What Is Lifting Equipment Called?

Lifting equipment—also known as lifting gear or hoisting equipment—refers to the machinery and rigging devices used to lift, lower, and secure heavy loads in industrial applications. In the world of construction, infrastructure, and heavy-duty work, it's essential to understand the two major categories: above-the-hook and below-the-hook equipment.

Above-the-hook equipment includes cranes and hoists that create the lifting force—such as overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, mobile cranes, and davit cranes. Below-the-hook equipment consists of the rigging gear that attaches loads to the crane hook—like slings, shackles, hooks, and spreader beams.

Above-the-Hook Equipment: Cranes and Hoists

Above-the-hook equipment includes the machinery that generates the lifting force. These machines are typically fixed or mobile and provide the primary lift capacity on a jobsite.

• Overhead Cranes: Found in industrial buildings, these cranes travel along rails to move loads along predefined paths.
• Gantry Cranes: Portable or fixed cranes that span an open area, often used in yards, bridges, and shipbuilding.
• Jib Cranes: Feature a rotating arm ideal for repetitive tasks in workshops or near assembly lines.
• Davit Cranes: Compact and versatile, davit cranes are often used for lifting loads from docks, trucks, or confined spaces and can be either stationary or portable.
• Hoists: Manual or electric, hoists lift loads vertically using chain or wire rope and can be used standalone or mounted to crane systems.

Below-the-Hook Equipment: Rigging and Lifting Attachments

Below-the-hook lifting gear refers to the components that connect the load to the lifting device. This is our specialty at Bishop Lifting. These products are critical to safe, secure, and efficient lifting operations.

• Slings: Wire rope slings, chain slings, synthetic web slings, and round slings rated for various capacities and applications.
• Shackles: Screw pin and bolt-type shackles that link lifting slings to crane hooks or load attachment points.
• Hooks and Master Links: Designed for overhead lifting, with latch or self-locking mechanisms for added safety.
• Spreader Beams and Lifting Beams: Distribute load weight and control lifting angles for long or delicate items.

What About Material Handling Equipment?

While some products—like pallet jacks or hand trucks—are often grouped under material handling, these are generally not considered rigging or lifting gear. Material handling tools help move loads at ground level, whereas lifting equipment is used for vertical hoisting and suspended load control.

Why It Matters

In construction, bridge work, oil and gas, or industrial rigging, using the right lifting gear can make the difference between a safe, successful lift and a costly incident. Every component—whether above or below the hook—must be chosen carefully based on working load limits, environment, and job demands.

Safety Standards and Operator Responsibility

In the United States, OSHA enforces safety rules related to lifting equipment, including training, inspections, and load limitations. Components must be clearly marked with Working Load Limits (WLL) and routinely inspected for wear or damage. Proper certification and usage can help prevent injuries and extend the life of your equipment.

Conclusion

Whether you're moving bridge beams with a spreader bar or hoisting pipe sections on a drilling rig, lifting equipment plays a vital role in nearly every heavy-duty job. From overhead cranes and davit cranes to shackles and slings, knowing what equipment to use—and how to use it—is critical for safe, efficient lifting.

At Bishop Lifting, we specialize in below-the-hook rigging gear, with a broad range of slings, shackles, lifting beams, and hooks in stock and ready to ship. We also offer select material handling tools for ground-level transport. Visit lifting.com to explore our full catalog and buy online today.