What Are the Types of Lifting Equipment?

Lifting equipment plays a vital role across industries such as construction, manufacturing, utilities, and maintenance. It enables safe, efficient movement of heavy materials while reducing manual labor, improving productivity, and supporting compliance with OSHA and ASME standards. From davit cranes and hoists to jacks, winches, and rigging gear, each tool has a specific purpose in material handling operations.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the types of lifting equipment is essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Common lifting tools include davit cranes, manual and electric hoists, winches, jacks, and jib cranes.
• Lifting equipment is typically paired with rigging hardware such as slings, shackles, and hooks.
• Proper selection and use of lifting gear reduces workplace injuries and supports sustainability goals.
• PPE gear—such as gloves, helmets, and harnesses—adds critical protection during lifting operations.

Lifting Equipment in Industrial Work

Lifting gear is essential in industrial environments where materials need to be raised, lowered, or positioned precisely. Whether it’s hoisting equipment for utility crews or winches for pulling operations, the right tool improves jobsite safety and productivity. These tools are almost always used in conjunction with rigging components like wire rope slings, chain slings, or synthetic slings, along with securement hardware such as shackles, hooks, and master links.

Improving Productivity with Reliable Lifting Tools

Products like davit cranes and electric hoists simplify material movement and speed up repetitive lifting tasks. Rigging accessories—such as beam clamps, swivel hooks, and chain slings—ensure proper load control and compatibility with the hoist or crane in use.

Safety, Compliance, and PPE Considerations

Using certified lifting equipment and rigging gear reduces risk of injury and ensures your operation meets OSHA and ANSI/ASME safety standards. Workers should be equipped with appropriate PPE such as helmets, gloves, high-visibility gear, and fall protection when operating or working near lifting systems. Routine inspections of both the lifting gear and rigging hardware are required for compliance and safety assurance.

Sustainability and Efficiency

Properly selected and maintained equipment reduces energy waste, prevents product damage, and improves overall operational efficiency. Lightweight portable gear, like davit cranes and manual hoists, also help minimize environmental impact on remote or sensitive job sites.

Types of Lifting Equipment We Offer

Davit Cranes: Portable, Stationary, and Transportable

Davit cranes are ideal for vertical lifting in maintenance, marine, utility, and construction applications. We offer portable and stationary models from Thern, with manual or electric winch options. Davit systems often work in tandem with lifting slings and shackles to secure loads safely and efficiently.

Hoists: Manual and Electric

Manual hoists (lever and hand chain) offer reliable lifting without a power source, while electric hoists are ideal for higher-capacity or repetitive tasks. We carry top brands like CM, Harrington, Coffing, and Jet. Proper rigging—such as using the correct sling type, load-rated shackles, and secure lifting points—is essential for safe operation.

Winches: Manual and Powered Pulling Solutions

Winches are used for pulling or tensioning loads along flat or inclined surfaces. Whether hand-operated or motorized, they’re often used alongside rigging hardware to anchor and guide loads during movement. Applications include utility work, mechanical maintenance, and vehicle recovery.

Hydraulic and Mechanical Jacks

Jacks provide lifting force for machinery, vehicles, or load positioning. Hydraulic bottle jacks and toe jacks are compact, powerful, and frequently used with cribbing blocks and rigging gear to stabilize lifted loads.

Jib Cranes and Lifting Attachments

We offer a variety of jib-style lifting arms and spreader beams for controlled local lifting. These systems often incorporate adjustable end fittings, slings, or master links for rigging flexibility. Paired with the right hoist and hardware, they’re ideal for workshops and repetitive lift zones.

Conclusion

Lifting equipment is essential for maintaining safe, efficient industrial operations. Whether you're deploying a davit crane on a dock or using a lever hoist in a utility bucket, these tools are only as effective as the rigging gear supporting them. Slings, shackles, hooks, and proper PPE complete the system and ensure each lift is performed safely and reliably.

At Bishop Lifting, we provide a comprehensive selection of lifting equipment, rigging hardware, and safety gear—trusted by professionals in construction, utilities, marine, and manufacturing.

Visit lifting.com to browse our full catalog of hoists, cranes, slings, shackles, PPE, and more—ready to ship to your jobsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lifting equipment do you offer?

We carry davit cranes, manual and electric hoists, winches, lifting beams, jacks, and a wide range of rigging products like wire rope slings, chain slings, shackles, hooks, and master links.

What rigging gear is typically used with lifting equipment?

Lifting equipment is usually paired with slings (synthetic, wire rope, or chain), shackles, hooks, and other rigging hardware. These components ensure safe attachment and control of the lifted load.

Do I need PPE when operating lifting gear?

Yes. Operators and nearby personnel should wear appropriate PPE—such as helmets, gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing. In elevated work or high-risk areas, fall protection may also be required.

What’s the difference between a hoist and a winch?

Hoists lift loads vertically, while winches pull loads horizontally. Both can be manual or powered and are used in different material handling scenarios.

Do you sell large-scale overhead or gantry cranes?

No. We specialize in portable lifting systems like davit cranes, beam attachments, and hoists—not full facility crane systems.

Can you help me select the right lifting system and rigging gear?

Absolutely. Our experienced team can help you build a complete lifting solution, including hoists, rigging hardware, PPE, and accessories tailored to your specific jobsite needs.