklift.

I wouldn't hesitate to use it in your situation.

 

[220/221]

What do you prefer for setting pole lights? If you had a forklift on site that you could use for an hour to complete the task, would you call out a crane instead?

If the forklift would do the job, why would you call out a crane?

Sometimes the forklift can access places a crane cannot. We often use the all terrain style forklifts to access park areas.


If it's a small forklift that wont lift high enough, it's not worth doing something unsafe. I'm not going to send a guy up on the forks to hand set a pole.

 

[220/221]

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[Steviechia2]

I have used a large lift/cherry picker. Then you are able to adjust any heads if needed

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

So if a forklift is used can it be operated by the electricians? What I mean is ..... Does someone in the crew usually have the experience to use it and set the pole? Not that it takes much I was just curious. Thanks

 

[tkb]

So if a forklift is used can it be operated by the electricians? What I mean is ..... Does someone in the crew usually have the experience to use it and set the pole? Not that it takes much I was just curious. Thanks

Sometimes. Some places require a hydraulics license to operate. There also can be union issues on jobs.

 

[ptonsparky]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Situation is a flat surface, 25' steel poles, Lull-style (but the other brand, I think) big honking forklift.

If you have a big honking forklift with somone capable of operation, use it. Oh, wear your hard hat.