4 Critical Mistakes That Impact the Safe use of Rigging and Hoisting Equipment

Rigging and hoisting equipment is a part and parcel of all construction sites and it needs to be used adhering to the highest standards of safety to make sure there are no accidents. One of the reasons that accidents occur at the workplace is because the people in charge of this equipment make critical errors. These errors could be anything ranging from choosing the wrong rigging equipment, inexperience, or not keeping the weather conditions in mind before setting up the rigging for a particular application.

But out of the many errors that are made, there are four that stand out for their seriousness and the fact that they can lead to some catastrophic results including damage to the construction site and/or the loss of lives. Let’s take a look at them:

1.       Assuming the Working Load Limit of the Equipment

Assumptions on construction sites are a recipe for disaster, and if these assumptions concern the use of rigging equipment, they are a recipe for a huge disaster. One big mistake made by rigging personnel is choosing equipment not really knowing the working load limit (WLL) of this equipment. They assume the WLL and you know what they say about assumptions, “Most assumptions are wrong”. This results in the choice of the wrong equipment, which essentially cannot carry the load of the application. The equipment is tasked to carry a load beyond its working capacity, leading to damage and on-site accidents.

Therefore, it’s important not to assume the WLL of the equipment. Do not choose equipment that has not gone through a manufacturing integrity test (proof test) and whose WLL you are not really sure about.

2.       Irregular Inspection

Another mistake is made, when equipment like wire rope etc. is not inspected regularly. Ideally this equipment needs to be given a once over, every time before use. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with modern practices and conforming to the manufacturer’s requirements. The inspection procedure followed must keep in mind all the guidelines of Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA).

A rigging system has the job of lifting heavy objects and you should make sure that the equipment isn’t damaged in any way or form. For e.g. wear and tear can lead to excessive broken wires or localized damage of wire ropes. If such wire ropes are not removed from service, they can impact the safety of the rigging operations. At other times, equipment can get corroded due to exposure to water or the humidity in the air. Even such equipment is dangerous to use. Equipment damage can only be identified through inspection. If you don’t inspect it properly, you won’t be able to locate the chinks in the armor, and will be compromising the safe use of such equipment.

3.       Not Conforming to Safe Lifting Practices

Choosing the right equipment is just one of the ways you can ensure their safe use, but what is also important is following safe lifting practices. For e.g. the hoist hook must be located directly above the center of gravity of the load. If this fact is not taken into consideration, it will result in a dangerous tilt and create an imbalance during hoisting operations. As can be imagined, this isn’t safe for anybody working on or around such equipment.

This is just one example of how the lack of safe lifting practices can impact the safe use of such equipment. This is also the reason why it is important to hire personnel who know their way around such equipment.

4.       Lack of proper training of Personnel

 If you do not pick the right personnel to handle this equipment, you are committing another cardinal error. The people who work with rigging and hoisting equipment must be well aware of how to pick the right equipment for the job and more importantly, how to set it up. They must also be aware of the established procedures for inspection, care and maintenance of this equipment. If they are unaware of such procedures or don’t know the importance of following these procedures, your construction site will be susceptible to unacceptable risks. To avoid such a scenario, make sure you hire only those people who are well versed in the use of such equipment.

If you have gone through these mistakes, you must have realized their seriousness and the various ways in which they can impact the safety of the work equipment. By compromising their safety, you will actually be putting the safety of the construction site at risk. If you don’t want that to happen, you must avoid these mistakes at all costs.

Author Bio:

Penny Olmos is associated with Holloway Houston, Inc. a leading industrial lifting equipment manufacturing company. She is a writer for Holloway Houston, Inc. and loves to write on rigging equipment. Her writing is backed by knowledge gained by her many years of experience partnering with clients to build their business through development and implementation of track-proven Internet marketing strategies.

Read More

Bulldozer – Construction Equipment

The bulldozer is a very powerful crawler that is equipped with a blade. The term bulldozer is often used to mean any type of heavy machinery, although the term actually refers to a tractor that is fitted with a dozer blade. Often times, bulldozers are large and extremely powerful tracked vehicles. The tracks give them amazing ground mobility and hold through very rough terrain. Wide tracks on the other hand, help to distribute the weight of the dozer over large areas, therefore preventing it from sinking into sandy or muddy ground.

Bulldozers have great ground hold and a torque divider that’s designed to convert the power of the engine into dragging ability, which allows it to use its own weight to push heavy objects and even remove things from the ground. Take the Caterpillar D9 for example, it can easily tow tanks that weight more than 70 tons. Due to these attributes,bulldozers are used to clear obstacles, shrubbery and remains of structures and buildings.

The blade pushes things around. Normally, the blade comes in 3 varieties:

1. A straight blade that is short and has no lateral curve, no side wings, and can be used

only for fine grading.

2. A universal blade, or U blade, which is tall and very curved, and features large side wings to carry more material around.

3. A combination blade that is shorter,offers less curvature, and smaller side wings.

                    

Modifications

Over time, bulldozers have been modified to evolve into new machines that are capable of things the original bulldozers weren’t. A good example is that loader tractors were created by removing the blade and substituting a large volume bucket and hydraulic arms which will raise and lower the bucket, therefore making it useful for scooping up the earth and loading it into trucks.Other modifications to the original bulldozer include making it smaller to where it can operate in small working areas where movement is very limited, such as mining caves and tunnels. Very small bulldozers are known as calfdozers.

History

The first types of bulldozers were adapted from farm tractors that were used to plough fields. In order to dig canals, raise earth dams, and partake in earthmoving jobs, the tractors were equipped with a thick metal plate in the front. Later on, this thick metal plate earned the name blade.

The blade of the bulldozer peels layers of soil and pushes it forward as the tractor advances.The blade is the heart and soul of the bulldozer, as it was the first accessory to make full use for excavation type jobs. As the years went by, when engineers needed equipment to complete larger jobs, companies such as CAT, Komatsu, John Deere, Case, and JCB started to manufacture large tracked earthmoving equipment.They were very loud, very large, and very powerful and therefore earned the nickname “bulldozer”.Over the years, the bulldozers got bigger, more powerful, and even more sophisticated. The important improvements include better engines,more reliable drive trains, better tracks, and even hydraulic arms that will enable more precise manipulation of the blade and automated controls.As an added option, bulldozers can come equipped with a rear ripping claw to break up pavement or loosen rocky soil.The best known manufacturer of bulldozer is CAT,which has earned a vast reputation for making

tough and durable, yet reliable machines.Even though the bulldozer started off a modified farmtractor, it rapidly became one of the most useful pieces of equipment with excavating and construction.

Thia Article Was Submitted By : Er. Vikrant

Read More

Neccessity Of Compact Hydraulic Excavator

The compact hydraulic excavator can be a tracked or wheeled vehicle with an approximate operating weight of 13,300 pounds.Normally, it includes a standard backfill blade and features an independent boom swing. The compact hydraulic excavator is also known as a mini excavator.

A compact hydraulic excavator is different from other types of heavy machinery in the sense that all movement and functions of the machine are accomplished through the transfer of hydraulic fluid.The work group and blade are activated by hydraulic fluid acting upon hydraulic cylinders.The rotation and travel functions are also activated by hydraulic fluid powering hydraulic motors.

Most types of compact hydraulic excavators have three assemblies – house, undercarriage, and the work group.

                                       

House

The house structure contains the compartment for the operator, engine compartment, hydraulic pump and also the distribution components. The house structure is attached to the top of the undercarriage via swing bearing. Along with the work group, them house is able to rotate upon the undercarriage without limit due to a hydraulic distribution valve that supplies oil to the undercarriage components.

Undercarriage

The undercarriage of compact excavators consists of rubber or steel tracks, drive sprockets, rollers,idlers, and associated components and structures.The undercarriage is also home to the house structure and the work group.

Work group

The work group consists of the boom, dipper or arm, and attachment. It is connected to the front of the house structure via a swinging frame that allows the work group to be hydraulically pivoted left or right in order to achieve offset digging for trenching parallel with the tracks.

Independent boom swing

The purpose of the boom swing is for offset digging around obstacles or along foundations,

walls, and forms. Another use is for cycling in areas that are too narrow for cab rotation. Another major advantage of the compact excavator is the independent boom swing.

Backfill blade

The backfill blade on compact excavators are used for grading, leveling, backfilling, trenching, and general dozer work. The blade can also be used to increase the dumping height and digging depth depending on it’s position in relation to the workgroup.

This article Was Published By P.Narendra Reddy.

Read More

Cranes and Types in Construction

A crane is a tower or derrick that is equipped with cables and pulleys that are used to lift and lower material. They are commonly used in the construction industry and in the manufacturing of heavy equipment. Cranes for construction are normally temporary

structures, either fixed to the ground or mounted on a purpose built vehicle.

They can either be controlled from an operator in a cab that travels along with the crane, by a push button pendant control station, or by radio type controls. The crane operator is ultimately responsible for the safety of the crews and the crane.

Mobile Cranes

The most basic type of crane consists of a steel truss or telescopic boom mounted on a mobile platform, which could be a rail, wheeled, or even on a cat truck. The boom is hinged at the bottom and can be either raised or lowered by cables or hydraulic cylinders.

                                        

Telescopic Crane

This type of crane offers a boom that consists of a number of tubes fitted one inside of the other. A hydraulic mechanism extends or retracts the tubes to increase or decrease the length of the boom.

                                                    

Tower Crane

The tower crane is a modern form of a balance crane. When fixed to the ground, tower cranes will often give the best combination of height and lifting capacity and are also used when constructing tall buildings.

                                                   

Truck Mounted Crane

Cranes mounted on a rubber tire truck will provide great mobility. Outriggers that extend vertically or horizontally are used to level and stabilize the crane during hoisting.

                                            

Rough Terrain Crane

A crane that is mounted on an undercarriage with four rubber tires, designed for operations off road. The outriggers extend vertically and horizontally to level and stabilize the crane when hoisting. These types of cranes are single engine machines where the same engine is used for powering the undercarriage as it is for powering the crane. In these types of cranes, the engine is normally mounted in the undercarriage rather than

in the upper portion.

                                             

Loader Crane

A loader crane is a hydraulically powered articulated arm fitted to a trailer, used to load equipment onto a trailer. The numerous sections can be folded into a small space when the crane isn’t in use.

                                             

Overhead Crane

Also refered to as a suspended crane, this type is normally used in a factory, with some of them being able to lift very heavy loads. The hoist is set on a trolley which will move in one direction along one or two beams, which move at angles to that direction along elevated or ground level tracks, often mounted along the side of an assembly area.

                                      

In the excavation world, cranes are used to move equipment or machinery. Cranes can quickly and easily move machinery into trenches or down steep hills, or even pipe. There are many types of cranes available, serving everything from excavation to road work.

Cranes are also beneficial to building bridges or construction. For many years, cranes have proven to be an asset to the industry of construction and excavating. Crane operators make really good money, no matter what type of crane they are operating.

This article was submitted by Er. Vikrant

Read More

ForkLifts - And Types in Construction

Sometimes called a forklift truck, the forklift is a powerful industrial truck that is used to lift and transport material by steel forks that are inserted under the load. Forklifts are commonly used to move loads and equipment that is stored on pallets. The forklift was developed in 1920, and has since become a valuable piece of equipment in many manufacturing and warehousing operations.

Types of Forklifts

The most common type of design with forklifts is the counter balance. Other types of designs include the reach truck and side loader, both of which are used in environments where the space is at a minimum.

                                         

Control and capability

Forklifts are available in many types and different load capacities. In the average warehouse setting,most forklifts have load capacities of around five tons. Along with the control to raise and lower the forks, you can also tilt the mast to compensate for the tendency of the load to angle the blades towards the ground and risk slipping it off the forks. The tilt will also provide a limited ability to operate on ground that isn’t level.There are some variations that allow you to move the forks and backrest laterally, which allows easier placement of a load. In addition to this, there are some machines that offer hydraulic control to move the forks together or further apart, which removes the need for you to get out of the cab to manually adjust for a different size load.

Another forklift variation that is sometimes used in manufacturing facilities, will utilize forklifts with a clamp attachment that you can open and close around a load, instead of having to use forks. Products such as boxes, cartons, etc., can be moved with the clamp attachment.

Go to www.warmmilkybiscuit.com

Safety

Forklifts are rated for loads at a specified maximum weight and a specified forward type center of gravity. All of this information is located on a nameplate that is provided by the manufacturer and the loads cannot exceed these specifications. One of the most important aspects of operating a forklift is the rear wheel steering. Even though this helps to increase maneuverability in tight cornering situations, it differs from the traditional experience of a driver with other wheeled vehicles as there is no caster action. Another critical aspect of the forklift is the instability. Both the forklift and the load must be considered a unit, with a varying center of gravity with every movement of the load.You must never negotiate a turn with a forklift at full speed with a raised load, as this can easily tip the forklift over.

This article was submitted by – Er.  Ankush

Read More

Front Loader - Construction Equipment

Also known as a front end loader, bucket loader, scoop loader, or shovel, the front loader is a type of tractor that is normally wheeled and uses a wide square tilting bucket on the end of movable arms to lift and move material around.The loader assembly may be a removable attachment or permanently mounted on the vehicle. Often times, the bucket can be replaced with other devices or tools, such as forks or a hydraulically operated bucket.

Larger style front loaders, such as the Caterpillar 950G or the Volvo L120E, normally have only a front bucket and are known as front loaders, where the small front loaders are often times equipped with a small backhoe as well and called backhoe loaders or loader backhoes.Loaders are primarily used for loading materials into trucks, laying pipe, clearing rubble, and also digging. Loaders aren’t the most efficient machines for digging, as they can’t dig very deep below the level of their wheels, like the backhoe can.

                                        

The deep bucket on the front loader can normally store around 3 – 6 cubic meters of dirt, as the bucket capacity of the loader is much bigger than the bucket capacity of a backhoe loader. Loaders aren’t classified as excavating machinery, as their primary purpose is other than moving dirt.In construction areas, mainly when fixing roads in the middle of the city, front loaders are used to transport building materials such as pipe, bricks, metal bars, and digging tools. Front loaders are also very useful for snow removal as well, as you can use their bucket or as a snow plow. They can clear snow from the streets and highways, even parking lots.They will sometimes load the snow into dump trucks which will then haul it away.

Unlike the bulldozer, most loaders are wheeled and not tracked. The wheels will provide better mobility and speed and won’t damage paved roads near as much as tracks, although this will come at the cost of reduced traction. Unlike backhoes or tractors fitted with a steel bucket, large loaders don’t use automotive steering mechanisms, as they instead steer by a hydraulically actuated pivot point set exactly between the front and rear axles.This is known as articulated steering and will allow the front axle to be solid, therefore allowing it to carry a heavier weight.

Articulated steering will also give a reduced turn in radius for a given wheelbase. With the

front wheels and attachment rotating on the same axis, the operator is able to steer his load in an arc after positioning the machine, which can come in quite handy. The problem is that when the machine is twisted to one side and a heavy load is lifted high in the air, it has a bigger risk of turning over.

This article was submitted by Er. Ankush

Read More

Dump Truck-Construction Equipment

Dump trucks or production trucks are those that are used for transporting loose material such as sand, dirt, and gravel for construction. The typical dump truck is equipped with a hydraulically operated open box bed hinged at the rear, with the front being able to be lifted up to allow the contents to fall out on the ground at the site of delivery.Dump trucks come in many different configurations with each one specified to accomplish a specific task in the construction chain.

                                                

Standard dump truck

The standard dump truck is a full truck chassis with the dump body mounted onto the frame. The dump body is raised by a hydraulic ram lift that is mounted forward of the front bulkhead, normally between the truck cab and the dump body. The standard dump truck also has one front axle, and one or more rear axles which normally has dual wheels on each side. The common configurations for standard dump trucks include the six wheeler and ten wheeler.

Transfer dump truck

For the amount of noise made when transferring, the transfer dump truck is easy to recognize. It’s a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer which can be loaded with sand, asphalt, gravel, dirt, etc. The B box or aggregate container on the trailer is

powered by an electric motor and rides on wheels and rolls off of the trailer and into the main dump box. The biggest advantage with this configuration is to maximize payload capacity without having to sacrifice the maneuverability of the short and nimble dump truck standards.

Semi trailer end dump truck

The semi end dump truck is a tractor trailer combination where the trailer itself contains the hydraulic hoist. The average semi end dump truck has a 3 axle tractor that pulls a 2 axle semi trailer. The advantage to having a semi end dump truck is rapid unloading.

Semi trailer bottom dump truck

A bottom dump truck is a 3 axle tractor that pulls a 2 axle trailer with a clam shell type dump gate in the belly of the trailer. The biggest advantage of a semi bottom dump truck is the ability to lay material in a wind row. This type of truck is also maneuverable in reverse as well, unlike the double and triple trailer configurations.

Double and triple trailer

The double and triple bottom dump trucks consist of a 2 axle tractor pulling a semi axle semi trailer and an additional trailer. These types of dump trucks allow the driver to lay material in wind rows without having to leave the cab or stop the truck. The biggest disadvantage is the difficulty in going in reverse.

Side dump trucks

Side dump trucks consist of a 3 axle trailer pulling a 2 axle semi trailer. It offers hydraulic rams that tilt the dump body onto the side, which spills the material to the left or right side of the trailer. The biggest advantages with these types of dump trucks are that they allow rapid unloading and carry more weight than other dump trucks.

In addition to this, side dump trucks are almost impossible to tip over while dumping, unlike the semi end dump trucks which are very prone to being upset or tipped over. The length of these trucks impede maneuverability and limit versatility.

Off road dump trucks

Off road trucks resemble heavy construction equipment more than they do highway dump trucks. They are used strictly for off road mining and heavy dirt hauling jobs, such as excavation work. They are very big in size, and perfect for those time when you need to dig out roads and need something to haul the massive amounts of dirt to another location.

This article was submitted by Er. Ankush

Read More

Importance of Mover Company in Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a professional industry that designs, constructs, and maintains things like roads, buildings, dams, bridges and canals.  There are many sub-categories within civil engineering that deal with different aspects of the industry.  This type of engineering takes place on a number of different levels including government, private, and even public sectors.  Civil engineers build homes for individuals and international company buildings as well as many things in between.

When it comes to moving, the importance of the moving company in terms of civil engineering is rather high.  Civil engineers make sure that buildings, roads, and other items are built correctly.  Once those items are in place, they need to be moved properly in order to remain in working order.  The engineer, for example, might design a structure for a building off-site that then has to be moved to the building for which it was built.  The right moving company can do that, but they have to proceed with care.

In order to choose the right moving company to help with project in which civil engineers are a part of, it is important to consider a number of things.  First, the moving company should have a background in civil engineering so that the employees understand what they need to do in order to move the items correctly.  An average mover will not know how they are to move items that have been created by civil engineers, but the right moving company will have the correct knowledge.  It is important to find a company with the right background.

Second, it is a good idea to check out the references of any company that claims to have experience in civil engineering.  Call some of the companies they movers worked for in the past and make sure they did the job properly.  It is one thing to claim to be able to do jobs that involve civil engineering aspects, but it is another to actually get the job done right.

Civil engineering projects are very important to the overall integrity of buildings, bridges, and other structures.  In order to ensure that the structures are as safe as the engineer has designed, the right moving company is of the utmost importance. For more information click here.

Read More

Drag Line Excavator

Drag line (or dragline) excavators are very heavy machinery which is used for different purposes. These purposes include surface mining, civil engineering and excavation. The smaller types of this machinery are used for the roads and ports construction in the field of civil engineering. On the other hand, the larger machines of drag line excavators are used for heavy operations like coal mining extraction and mining operations. Dragline excavators are the largest type of moving equipments and their weight is up 10,000 tons.

The bucket system of dragline excavators consist of large buckets which are suspended from a boom. This bucket is moved with the help of many chains and ropes. The pulling rope, powered by either an electric or large diesel motor, holds up the bucket and raises the coupler assembly from the boom. Another drag rope which is present on the assembly helps to draw the bucket horizontally. This bucket can be controlled in order to perform different types of operations through the skilful use of hoist and drag rope.

This bucket is positioned high above the material being operated during the typical excavation cycle. This bucket is then brought down and the drag rope is used to drag it all along the surface of material. After this, the bucket is lifted by using the hoist rope. Bucket is then placed at the point where the material is placed and this is done by a swing operation. Thus, bucket will be inclined by releasing the drag rope. This will make the material of bucket to fell down. This felling of material from bucket is commonly known as the dump operation.

Same dragline excavator is then used to throw the bucket by winding up and then releasing the clutch of drag cable. This will make the bucket to swing like a pendulum. If it is operated by a skillful worker, he can make the bucket to about half the length of jib away.

Limitations:

The drag line excavators can dump the waste material only according to the length of their boom and this is a great limitation or disadvantage of the drag line. It is very effective in excavating the material below the level of their tracks. These are not useful in loading the piled up material. This also adds to its disadvantages.

Despite all their disadvantages and capital, they have a very high demand and they are used in many mines because they are efficient in whatever they do and their operating cost is very low. They are also considered to have a best performance and high reliability. Their cost of removing the waste material is very low. They have very different and unique cutting sequences. Among its cutting sequences, the first is the method which uses offset benches which is a side casting method. In this method, the overweight material is thrown on the blasted material in order to make a bench.

Second method of cutting sequence is the key pass. In this method, the pass will cut the key at the toe of the wall which is new and high and this will shift the bench towards the wall. If the wall is blocky, this can also require chopping pass. This chopping pass means that the bucket will be dropped on a high wall and this will help in scaling the surface.

The third and the slowest method of cutting is known as the block pass. This will move most of the material. This can move the biggest material which is even bigger for the holes in ground and this can also maximize and minimize the productivity.

Read More

Guidelines for Hoist Using on Construction Site

Only authorized employees may use hoists to move heavy objects and equipment. When using construction hoists, remember to follow the five safety guidelines for working with heavy equipment. In addition, follow the guidelines below:

General Hoisting Guidelines For Working With Hoist

•  Never walk, stand, or work beneath a hoist.
• Isolate hoisting area with barriers, guards, and signs, as appropriate.
• Never exceed the capacity limits of your hoist.
• Wear gloves and other personal protective equipment, as appropriate, when working with hoists and cables.
• Ensure that hoists are inspected regularly before each use.
• Ensure that hoists are inspected annually by a certified inspector through EHSD
• Always hold tension on the cable when reeling it in or out.
• When the work is complete, always rig the hoist down and secure it.
• When the load block or hook is at floor level or its lowest point of travel, ensure that at least two turns of rope remain on the drum.
• Be prepared to stop operations immediately if signaled by the safety watch or another person.

Picking Up Loads with Hoists

Ensure that the hoist is directly above a load before picking it up. This keeps the hoist from becoming stressed. Picking up loads at odd angles may result in injury to people or damage to the construction hoist. Do not pick up loads by running the cable through, over, or around obstructions. These obstructions can foul the cable or catch on the load and cause an accident.

Avoiding Electrical Hazards with Hoists

Do not hoist loads when any portion of the hoisting equipment or suspended load can come within 6 feet of high-voltage electrical lines or equipment. If you need to hoist near high-voltage electrical lines or equipment, obtain clearance from your supervisor first.

Inspecting Hoists

Hoists should be inspected daily. If there is any question about the working condition of a hoist, do not use it. Hoist inspectors should note the following:

• The hooks on all blocks, including snatch blocks, must have properly working safety latches.
• All hooks on hoisting equipment should be free of cracks and damage.
• The maximum load capacity for the hoist must be noted on the equipment.
• Cables and wiring should be intact and free of damage.

Read More

Maintaining Engineering Vehicles and Using the Right Jack

One of the main industries in which people are injured in their workplace, is construction. Why? This is due to the large amount of materials being constantly moved around, the nature of construction which is that things are being constructed and hence are not finished and the masses of construction vehicles and equipment that transport materials and people around the construction sites. How do employers and engineers combat this high incident rate? Safety procedures, regulations and regular and thorough maintenance. The best way to provide safe and thorough maintenance is if you have the right tools for the job and in the instance of maintaining vehicles and equipment, one of the most important is the correct jack.

Which jack should I choose?

The type of jack you choose really depends on the type of vehicle or equipment that you need to lift to gain access. Jacks come in different forms usually depending on the size and the weight of the vehicle that they need to lift.

3 Tonne Trolley Jack. Normally you would find this type of jack in a garage or similar trade establishment. Capable of lifting a fully loaded van of up to 3.5 tonnes, the trolley jack is the standard for any car or van that weighs up to 3.5 tonnes. It has a lifting range of 145mm to 520mm and has an American style twist handle release mechanism. This jack weighs in at 37kg. You can find a quality 3 tonne trolley jack such as this at sgs-engineering.com

10 Tonne Long Chassis Jack. This extra-long chassis jack is ideal for use on larger vehicles up to a weight of 10 tonnes. Complete with a pedal lift for faster action and a twist lock/unlock valve at the end of the handle, this jack is perfect for industry or trade use. It has a lifting range of 175mm to 686mm and weighs in at 130kg.

22 Tonne Bottle Jack. This is the smallest of the jacks but also one of the most powerful. With a small compact size, the bottle jack is one of the most portable and one of the most durable jacks. It has a robotically welded base and cylinders for stability and uses a pump action handle. The benefits of a bottle jack is that is can be operated upright, on an angle or even horizontal to accommodate for numerous applications. Lifting range of 269mm to 428mm and weighs in at a dainty 20kg.

100 Tonne Cylinder Jack. The 100 Tonne aluminium cylinder jack is capable of lifting up to 100 tonnes! This is one of the heavy duty jacks of the lot and you certainly pay for it! These jacks will last forever but you won’t be left with any money in your wallet. Lifting range of 298mm to 450 mm, the 100 Tonne jack has one of the smallest lifting range but this is due to the compact size and the high pressures exerted on the metals. Weighs in at 24kg.

200 Tonne Superlift Jack. The certified daddy of the compilation, this jack can lift very large vehicles. Comes complete with your own specific extensions depending on your application and a power-drive system so you don’t have to break your back trying to pump it up with your foot, this jack really can lift most equipment! With a lifting range of 711mm to 1651mm, it has nearly a full meter extension. Weighing 600kg this certainly is by far the heaviest of the lot!

Choosing the right jack for you depends really on the weight of the item that you want to lift. This is just a guide to a few different options you can choose from. There are more options on the market but hopefully this will give you a good idea of what you need to safely get the job done.

Read More

Basic Types of Construction Equipment

Construction Equipment is one of those things where the overall influence it has primarily rests on other factors on construction sites. So then what you simply must do is gather as many details as possible and think about them. Therefore you do have to be cautious about what you choose and dismiss. When you are satisfied that your research is thorough, then that is the time to evaluate the possibilities.

We know you would like to choose what is right and best, and to that end we gladly give you some exceptional guidelines concerning Construction Equipment.

Construction equipment types cover from the very heavy equipment to the portable and mobile lighter equipment, some of them with a precise description of their functions are detailed below.

• Backhoe loader: Engineering equipment with a front bucket/shovel and a small backhoe in the rear combined with a tractor is known as backhoe loader. It is mostly used in small construction sites and in urban engineering such as fixing city roads.

• A crawler, which is very powerful and attached with a blade, is called a bulldozer. Even though any heavy engineering vehicle is known as bulldozer, it is actually a tractor with a dozer blade.
• A compact excavator is a wheeled or tracked vehicle with a backfill blade and swing boom. It is also known as mini excavator. The functions and movements of the machines are carried out by transferring hydraulic fluid. This makes a compact hydraulic excavator different from other construction equipment. (See this text for full understand on compact excavator machine)
• To compact gravel, dirt, asphalt and concrete in construction work and road laying a road roller which is also known as roller-compactor would be used.
• A motorized cultivator with a rotating blade to work in the soil is known as rotary tiller. They are either drawn behind a tractor or self-propelled.

Read More

Far-Infrared Heating: Cheaper, Faster, Easier

Infrared heating is the latest in advanced energy technology and the early signs suggest it will replace gas and oil in the not too distant future. The reason for that is because far infrared lights are far less expensive than electricity and natural gases and because our bodies naturally need Far-infrared heating it is better for our health and the environment.

Far-infrared heat is part of the natural light spectrum we get from the sun and, unlike UV rays, is a vital ingredient for our well being. The beauty about Far-infrared heat is that it heats the fabric of the building rather than the air and reduces damp and mould as well as your energy bills.

The energy savings you get from infrared heating is unmatched. Studies show that Far-infrared is up to 70 per cent more cost-effective than traditional electric heating methods and around 50 per cent less expensive than gas and oil. It also 100% carbon free this is better for the environment and will lower the amount of green tax you have to pay once the levy is enforced.

Far-infrared heating is good for your health

When people hear the term infrared light they are immediately concerned the effects might be harmful. In actual fact, it is the complete opposite at it is the sun´s natural infrared light particles that are good for our body. As a consequence infrared lighting treatments are becoming very popular.

Just from warming your home, the effects of Far-infrared heating has clinical benefits such as increasing blood circulation and reducing blood pressure, is sympathetic to your nervous system and reduces dust so is better for asthma and allergy sufferers. Not only that, but it keeps your home cosy and warm for 24-hours.

Far-infrared light has proven to be so effective that it is being used as a healing agent by natural and alternative practitioners, health coaches and chiropractors to cure numerous ailments including back pain, low blood pressure, sleeping disorders, muscle pain, blood disorders and diabetes.

Why Far-infrared light is the future of heating

Far-infrared heating offers far more benefits than any other energy source currently on trial. Given oil and gas resources are running dry and electricity is expensive, the world needs a reliable energy source for the future that is cost-effective and good for the environment.

Despite the handful of other heating solutions on the market, Far-infrared heating is the best option. Sun, wind and wave powered energy plants do not produce enough power for large-scale projects, nuclear plants expose us to fatal dangers and bio-heaters are inconvenient because you have to keep filling them up with fuel to keep your house heated – and most bio-heaters are fitted outdoors!

Another advantage far-infrared heating has over other forms is that it is easier to install and you can include appliances as part of your home design much like the soon-to-be-outdated radiator. Of all the energy sources available Far-infrared heating is more cost-effective, easier to install, and heats your home quicker.

For more information regarding infrared heating for your house or office, visit the ABCA Far Infrared website.

Read More

Design Requirements For Concrete Formwork

When designing formwork, consider the following:

1. Strength

Forms and shutters have to be designed to support dead weight, live load and hydrostatic pressure. Sheathing must be rigid enough to resist bulging. Formwork for vertical concrete elements i.e. columns and walls are subject to pressures on the form face. This is caused by the fluid action of the fresh concrete. The pressure of the fluid concrete on the vertical faces increases proportionately with the depth of concrete. The maximum pressure being at the bottom of the form. This maximum pressure for the full depth fluid concrete is the hydrostatic pressure for concrete and usually occurs when the concrete is placed very quickly. It should not be possible for the bracing to be dislodged by impact, or wind, acting from any direction.

2. Speedy erection and dismantling

The formwork design and the methods of assembly must be as simple as possible to reduce time spent in erection and dismantling. The formwork should be simple to remove without causing damage to the concrete.

3. Tightness of joints

The liquid retaining properties of the formwork must be adequate to prevent leakage of cement and fine aggregate from the concrete.

4. Rigidity

Brace formwork and support to ensure no movement may take place under wind pressure, or when the concrete is being placed and vibrated. The shutters must be rigid enough to keep the concrete member within the allowable tolerances.

5. Reuse

Design for unit construction, if possible, so that you can strike and reuse as soon as possible. Use clamps, wedges, and similar devices to hold sections of formwork in place. Avoid nailing as much as possible, nail holes and bruising of the timber will spoil formwork for further use. The formwork material must be durable and capable of producing a good surface finish.

6. Ease of handling

Forms and shutters must be of a size and weight that can be handled by the labour and plant available on site.

Adjustment: Arrange all props, shores, and struts so that they can be properly adjusted. They must bear on sole plates, so that the load is safely distributed on to the structure below.

Removal of debris: Provide all formwork with special cleanout holes to allow for the removal of sawdust, shavings, and other debris from the bottom of the formwork before the pour begins.

Read More

Air Compressors – What you need to know in Civil engineering

Many people rely on air compressors to do their work, at home as well as in an industrial or commercial setting. Therefore choosing the right type of air compressor can make all the difference, but with so many different types of compressor on the market, how are you supposed to know which one is right for you and your work?

What You Want To Run

Air compression is used in a very wide variety of different industries, from aerospace to scuba diving to steel production. This has an impact on what kind of air compressor you need. Consumer use compressors are usually single tank, oil less or oil free models and are modestly priced. They are suitable for household tasks such as inflating tires and sports equipment, as well as occasionally powering pneumatic tools. However, if you regularly use pneumatic tools this will not be sufficient. Professional useindustrial air compressors are suitable for those who use a number of pneumatic tools frequently. They have a higher horse power rating, usually have larger tanks, are more powerful and are therefore more expensive.

Where You Want To Run It

Air compressors can vary wildly in size and portability, so you need to think about whether you’ll need to be able to move it easily or it is fine remaining static. Most non-stationary compressors are considered portable, even though a pancake model can be 10lbs, and a wheelbarrow compressor can be 60lbs. Stationary compressors are best for those who work in the same place such as workshops and garages. If you plan on purchasing an electric compressor then you will need a power outlet nearby that is capable of running it. If you go for a more portable air compressor make sure you don’t sacrifice performance for portability and ensure that they are able to power your tools sufficiently.

Types of Compressors

Electric- Ideal for indoor tasks, they run on standard household voltage and don’t emit fumes.

Gas Powered- Requiring gas to run, this type of compressor emits fumes so should be used outdoors on-site.

Oil-less/Oil-free- Doesn’t need the addition of oil to run, it is a low maintenance option. It is louder and tends to have a shorter life than other compressors. This type of compressor is less expensive and is ideal for small or medium jobs.

Pancake or Hotdog- This is the smallest model so is best for occasional household jobs.

Wheelbarrow- This compressor has wheels and handles, like a wheel barrow, to aid portability.

Single/Twin Tank- Whether a compressor has one or two tanks doesn’t make a significant difference to the performance, but twin tanks have a lower centre of gravity, making them easier to transport. When choosing a tank, go for the largest practical tank you can afford and cope with.

One/Two Stage- One stage compressors have one piston that compresses air and transfers it to the tank. They are less efficient and are used for lighter duty work.

Read More