Modern lifting and rigging equipment has made construction work much easier. Things like lifting jacks, air bearing systems, shackles, and other tools, allow successful and safe load handling. However, when buying construction lifting gear, you must consider several factors to choose the right product for your needs. Here are some tips that will help you.
Evaluate Your Requirements
Before getting a lifting gear, you need to analyze the load you need to lift using it. The size, shape, and type of load play a crucial role in choosing the right type of product. You should also evaluate the operations performed on the construction site. Knowing these things will help you find the product that successfully completes the required tasks.
Check the Lifting Device’s Working Load Limit
When exploring different construction lifting gear, make sure to carefully check the working load limit (rated capacity) of these devices. It will tell you the maximum weight the device can safely carry and lift. Every manufacturer specifies rated capacity on their equipment.
According to OSHA, you should never use lifting or rigging equipment with weights over their rated capacities. Doing this is a severe safety risk for the workers and may also cause costly project delays and damage.
Consider Regulatory Requirements
When getting a lifting device, make sure you can use it at the construction site without violating any laws. Regulatory requirements vary according to activities, devices, and location, so always check them before getting any gear.
Don’t Forget to Consider the Lifting Environment
Besides the load and lifting gear, you should also consider the environment where these tasks will take place. Some environmental factors like temperature, humidity, etc., can affect your lifting gear’s performance. For example, steel chain slings can withstand up to 600°F temperatures, and synthetic slings can only work in temperatures lower than 180°F. Similarly, if your construction is in a saltwater environment with high humidity, your gear can corrode quickly if not selected carefully.
Check the Quality
Lifting and rigging equipment are subjected to harsh working conditions. They are exposed to heavy loads regularly and have more chances of getting damaged than other equipment. It’s essential to buy a device with high quality and durability to make the most of it. Even if the upfront cost is higher, you should never compromise on quality.
Find a Trusted Supplier
You will find hundreds of suppliers in the market claiming to offer premium quality, authentic products. However, most of them are selling counterfeit or unreliable equipment. Therefore, you should choose an experienced and reliable supplier like Hovair Systems.
We are a leading air bearing and air caster manufacturer in the US with over 50 years of experience. We are also certified suppliers of top-notch lifting and rigging equipment for the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries. The products at Hovair Systems utilize innovative air-powered systems to make lifting easy, safe, and eco-friendly.