Overview
Rooftop HVAC units, generators and other equipment often require crane lifts. These lifts involve coordination with mechanical contractors, building owners and sometimes street permits.
Lift planning considers unit weight, rigging, radius to the roof location and setup space. Early morning lifts are common in busy areas.
Rigging points and curb adapters should be prepared before the lift.
What to expect, step by step
- Confirming unit weights.
- Planning crane position.
- Permits and traffic control.
- Rigging and lift.
- Setting the unit.
Before you decide
- Coordination with HVAC contractors.
- Street permits may be needed.
- Weather.
- Building access may be limited.
- Weights should include rigging.
Local notes for the San Francisco Bay Area
In California's dense urban areas, street setups frequently need city permits and traffic control, and many lifts are scheduled early in the day to minimize disruption. Projects near the coast may contend with marine-layer fog.
We take inquiries from San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Walnut Creek.
Getting ready to reach out
- Tell us who the on-site contact will be on the day of the work.
- Note any site rules, such as general contractor requirements, safety orientation, insurance certificates or restricted hours.
- Describe the job site: address or nearest cross streets, access route, ground conditions and any overhead lines, trees or structures.
- Include photos of the site and the setup area if you can.
- Mention whether you need an operator, rigging, delivery, permits or traffic control, or plan to handle those yourself.
- Share your preferred dates, working hours and how long you expect to need the equipment or service.
- Note the lift height, reach or pour distance needed, measured from where the equipment would set up.
Warning signs
- No clear answer about who is responsible for permits, traffic control or site preparation.
- Vague answers about equipment inspection and maintenance records.
- Quotes that change significantly on the day without a clear reason.
- Dismissing wind, weather or ground concerns rather than explaining how they will be managed.
- No questions about loads, ground conditions or site access before quoting.
- Pressure to proceed without a lift plan or site visit on a complex job.
- Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates or operator qualifications when asked.
Questions to ask a provider
- Can you handle permits?
- What size crane is needed?
- Do you work early mornings?
- What's the minimum charge?
- Who provides rigging?
Frequently asked
- Why use a crane for rooftop units?
- Cranes safely place heavy equipment on roofs.
- Are permits required?
- Often for street setups.
- How long does the lift take?
- It depends on setup and the number of units.
Related topics
- Mobile Crane Rental: How mobile crane rental works, crane types and sizing, site requirements and questions to ask a crane company.
- Operated and Maintained Crane Service: What operated and maintained crane rental includes, versus bare rental, and questions to ask.
- Lift Planning: What a crane lift plan covers, when it is needed and questions to ask a crane or rigging provider.