Overview
Equipment setting places generators, transformers, tanks, HVAC units and other equipment onto pads or into buildings. Precision and coordination with installers are important.
Planning includes weights, pad readiness, access and rigging points.
Methods may include cranes, gantries or skates depending on access.
Equipment setting often depends on details that come from other trades, such as anchor bolt layouts, pad dimensions and utility connection points. Confirming those details with the equipment manufacturer and the project team ahead of time reduces the chance of delays on the day of the set.
What to expect, step by step
- Planning access.
- Coordination with installers.
- Confirming weights and dimensions.
- Rigging.
- Setting.
Key considerations
- Pad readiness.
- Access routes.
- Rigging points.
- Coordination.
- Weather.
Local notes for Portland
In the Portland area, wet weather for much of the year affects ground conditions, setup surfaces and scheduling. Projects in Vancouver, Washington fall under Washington's rules rather than Oregon's.
We take inquiries from Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Vancouver WA.
Before you send an inquiry
- Tell us who the on-site contact will be on the day of the work.
- Note the lift height, reach or pour distance needed, measured from where the equipment would set up.
- Include photos of the site and the setup area if you can.
- Describe the job site: address or nearest cross streets, access route, ground conditions and any overhead lines, trees or structures.
- Note any site rules, such as general contractor requirements, safety orientation, insurance certificates or restricted hours.
- List the heaviest and largest items or loads, with approximate weights and dimensions, or share the equipment spec sheet.
- Share your preferred dates, working hours and how long you expect to need the equipment or service.
When to keep looking
- Unwillingness to provide insurance certificates or operator qualifications when asked.
- Quotes that change significantly on the day without a clear reason.
- Vague answers about equipment inspection and maintenance records.
- No clear answer about who is responsible for permits, traffic control or site preparation.
- No questions about loads, ground conditions or site access before quoting.
- Dismissing wind, weather or ground concerns rather than explaining how they will be managed.
- No written quote that lists equipment, minimum charges, travel, overtime and cancellation terms.
What to ask before you commit
- What method will you use?
- What info do you need?
- Do you coordinate with installers?
- What's the timeline?
- What insurance do you carry?
People also ask
- What if access is tight?
- Alternate methods may be used.
- Can transformers be set with gantries?
- Sometimes; it depends on access.
- Who prepares the pad?
- Usually the general contractor.
Related topics
- Lift Planning: What a crane lift plan covers, when it is needed and questions to ask a crane or rigging provider.
- Mobile Crane Rental: How mobile crane rental works, crane types and sizing, site requirements and questions to ask a crane company.
- Machinery Moving: How industrial machinery moving works, planning considerations and questions to ask a rigging company.
Tell us a little about what you need, and we'll get back to you about equipment setting.