Construction involves moving and lifting heavy loads to multi-story buildings. In some cases, the infrastructure itself needs to be raised. All this is done using multiple types of lifting machines and tools.
This guide lists down the most important and commonly used lifting equipment in construction with a step-by-step generalised process for using them. By the end of this article, you will know your first step to starting your lifting operation.
Understanding Lifting Equipment in Construction
Any machine or device used to lift, lower, or move heavy objects is considered lifting equipment. This includes everything from hydraulic jacks and cranes to hoists, winches, and rigging systems.
There are multiple machines and devices used for moving heavy objects in construction and industrial projects. However, choosing the right machine is necessary for safety, efficiency, risk management and reducing manual labour.
Safe Work Australia has guidelines and regulations for all lifting equipment. These guidelines cover everything from usage and operation to safety and compliance. Hence, the right equipment and right operating procedures are not just important for safety and efficiency but also required for compliance.
Most Common Types of Lifting Equipment in Construction
Cranes
The most used lifting equipment in construction is cranes. They are the primary machines used for heavy lifting and load transfer. Cranes are huge machines that require significant space to operate. This means you cannot use a crane in a confined space.
There are 3 main types of cranes:
- Tower cranes: They are used for tall buildings due to their high height reach. However, they’re fixed and cannot be moved once installed.
- Mobile cranes: They are mounted on trucks or crawlers, making them mobile. They can travel to multiple sites and handle a variety of lifting tasks.
- Overhead cranes: They are also fixed and transport heavy loads horizontally in a defined space.
Hoists
Hoists are used to vertically lift objects. They’re perfect for multi-story projects where loads need to move up and down. Consider moving tools, bricks, or buckets of concrete to higher floors. Hoists consist of a pulley attached to a horizontal beam to lift objects. They can be operated manually or electrically and are fixed at one location.
Hoists are of two main types, depending on the material used for lifting.
- Wire rope hoists: They use wires or ropes to lift and lower the load. Wire rope hoists are strong, durable, and suited for heavier loads and long lifts.
- Chain hoists: Chain hoists use a metal chain for lifting. Workers use them for lighter loads and shorter lifting distances.
Forklifts
Forklifts are small machines with a fork-shaped structure at the front that lifts and carries objects. Their compact design allows operators to maneuver them easily in tight spaces. Workers use forklifts to unload building materials from delivery trucks and to transport items like cement bags and bricks between ground-level work zones. As these are small machines, they have limited load capacity and limited height reach.
Hydraulic Jacking Systems
Workers use hydraulic jacks to lift heavy structures when they need precise accuracy and high stability. They also rely on them for repositioning and temporarily lifting massive structures such as bridges, plants, and infrastructure.
Legend Hire offers a wide range of high-capacity hydraulic jacks and pumps that can cater for all your project requirements. Our Sync-Master lifting system supports synchronised controlled lifts, reducing the risk of uneven load distribution and structural stress.
Winching Systems
Workers use winches for both pulling and lifting heavy objects and power lines. When lifting in areas with little or no crane access, they rely on winching systems.
Legend Hire provides multiple types and capacities of winches to suit every construction and industrial requirement. Operators maintain and test each winch and supply it with the appropriate accessories to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Rigging Equipment
Rigging equipment contains accessories and tools that connect the load and the lifting equipment. They keep the load secure throughout the lifting process.
We are talking about
- chains,
- slings,
- shackles,
- spreader beams,
- wire ropes,
- eye bolts,
- steel nuts,
- and turnbuckles.
No matter how good your lifting equipment is, if your rigging is not safe, it poses a risk. A certified rigger should be assembling and securing all the rigging equipment and lifting machines. We train workers to minimise risk, choosing the right equipment based on the load and the site location, and safely conducting the lifting process.
Legend Hire’s rigging services ensure your lifting operations are safe, efficient, and compliant. Our experienced riggers handle everything from load assessment to on-site setup, ensuring every lift runs smoothly.
How to Use Lifting Equipment in Construction
1. Plan the lift
During the planning phase, you map out the lifting process by deciding what to lift, the path it will take, and the load it involves. These three points will help you decide the right lifting equipment, identify where to place or fix it and mitigate any risks or hazards. Only a professional rigger can do this assessment.
2. Start rigging
Rigging involves everything from planning the lift to setting up the equipment and securing the connections of the load to the lifting equipment using rigging gear. A qualified rigger selects the right tools and machines and ensures the load stays balanced and secure.
3. Inspect the equipment
Before you lift, inspect both the lifting machine and the rigging equipment. A quick visual inspection of the machine and double-checking all the hooks, nuts and connections is necessary for safety. Ensure all the safety protocols are complete.
Check out: How and when to inspect lifting equipment
4. Prepare the site
Before you start lifting, ensure the working area is clear of any hazards, extra machinery and people. Do not let anyone stand or work under suspended loads.
5. Start lifting
Now start the lifting process. There should be clear communication between the machine operator, rigger and other working personnel. Always lift with steady and controlled movements and avoid jerks.
Legend Hire’s expert rigging for your construction lifting equipment
There are multiple types of lifting equipment and devices used in construction. The right machine depends on your requirements and the load you have to move. Lifting is a high-risk task as it involves carrying heavy weights to substantial heights. A professional rigger can not only help in selecting the right machine but will also plan the complete process, install and fix the machines and connect the loads.
Legend Hire’s rigging services provide you with the complete package from planning to executing the lift. Our expertise in rigging provides you with a safe and compliant lifting operation from start to finish.
