Many construction projects require working at heights, so taking them on means you’ll probably need good lifting equipment. Luckily, there are plenty of choices! Most lifting equipment consists of a platform connected to an extension arm and mounted on a cabin or vehicle. They can be used to lower or lift material, people, and other equipment. Whether it is used or new, it works perfectly if it is in good condition. There are used lift equipment for sale, which will help you purchase the necessary equipment. But you cannot purchase it because of the healthy price of new material handling equipment.
However, its increased innovation enabled some manufacturers to build machines that can lift the load to 210 feet! When picking quality lifting equipment, consider its strength, attachments, and functionality. With so many choices at your disposal, let’s go over the main types you can see on many construction sites nowadays.
Hoist
Hoists are elevators used primarily for construction. Construction hoists typically consist of a cabin and a tower, allowing for quick manoeuvring of materials to an overhead location. Some can even lift thousands of pounds of material, which is incredibly useful on the construction site. The question is, why do they move? They usually run on diesel engines or electric motors. Some can even be hydraulically powered and use chains as a lifting mechanism. Then they move the load vertically to greater heights.
Here are the three main types of hoists used in construction work
Mobile hoist:
- Lift loads to heights of 98 ft
- Can be dismantled and moved to another location
- Load capacity is 1100 lbs
- Protective screen with gates should be at least 6 ft high for safety reasons
Passenger hoist
- Lift loads to heights of 98 ft
- Load capacity is 1100 lbs
- Protective screen with gates should be at least 6 ft high for safety reasons
Small package hoists
- Have a small lifting arm, electric motor, and wire rope
- Mounted to a structure or scaffolding
- Weight capacity of 1100 lbs
Hoists are easy and safe to use, which makes them a common sight on many construction sites.
Cranes
Cranes are probably the first thing you picture when you think about lifting equipment. That’s no surprise since cranes are highly versatile and thus the most commonly used type of lifting equipment in construction. You’ll find a crane in any location that requires high-rise construction. But what makes it so indispensable? They come in various sizes, are easy to transport and operate, and can carry huge loads. Their types range from small hydraulic cranes suitable for short-term projects to tower cranes attached to skyscrapers.
Whatever your lifting needs or terrain conditions are, you’ll probably find a crane that suits them. But generally, we can sort cranes into three main categories:
- Mobile
- Tower
- Static
As their name suggests, mobile cranes are mounted on vehicles or tracks to be easily transported from site to site. Since they’re smaller than other cranes, mobile cranes can be used for lifting materials at lower levels. Next, tower cranes are the most well-known type of crane. They’re fixed to the ground, and the mast provides the necessary height. The working arm of the tower crane, called a jib, is connected to the mast. Finally, static cranes are similar to tower cranes, but the mast is affixed so that the entire tower moves from a single position. In short, when you combine their potential mobility with the ability to load and lift many materials, it’s clear why cranes are so widely used among contractors.
Forklift
Forklifts are primarily associated with warehouses but are also helpful in construction. The primary purpose of forklifts is to carry materials. By loading up cargo onto forklifts, you improve efficiency on construction sites. Forklifts are widely accessible and convenient for material transportation and best suited for single-level construction projects.
These are the main things to consider when buying or renting forklifts
- Height
- Load Capacity
- Fuel type
- Tires
Lifting tables and platforms
Lifting tables and platforms are mainly used to elevate materials and people over small distances, enabling work at heights. Let’s first take a look at lifting tables. They come in many different configurations to allow for everyday or specialized use, and they’re powered in several ways:
· Manual
The operator uses a crank, screw, or pump.
· Pneumatic
Has a pressurized air cylinder and a compression mechanism.
· Hydraulic
Pressurized hydraulic fluids power a linear actuator.
· Electric
Has an electric motor. Power is only used during elevation; if you want to lower the table, there’s usually a slow-release mechanism. Now, let’s look at lifting platforms. Their primary use is to enable workers’ safe task completion at any height. Basically, ”working platform” is an umbrella term for any scaffold, gangway, trestle, or mobile platform workers use to work at height. For a working platform to be suitable for its purpose, it has to be:
- Sufficiently sized for moving materials and equipment
- Stable (erected on solid ground)
- Clean and tidy
- Equipped with handrails
When it comes to lifting tables and platforms, your primary concern is to find a suitable solution that will enable workers to do their work safely and efficiently. You’ll have to look at load capacity, type of use, and physical dimensions, among other things. So, before you use either lifting equipment, it is necessary to conduct inspections to ensure the equipment complies with safety standards.
Hydraulic elevator
Hydraulic elevators are the newest members of the lifting equipment family. They’re also a safe and reliable option for transporting materials in solid or solution form.
How do they work?
At the base of the elevator cab, there is a cylinder with a piston-powered by an electric motor that pumps hydraulic oil into the cylinder. Then the piston moves the elevator cab, and an electric valve controls the descent. However, this lifting equipment is only suitable for heights up to six. It’s essential to stick to safety requirements so that you can use hydraulic elevators more efficiently. In the end, if you need to move equipment and material on medium-height projects, you can use hydraulic elevators.
Stackers
Stackers are large machines that handle bulk material. Using traction motors, you will usually find a stacker moving on a rail between stockpiles. They have three different types of movement, which allows them to stockpile materials in different patterns:
Travelling
The machine moves along the stockyard on a rail track. The track can be narrow or broad to enable unrestricted movement.
Luffing
Hydraulic cylinders allow for vertical movement. These stackers also have winch mechanisms.
Slewing
Rotational movement around the central axis to discharge material. A slew pinion rotates around a slew base. In the end, the suitable stacker is the one who can do the job efficiently and improve your operations.
Conclusion
Every construction site requires lifting equipment to move and carry weight around. Boom lifts, cranes, telehandlers, hoists–the world of lifting equipment is very diverse. When you use the appropriate equipment, you can significantly increase productivity and efficiently complete tasks. You can also finish the project within budget and on time.
Hopefully, this basic overview of different lifting equipment used in construction gives you a better understanding of your options, allowing you to decide on the best equipment you need for your next construction project.