Definitions and Classifications of Lifting Equipment

In the world of heavy lifting equipment, there are many definitions used to classify the numerous types that exist. These take many forms, from lifts, escalators and continuous transport, to cranes, lifts, trucks, telehandlers and other similar devices.

Crane: lifting apparatus with a discontinuous operation, intended to raise and distribute, in space, suspended loads from a hook or other attachment.

Jib crane: crane in which the arm is suspended with an accessory pen or a car traveling along it.

In the first case, the load distribution can be effected by varying the angle of inclination of the pen; in the second case, the position of the pen is typically horizontal, but it can be used to form an inclined angle.

Mobile Crane: lifting apparatus with a discontinuous operation, intended to raise and distribute, in space, suspended loads from a hook or other attachment arm.

Self-loading crane: lifting apparatus installed on vehicles suitable for transporting materials. It is used exclusively for loading and unloading.

Tower crane: A jib type crane fed by detachable power, specially designed to work as a tool in construction. They can be classified by its main features:

Stationary: the cranes do not incorporate a manoeuvre operation, i.e. the ability to move themselves autonomously via rails or other means.

Supported: Those that focus their severity through weights or counterweights located at its base.

Built: Those that focus their gravity on the ground, anchored to a concrete pad or similar means ground.

Mobile: Those that possess the capacity for autonomous movement.

Climber: Able to rise by climbing systems (wired or zippers) firmly until the building is constructed.

Telescopic: Able to elongate and rise above themselves through wide and narrow sections embedded on each other.

Hoist: A hoist is a machine used to lift or move a load. It has an advantage over other apparatus because it requires much less force to be applied to the weight. It takes two or more pulleys built to minimize stress.

Hoists vary in size and power; the small hoists are operated by hand and larger machines have an electric motor. There are rotating structures, whose entire upper structure, including pen and control unit, rotate on its base.

Swivel pen: one whose upper structure, including pen, is without a control unit and rotates on its base.

And lastly, there are pen sets: The upper structure, including pen, is fixed relative to the base.

These mechanisms are widely used in many industries that carry heavy materials and elements to make the process easy, quick and for the direct placement of parts. This could be on a construction site, in workshops, warehouses, as well as loading and unloading trucks that carry the weights.