Everything You Need to Know about Lifting Accessories

Lifting Accessories

Lifting accessories play a very important part in the construction industry. Overhead lifting equipment, cranes, hoists, and other machinery, are all used to easily and safely handle heavy loads. This article brings forward everything there is to know about such gear. You’ll learn about types, safety, and maintenance, among other useful information.

The Role and Types of Lifting Accessories

What exactly are these? Lifting accessories are additions to already existing lifting devices. These are used for safety, to manage more load, or to manage the load easier, and other similar operations. The next list presents the most common types of lifting accessories:

  • Hooks—These are used to secure the load to the hoist or crane. There are several types of hooks, such as eye, clevis, and swivel hooks.
  • Slings can also be divided into three categories: wire, chain, and synthetic. A wire rope sling is strong and durable and used for heavy loads. A chain sling is resistant to cutting and abrasion and is commonly used for loads with sharp edges. Synthetic slings are used for lightweight and delicate surfaces because they don’t scratch.
  • Shackles – These elements connect the load to the lifting accessories/load. They can come in different shapes, but the D shape is the most common.
  • Load binders – These are used to bind the load, as the name says.
  • Spreader bars – Bars are used to distribute the load, preventing overloading.
  • Eyebolts and swivel rings – These secure the load. Not to be confused with eye and swivel hooks.

All of these accessories are necessary, especially if the load is heavy and must be managed. Understanding the role of each accessory can make everything easier. Do you need to distribute the load because you’re afraid of overloading? You now know about spreader bars, so there’s no need to worry or stress!

Usage and Function: Cranes

Cranes are probably the most known and used lifting machine. Cranes are used in different industries: construction, manufacturing, and transportation. They can be used for different jobs, like moving materials or assembling heavy equipment, and depending on the task for which it’s used, the crane can be of a different type. So, what are the types of cranes available?

  • Tower cranes – They are used to lift loads to great heights. 
  • Overhead cranes – Typically used in warehouses, overhead lifting cranes consist of parallel rails, a bridge between the two, and a hoist that travels on the bridge. These can be either single-girder cranes or double-girder cranes.
  • Mobile cranes are portable and mounted on crawlers, all-terrain cranes, or hydraulic cranes.
  • Gantry cranes – The gantry cranes offer a similar process to overhead lifting, but it has freestanding legs.
  • Jib cranes – These cranes have a horizontal ‘arm’ and are used for localized lifting. 

These are some of the most important types of cranes. And while all of these have a task they can do best, there is a crane with the most advantages: the overhead crane. But what about it is so special?

The Overhead Lifting Crane

The overhead lifting crane, or the ‘bridge crane,’ is mostly used in manufacturing and maintenance. As mentioned, it can be either a single or double girder. A single girder crane is perfect for lighter loads (up to 10 tonnes) and smaller spans. At the same time, a double girder crane can handle loads up to 125 tonnes and over 100 feet of span. There can also be a suspended overhead crane, where the rails are secured to the ceiling instead of the walls.

Some might prefer an overhead lifting crane instead of any other crane for a few simple reasons. It’s safer, it saves up space, it’s versatile, and it increases productivity. This type of crane can handle a lot of tonnes, and it does so in a safer manner for everyone involved.

If you want to install an overhead crane, remember that you need rails, hoists, end trucks, trolleys, and a control system. Modern cranes now have simple control systems with remote controls and automation features.

How to Ensure Safety?

Safety is important no matter what we are talking about. But it is especially crucial when we are talking about handling such machinery. No matter how light or heavy the load is, the one handling the crane must have proper training. The crane and all the accessories must pass regular inspections (for rust, damage, and deformation). Always use the correct accessories for the task, and never surpass the load limits.

While some advice might seem useless, it can be life-saving. For example, everyone around should know some general signs, like left, right, stop, or move. Shortly, be sure that everyone understands the standardized hand signals. Also, always make sure that the path for your load is clear of any obstacles. Even if these seem obvious, it’s always best to check beforehand.

What is There to Know about Maintenance

Maintenance and safety go hand in hand. An equipment that is correctly taken care of is safe to use. And the maintenance is not as hard as it might sound. Actually, there are a few simple things that need looking after:

  • Inspections – Check for any problems, and fix them before using.
  • Lubrication – Reduce wear by keeping the moving parts well-lubricated.
  • Cleaning – Remove all the debris that could affect the equipment.

Inspect the equipment regularly and before use. Clean it constantly to prevent build-up. Lubricate to prevent corrosion!

Conclusion

With that being said, you are now an expert in cranes! No, really, but you now know more than most people. You know crane types, something about lifting accessories, and how to maintain the equipment. Remember that safety is important; no matter how absurd it sounds, always inspect the equipment before using it. Keep the crane, the load, yourself, and all those working around you safe!

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