Benefits of Hiring a Professional Rigger
Rigging secures large or hard-to-haul equipment in place, allowing for a stable installation or safe transport from one location to another. Since these projects need specialized equipment, hiring a professional aerial rigger is often the best call. Rigging professionals will help your project timeline advance smoothly while keeping your equipment and team safe.
How to Choose the Right Rigging Supplier for Your Needs
Find the best professional rigger for your project by considering the following:
- Type of rope: Rigging rope types include wire and synthetic fibers. Wire rope comprises polyurethane-coated steel and is extremely durable, though it costs more. Synthetic rope is made from polyester and nylon, which are less strong and more likely to break under extreme tension and pressure. Choose wire rope for high-stress applications like bridge and building work or heavy loads.
- Billing costs: Understand how the rigging supplier will charge you for their services to avoid surprises when billed. Some companies charge by the hour, while others use a flat rate.
- Project scope: Choose a professional aerial rigger that can easily handle your project, especially if it’s a larger job.
Advantages of a Professional Rigger
The goal of rigging projects is to move equipment securely and according to the established timetable. Specialized equipment is necessary to achieve these objectives. Workers in the rigger profession understand how to navigate these projects, including identifying the right systems to use and operating the rigging equipment.
Working with a rigging company offers these benefits:
- Planning: A professional rigger will create a rigging plan detailing each step of the project. The plan also identifies hazards and necessary safety precautions and site evaluation.
- Proper equipment: Rigging tasks require using equipment like cranes to move loads safely. Professionals will have access to cranes with the lifting capacity, height and horizontal reach that your project needs. A rigging company will also provide the transport vehicle and any specialized rigging equipment required.
- Industry experience: A professional aerial rigger crew with ample industry experience will have the knowledge needed to complete your project, no matter how complex or specialized.
- Safety and certifications: Professional riggers should have Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) training. These certifications prove the company is dedicated to on-site safety, which helps prevent equipment damage and personal injury.
- Licenses and insurance: The rigging team should be licensed and insured. Licenses and insurance mean the rigging company will be responsible for any damage done to your equipment, protecting your bottom line.
- Turnkey operations: A turnkey rigging company handles every aspect of the project, from assembly to dismantling. With the rigging professional taking care of all the steps, your company can focus on other tasks. Turnkey operations are also more streamlined and cost-effective.
Different Types of Rigging Systems
Having the right equipment is necessary to move heavy loads safely. Each project requires different rigging equipment, so understanding the different types of rigging systems available can help your rigging project go smoothly.
The most common types of rigging equipment include:
- Synthetic lifting slings: Synthetic material is attached to wire ropes to provide balance and add strength for handling heavy loads. Endless slings attach the material in a loop, while eye-and-eye slings have shaped ends.
- Steel nuts: Steel nuts for rigging include dome nuts, wing nuts, hex nuts, lifting eye nuts and ball ends. They’re made from Type 316 stainless steel and are used with eye bolts.
- Eye bolts: Eye bolts are the anchor points in the rigging that hold cables and ropes. Straight eye bolts support straight line applications, and shoulder eye bolts are used for angles. Other types include lag eye screw bolts, screw eye bolts and U bolts for different load sizes and types.
- Rigging hooks: Rigging hooks lift heavy equipment securely to prevent slippage. Hook types include choker, eye, sorting and clevis grab. These designs support different load types and vary in their throat — or hook opening — and size.
- Shackles: Shackles are links for connecting and disconnecting rigging equipment. They comprise a loop of steel closed off with a pin for a secure connection.
- Pulleys and blocks: Pulleys and blocks reduce the force required to lift heavy objects. Their use involves rigging ropes that circle the pulley and hook to the equipment being lifted. Rope types include wire and synthetic.
- Wire ropes and accessories: Wire ropes rig and move heavy equipment. These ropes are fortified with metallic wire and coated for protection against the elements. Rope accessories include stops, thimbles, sleeves and clips.
Contact Equip Trucking About Our Industrial Rigging Services
Equip Trucking is an expert in the rigger profession. We provide the technical expertise and customer service needed to deliver professional rigging services. We have more than 30 years of experience with rigging projects in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Our turnkey services help you complete your project on time and within your budget. Contact us today for more information.
