In the construction industry, there are many different tools and equipment that are used every day. While you may use some of these things as substitutes for a job occasionally, nothing works better than the item you are supposed to use to do the job at hand. However, sometimes jobs move at such a rapid pace that you may forget what type of construction lift you should use or which tool is best for the job. So let's give you a quick reminder about what types of construction lifts are available for the jobs you do.
The main types of construction lifting equipment
Industrial Forklifts
An industrial forklift is often used to lift items vertically and this equipment is perfect for moving materials from one location to another. While these forklifts are typically seen in warehouses, you're likely to use them inside a building for finishing touches. It is important to note that these machines can reach between ten and fifteen feet and carry heavy loads if necessary.
Rough terrain forklifts
All those outdoor projects you have under construction are much easier with rough terrain forklifts. These machines can reach heights of up to fifty feet, and while they often lift things vertically, you can also move things up and forward. A rough terrain forklift is perfect for when you need to move materials long distances across challenging terrain. The best part about these machines is that you can move the parts closer or further away from the fork, so you always have excellent support for the items you are moving.
Telescopic forklifts
A telescopic forklift can make moving items in tricky locations much easier because they can move things up and forward at the same time if necessary. This type of forklift can reach heights of up to six meters and can travel quickly over rough terrain if necessary. In fact, this is one of the top options when it comes to moving materials on outdoor construction sites because it doesn't get stuck in mud or rocks and can travel longer distances without anything wobbling or falling.
Electric Scissor Lifts
This scissor lift offers a wider platform that is supported by multiple cross supports. This equipment moves up and down, which is typically not a problem as long as you can place this machine directly below where you want it to be. However, this limits the use of the electric scissor lift. An entire team of people can ride this elevator as it lifts you all to where you need to be. While you can use it for almost anything at higher levels, it's typically used to install or clean windows, install siding, and even make repairs to the outside of a building.
Scissor lifts for rough terrain
Sometimes an electric scissor lift just doesn't get the job done, especially if you're working in challenging terrain outdoors. The scissor lift for rough terrain has tires that offer more stability when traveling to the destination where you will use it. You'll still need a flat surface to use this scissor lift outside, but at least you won't get stuck trying to get there!
Aerial lifts
Aerial evacuators or bucket trucks can only be used outdoors. The reason for this is that the arm and bucket are on top of a truck that needs to be driven to the location where you will use it. Most often, cherry pickers are used to reach utility lines, but they can be useful for maintenance work and renovation of a building.
Articulated boom lifts
Articulated boom lifts are useful in the construction industry because the base of the boom can rotate a full three hundred and sixty degrees. As for the arm, it can bend in two different ways, so you can always get to where you need to be when you're working. These lifts are typically used for electrical or piping repairs, but can also be used for maintenance projects of any type and for cleaning the exterior of a building.
Telescopic boom lifts
A telescoping boom lift is similar to the boom lift mentioned above, but this machine has a straight arm on top of the turntable. This boom lift only holds one person at a time, which can cause problems if you have a two-person job that needs to be completed. However, they are excellent for all those individual jobs that are higher than a normal boom lift can reach.
Safety Measures to Take When Using Construction Lifts
Using any type of construction lift will make your job a lot easier, but you need to be careful when using any of this equipment. If you do not pay attention to what you are doing or use the machine inappropriately, you can easily injure yourself or someone else.
First, you and everyone else who will be using the construction lifts must undergo extensive training on how to use each of the individual construction lifts. Some of the training should be done in the classroom, while the rest should be done in practice, so you can see how each piece of equipment works firsthand. Some topics that should be covered in training sessions include hazard identifications, safety measures, and safety features.
You should always be aware of your surroundings when using any type of construction lift so that you do not touch live wires or strike another worker who is in the area. You should also make sure there is no other equipment or vehicles in the way.
You may not be aware that there is a right way and a wrong way to get into each type of construction elevator and that doing it the wrong way can cause an injury that will sideline you for days or weeks. You should never carry anything in your hands when entering or exiting the elevator, and you should never jump to get to the floor.
It is also important to make sure that the elevator is turned off before going up or down and to take the keys with you to prevent anyone else from using it without authorization.
Before using any construction lift, you should visually inspect it every time. Tires and tracks must be in excellent condition and fluid levels must always be full. Any cracks or damage must be reported and repaired before using the elevator.
By following safety guidelines when using any type of construction lift, you should not have any problems carrying out your work. It may be tempting to take shortcuts every now and then, but those few seconds you save could cost you a lot more time later.
