When people think of construction, they often picture hard hats, steel beams, and maybe the occasional jackhammer. But anyone who’s watched a multi-story project come to life knows there’s one thing that truly sets the tone: the crane.
At Benson-Orth, we manage complex builds across Minnesota—from sprawling industrial parks to mid-rise multifamily communities. And when the big lifting begins, all eyes turn skyward.
But how does a crane even get there? And what does a good day look like when you’re lifting literal tons into the air? Let’s take you behind the fence.
Step One: The Crane Doesn’t Just Appear
Contrary to what it looks like from a distance, tower cranes don’t magically pop up overnight. It’s a carefully choreographed process that can take one to two full days and a small army of experts.
First comes the concrete base, often poured weeks in advance to serve as the crane’s foundation—anchored deep and designed to handle both vertical and lateral loads. Then, the crane components arrive in sections: the mast, the operator cab, the jib, and counterweights.
To assemble it? You need another crane. Yes, we use a crane to build a crane.
Why Cranes Matter on Large-Scale Jobs
Cranes allow us to:
- Place steel beams and trusses with precision
- Move materials vertically in tight urban lots
- Maintain jobsite flow by reducing reliance on ground-level equipment
- Speed up timelines by staging materials exactly where they’re needed
Without them, your five-story apartment build becomes a five-month delay.
It’s Not Just Up and Down
A crane operator doesn’t just pull a lever and watch steel fly. It’s a job that requires intense focus, coordination with spotters on the ground, and an ability to read wind, weight, and weather in real time.
Wind above 20 to 25 miles per hour can halt lifts altogether. That’s not just a weather delay—it’s a safety protocol. And it’s why you’ll sometimes see cranes idle while the rest of the site is bustling.
What a “Good Day” Looks Like
On a project with a crane in play, a good day is all about:
- Smooth lifts: Materials arrive on time, crews are staged, and nothing unexpected blocks the path
- Clear communication: From operator to ground crews, every move is called with care
- No wind delays: Calm weather makes everything faster and safer
- On-site efficiency: The crane’s movement directly supports multiple trades without downtime
Cranes aren’t just cool—they’re the nerve center of vertical construction. When they’re moving smoothly, so is your schedule.
What Clients Don’t See (But Should Know)
- There’s a massive cost to downtime. If the crane’s not lifting, the whole job slows down.
- Logistics are king. Deliveries must be timed perfectly, or your materials end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- Safety always wins. One miscommunication can delay more than your timeline—it can risk lives. That’s why Benson-Orth puts coordination and clarity above all else on crane days.
At Benson-Orth, cranes aren’t just tools—they’re symbols of momentum. When you see one rising above your project, it means your vision is officially going vertical.
Whether you’re watching from a site trailer or driving past a build in progress, take a second to appreciate what it really takes to lift a building. It’s not just steel and cables—it’s strategy, precision, and a team that knows how to rise to the occasion.
