Material Lifts Explained: Lifting Beams, Ducts and Panels Safely
A material lift is a simple, manually operated machine for raising heavy items – steel beams, ducting, pipes, plasterboard and panels – into position overhead. It's one of the most useful tools on a fit-out or construction site.
Important: material lifts are for loads, not people
Material lifts must never be used to lift people. For work at height you need a MEWP such as a scissor lift or personnel lift.
Common uses
- Lifting RSJs and steel beams into place
- Installing ducting, pipework and cable trays
- Holding plasterboard and ceiling panels while they're fixed
- Positioning doors, glass and heavy fittings
Types of material lift
- Straddle-base lifts (such as the Genie SLA range) – the legs straddle the load, ideal for lifting items directly overhead.
- Counterbalance lifts (such as the Genie SLC/Superlift range) – no legs in front of the load, so you can place it against a wall or over an obstacle.
How to choose
- Check the maximum height you need to lift to.
- Check the load capacity against the heaviest item you'll lift.
- Choose the right forks or attachments for your loads.
- Make sure it will fit through doorways and into the space.
Material lifts are lifting equipment, so LOLER applies. Browse the material lifts in our stock or call 07508 843258.