If you’re looking for the safest and most efficient way to lift roof trusses without risking injury or delays, using a crane is the solution you’re searching for.
Setting roof trusses with a crane requires both precision and care. Whether you’re building a residential home or a commercial property, getting those trusses installed correctly is key to ensuring the strength and safety of the roof. But let’s face it—lifting trusses manually is not only exhausting but also risky. This is where roof truss lifting equipment, like a crane, can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set roof trusses with a crane, explaining why it’s the best approach, what you need to consider before starting, and tips for ensuring the entire process runs smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or new to the process, you’ll come away with a clear understanding of how to install a roof truss with ease.
Why Is Using a Crane for Roof Trusses Safer and Faster Than Manual Lifting
So why should you use a crane for lifting trusses instead of relying on manual labour? Here are the key benefits:
- It’s faster: A crane can lift and position the trusses quickly, saving you hours—if not days—on the job.
- It’s safer: Trusses are heavy and awkward to manoeuvre, especially at heights. A crane eliminates much of the manual handling, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
- It’s more precise: Using a crane allows you to lift and position each truss with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring everything is aligned perfectly.
Using a crane when installing roof trusses instead of manual labour offers significant advantages in terms of speed, safety, and accuracy.
What is the Cost of Hiring a Crane vs. Manual Labour?
At first glance, hiring a crane might seem like a more expensive option than using a manual crew. However, when you look at the bigger picture, a crane often proves to be the more cost-effective choice. Here’s a table comparing the two options:
| Factor | Hiring a Crane | Manual Labour |
| Efficiency | Can lift and place trusses quickly, reducing project time. | Slower, requires more time and manpower. |
| Labour Costs | Often lower overall, as fewer workers are needed, and projects finish faster. | Requires more workers over a longer period. |
| Safety | Reduced risk of injuries, fewer on-site accidents. | Higher risk of strain, accidents, and falls. |
| Precision | Can place trusses accurately, minimising errors. | Greater risk of misalignment and mistakes. |
| Potential Delays | Quick lifts reduce chances of delays due to weather or mistakes. | Longer install times increase risk of delays. |
| Upfront Costs | Depends on crane type and hire duration. | No equipment costs, only labour fees. |
| Long-Term Savings | Faster, safer installations reduce overall project costs and risks. | Higher risk of errors and delays can increase costs. |
| When to Consider | Ideal for heavy, high, or complex truss lifts, or when speed and safety are priorities. | Suitable for smaller, lightweight trusses or low-rise structures. |
While the price of crane hire varies depending on the type of crane, duration, and location, it’s often more cost-effective, especially when you factor in the long-term savings from a faster, safer job.
Choosing the Right Crane for the Job
Selecting the right crane is crucial when installing roof trusses because not all cranes are suitable for the job at hand. However, selecting the right one depends on a few factors:
- How heavy are the trusses?
- How high do you need to lift them?
- And what are the conditions of your site?
| Type of Crane | Best For | Key Features | When to Use |
| Spider Crane | Tight spaces, residential projects, areas with limited access. | Compact, can fit through narrow spaces, highly manoeuvrable. | Use for projects with restricted space or indoor settings. |
| Telescopic Crane | Extended reach, variable lifting heights, and versatility. | Adjustable, extendable arms can lift to varying heights. | Ideal for larger projects needing to lift trusses to high or variable heights. |
| Mobile Crane | Medium to large projects needing flexibility and mobility. | Easily transportable around the site, strong lifting capacity. | Best for sites where the crane needs to move to different locations. |
| Tower Crane | Large commercial projects, tall structures, and skyscrapers. | Fixed position, high stability, can lift heavy loads to great heights. | Perfect for long-term projects where trusses are lifted to high levels over extended periods. |
For many projects, especially residential or mid-sized commercial buildings, a spider crane can be the ideal choice. These compact, versatile cranes can work in tight spaces and are perfect for installing trusses in areas where larger machinery might struggle.
How to Install a Roof Truss Safely
Once the trusses are in place, it’s time to secure them. Knowing how to secure roof trusses properly is just as important as lifting them. Start by using temporary bracing to hold the trusses steady until all are installed. After that, follow the project’s specifications to fully secure each truss for long-term stability.
- Lift and position the trusses with precision: Use the crane to place each truss exactly where it needs to go. Align it carefully before moving to the next one.
- Temporary bracing: Once a truss is in position, immediately use temporary bracing to hold it steady. This keeps the trusses stable and prevents shifting until all are installed.
- Follow project specifications: Each project will have specific guidelines for securing the trusses. Be sure to follow these instructions to avoid any structural issues later on.
- Use proper fastening methods: Ensure the trusses are fixed using the right hardware, such as nails, screws, or metal connectors, depending on the building design.
- Inspect the installation: After all the trusses are in place, inspect the entire framework to ensure everything is secure and correctly aligned before moving forward with roofing materials.
Understanding how to put trusses on a roof correctly is all about accurate placement and securing once they’re in position.
If you’re considering lifting trusses with a crane, you might be wondering about the costs compared to manual labour or if there are situations where a crane might not be necessary. Let’s tackle these common questions to help you make an informed decision.
How to Put Trusses on a Roof with a Crane
Lifting trusses with a crane isn’t just a matter of hooking up the trusses and lifting. There are important steps to take beforehand to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.
1. Plan the Lift
Before any lifting happens, you’ll need to plan out the process. This includes:
- Assessing the load: Make sure you know the exact weight of the trusses so the crane can lift them safely.
- Inspecting the site: Ensure the ground is stable enough to support the crane’s weight and look for any obstacles like power lines or trees.
- Clear communication: Ensure your team—crane operator, riggers, and ground crew—are all on the same page and in constant communication during the lift.
2. Safety First
It goes without saying that safety is a top priority when using a crane. Everyone on-site should be wearing appropriate safety gear, including hard hats, gloves, and harnesses if they’ll be working at height. Following local safety regulations is also a must to avoid accidents or legal issues.
3. Balancing the Trusses
Getting the balance right when installing roof trusses is key to a successful lift. Attach the crane’s hook at the correct balance point to avoid any swinging or tipping. This will not only keep your crew safe but also prevent damage to the trusses.
Working with a Professional Crane Hire Company
Here’s where things get easier. Partnering with a professional crane hire company, like Preston Hire, ensures that you not only get the right roof truss lifting equipment but also a team of experts to handle the job. From spider cranes to telescopic cranes, we have the perfect solution for your project needs. Plus, our experienced operators make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.
Final Thoughts
Setting roof trusses with a crane is the smartest way to get the job done—fast, safe, and precise. Whether you’re wondering how to set roof trusses or just need help with the actual lifting and securing, using the right crane and having an experienced team behind you will make all the difference.
At Preston Hire, we provide everything you need, from spider cranes to expert operators, ensuring your project runs smoothly and safely.
Looking for expert crane hire services? Contact us today on 0800 440 558 to learn how we can support your roof truss installation.
