Poles, transformers, and utility components lifted and set with the precision and safety these jobs require.
Why Utility Lifts Demand Extra Care
Utility structures are almost always installed in proximity to live infrastructure: existing power lines, transformers, and equipment that cannot be disturbed or de-energized for the duration of the job. That combination of heavy, precisely placed loads and nearby energized equipment means utility lifts require planning that goes beyond a standard pick-and-place job. There is little room for improvisation when the site includes equipment that can seriously injure a crew if handled carelessly.
Setting and Replacing Utility Poles
Pole placement, whether new installation or replacing a damaged pole, requires the pole to be set into position at the correct depth and alignment, often with existing lines nearby that must be accounted for throughout the lift. We plan the approach, the lift path, and the final positioning before the crane moves the pole, coordinating with utility crews on de-energizing or clearance requirements as needed. Pole replacement after storm damage or vehicle impact often carries added urgency, and we plan for that without cutting corners on the safety review.
Transformer Placement
Transformers are heavy, often awkwardly shaped, and typically need to land onto a specific pad or mounting structure with precise alignment for the electrical connections that follow. We plan the pick around the transformer’s actual weight distribution and the exact landing requirements at the site, working from the utility’s or contractor’s specifications for pad alignment and clearance.
Working Around Live Infrastructure
Every utility lift starts with identifying what is energized nearby and what clearance requirements apply. Our operators are trained to work safely in these conditions, and we do not proceed until the necessary safety measures, whether that is confirmed clearance distance or coordination with the utility to de-energize a line, are in place. This assessment happens before the crane is even positioned, not as an afterthought once equipment is already on site.
Coordinating With Utility Companies and Their Contractors
We support utility companies directly as well as the contractors working on their behalf. Utility work often runs on tight schedules tied to outage windows or restoration timelines, and we plan our involvement to fit within those windows rather than becoming the bottleneck. When a lift is part of a larger restoration effort, we coordinate closely with the crews handling the rest of the work so the sequence stays efficient.
Site Access for Utility Work
Utility structures are frequently located along roadsides, easements, or other locations with limited space for crane setup. We assess access in advance, including any restrictions on lane closures, right-of-way, or ground conditions, so the crane can be positioned safely and efficiently, and so any needed permits or traffic control are identified ahead of the job rather than discovered on site.
Emergency and Storm Restoration Work
Storms take down utility poles and damage transformers, and restoration crews are often working against the clock to get power back. We keep availability for urgent utility lifts and coordinate directly with the crews managing restoration, moving quickly without skipping the safety review that this kind of work requires.
What We Handle
- New utility pole installation
- Damaged or storm-affected pole replacement
- Transformer placement and replacement
- Other utility structure and component placement
- Lifts requiring coordination with live or nearby energized infrastructure
Fleet Capacity for Utility Work
Our range of cranes, from 26 tons up to 150 tons with a 124-foot main boom, lets us match the equipment to both the load and the access available at the site, which on utility work is often just as important as raw capacity, since roadside and easement locations frequently restrict how a crane can be positioned.
