It is difficult to imagine a type of industry nowadays that would not make extensive use of lifting equipment, as it streamlines processes, makes you more productive and makes the working environment safer for everyone. There are many different types of lifting equipment, that will all serve different purposes, so it is up to you to determine the best kinds for the jobs you will be carrying out. In order to do so, you will probably need to consult with your members of staff and analyse your processes to make sure you are approaching all tasks in the safest, most economical way possible.

So how do you find the right kinds of lifting equipment for your purposes? If you are not sure about what you need, it’s important you are able to ask for help and consult with someone who is highly knowledgeable in the field. A lifting equipment supplier will be able to help you. They can tell you about the different kinds of products that are on the market and talk to you about your business, helping you to understand the products that might be right for you. You can then go away and make an informed decision based on the new knowledge you have gained about lifting equipment and what there is available. All lifting equipment will need to be maintained and serviced regularly as well, so it pays off to form relationships with lifting equipment suppliers who will be able to offer you various ongoing packages. 

So what kinds of lifting equipment might a supplier recommend to you? It will all depend on the kinds of lifting processes you are carrying out, but these are some of the most popular options you might come across: 

• Overhead cranes. There are many different types of cranes, including overhead, gantry and jib cranes. They will all have their own purposes and some will be more useful than others in different industrial environments. You would use a crane with a hoist to take the weight of the load and move it. 
• Furniture movers. Either hydraulic or manual, furniture movers can be loaded up with heavy items. They will then move the items using wheels, making it easier and safer to move heavy or awkward loads. They might be used by removal people. 
• Forklift attachments. You can get attachments to lift many different kinds of items, including drums and palettes. This will help you to move loads in a warehouse space. 
• Jacks. These are used to load up objects, making it easy to put them in place and secure them. They are often hydraulic. 
• Load moving skates. Similar to furniture movers, these are used to move large and heavy loads, usually a short distance. 
• Lifting slings. You will use these alongside your cranes and your hoists, allowing you to lift up loads and secure them easily and safely. You can get lifting slings with different capacities.