Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Saira Farman
Nothing is more strenuous than constructing a house. After all the planning, designing, and budgeting, the only thing that remains is the construction. Anybody who has been a part of the building process knows well that it is not a simple task. According to one’s blueprint and vision, the construction plan of a house changes. Along with it, the materials and equipment required also change. The planning of such details falls on the shoulders of the construction managers. They are responsible for managing construction materials, equipment, labour, and handing over the finished product. Of all materials involved in construction, the equipment that constructors use to lift heavy bricks is the most crucial element. Here are some types of hoist equipment that serve various purposes.
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Overhead hoists
The overhead hoist is the most common type of hoist mechanism. One can observe its usage in tall buildings such as multi-storeyed hotels and speciality hospitals. But construction managers often prefer an overhead hoist for ordinary-sized buildings as well. They are a popular choice because they are efficient in carrying a heavy and unguided load. One of the advantages of the overhead hoist is that it eliminates floor traffic and can operate without interrupting any construction work happening on the ground. It is also useful when constructors want to move heavy building materials such as granites or unhallowed blocks. Construction managers and hoist operators must consider the duration of construction, the average time of usage per day, and the weight of the materials hoisted before purchasing an overhead hoist. While the generic hoist is available commercially everywhere, some constructions may require the constructors to use a custom-made overhead hoist. One can choose the ideal overhead crane depending upon their requirement.
Construction hoist
These hoists are specifically apt for the vertical movement of materials. Like overhead hoists, one can observe their usage in high-rise buildings such as multi-level office complexes, apartments, and hospitals. Construction managers typically use them to transport materials from one floor to another. They are handy in moving objects to higher altitudes. This hoist comprises a single or double cage that moves up and down. Apart from that, it can also transport labourers from one level to another. For this reason, it is also known as the man-lift. An advantage of using a construction hoist rather than other hoists available in the market is that it doubles up as a labour elevator.
Mine hoist
Unlike the overhead hoist and construction hoist, a mine hoist finds its usage below the ground. The purpose of such a hoist is to transport objects, materials, and labourers within the mineshaft. Historically, mines have used human and animal power to transport materials inside the shaft, but a mine hoist replaces such conveyances. A drum hoist is the most popular type of mine hoist. A cylindrical shaped structure attached to a rope transports materials into the mining area in a drum hoist. The system extends to a headframe found above the mining area from where miners lower the hoist into the shaft.
Hoist mechanisms
One can power a hoist through various mechanisms. While they all work efficiently, it is crucial to understand the demands of hoisting equipment for powering it with the appropriate tool. A chain block is helpful when one wants to transport bulky materials. But a jib crane serves a different purpose. It has a horizontal arm and is apt for moving materials across distances. Hoist equipment can operate with multiple power sources. But the most common one is an electric hoist that comes with an induction motor. An efficient construction manager understands the differences in such equipment and chooses the ideal one with the construction project in consideration.
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