Spider Lifts In Material Handling: How They Support Heavy Loads
From construction to infrastructure maintenance, utilities and logistics - material handling plays a crucial role in several industries. Each of these applications demands quick results mingled with flexibility and adaptability to cater to the unique challenges involved in material handling.
These could range from operating in tight indoor spaces to elevated locations with limited access and uneven outdoor terrains. To ensure disruption-free work in such difficult environments, it is critical to have suitable equipment that can be easily reconfigured to meet diverse job requirements, thus saving companies time and money.
Spider lifts, though traditionally used for elevating personnel, are quietly ushering in a revolution in the sphere of material handling. Making huge strides in the innovation and engineering department, certain models of spider lifts are now capable of handling heavy loads with ease, thanks to their integrated winch systems. Opening up a world of operational possibilities, this simple addition makes lifts a compelling option for companies that seek versatile lifting machines.
In this blog, we will explain how spider lifts can be reconfigured for material handling and the benefits that they bring to your industry. Let’s begin!
Exploring The Dynamic Sector Of Material Handling
Material handling has evolved significantly over the past decade. Modern, fast-paced industries now want safer, smarter and more compact lifting solutions that can navigate all kinds of environments and situations in a hassle-free manner - be it challenging terrain or a sensitive environment.
Though plenty of traditional methods are available for that purpose - cranes, forklifts, and telehandlers, to name a few - these are not suitable for narrow spaces or locations with uneven ground. Spider lifts are more capable in these situations as they offer:
- A compact form factor that puts less pressure on the ground
- Rubber tracks so they can operate on delicate surfaces without causing damage
- Articulating or telescopic boom arm to reach tough spots easily
- Hybrid or battery-powered systems that have a lower carbon footprint
The advancements in spider lifts have made it possible to reconfigure them so they can go from being personnel-carrying machines to material handlers with minimal structural changes.
How Reconfiguring Spider Lifts For Material Handling Works
It might sound like a challenge, but it is not difficult to transform a spider boom lift into a material handling equipment. All it takes is a simple swap - replacing the personnel basket with a winch system that clicks into place like a puzzle piece.
1. Winch integration
The basket of the lift, which is intended for people, should be replaced with a hydraulic or electric winch that is typically mounted at the tip of the boom. That’s the first step. The addition of the winch enables the vertical hoisting of materials. However, one has to adhere to the prescribed weight limit. Once the material has been securely attached, the winch can be operated with the spider lift’s existing control system for precise material placement.
2. Load monitoring
Complying with weight safety limits is crucial to prevent damage to the lift and the surroundings. That’s why advanced models come with built-in load monitoring systems and overload protection mechanisms. These systems prevent the system from engaging if the specified weight limit has been overshot, thereby keeping workplace accidents at bay.
3. Control adjustments
Every spider lift has a control system that has to be recalibrated once a winch has been integrated into its structure. This simple act will allow the lift to support the handling of different materials instead of people. Features that need to be adjusted to ensure smooth operation include boom extension rates, stability logic and operation controls so that the integrated winch can function as expected.
4. Compliance and certification
Reconfiguration is a necessary step in using spider lifts for material handling. However, before that step is carried out, it is crucial to ensure that the machine's compliance to widely recognized and accepted safety standards is not compromised. Employing certified technicians and using OEM-authorized parts for reconfiguration is a surefire way to maintain regulatory compliance.
Points To Consider Before Reconfiguring
Reconfiguring a spider boom lift is an attractive proposition no doubt, but it should be done with caution. Decision-makers in particular should be aware of these key factors:
- Never use third-party winch kits and installation partners. Only use OEM-certified ones.
- Entrust only seasoned technicians with the job of reconfiguring your spider lift.
- Before reconfiguration, check if your insurance covers winch usage. Check the warranty too.
- Conduct a complete jobsite hazard assessment before opting for reconfiguration.
Industry Applications Of Reconfigured Spider Lifts
It might seem like a clever engineering hack, but reconfiguring spider lifts for material handling is more than a party trick. It’s a game changer - the kind that finds practical use cases in multiple sectors.
1. Construction and renovation
Already widely used in the construction and renovation industry, spider lifts with winches in particular bring a whole new level of efficiency to the tasks associated with these sectors. For example, they can be used to move glazing panels, HVAC systems, prefabricated fixtures, electrical components etc. to either elevated areas or spots that are otherwise difficult to access. Their lightweight nature coupled with their compact size makes them perfect for indoor use as well, which conventional cranes just cannot do.
2. Telecom and utilities
In the telecom industry, tasks such as upgrading electrical grades and tower maintenance are all too common. Spider boom lifts with winches are perfect for these jobs, providing the reach and stability necessary to hoist tools, replacement components and wiring spools directly at the height needed without disrupting the flow of life at the street level.
3. Facility management
Niche uses, though they may be, reconfigured spider lifts can be used for a wide variety of facility management-related tasks such as installing seasonal signage or lighting, rooftop deliveries and equipment servicing. They are well-suited for all jobs that cranes cannot handle due to their large size and greater expense.
4. Rail and infrastructure
When it comes to rail applications, spider lifts have a pivotal role to play. They can be deployed on or near tracks to carry out tasks such as lifting replacement signals or specialized maintenance tools among others. In fact, once properly outfitted, they can be used alongside rail boom lifts for all-around upkeep.
Benefits Of Reconfigured Spider Lifts For Businesses
For professionals and decision-makers working in the material handling sector, reconfigurable spider lifts can bring a ton of benefits, such as:
1. Multi-functional ROI
Whether you rent it out or buy it, you get access to an asset that offers multiple roles. From lifting people to materials - a reconfigurable spider lift can truly do it all and then some.
2. Reduced carbon footprint
If you choose wisely, you can end up with hybrid or battery-powered spider boom lifts that reduce carbon footprint. Lightweight, compact and capable of performing a wide variety of tasks, they also reduce the total number of equipment you need onsite. That is to say, you do not need separate cranes, forklifts, and telehandlers if you’ve got a reconfigurable lift by your side. This can help you save transportation costs while minimizing operational complexity.
3. Enhanced safety
Spider lifts come with automated safety mechanisms, which makes them a more viable alternative to makeshift methods of moving materials such as rigging them to a personnel basket. Not only is this risky, the chances of damage and injury are quite high. Moreover, spider lifts also have weight limits attached to them, which makes operating them much safer overall.
4. Improved adaptability
Especially in urban environments that demand quiet operations in tight spaces. With their non-marking tracks and narrow profile, spider lifts can easily adapt to busy city streets and indoor applications. This adds to their versatility and makes them an excellent choice for all kinds of contractors.
5. Lower total cost of ownership
Think about it. Having one reconfigurable spider lift can eliminate the need for multiple equipment, which in turn, can bring down costs. Their broader utility, coupled with their efficient performance, leads to less downtime and increased cost savings. Even if you end up renting one, the reduced jobsite clutter is a major benefit to take advantage of.
Conclusion
Opting for a reconfigurable spider lift for material handling tasks is a huge decision to make. It’s important to evaluate your business’s needs before making the switch to this all-in-one, versatile, and safe equipment. If you need professional guidance or are convinced that downsizing your fleet is wise, Platform Basket Canada is here to help you. Our customizable spider lifts have what it takes to meet the unique demands of your material handling business.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation that covers all the basics - from model recommendations to a detailed quote that’s been tailored for your business.
