What is lift and shift?
In the world of construction and heavy industry, lift and shift services (also known as mechanical movement services) are critical for moving large and heavy objects, such as machinery and equipment, from one location to another. This work is typically carried out indoors, in places that are inaccessible to cranes. Lift and shift services are often used for moving manufacturing equipment within a facility.
When are lift and shift services most commonly used?
Mechanical movement or lift and shift services are commonly used to move heavy machinery and bulky items within a factory or between different sites. These services employ specialised equipment and highly trained personnel to safely and efficiently handle the movement of heavy loads.
One common use case for lift and shift services is during factory relocation. When a company decides to move its operations to a new facility, it often needs to move large and heavy machinery, such as production lines, assembly equipment or heavy-duty vehicles. In these cases, industrial lift and shift services can be employed to disassemble, move and reassemble the equipment in the new location, minimising downtime and ensuring a smooth transition.
Another common use case for lift and shift services is during maintenance or repair operations. When large machinery needs to be repaired or replaced, it often needs to be temporarily moved out of its location to a workshop or another site. These services can be used to safely move the machinery and ensure that it is securely stored and transported.
In addition, mechanical movement services are often used in construction projects. When building new structures, heavy equipment and materials need to be moved to the construction site, and then installed or assembled on site. Industrial lift and shift services can be employed to transport and install large prefabricated components, such as steel beams, concrete panels, or modular units.
The main difference between lift and shift and crane hire services is that lift and shift operations are those where bulky items have to be moved indoors or in places where cranes do not have space to operate. These operations require different equipment and highly specialised movement plans.
At Emerson Hire, we frequently receive contracts that involve more than just repositioning equipment and machinery for a new production line. We also offer relocation services, where we use our lift and shift equipment to assist clients with decommissioning their existing site, moving equipment outdoors and loading it onto our transporters. After transportation to the new site, we unload and position the equipment using our lift and shift equipment according to the client’s requirements within the new building.
How do lift and shift services work?
The process of lift and shift services begins with a thorough assessment of the object or structure that needs to be moved. This assessment includes determining the weight, size, and shape of the object, as well as the location and terrain of both the starting and ending points. Based on this assessment, the lift and shift team will determine the type of equipment needed and the best approach to moving the object safely and efficiently.
Equipment typically used for lift and shift services includes:
- Pallet trucks
- Hoists
- Hydraulic jacks
- Forklifts
- Extendable forklifts
- City and spider cranes
- Boom lifts
- Machine skates
Once the equipment and approach have been determined, the lift and shift team will set up the equipment and rigging to lift the object and carry out the lift.
What are the benefits of using Emerson’s lift and shift services in London?
There are many benefits to using our lift and shift services for your next project. One of the primary benefits is safety. Moving large and heavy objects can be extremely dangerous, and it requires skilled professionals and specialised equipment to get the job done safely. Our lift and shift services are designed to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries by using the latest safety equipment and techniques.
Another benefit of our lift and shift services is efficiency and versatility. Moving large and heavy objects can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. It can also be extremely disruptive to a work site. To ensure maximum safety when moving your machinery, the whole area may need to be empty of non-essential personnel. At Emerson Crane Hire we will try to minimise production downtime by undertaking the work out of hours, or over a weekend. At Emerson Cranes we go above and beyond to ensure that your projects are carried out safely and seamlessly.
If you have any questions about our lift and shift services, or if you would like further information regarding our range of heavy lift services, please get in touch with a member of our team today. Contact us on 020 8059 2560, or email us at info@emersoncranes.co.uk, and one of our friendly, experienced team members will be happy to help.
