HVAC Crane Service and Rooftop Unit Lifting

What Size Crane You Need for a Rooftop Unit

The right crane depends on three things: the weight of the unit, the height of the roof, and how far the crane has to sit from the drop. A heavier unit, a taller building, or a long reach all call for a bigger crane. Here is a rough guide:

• Small units, around 4 tons, on a one or two story building with the crane close to the edge, often work with a boom truck rental.
• Mid-size units, around 10 tons, or a taller roof usually need a larger hydraulic crane with more reach.
• Heavy units, 20 tons and up, or a long set over the building call for a high-capacity crane.

These are starting points, not final answers. The only way to lock in the right crane is a quick look at the site. You can see the full range on our page for our crane fleet.

How a Rooftop Lift Works

A clean HVAC lift comes from planning, not luck. Our process runs in four steps.

First is the site survey. We check the unit weight, the roof height, the path the unit will travel, and where the crane can set up. We look for overhead wires, tight setbacks, and soft ground that could affect the pick.

Second is permits and setup. Many towns and cities in Connecticut need a permit or a street closure for a crane. We help sort out what the job needs so nothing stalls on lift day.

Third is the pick plan. We map the lift before the crane rolls in: the crane position, the rigging, the swing path, and the order of work if there is an old unit to pull first.

Fourth is the lift itself. The operator sets the crane, the crew rigs the unit, and we make the pick to plan. We pull the crane off site as soon as the work is done, so you are not paying for idle time.

Why Contractors Trust Us for HVAC Lifts

HVAC crews call us back for a few clear reasons.

We answer the phone. When a unit shows up and the schedule is tight, you need a crane fast. A real person picks up on the first or second ring, day or night, on our 24/7 line.

We give firm quotes. You get the price, the crane size, and the time in writing before you commit. No surprise travel or overtime fees after the lift.

We keep the job safe. Every operator is NCCCO certified. Every crane carries a current HESCO inspection, so a safety rep will not turn it away on arrival. In 53 years we have never had an incident on a job.

We carry the right cranes. From a boom truck for a small unit to a high-capacity crane for a chiller, we match the machine to the lift. You can rent a single crane through our crane rental services and have it where you need it, when you need it. We cover Hartford County and reach across Connecticut and into Massachusetts.

Common Questions

What size crane do I need for a 4-ton RTU? For a small 4-ton unit on a low building with the crane close to the edge, a boom truck often does the job. A taller roof or a longer reach moves you up to a larger hydraulic crane. A quick site check gives the firm answer.

How far in advance should I book a crane for an HVAC lift? A week of lead time is ideal during the busy summer season, since cranes book up fast from May through October. For the rest of the year, a few days usually works. Same-day calls are welcome when we have a crane open.

Can you handle same-day rooftop unit calls? Often, yes. Call us and we will tell you right away what we have free. Our 24/7 line covers night and weekend emergencies too.

Do you handle chiller placements? Yes. Chillers, air handlers, and large rooftop equipment are regular work for us. We size the crane to the weight and the reach.

What is the reschedule policy if it rains? We watch the weather with you. If wind or rain makes the lift unsafe, we move the date and do not charge you for the weather. Safety comes before the schedule.

Book Your Rooftop Unit Lift

Call (860) 528-8252 to book your HVAC lift. You will get a firm price, the right crane for the unit, and a time you can plan around. For emergency rooftop calls across Connecticut and Massachusetts, our line is open 24 hours a day, every day.