A large sign is set by crane when it is too big, too heavy or too high to put up by hand or from a lift. The crane holds the sign in place while the sign crew bolts it to its mounts or pole. To plan the lift, the crane company needs the sign’s size and weight, how high it goes, where the crane can set up, and how the sign will be rigged.
Here is how a sign lift usually goes, and how to get ready for it.
Know your sign
Start with the facts about the sign itself. Your sign maker should be able to give you all of them.
- The size and the weight of the sign, including any frame or cabinet.
- How high it will be mounted, measured from the ground.
- What it mounts to: a building wall, a pole, a roof or a frame.
- Where the lifting points are, and how the sign maker wants it rigged.
Tall signs and wide signs catch the wind. A sign that is easy to lift on a calm day can be hard to control in a gusty one, so the size matters as much as the weight.
Where the crane can set up
The crane has to be close enough to reach the mounting spot, on firm, level ground with room for its outriggers. Parking lots, sidewalks and storefronts can be tight, so this often decides which crane gets used. A few photos of the area help us pick the right one.
Watch for things overhead. Power lines, trees and building edges can all change where the crane sets up and how the sign is swung into place. For more on matching the crane to the job, see What Size Crane Do I Need?
Getting ready for lift day
- Confirm the mounts, brackets or pole are installed and ready before the crane arrives.
- Have the sign crew, the tools and the hardware on site.
- Clear the setup area and the path the sign will travel.
- Keep people and cars out of the area under the load.
- Agree on who will guide the sign into place and give signals to the operator.
Dave’s tip
Have the sign crew on site and ready when the crane arrives. A sign lift goes quickly when the mounts are ready and everyone knows the plan.
How the lift goes
The crane sets up and the sign is rigged at its lifting points. The operator lifts it slowly, while tag lines help the crew keep it from spinning. The sign is brought into position and held steady while the crew fastens it. Only when it is fully secured does the crane let go.
Safety on a sign lift
- Nobody stands under the load.
- Wind is checked before and during the lift.
- Power lines are kept at a safe distance.
- One person gives signals to the operator.
Signs we install
We install large commercial and industrial signs, from storefronts to tall industrial signs. Our cranes range from 12 to 70 tons, with tip heights up to 10 stories high. Learn more about our sign installation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the crane company install the sign?
The crane lifts the sign and holds it in place. The sign crew usually mounts and wires it. We work with your sign crew on lift day.
What do you need to know to plan a sign lift?
The sign size and weight, the mounting height, what it mounts to, and photos of where the crane can set up.
Can you lift a sign in the wind?
Wind is checked before and during every lift. If it is too strong to lift safely, the lift waits.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can, so the crane date lines up with when your sign and mounts are ready.
Have a sign going up? Request a free quote and we will plan the lift with you.
