At LGH, we’re known for our heavy-duty lift solutions. Generators, turbines, bridges, offshore components…we’re no strangers to hefty loads. But did you know we have a more delicate side too?
Whether you need to install a sculpture at a museum, a delicate art display at an airport, or move a pizza oven in a hard-to-reach kitchen, sensitive lifts require reliable rigging equipment.
Portable gantry cranes, air skates, skidding systems, and electric cable hoists, among other equipment rental options, ensure the secure handling and precise installation of delicate loads.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common solutions for moving delicate loads and what you need to know before renting lifting and rigging equipment.
First, let’s start by clearly defining what we mean by a delicate load.
LGH’s electric cable hoists were utilized for a complex art installation at an airport in New Jersey.
What is a delicate load? These loads consist of fragile materials that require a high level of attention to detail during transport and installation. Delicate loads may need to remain level and balanced to prevent any damage to sensitive components.
Some examples of delicate loads include:
Handling these types of loads requires careful lifting solutions and reliable rigging equipment to prevent breakage.
Several years ago, LGH’s gantry crane, modular spreader beam, and other rigging equipment were employed to move a delicate artifact at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Before we look at specific rigging equipment that could be beneficial for your project, it’s important to highlight some key factors to consider when planning a lift.
These critical aspects can influence which equipment is most appropriate for the project. Additionally, understanding these details early on can help prevent delays and costly repositioning.
To determine the proper rigging solution, start by answering the following questions:
Check out this blog post to learn more about rigging safety.
LGH partnered with RoboNation to provide equipment to lower student subs into the water for the 25th annual RoboSub competition.
Each project is a different puzzle to piece together. With unique dimensions, capacities, and pick points, every lift process is different. And each project requires customizable solutions to match its parameters.
If you need to transport fragile artifacts or machinery, there are several equipment rental options to consider.
The most common types of rigging equipment for delicate installations include:
Air skates distribute weight evenly across a thin cushion of air beneath the load. This provides an innovative solution to move heavy loads with reduced friction and minimal effort. In order for the air skates to work properly, the floor must be smooth and level. Air skates are ideal for moving delicate loads such as vibration-sensitive equipment and large fabricated structures.
See how air skates were used to transport a pizza oven into a hard-to-access kitchen in this case study.
Gantries provide flexibility in diverse environments where no overhead lifting point is available. These durable A-frame systems are perfect for moving delicate materials, equipment, and goods across facilities. Gantry cranes allow for positioning loads with pinpoint accuracy. LGH offers aluminum gantries, steel gantries, and hydraulic gantries.
Hand chain hoists work by manually pulling a hand chain, which turns a wheel connected to a robust gear system, allowing crews to lift heavy loads with minimal physical effort. LGH offers a range of hand chain hoists, including low-headroom beam trolley hoists for even more efficient, delicate material handling. These hoists don’t require a power source, unlike electric cable hoists. However, electric cable hoists are equipped with advanced features, offering precision lifting and lowering of delicate materials.
Hydra-Slide skidding systems are designed for the horizontal movement of delicate loads. These systems enable precise and efficient load handling in areas with limited clearance. LGH carries the HT500 Heavy Track Skidding System, capable of moving heavy-duty loads, along with the low-profile XLP30 and XLP150 systems, perfect for applications where portability and compact design are essential.
Floor cranes feature a counterbalanced cantilever design, which provides unobstructed access to tight or awkward spaces. The EZ-Steer system ensures excellent maneuverability of fragile or heavy loads. These portable floor cranes are ideal for glass installations and handling delicate machinery.
Pallet trucks simplify the lifting and transport of pallets in stockrooms and are ideal for a wide range of material handling applications. Pallet trucks feature optimal maneuverability on a variety of surfaces. Our pallet trucks can accommodate different load heights, providing a tailored solution for unique applications.
Rol-a-Lifts are designed to move fragile loads with ease and precision. Equipped with a hand-operated hydraulic jack, these dollies provide effortless lifting and controlled lowering. The polyurethane casters protect floors and help distribute weight evenly. Rol-a-Lifts are a reliable, safe, and versatile solution for transporting glass crates and other delicate or oversized items.
Last but not least, modular spreader beams can handle the toughest lifting scenarios as well as the most fragile loads. When a crane is the best option for lifting a fragile item, a spreader bar configuration is crucial. This setup helps balance uneven loads, control sling angles, and minimize headroom requirements.
Check out the case study: Lifting a Jet onto the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Now that we’ve gone over some of the many equipment options available, you can have a better idea of what to consider the next time you’re tasked with a fragile installation.
LGH provided specialized rigging equipment to move Chuck Berry’s 1973 red Eldorado Cadillac into the Smithsonian Museum.
Delicate pieces of art or heavy statues, for example, have unique features and requirements that can determine how the load should be installed. Avoiding damage to the piece is paramount, after all. With careful handling and reliable rigging equipment, fragile materials can be moved and installed more easily, reducing the risk of damage.
LGH is a trusted partner for jobs that require precision and reliability. Our gear is suited to handle fragile and delicate loads along with heavy-duty, complex rigging configurations.
No matter what needs to be transported and installed, LGH has the rigging and lifting gear for any occasion. From artwork installations and statue lifts to maple trees and rigging for glass installations, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your next delicate lift.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces of equipment, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.
