Different Lifting & Rigging Equipment Needed For Performing Lifts
When it comes to moving heavy loads, you need the necessary lifting and rigging equipment to ensure your load is securely and safely lifted. As a team of lifting and rigging experts, we work to understand and cater for people’s lifting requirements everyday. As every job is unique, you’ll need different types of lifting equipment to safely and efficiently complete the lift.
Crane Lifting Hooks
A crane hook attaches the chains and ropes of a load to the crane. Crane hooks come in all shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of materials and the hook used depends on a multitude of factors.
Synthetic-slings
A synthetic web sling is one of the most common pieces of rigging equipment found on site due to their versatility. They are strong enough to support heavy loads but also used to lift delicate materials as their soft surface offers more protection than abrasive materials, like wire rope. Synthetic slings can be made from polyester, nylon, or high-performance materials and are lightweight, easy to rig, and extremely flexible.
Synthetic slings are popular in construction and other general industries because they’re fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of standard sizes. This makes them versatile and diverse in their application, while also being able to be replaced easily.
However, synthetic slings are susceptible to environmental factors like extreme heat, extended UV exposure and chemically active environments. Therefore, as per Standards Australia guidelines, they need to be inspected by a professional every 3 months.
Lifting Chains
Lifting chains (also called chain slings) are used to secure and lift a load. The diameter and number of chains, as well as the material, will vary according to the type of load and the weight limit. The higher quality of the material, usually steel, than the higher weight limit of a lifting chain.
For steel chain slings, there are different Working Load Limits dependent on the grade of the chain. Chain grades vary from Grade 30 to Grade 120, and the steel chain sling needed for your lift will depend on the weight, size and material of the load you are rigging and lifting.
Hoists
Hoists can be added to cranes to increase their lifting capacity. A chain hoist offers a load capacity of up to half a tonne. There are three types of below-the-hook lifting devices which can attach hoists to loads. This includes pressure lifters, supporting lifters, and gripping lifters. The specific type of material you need to move will determine which is the best option.
Outrigger Legs & Outrigger Pads
Outrigger legs, also known as Stabilisers, are used to provide additional support and stability for a crane. Outriggers are retractable hydraulic legs which extend from the structure of the crane to the ground and commonly come in two shapes; H style and A frame. H style have a pair of square or round legs which are positioned on the end of the extendable horizontal beam. Unlike H style frames, an A frame has legs which extends an at angle. Outriggers tend to be used for truck-mounted cranes.
Sometimes outrigger legs will be placed on stabiliser pads. Made from recycled materials and polyethylene, stabiliser pads are durable and highly wear resistant.
The Cost of Additional Equipment
As every job is different, the type and cost of additional equipment required will depend on a multitude of factors.
Load type is a key determining factor. The size, weight and material of your load will decide if additional lifting equipment is required.
The environment and working conditions of the job site will also be a factor. Tricky terrain may require additional stabilising equipment such as bog mats. Read more about the additional costs of crane hire here
If you need help finding the right equipment and planning a lift, then get in contact with our team of rigging and lifting experts at Premier Cranes. We can discuss the specifics of your job and what lifting equipment may be required.