Almost every factory that uses heavy equipment will need some kind of crane to facilitate movement
. A great deal of equipment used these days is far too heavy for human movement, thus cranes are brought in to do the job. In many cases overhead cranes such as a gantry crane is installed on overhead tracks in the workshop so that it is there ready to use whenever the need arises.
Often the use of such cranes is a continual thing as heavy parts such as engines need to be moved into place. A jib crane can be used for smaller load and is often the preferred crane for use in many workshops and factories. These can be used for loading and unloading supplies or for the actual work in progress, where heavy pieces need to be lifted into place.
As a matter of safety, crane inspection should be done on a regular basis. Only professionals with the proper experience and training should be allowed to inspect cranes, as any problem with a crane can create an extremely hazardous environment. Cranes can break down when they have a heavy load in the air and allow that load to fall; smashing whatever is underneath it or nearby.
Cranes that are used outside can even tip over if the earth on one side is too soft to sustain the weight. This is not only dangerous to staff, but can create a long and costly delay in the progress of the works. Thus the need for experienced handlers and inspection personnel is paramount.
A chain hoist is a small, portable lifting device that uses a chain with a lever or a loop of chain to facilitate the lifting action. Chain hoists are usually only suited to vertical lifting, although ratchet lever types can pull, lift or bind. Such lifting devices are vital accessories in many applications for construction, automotive or any other industries where help with heavy lifting is needed.