What is a Material Lift?

What is a material lift?

A material lift is a manually operated low-level aid used to help lift and position heavy items. These items could be pipework, joists, steel beams, or ducting.

They reduce the need for heavy lifting for an operator, increasing health and safety on site and lowering the risk of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

Because they’re versatile, a material lift could be needed in various settings, from factories and manufacturing sites to buildings, waterworks, or even stage and film set work.

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Why opt for a material lift?

• They help with lifting tasks.

Perhaps one of the most vital needs for a material lift is to reduce the strain on the operator. No heavy lifting, no manually carrying things around the site, and no muscle strains.

Anyone in a role which involves heavy lifting and transporting could benefit.

• They’re versatile.

Do you need to lift pipes or other plumbing or gas items? Install lighting on a stage? Steel beams for ceiling support? There will be a material lift that can cope with the size and capacity of what you‘re lifting.

• They’re adaptable.

A material lift can often fit through an ordinary door and be adjusted to make it easier to lift into a van or lorry. Most models can be used indoors and outdoors, as an air compressor does the lifting, not an engine. Most also have non-marking wheels for internal floors.

• They’re simple to use.

Minimal training is required. Most work with a CO2 cartridge for the lifting, and then it simply steers them around your area safely.

What should I look for in a material lift?

The main factor in which material lift you choose will be the weight capacity. Material lifts generally have a larger capacity versus similar equipment, such as dumbwaiters, making them ideal for a commercial or industrial environment.

It would help if you also considered the height the material lift needs to reach and the size of the raised items. Look for optional adjustable straddle bases for wider loads and the maximum lift height.

Here at Speedy, we have many material lifts available to suit all applications. Whether you need something small to lift lightweight boxes or heavy-duty for beams and posts, we will have a match.

HIRE MATERIAL LIFTS FROM SPEEDY

Look out for our HOL (height of lift) and SWL (safe working load) information in our product names and data; this will tell you which material lift is best for your needs.

Also, consider extra details such as how much room is in your space for navigation, whether you need interchangeable accessories (such as fork extensions, platforms, or boom lifts) and how easy it is to store.

Hiring your material lift can mean you have the exact model for your needs and no need for a significant upfront cost or long-term storage. Ideal if no two days are the same in your business.

What else do I need to know?

With all lifting equipment, you should wear PPE when moving material around a site. Gloves, eye protection, safety boots, and a hard hat are all needed when moving equipment, and gloves and safety boots are required when operating a material lift.

Ensure operators are experienced in lifting and controlling the equipment before using it in a busy area, and those around you know you’re moving items from A to B with this method.