If your business requires you to lift heavy objects regularly, and you've been outsourcing to a construction company, it may be time to invest in construction lifting equipment of your own. By investing in heavy lifting equipment and the training and certification needed to operate it, you can save money in the long run.
Take the time to shop around for the heavy lifting equipment that best fits your needs. If you're in the building business, for example, you'll probably need a variety of construction lifting machines. The larger and more complex the heavy lift equipment, the more expensive it will be.
1. Cranes lift loads of varying weights and are generally used in the construction industry and contracted out to other industries.
2. Forklifts raise loads from the ground for storage, loading onto trucks and working.
3. Vacuum lifts are vacuum-powered heavy lifting machines that stack heavy objects, load trucks and move rocks or furniture.
4. Winches wind up a rope or cable for towing or moving heavy equipment.
5. Hoists are smaller construction lifts that elevate materials quickly with a rope or chain.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Take stock of what you need in construction lifting equipment
Most commercial lifting equipment manufacturers offer a variety of heavy lifting machines, each with specific uses. When deciding what kinds of construction lifts to purchase, think about the sizes and shapes of the loads you'll be lifting and how high they need to go.
I recommend: Bishop LIfting Products, Inc. fabricates many kinds of lifting devices and accessories.
Bruce Industrial Company also offers a variety of construction lifting equipment.
Determine whether to buy new or used construction lift equipment
Buying new or used construction lift machines each has its advantages. If you buy new, your equipment will have a warranty. If you buy used, it will cost less but possibly need more repairs. Check out both options before deciding.
I recommend: Visit
IndustrialMachines.net to find new and used industrial equipment for sale from all over the world. See
Machinery Trader's categories for used forklifts, cranes and lifts.
Figure out whether to buy or lease your heavy lifting machinery
Construction equipment can be expensive, but luckily a number of options exist to make paying for it less painful. If you're buying, look into the best financing option for your credit and budget. If you're leasing, look at short-term savings and tax write-offs versus long-term payment total.
I recommend: Check out the article on financing construction equipment in
Lift and Access E-Magazine. The publication offers a wealth of articles and information for professionals who use construction lifting devices.
Northeastern Leasing & Finance Corporation provides financing for new or used equipment in all 50 states.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- You or someone on your staff must receive training and certification to operate most kinds of heavy lifting equipment. Make sure you train your entire staff in safety measures and that everyone knows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for your equipment and follows them to the letter.
The official source of Construction Lifting Equipment is
the Construction Lifting Equipment page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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