Types of Lifting Equipment Available From a Lifting Equipment Manufacturer
A lifting equipment manufacturer can provide the equipment, parts and accessories needed for a wide range of applications. Some suppliers may also offer customization and installation services for their products.
A modern lifting device can help you streamline your operations and boost productivity. These tools are invaluable for businesses involved in construction, manufacturing, wind energy and more.
Cranes
Cranes are one of the most common pieces of lifting equipment used on construction sites. They come in many forms and have a wide range of uses, from building tall skyscrapers to repairing oil rigs. These massive machines have long arms (booms) that act as levers. The center pin of the boom acts as a fulcrum, just like the head of a nail in a hammer. The engine provides the effort force, and the resistance force is the load being lifted. By utilizing this basic principle, cranes can lift extremely heavy loads over great distances.
Depending on the project, cranes may be mobile or fixed in place. Mobile cranes can be set on tires, crawlers, or boats and are better suited for workites that have limited open space. They can also be mounted on a truck or trailer and transported between worksites.
To keep the operator safe, it’s important to know what the rated capacity of a crane is and not exceed this. Manufacturer-calculated charts and electronic safeguards are available to help crane operators ensure they don’t overextend lifting equipment manufacturer the machine. In addition, it’s important to use proper slings that are rated for the amount of weight they can hold. Loose or damaged slings can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to check them regularly for wear and tear.
Lift Tables
Lift tables are used to raise loads to a comfortable working height in order picking, assembly, positioning, transportation and other industrial operations. These types of mobile tables are designed to eliminate the need for workers to lift heavy objects up and down which can result in fatigue, injury, slowed productivity and poor employee attitude. Medical science has proven that repeated lifting and lowering of heavy loads can damage arm, leg and back muscles.
Generally, lift table designs utilize hydraulic cylinders that are powered by pneumatic sources, electric motors or trapezoidal-threaded screw drives. These types of lifts are available in a range of sizes and capacities to accommodate a variety of industry requirements.
The base frame of a lift table can be positioned in pits, on wheels or casters or floor mounted, with the latter option being most common. The base may also be enclosed in a guard, skirt or protective covers to prevent contaminants and other debris from entering the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism can be controlled using a hand pump, a foot lever or an electrical motor.
To ensure that the lift is not damaged by sudden changes in load weight or movement, most tables are fitted with a mechanical stop and a safety pinch guard to protect against entrapment and other hazards. They can also be equipped with maintenance capabilities like grease fittings on pivot points and cam rollers, modular power units that are separated and easily accessible, and other features to enhance performance, durability and maintenance efficiency.
Hydraulic Drum Lifters
Drum lifters are specialized material handling tools designed to pick up and transport steel, plastic, or fiber drums and barrels. They are commonly used by warehouses, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical industries. These lifting equipment have spring-loaded metal arms that grip the rim of a drum to prevent it from falling off when being lifted.
These drum handlers can lift, transport, and position full 210-liter steel drums without the use of a forklift. They have a V-shaped base that makes it easy to load and unload the drums from pallets and platforms. They have front swivel poly wheels and rear swivel casters for better control. A foot-operated hydraulic pump raises and lowers the drum. The pump has a hand-operated pendant switch for safety. It also includes a ratchet system that tightens the drum’s rim when gripping it to prevent it from dropping off.
This drum lifter saves time, energy, and money by eliminating the need for manual labor and improving workflow in the warehouse. It is also safer because it reduces the possibility of spills and injuries due to manual handling. It is important to only operate the device lifting equipment manufacturer within its maximum rated weight capacity. Overloading can cause the lifter to break or malfunction. It is recommended to add a little mechanical lubricant on the moving parts of the machine for smooth operation.
Jacks
A jack is an extremely versatile piece of equipment, used in many industries. It’s important to use jack equipment carefully and responsibly, following all manufacturer instructions for positioning and stabilisation of loads. In particular, jacks should be stored away from heat sources, corrosive substances and direct sunlight to prevent damage.
A mechanical steel ratchet jack is used to lift all kinds of heavy loads in maintenance and repair, shipbuilding, construction, and agriculture. They are especially useful in confined spaces where space below the load is restricted and prevents the use of traditional lifting equipment.
The hydraulic jack operates on Pascal’s principle (Pascal’s law is a mathematical equation that states that pressure is proportional to force divided by area). A piston pump builds up applied pressure from the handle movement and transfers it into the main cylinder, also known as the ram. The ram is then driven upwards through the jack body and the pressure creates a lifting effect, allowing it to support and lift a load.
Another popular jack type is the wheel bumper jack, designed to catch under a vehicle and hoist it up. This type of jack has a lower maximum load capacity than a head jack but offers excellent low entry points, ideal for use in garages and auto repair shops. A specialised type of jack is the travel lifting jack, which enables you to lift and move heavy items easily without moving the whole item.