A
lifting equipment may be defined as a device or machine which can be used to lift an object (heavy or light) from a certain height to other height. It is also called as lifting gear.
History
They are not a modern invention; they have been in use for ages since the medieval times. Surprisingly, the same principle and techniques are used in their operation; the main difference being in power. In those days, they were run using animals or human beings while today, they operate on electricity or via mechanical or hydraulic systems.
Types
There are several types of lifting machines that can be bought, namely forklifts, winches, cranes, and vacuum lifts. Every industry requires a different type of device, based on their purpose. They can be classified into the following types-
Forklifts – These are the most commonly used. These are used to lift heavy items up into tall storage areas in a safe way.
Cranes – A crane is an extremely versatile lifting device; one can use it to lift both heavy as well as light objects. Also, items can be moved both horizontally or vertically or in an inclined way.
Vacuum Lifts – These are mainly required in order to move extremely heavy objects. These devices use vacuum, so that high pressure air acts as the driving force. Besides, odd items like glass panes can also be transported safely using this mechanism.
Uses
Lifting equipment can be used for a lot of operations; some of which include the following-
- Moving objects to tall heights
- Repairing wires
- Help in Construction of buildings and skyscrapers
Safety
They are used to move objects as well as people to different heights. As a result, these can cause accidents if they are misused. So, it is advised run a scheduled checkup on these devices and operators are given special training. However, due to recent advancements in technology, accidents rarely occur in these cases.
Lifting equipment are extremely important to human kind. Hence, it is of no doubt that they will serve us in future as well.
