24 Oct 2016

Different Types Of Lifting Equipment By Material: Your Complete Guide

What is lifting equipment? Simply put, lifting equipment refers to any tool or machinery used to safely lift, move or position loads of different materials, including heavy steel plates, fragile glass panes or bulky concrete slabs. There are many different types of lifting equipment, so choosing the right tools for the job will ensure safety, compliance, efficiency and protection for your materials. After all, lifting steel plates is considerably different to hoisting a pane of glass.

The Lifting Equipment Store® (LES) is here with a complete guide breaking down everything from steel plate lifting equipment to the right gear for concrete slabs and other materials. We’re here to guide you on how to match the right tool to your material.

Explore our full range of lifting equipment

OVERVIEW: DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT

SLINGS

Available in chain, wire rope and synthetic webbing, slings are versatile and perfect for securing oddly shaped or awkward loads. Chain slings, in particular, are great for heavy-duty work, while synthetic options are lighter and less abrasive to delicate surfaces.

HOISTS

These can be manual, electric or pneumatic, and are used to raise and lower loads vertically. Hoists are ideal for fixed workstations, assembly lines or workshops with lifting points.

CRANES AND GANTRIES

Overhead cranes and portable gantries allow for both horizontal and vertical movement, perfect for loading bays, warehouses or site lifting where large distances are involved.

VACUUM LIFTERS

These rely on suction and are best suited to smooth, flat surfaces like glass, concrete slabs and sheet metal. This plate handling equipment can come in manual or powered variants.

MAGNETIC LIFTERS

Use a magnetic field to lift ferrous materials such as steel plates or beams. A clean, flat surface is essential for proper adhesion.

CLAMPS AND GRABS

Mechanical tools that grip onto loads, including steel plates, panels and beams. These will be used with cranes or lifting frames.

LIFTING BEAMS / SPREADERS

Designed to distribute loads evenly across multiple points. Essential when lifting long or flexible loads like structural steel or pipe bundles.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT BY MATERIAL

Let’s break down the different types of lifting equipment based on material. 

LIFTING EQUIPMENT FOR STEEL PLATES

When it comes to lifting steel plates or moving steel beams, the choice of equipment must be precise. Steel materials are often heavy, rigid and sharp-edged, requiring gear that’s built for strength and safety.

·         Magnetic Plate Lifters – Perfect for lifting and handling flat steel sheets, these lifters use powerful magnets to secure loads without causing damage. However, be sure to remove surface contamination, like dirt, oil and coatings, to ensure a strong magnetic connection.

·         Plate Clamps – These mechanical devices grip the steel plate and come in vertical or horizontal types. Plate clamps are ideal for lifting single sheets, especially when a non-marking option is required.

·         Spreader Beams – For lifting steel beams or large plates, spreader beams help distribute the weight and prevent bending, and they’re used in tandem with and reduce the stress on clamps or slings.

With each of these pieces of steel beam and steel plate lifting equipment, always factor in the safe working load (SWL), sharp edges and storage conditions.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT FOR CONCRETE SLABS

Concrete slabs require specific lifting equipment to handle their dense and porous qualities. It’s important to use the right equipment to reduce cracking or shifting during transport.

·         Vacuum Slab Lifters – Provide even suction grip across the slab’s surface, and this equipment works well for precast or polished concrete. Like the vacuum lifters for steel, ensure the surface is clean for reliable suction.

·         Crane Attachments – Large-scale and heavy-duty concrete pieces can be lifted with adjustable crane hooks or clamps, specially designed for the shape and thickness of the slab.

It’s very important to remove dust and moisture before using suction-based tools, as dust and moisture reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum seal. These pieces of lifting equipment are widely used for construction and prefab work, helping to maintain slab integrity and worker safety.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT FOR GLASS AND PANELS

Glass sheets and panels are fragile, heavy and expensive, meaning they require different types of lifting equipment specially designed for precision and protection.

·         Glass Vacuum Lifters – These use adjustable suction pads and plates for glass transportation and installation. They provide damage-free lifting, have high capacities (up to 200kg) and work at lifting speeds of up to 50m/min.

·         Manual vs Electric Systems – For small and occasional lifting, manual suction lifters are cost effective. For larger glazing applications, electric lifters offer better control and load-bearing capabilities.

·         Scratch Prevention – To ensure safe lifting and eliminate damage such as scratches, ensure the pads are clean, and regularly inspect the vacuum lifters for wear – you won’t want the vacuum seal to become loose halfway through lifting.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT FOR PIPES AND CYLINDRICAL LOADS

Pipes and cylindrical items present a challenge due to their curved surfaces and tendency to roll. Here’s the lifting equipment you’ll need to handle them safely:

·         Pipe Hooks – These are shaped hooks that cradle pipes from below and are often paired with slings or cranes for safe positioning.

·         Beam Clamps with Cradles – These attach securely to overhead beams while cradling pipe bundles to prevent movement during lifting. Learn more about beam clamps here.

·         Slings with Load Balancing – As well as being great plate handling equipment, chain or synthetic slings can be configured with adjustable points to ensure even weight distribution, especially on long pipe sections.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT FOR HEAVY MACHINERY OR IRREGULAR LOADS

Not all materials are uniform or fit neatly into categories. For irregular shapes or extremely heavy machinery, adaptability is key.

 ·         Chain Slings with Adjustable Lengths – These allow for custom rigging to fit unevenly shaped loads and provide great flexibility and even support.

·         Custom Spreader Bars – These are designed to lift large or awkward equipment with multiple pick points, helping to reduce stress and ensure balance.

·         Speciality Clamps – You will need to use clamps tailored for specific shapes, such as machinery frames, castings or tool beds for a secure hold without slippage.

For these types of applications, always assess the shape, centre of gravity and stability before choosing a lifting solution.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIFTING EQUIPMENT

With all these different types of lifting equipment available, what should you assess to ensure you choose the right gear? Here’s what you need to consider:

·         Load Weight and Shape – This is perhaps the most crucial factor to assess. You will need to choose lifting equipment that can not only support the material weight but also accommodate any challenging connections, such as pipes or industrial machinery.

·         Material Surface – Is the material smooth, porous, uneven or oily? The quality of the material’s exterior will affect how well equipment like vacuum lifters can function. If the material surface is compromised, so will the lifting capability.

·         Lifting Environment – Whether it’s lifting equipment for steel beams or slings attached to spreader bars – indoor, outdoor, high-heat or hazardous zones each demand specific protection levels. Look for equipment made from corrosion-resistant materials if you are lifting in harsh environments.

·         Compliance and Safety – In the UK, all the different types of lifting equipment should meet LOLER regulations, carry CE markings and come with inspection certification.

READY TO LIFT SMARTER?

At LES, we offer one of the UK’s widest selections of specialist lifting gear, from steel plate lifting equipment to vacuum lifters for glass and heavy-duty pipe hooks. 

If you are ever unsure what lifting equipment you need, our friendly experts can help you choose the right equipment for your material and application, with tailored advice and product recommendations.