Rigging with a Crane vs. Rigging with a Forklift: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to moving heavy machinery and oversized equipment, rigging is the art and science that makes it possible. At Equip Trucking & Warehousing, LLC, we use a variety of tools to get the job done safely and efficiently — but two of the most common are cranes and forklifts.
While both play a critical role in rigging, they’re very different in how they work, what they can handle, and when each is the best choice.
🏗️ Rigging with a Crane
A crane is designed to lift loads straight up and move them through the air.
Advantages:
- Heavy & tall lifts: Perfect for very large, heavy, or tall pieces of machinery.
- Reach & height: Can lift equipment onto rooftops, multi-story buildings, or over obstacles.
- Precision placement: Great for tight spots where the machine needs to be lowered gently into position.
When to use a crane:
- Installing or removing rooftop HVAC units.
- Setting large tanks, silos, or other tall structures.
- Any project where equipment needs to be lifted higher than a forklift can reach.
🚜 Rigging with a Forklift
A forklift is designed to lift and move heavy loads at or near ground level.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Generally less expensive to use than a crane.
- Maneuverability: Forklifts can operate inside buildings, warehouses, or tight spaces.
- Quick movement: Ideal for transporting machinery across a yard or facility floor.
When to use a forklift:
- Moving heavy machines inside a plant or warehouse.
- Loading or unloading equipment from trucks or containers.
- Relocating machines short distances where vertical lift isn’t required.
⚖️ Which is Right for the Job?
- Crane rigging is best when you need height, reach, or extreme lifting capacity.
- Forklift rigging shines in warehouses, plants, and areas where equipment needs to be shifted around on the ground.
Often, the two work hand-in-hand — for example, a crane may lift machinery off a building while forklifts position it inside.
✅ The Bottom Line
Choosing between a crane or a forklift for rigging depends on the size, weight, and location of the equipment. That’s why having an experienced rigging team matters — the right equipment makes the job safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
At Equip Trucking & Warehousing, LLC, we bring the right tools and the right crew to every project, whether it’s a forklift move across a shop floor or a crane lift over a building.