Construction lifting machines and other heavy lifting equipment may be necessary to get a large residential or commercial project done. While each of these operate differently, most of them have some similar methods. Staying abreast of these basic methods helps to keep you, and your co-workers, safe while operating the machinery.

Knowing the facts surrounding construction lifting machines is key to construction lifting equipment education and training. Consider the following suggestions to help you learn the best techniques for commercial lifting:

1. Take a course to learn the proper methods of using heavy lifting equipment.

2. Learn the operation instructions for the specific machinery used on your job site.

3. Keep abreast of new safety procedures and lifting techniques.

Action Steps
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Get the appropriate certifications for operating construction lifting equipment

Operating construction lifting machines is not something that the average uncertified individual will be allowed to do. As such, having formal training and certifications is necessary to secure a job in this field. Additionally, it may be necessary to attend refresher courses throughout your career.

I recommend: HeavyEquipmentTraining.com offers courses for operating heavy lifting equipment, including cranes. Some of these programs are online. Others are on-site or on campus. Training-Classes.com offers a list of OSHA certified training sessions for heavy lifting equipment.

Ensure the proper use of the construction lifts

Improper lifting techniques can cause job site injuries. This is especially true when the commercial lifting equipment is for use in overhead applications. Ensuring that you and all of your employees know the proper procedures for using all equipment on the job site will decrease the risk of serious injury. Additionally, this training may lower insurance costs, as many insurance companies give discounts to businesses that provide approved training courses to machine operators.

I recommend: Integrated Publishing and Center for Construction Research and Training both offer in depth written instructions for operating various types of construction lift equipment. Additionally, both offer reports of special considerations for different types of equipment.

Stay up to date on commercial lifting equipment techniques

Because of the ever changing technology associated with heavy lifting machines, continuing education is the only way to ensure job security. OSHA and other organizations offer the safety of common lift techniques and publish ways to improve the efficiency, as well as the safety of the techniques. Participating in these programs and taking advantage of information about improving lift techniques is vital to running a cutting edge construction lifting machine.

I recommend: National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools offers continuing education training for crane operators and other heavy lifting equipment professionals. Engineering News Record offers tips for perfecting heavy lift equipment handling techniques.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many commercial lifting equipment companies offer free onsite training when new equipment is purchased. Sometimes, discounted refresher courses are available.

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
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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.

Most construction companies require at least one lifting machine to assist them with their workload. Lifting equipment allows you to raise and lower objects that would otherwise require many people to move. These machines allow you to upright objects such as metal frames, or place rafters on a building with ease. When looking to buy or lease construction equipment, learn construction lifting equipment key terms to help you find the equipment you need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Duplex mast

A duplex mast is a device on a forklift that allows the forks to extend higher than the vehicle itself. A duplex mast is not available with all forklifts.

I recommend: View pictures and find more information about duplex masts at AGV Electronics.

Boom

A boom, or jib boom, is a large pole or tower that extends upward and outward to help lift heavy objects. A boom is equipped with a system of hoists or winches. This type of lifting equipment is normally run by electric or hydraulic motors.

I recommend: Get a better understanding of how booms and jibs work by reading information available at Reed Business Information.

Vacuum lift

A vacuum lift system is a mechanical device connected to a vacuum that uses suction to pick up and carry heavy items. The most common construction use for vacuum lifting is for lifting glass.

I recommend: Discover the difference between scissor and vacuum lifts at WOODWEB.

Scissor lift

A scissor lift is a mobile platform that uses arms that contract and expand to lower and raise a platform. When open, the arms resemble a pair of open scissors, hence the name. Scissor lifts can be manually moved, rail-guided or motor-driven.

I recommend: BNP Media supplies more information about scissor lifts and scissor lift safety.

Hoist

A hoist is a machine that uses a lift wheel or drum that's wrapped with chains or ropes. The chains or ropes are then connected to hooks, which raise and lower heavy objects. Hoists are manually, air- or hydraulic-powered.

I recommend: Read more information about hoists at AbsoluteAstronomy.com.

Winch

A winch is similar to a hoist in that it has a chain or rope that is used around a drum to lift heavy objects. A winch can also be motor- or manually driven. A crank on the side of the barrel or drum is used to turn the device and to add tension to the line in order to lift the object.

I recommend: Find more information about winches at Bill Burke's 4-Wheeling America.