When you reach the decision that it’s time to invest in new lifting equipment either for the first time or to replace existing equipment, there are lots of subsequent decisions to make.
Not only do you need to consider the type of lifting equipment that is the best fit for your needs, but also whether a standard or tailored solution is required.
Metreel is a leading supplier of lifting solutions including the likes of overhead crane cranes, workstation cranes and gantries.
To help you decide what to look for when purchasing lifting equipment for your business, this post will cover the differences between custom and off-the-shelf lifting solutions.
Off-The-Shelf Lifting Solutions
When we refer to an ‘off-the-shelf’ lifting solution, we are describing any type of lifting equipment that has been built with standardised features and capabilities.
Examples of off-the-shelf lifting solutions can include:
- Air-powered hoists
- Bridge cranes
- Chains
- Electric hoists
- Forklifts
- Gantry cranes
- Jib cranes
- Lifting slings
- Manual hoists
- Overhead cranes
- Scissor Lifts
Designed for general lifting tasks, off-the-shelf lifting equipment is a ready-made system that has been mass produced to standard specifications. As a result, such equipment has minimal modifications available as it is designed for quick deployment.
Advantages
Ideal for when a task cannot be completed safely or efficiently by manual labour, yet isn’t specialised enough to require a specialised solution. Often, off-the-shelf lifting solutions are cost-effective while also being easy to source. Their standardised designs can also aid with finding spare parts or general maintenance troubleshooting. Off-the-shelf solutions also have the benefit of complying with various safety standards based on the manufacturer’s requirements.
Considerations
A one-size-fits approach can be very limiting if the lifting task is highly specialised. For example, when lifting non-standard loads or for operating in challenging environments. Also, off-the-shelf solutions cannot be modified should your lifting needs change beyond the basic parameters available.
Custom Lifting Solutions
Sometimes, lifting equipment is required to possess very specific features so that it is able to lift the required loads and also do so in a way that is safe based on the operational environment.
These custom properties may include the likes of weather resistance, corrosion-proof materials or extreme load capacities.
Examples of custom lifting solutions can include:
- Automated gantry cranes
- Custom material handling systems
- Custom overhead cranes
- Explosion-proof hoists
- Heavy-duty mobile lifting systems
- Specialised jib cranes
Typically, custom lifting solutions are far more expensive than an off-the-shelf solution. However, they are necessary for more intricate lifting tasks whereby standard solutions could pose a safety hazard, or simply not meet the required lifting capabilities.
Advantages
Custom lifting solutions ensure that a lifting operation can continue, which may not be the case if an off-the-shelf solution doesn’t meet the necessary requirements. Custom lifting equipment is also built with the specific lifting task and operational environment in mind, ensuring the solution best meets the needs of the application to improve safety and productivity.
Considerations
Any lifting equipment which has been custom-built will be significantly more expensive, and can also be more difficult to repair. Personnel may also require training so that they are familiar with the specific nuances of the equipment, especially as the functions are not standardised. Depending on the application, a customised solution may also be excessive for the actual needs of the task.
Summary
When it comes to choosing between an off-the-shelf and customised lifting solution, it certainly isn’t the case of one being ‘better’ than the other. Instead, what’s most important is to ensure the needs of your lifting operations are best met, which requires careful consideration and analysis of the application itself.
Should the lifting task be considered general and non-specialised, then an off-the-shelf solution can work well.
However, if a standardised piece of equipment wouldn’t be compliant with safety regulations based on your operational needs or environment, or if the task is highly specialised, then a custom lifting solution would offer a better fit.
In Need Of Material Handling Equipment For Your Business? Speak To Metreel
The best way to determine what lifting equipment would best meet your operation needs is to speak to the material handling experts here at Metreel.
Please leave us a message about your requirements and our team will be in touch shortly.
You can also discover our products such as our overhead cranes and lifting accessories by downloading the Metreel brochure.
Or, give us a call on 0115 932 7010 to speak with one of our material handling experts.