Which Type Of Aerial Lift Will Best Suit Your Business?

Overhead operations in industrial warehouses are inevitable. However, as with any other overhead operation, safety is paramount and should not be taken for granted. It is for this reason that lift chain slings are considered vital equipment for most, if not all, overhead lifting operations. The mechanical advantage the devices offer makes it easy to lift hefty loads. However, it is crucial to be extra careful when buying chain slings because safety and functionality depend on your purchase decision. This article articulates the factors to consider when purchasing lifting chain equipment.

Environmental Temperatures

It is a no-brainer that chain slings are made from steel, and for good reasons. Not only is a steel chain sling long-lasting, but it is also strong enough to handle heavy loads. However, chain slings are affected by extreme temperatures, which can significantly affect their operations. Therefore, it is crucial to first analyse the temperatures of the environment within which the chain sling will be used. For instance, recycling facilities that melt metal experience very high temperatures. If the chain sling is not designed for this type of environment, it will expand and prevent smooth operation. Moreover, extreme temperatures can easily damage the chain links, thereby making the chain sling useless. 

The Shape of Load

Most facility operators prioritise the weight of the load when buying a chain sling. The reason is that a chain sling must handle the load placed upon it, or else it will buckle and send the heavy load falling dangerously to the ground. However, other than the weight of the load, you should also consider the shape of the load. The reason is that different types of chain slings are designed to lift loads of varying shapes. For example, well-shaped loads are easy to balance on a single-leg chain sling. An oddly shaped load, on the other hand, requires a multi-leg chain sling so that different points can be hooked to the chain sling to allow for weight distribution. 

Chain Size

Chain slings come in varying chain sizes because they are meant for different loads. Some chain slings have thick chains, and these are usually designed for lifting weighty loads. Conversely, chains slings with thin chains are meant for lighter loads. However, you must realise that chain slings with thicker chains are challenging to operate and require expertise. On the other hand, a single operator can easily operate thin chains. Therefore, it is essential to consider your ability to operate thicker chains if that is your choice.