In the rigging world, we are always pushing for “more.” More lift power, more loads, more hours on the rig, etc. This industry is full of diligent, hard workers who strive to get the absolute most out of their crews and their equipment.
One such way that many operators attempt to increase output is by increasing the capacity of each load. More productive loads means jobs get completed faster and more efficiently, and the next project can begin. So, how can we increase the strength and speed of our operation through better lift capacity? Keep reading to hear some ideas from the veterans at Southwest Wire Rope.
1. Pay Attention to Position
As you probably learned during your first training hours, position and angling are immensely important when it comes to lifting. While a straight vertical lift of a single, stable object can be completed at near maximum capacity of your machines, every additional variable you introduce will reduce your lift strength.
The same principles that govern lifting motions of your body apply to lifting loads as well. Lifting a small weight near your torso is much easier than lifting the same weight when your arm is fully extended. The added tension in an extended arm makes the job more difficult. As the boom of your crane extends and becomes more angled, load capacity decreases substantially.
2. Invest in Stronger Equipment
The obvious method to increase your lift capacity is to invest in a larger, stronger crane. Beyond purchasing new power equipment, however, there are various approaches to making the most of your crane.
Changing the type, thickness, or orientation of your slings and chain setup can make a dramatic difference. Increasing the diameter by one-eighth of an inch, for example, can increase your nominal strength by 12 tons.
At Southwest Wire Rope, we’ve spent the past 56 years becoming experts in fabricating the highest quality rigging and lifting products on the market. From rope and chains, to synthetic web and round slings, along with all the hardware you’ll need, we can help you outfit your crane with the best equipment to ensure it’s running at maximum capacity. If you need guidance on which attachments work best for you, we’re here to help.
3. Get a Professional Opinion
This brings us to the third, and often most productive, method to increasing lift capacity:
bringing in a rigging consultant. An on-site inspector is vital to staying within the codes of the various regulators, but can also provide valuable advice on which hardware and lifting products might be useful to increase your capacity.
Working alongside a rigging expert who has both practical knowledge on the operation of cranes as well as industry expertise on the outfitting side of the business can pay dividends. Our team will help you create the best lifting solution for your business through our decades of experience backed with rigorous testing. Get in touch with us today to get started.
Southwest Wire Rope: Your Rigging Industry Partner
The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging equipment, need your rigging tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, we can help. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our products and services or contact a rep today.