When moving heavy loads on a construction site, you definitely require equipment to make work easier, one of which is the rigging and lifting equipment. This equipment makes moving and lifting less of a struggle, reducing costs and saving time. One of the most significant advantages of mobile scaffold tower hire is how it can contribute to increasing productivity.
However, since there are quite a number of rigging and lifting equipment types, the one you need should depend on the type of job, particularly the weight you want to lift and the height you’re working from. Therefore, it’s essential to know different rigging and lifting equipment types and what they do.
Rigging Equipment
The following are some common rigging equipment:
Rigging Hooks
Rigging hooks come in handy when lifting heavy equipment. These are made from steel and designed with zero slippage chances. They vary in designs and sizes for easier lifting of different loads. Their sizes range from ⅝ of an inch to 1 17/32 inches. Rigging hooks are categorized based on hook opening or throat. One great thing is that you can easily find and purchase rigging hardware from hardware shops in your locality.
Shackles
These are the links connecting different rigging equipment. They allow quick connection and disconnection of various linked equipment. Shackles are mainly used with loads exceeding 6,000 pounds and can accommodate up to 11,000 pounds.
There are two main categories of shackles: anchor and chain. However, these categories include various shackles, such as safety, screw, and round pin types. Shackles involve a steel loop closed off with some pins to secure rigging equipment connection when moving heavy equipment. They come in different sizes, ranging from 3/16 of an inch to 2 ½ inches.
Blocks And Pulleys
Blocks and pulleys are used when lifting hefty loads. They reduce the force required for moving and lifting heavy loads. Lifting blocks come in different types: swivel blocks, snatch blocks, tilt-up blocks, and square blocks. They also come in various sizes and can withstand loads weighing up to 30 tons.
On the other hand, single and double pulley systems are used alongside rigging ropes that circle the pulley before being hooked to the load being lifted. Pulleys differ based on the rope, frame, and sheave size. Wire ropes are used with lifting blocks, while pulleys are used with synthetic ropes. This is because pulleys carry lighter loads than lifting blocks, and wire ropes are strong enough to handle heavy loads.
Wire Ropes And Accessories
Wire ropes are essential as far as rigging is concerned. They come with several strands, made from carbon steel or stainless-steel wire. Wire ropes are usually in a helix pattern for additional strength. These ropes can either be galvanized or coated for protection against exterior elements. Wire ropes come in different sizes and various specifications—most of them are 6×19, 6×26, 6×36, 7×7, and 7×19.
They’re used with other accessories, such as clips, stops, thimbles, and sleeves. These accessories ensure that the wire rope functions effectively.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts are used as anchor points in rigging configuration and help loop cables or ropes. Eye bolts are found in different sizes and materials for different load types and sizes. While there are several types of eye bolts, shoulder and straight eye bolts are the most common ones. Shoulder eye bolts are used with angular connections, while straight eye bolts are used for straight-line connections. Other eye bolts include screw, lag, and U-bolt eye bolts.
Synthetic Lifting Slings
As the name suggests, this rigging equipment is made from synthetic material. They’re used with wire ropes when moving heavy equipment.
Synthetic lifting slings come in two types: eye-and-eye and endless slings. Eye-and-eye slings are equipped with triangular, flat, or twisted ends made from metal or synthetic material. On the other hand, endless slings are synthetic materials in a loop. Synthetic lifting slings balance rigging activities while adding extra strength for bearing heavy loads.
Lifting Equipment
The following are the most common lifting equipment:
Cranes
When you hear lifting equipment, cranes might be the first equipment you think of. It’s expected since cranes are the most commonly used lifting equipment. Basically, you’re likely to see a crane on every construction site requiring high-rise construction.
Cranes come in various sizes, are easy to operate and transport, and can ferry heavy loads. They range from small hydraulic ones ideal for short-term projects to large ones attached to skyscrapers. Due to these aspects, most contractors prefer using cranes more often over other equipment.
Forklifts
Forklifts can be used both for warehouses and construction activities. Forklifts’ primary function is lifting and carrying materials. Using forklifts to carry increases efficiency by a considerable margin. While forklifts are suitable for carrying materials, they’re ideal for single-level construction projects.
Hydraulic Elevators
This type of equipment is the newest in the lifting equipment arena. It’s a safe option for transporting materials in solution and solid form. But, how does a hydraulic elevator work? The elevator has a cylinder with a piston, powered by an electric motor to pump hydraulic oil into the cylinder. The piston locomotes the elevator cab while the electric valve controls the descent.
However, while hydraulic elevators seem to be efficient lifting equipment, they’re only suitable for constructions up to six stories. Nevertheless, sometimes, they can go up to eight stories, although it isn’t advisable for safety reasons. It’s therefore vital to adhere to the guidelines stipulating how high the equipment can go to avoid accidents.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are used to lift contractors to enable them to work from different heights. Scissor lifts have lifting mechanisms that fold in an ‘X’ pattern. As the pressure is applied to the outer sides of the lowest supports, the crisscrossing section stretches, raising the platform.
Scissor lifts are rigid lifting equipment only capable of moving up and down. However, they have wheels for effortless relocation. This equipment is commonly used for exterior building repairs, cladding, window installation, and cleaning.
Conclusion
Most construction projects involving heavy lifting require rigging and lifting equipment. If you have a pending or ongoing construction requiring rigging and lifting equipment, this information might help when choosing the right equipment suitable for the tasks at hand.
