- County
- Maricopa County
- From our Surprise base
- about 40 miles from our Surprise base (approx. driving)
- Main roads
- I-10, Loop 101, Loop 202, US 60
- Communities
- ASU and Mill Avenue area, Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park area, south Tempe neighborhoods
- Good to know
- Dense, built-out city with flat commercial roofs, tight lots and alleys; street setups may need city approval.
For contractors: what a Tempe rooftop job needs
Tempe is a built-up city, and much of its rooftop equipment sits on flat roofs over offices, retail, apartments and older commercial buildings. To get your unit set in one shot, have this ready before the truck shows up:
- Unit model and weight, plus the old unit's weight if we're bringing it down
- Old unit disconnected and ready to pick
- Curb or adapter on the roof and ready
- A plan for where the truck parks: a lot, loading area, drive aisle or the street
- Property manager or tenant notified so cars are moved and entrances are covered
More on our HVAC crane lifts page and our page for HVAC contractors.
A landlocked city with tight spaces
Tempe is often called the landlocked city: it's surrounded by its neighbors, so new projects tend to be infill and redevelopment rather than open land. Northern Tempe, around Arizona State University, Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake, is dense, with busy streets, limited parking and lots of pedestrians and cyclists. South Tempe is more spread out, with neighborhoods and business parks.
In the dense areas, the hard part of a lift is often the setup, not the pick. Overhead lines, trees, parked cars and narrow drive aisles all need a plan. If the truck needs space in a public street, some cities require a right-of-way or street-use permit; check with the City of Tempe before lift day.
Homeowner lifts in Tempe neighborhoods
Many Tempe neighborhoods have mature trees, carports and narrow side yards, which is why a spa or shed often can't go through the gate. We lift:
- Spas and hot tubs over the house into the backyard
- Trusses and materials for additions and backyard casitas
- Solar panels staged on the roof for installers
- Heavy items like safes and equipment
Power lines and alleys
Some Tempe homes and commercial buildings have power lines running along alleys or rear lot lines. Federal crane rules (OSHA 1926.1408) require specific precautions if any part of the crane or load could come within 20 feet of a line up to 350 kV. We check the lines before every lift, and if a pick isn't safe, we won't make it.
Getting to Tempe and booking
From Surprise, we come in on Loop 101 and I-10, and Tempe is also served by Loop 202 and US 60. Every lift is different. Call 602-615-0712 or text 623-258-8361 with the weight of the item, how far it needs to go and where the truck can park, and he'll confirm the lift. Skyhook Crane is licensed and insured.
Crane lifts we do in Tempe
Frequently asked questions
Can you set rooftop units near ASU or Mill Avenue?
Often, yes, but the setup takes planning. Northern Tempe is dense, with heavy foot traffic, limited parking and busy streets. We need a safe place for the truck and a clear area under the load. If the truck must use a street, check with the City of Tempe about permits. Send photos and unit specs and Don will confirm.
Do you lift HVAC units onto apartment and multifamily roofs in Tempe?
Yes, as long as the unit weight and the distance from the truck to the roof curb work for our truck. Apartments often have tight parking lots and covered parking in the way. Coordinate with the property manager to clear spaces, then call 602-615-0712 or text 623-258-8361 with the details so Don can confirm the lift.
What if there's a power line over my Tempe backyard?
Tell us before lift day and send a photo. Federal crane rules require precautions if the crane or load could get within 20 feet of a line up to 350 kV, such as having the utility de-energize it or keeping a set clearance. Sometimes a different setup spot solves it. If it can't be done safely, we won't do it.