Forklift trucks without any attachments can do lots of lifting and loading, making light of various loads of different shapes and sizes. With fork attachments as well, forklift trucks become even more adaptable and versatile, able to perform lifts for loads of various weights, capacities and sizes.

Attachments come in different types but some of the most popular are pallet lifter attachments. These attach onto the original forks, extend them and change their shape so that a pallet can easily be loaded and lifted. The forks are easy to attached and detach so they can be used as needed, or the forklift can be used in its original configuration. Having fork truck extensions to hand is therefore very useful, as they are not expensive and are very easy to use, and they can easily and quickly make a whole host of different lifts possible. The majority of loads can be lifted with one truck.

Construction sites are often very well equipped and lots of preparation goes into making them fit for purpose. This will often include power, so there will be electricity on many building sites that can be used for construction processes as well as for the members of staff using the site. If a building site is very well established, or if construction is taking place over a long period of time, the site is more likely to be fully equipped and to have electricity.

If a site is more remote, the build is going to take less time, or the site is generally less well equipped, then power may not be available. There might be options for short- term power supplies in the form of solar power, but in general, it may not be possible to use power for processes such as lifting and building. In this case, manual hoists might be required, so builders and operatives must be adequately trained.

Many construction environments and low headroom spaces will still be able to employ jib cranes for lifting and moving stock. Jib cranes are more flexible and versatile than other types of crane, so they can be used in these kinds of spaces without concern. They will need to be able to operate effectively and safely in these spaces so often, a jib crane will need to be made to order to fit into a low headroom space.

Jib cranes can add a lot of value by making lifting safer and simpler. This is especially important in low headroom spaces where it might be more difficult to regulate processes and make them efficient. Once you have a crane with the right functionality, it will revolutionise the processes you have set in place. You will have access to technology that is much better suited to your purposes and that will operate despite the low headroom.

Do you need to lift heavy loads weighing up to 100 Tonnes? Hydraulic Lifting Cylinders work on the basis of fluid pressure, with pressure being exerted throughout to perform the lift. They can help with improving lifting processes and provide a good alternative to manual lifting on site and in various demanding commercial environments. If you don’t already use hydraulic lifting cylinders, find out more about how they work and how they could benefit you.

How do hydraulic lifting cylinders work and how can they be used to help you?

Hydraulic lifting cylinders are generally used where push and pull forces are needed. They can take a great deal of pressure, with a maximum operating pressure of 700 bar for some of the top brands of cylinder. In terms of situations where they might be used, some commonplace applications and industries include construction, manufacture and off shore. Some factories and construction environments will make use of multiple hydraulic lifting cylinders all at once.

Different types of lifting cylinders and their general specifications

There are many different types of lifting cylinders available and they can all be used for different purposes. These are some of the most common types you might find, and that will be available for you to purchase from a lifting equipment supplier:

• Low profile pad cylinders. Where there isn’t a great deal of clearance for lifting cylinders, low profile pad cylinders can be used. They are still very strong and can still have a maximum pressure of 700 bar, but they are that little bit more versatile. They can have up to a 150 tonne capacity with a single acting spring return.
• Single acting hydraulic cylinders. With up to a 150mm stroke, these cylinders can accommodate enormous pressures. With the addition of a pump, it is possible to use 30% more oil capacity.
• Universal hydraulic cylinders. Suitable for universal operations, these cylinders are compact and versatile. They are made from chromium-molybdenum steel and come with all couplers and everything else needed for use.
• Hollow cylinders. These come hollow, meaning a rod can be put through for the enabling of pulling forces. Ideal for heavy duty pulling requirements, 700 bar can be achieved as standard.

Buying hydraulic lifting cylinders – making sure they are ready for use

As you will see, there are many types of hydraulic lifting cylinders and even if they might seem very similar, each one will have its own subtle nuances, making it more or less suitable for various applications. Some people who work in offshore environment or construction environments may be responsible for ordering without actually being active in an on site role. This can make it difficult to place an order for the correct cylinders, when it might not be immediately obvious what those differences are. Gather together all specs before placing any orders and check over the details with the supplier to get confirmation, before you go ahead and place the order with them.

Safety when lifting heavy loads is paramount in any construction environment. People working in construction need to understand how to keep themselves safe, and heavy lifting can be one of the more dangerous processes to take part in – when not aware of the way in which to lift. Here are some of the most important things to bear in mind:

• When lifting by hand, bend at the knees and keep your back straight. This will prevent you putting too much strain on your back, protecting it during the lifting process.
• Use cranes and lifting equipment whenever you can. Any lifting equipment that is available to you will help make lifting easier and less risky. Equipment might include cranes, slings, hoists and furniture movers, to name but a few.
• Make sure you are fully trained. Lifts must be performed by competent people, according to the LOLER and PUWER regulations. Make sure you undertake all necessary training.

Does every business need a crane? Not necessarily, but many, many businesses certainly could benefit from using a crane to enhance lifting processes and make them easier to manage. This has the power to improve safety, help improve speed of processes, and generally to allow the business to move forward and become a more modern company.

Jib cranes are especially useful in business, as they can be used in low headroom areas to complete more complex lifts. They can offer you the flexibility you need to complete lifts of all kinds, including delicate processes like picking and packing. The versatility and flexibility means they can be suitable for all kinds of businesses and can offer real value. If you can speed up processes and get more done, you will make your money back on a crane in no time – and can begin to increase profits in line with this as well.