What is lifting equipment? An A-Z overview for warehouses and factories.

Lifting equipment is an indispensable group of solutions in modern factories, warehouses, and production lines, where the moving, lifting, and positioning of heavy goods takes place continuously every day. Instead of relying on manual labour or manual methods that harbour potential risks, businesses today are increasingly focusing on investing in lifting equipment to improve productivity, ensure labour safety, and standardise operational processes.

In reality, not everyone clearly understands the types of lifting equipment available, their operating principles, or which solution suits their specific needs. Some facilities use overhead cranes for assembly operations requiring high precision, while others still lift heavy loads manually, causing overload for workers. With experience in consulting and deploying industrial lifting solutions, Vietmani will join you in clarifying the entire landscape of lifting equipment – from concepts, classification, and practical applications to the important safety standards you need to know before investing.

What is Lifting Equipment?

Lifting equipment is a collection of machinery and mechanical solutions designed to lift, lower, move, and position goods or heavy objects vertically, horizontally, or a combination of both within a specific workspace. These devices help replace or support human effort in tasks involving heavy loads, high frequency, or requirements for high safety and precision.

In actual production, lifting equipment is not merely for "lifting and putting down." Depending on the type, the equipment can:

• Move goods within warehouses and factories.
• Precisely position heavy parts during the assembly process.
• Assist workers in manipulating heavy objects in a "near-weightless" state.
• Reduce the risk of accidents and occupational injuries.

Simply put, the core role of lifting equipment is to transfer weight from humans to machines, making work safer, more effective, and more sustainable.

In factories today, lifting equipment includes many different groups, such as overhead cranes, hoists, forklifts, hydraulic lift tables, or modern assistive lifting solutions. Each type is designed for a specific purpose, from transporting heavy goods in warehouses to supporting assembly operations demanding high precision.

For Vietmani, correctly understanding what lifting equipment is serves as the critical first step to helping you choose a solution that fits your production scale, working environment, and operational goals. In the following sections, Vietmani will dive deep into each common group of lifting equipment to help you easily visualise and compare them.

Classification of Common Lifting Equipment

In manufacturing and logistics, lifting equipment is typically classified based on structure, operating principle, and intended use. Below are the most common groups of lifting equipment today.

Overhead Crane and Gantry Crane Systems

Overhead cranes and gantry cranes are fixed lifting equipment groups, usually installed in workshops or outdoor yards to lift and move heavy loads. They include:

• Single Girder Overhead Crane: Suitable for light to medium loads, compact structure, and reasonable investment cost. Often used in mechanical workshops, material warehouses, and maintenance areas.
• Double Girder Overhead Crane: Designed for heavy loads and high working frequency. Advantages include high stability and maximum utilisation of factory height, suitable for steel mills, foundries, and heavy industrial plants.
• Gantry Crane: Features legs running on ground rails or wheels, often used outdoors in steel yards, container yards, or construction sites where indoor overhead cranes cannot be installed.

This group is suitable when you need to lift heavy loads over a wide working range with repetitive operations.

Hoists – The Central Lifting Mechanism

The hoist is the main lifting component, which can operate independently or be mounted on overhead cranes or monorails. Currently, there are two main types of hoists on the market:

• Electric Chain Hoist: Compact structure, easy to install, suitable for single workstations or operations requiring high precision. Loads are usually small to medium.
• Electric Wire Rope Hoist: Specialised for large loads, long lifting heights, and smoother, more durable operation. Popular in industrial overhead crane systems.

Hoists are a common choice when you need vertical lifting/lowering but do not require flexible movement across the floor.

Mobile Lifting Equipment

This is the most flexible group in warehousing and logistics.

• Hand Pallet Truck: Basic solution for lifting pallets over short distances, low cost, easy to use.
• Electric / Internal Combustion (IC) Forklifts: Used for warehouses and factories with frequent goods movement needs. Electric forklifts suit enclosed warehouses, while IC forklifts suit outdoor environments and heavy loads.
• Specialised Forklifts: Reach trucks, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks, pallet stackers... help optimise high-bay warehouse space.

This group is suitable when you need to both lift and move goods across the floor.

Hydraulic Lift Tables & Stationary Lifting Devices

Hydraulic lift tables are designed to lift goods to a fixed height to support production operations.

• Scissor Lift Table: Used in assembly lines and shipping/receiving areas, helping workers operate in ergonomic postures.
• Dock Leveller: Connects the height difference between the warehouse floor and the container truck floor; very popular in logistics.

Suitable for lifting in place without the need for long-distance movement.

Industrial Manipulators (Assistive Lifting Arms)

Industrial manipulators are the new generation of lifting equipment, focusing on ergonomics and operational precision.

• Operates on the principle of load balancing (pneumatic or electronic).
• Allows heavy objects to be in a "near-weightless" state.
• Workers can move, rotate, and flip heavy parts gently and safely.

This solution is particularly suitable for part assembly, precise manipulation, and high frequency, where traditional cranes or hoists do not perform well.

Operating Principles of Lifting Equipment

To choose the right solution, you not only need to know the types of equipment but also understand their operating principles. In reality, most current lifting equipment operates based on four main principles: mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic/electronic load balancing. Each principle suits a different usage scenario.

Mechanical – Electrical Principle (Cranes and Hoists)

Cranes and hoists are traditional lifting devices operating based on electric motors combined with mechanical transmission mechanisms.

• Electric Motor: Creates rotational motion.
• Gearbox: Reduces speed, increases torque.
• Cable Drum or Chain Sprocket: Converts rotational motion into lifting/lowering motion.
• Electromagnetic Brake: Holds the load safely when stopping or during power loss.

For overhead cranes, this principle is expanded to include:

• Lifting/Lowering mechanism.
• Trolley travel mechanism.
• Crane travel mechanism on rails.

Advantage: High load capacity, durable structure, stable long-term operation. However, operation is usually "push-button up/down," so flexibility and direct control feel are limited.

Hydraulic Principle (Lift Tables and Forklifts)

Hydraulic lifting equipment operates based on Pascal's Law, where fluid pressure is transmitted equally within a closed system. Basic structure includes:

• Hydraulic pump.
• Hydraulic cylinder.
• Control valves and safety valves.
• Hydraulic oil is the transmission medium.

When the pump creates pressure, oil pushes the piston in the cylinder up, thereby:

• Lifting the table surface (for scissor lift tables).
• Lifting the forks (for pallet trucks, forklifts).

Advantage: Lifts heavy loads with a small input force, smooth and stable operation. Disadvantage: Lifting speed is usually slower and requires periodic oil system maintenance.

Pneumatic Principle (Industrial Manipulators)

Unlike traditional lifting equipment, manipulators use compressed air to balance the load, rather than just lifting up and down. Operating principle:

• Compressed air is supplied to the cylinder.
• Air pressure is adjusted to balance exactly with the weight of the object.
• When balanced, the object is effectively "floating."

At this point, the worker only needs to apply a very small force to:

• Move the object up/down.
• Rotate, flip, or tilt the part.
• Position precisely for assembly.

Advantage: Almost completely removes the load from the worker's body, especially effective for repetitive tasks in production lines.

Electronic Control and Intelligent Balancing Principle

In more modern lifting solutions, the system integrates:

• Force sensors (load cells).
• Electronic controllers.
• Servo motors or high-precision force-assist mechanisms.

The device continuously measures the force applied by the operator and responds almost instantly, making control smooth. The operator can stop the device precisely at the desired position, while also limiting the lift load and safe working zone. This principle often appears in assembly lines requiring high precision and strict safety standards.

Practical Applications

In reality, lifting equipment does not exist as a "one-size-fits-all" solution but is applied flexibly according to industry specifics, production processes, and working environments.

• Industrial Manufacturing: Lifting and moving raw materials, positioning heavy parts during assembly in mechanical, electronics, automotive, plastic, or packaging factories.
• Warehousing and Logistics: Lifting pallets to high shelves, moving goods between areas in warehouses and distribution centres.
• Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: Lifting ingredient bags/containers into mixers, stacking finished cartons onto pallets.
• Assembly and Precision Operations: Assembling machine parts, heavy component clusters, and placing products into narrow or hard-to-reach positions.
• Sheet Material and Bulky Goods Handling: Handling metal sheets, glass, wood, stone, or large material coils.

Safety Standards & Legal Regulations

Besides technical factors and performance, occupational safety and legal compliance are mandatory requirements when using lifting equipment. Many serious accidents occur not due to poor quality equipment, but due to misuse, lack of inspection, or improper operation. Therefore, understanding the system of standards and legal regulations is crucial for any business.

Mandatory Regulations in Vietnam

According to current regulations in Vietnam, most lifting equipment, such as:

• Overhead cranes, gantry cranes.
• Electric hoists.
• Forklifts.
• Heavy-duty lift tables.

...belong to the list of machines and equipment with strict occupational safety requirements. This means the equipment must undergo technical safety inspection before being put into use and periodically during operation.

The two most important document systems businesses must comply with include:

• National Technical Standards (TCVN) 4244:2005: Regulations on design, manufacture, testing, and technical inspection of lifting equipment. This is the technical basis for assessing structural durability, safety factors, and load-bearing capacity.
• National Technical Regulations (QCVN) 07:2012/BLĐTBXH: Mandatory regulations on occupational safety for lifting equipment during installation, operation, and use. This regulation has legal validity and serves as the basis for authorities to inspect and handle violations.

Simply put: TCVN focuses on "technical correctness," QCVN focuses on "legal compliance," and businesses need to meet both.

Lifting Equipment Inspection Process

Safety inspection is not a formality but a comprehensive technical assessment process. A standard lifting equipment inspection process usually includes:

1. Technical Documentation Check: Factory records, technical specifications, previous inspection records (if any).
2. External Inspection: Condition of metal structure, cables, hooks, chains, brakes, electrical system, and emergency stop buttons.
3. No-Load Test: Checking the operation of lifting/lowering and movement mechanisms.
4. Load Test: Static and dynamic load testing according to prescribed ratios to assess stability and load-holding capability.

After meeting requirements, the equipment will be:

• Issued an Inspection Certificate.
• Affixed with a Safety Inspection Stamp in an easily visible position.
• Note: Equipment without a valid inspection stamp is not allowed to be put into use.

Inspection Cycle:

• First inspection: After installation, before use.
• Periodic inspection: According to the prescribed cycle (usually 1–3 years, depending on equipment type and condition).
• Extraordinary inspection: After major repairs, structural changes, or accidents.

Requirements for Operators

Beyond equipment, humans are the key safety factor. Lifting equipment operators need to:

• Receive appropriate professional training.
• Possess a safety training certificate or confirmation.
• Clearly understand allowable loads and operating procedures.

Strictly adhere to safety rules such as: Not standing under loads, not overloading, not dragging or lifting off-centre, and not operating when equipment shows signs of abnormality.

How to Select Suitable Lifting Equipment

Every type of lifting equipment is designed for a different application. Therefore, selection needs to be based on the specific usage scenario of each factory. Here are factors to consider:

Determine Required Load Capacity:

• Identify the maximum weight of the goods or parts.
• Do not choose equipment that "just meets" the load; include a safety factor.
• Consider both static and dynamic loads (continuous lifting).
• Example: If the object weighs 80–100 kg, choosing a 150–200 kg device ensures stability and durability.

Evaluate Frequency and Duty Cycle:

• How many lifts per day? How long is each shift? Is the operation intermittent or continuous?
• For low frequency, basic equipment works well. For continuous lines, prioritise equipment with a high duty cycle, heat dissipation, and durability.

Determine Environment and Workspace:

• Indoor or outdoor? Narrow or wide space?
• Humidity, dust, high temperature, or cleanroom environment?

Determine Flexibility and Precision Level:

• Do you need to rotate, flip, or tilt the part?
• Do you need to place the object in a precise position?
• Do workers manipulate heavy objects continuously?

Consider Safety and Ergonomics:

• Reduce manual bending/reaching/lifting.
• Limit spinal, shoulder, and arm injuries.
• Help workers perform stably over long periods.

Calculate Investment and Operating Costs:

• Don't just look at the initial price. Consider maintenance/repair costs, spare parts, equipment lifespan, and downtime costs if a breakdown occurs.

The Role of Site Survey and Consultation

Finally, Vietmani always recommends not choosing lifting equipment based solely on catalogues, but conducting a direct survey. A practical survey helps:

• Understand the production process clearly.
• Identify the exact bottlenecks needing improvement.
• Propose suitable solutions, avoiding wasteful investment.

=> Read more: Key Criteria for Selecting Industrial Manipulator Before Investment

Trends in Modern Factory Lifting Equipment

In the context of Industry 4.0, modern factories demand more than just "up and down" lifting. New trends are reshaping material handling—focusing on automation, safety, flexibility, and overall system efficiency.

• Automation and Robotics: The rise of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR/AGV) for moving goods without human control, and fully automated lifting systems integrated with ERP/WMS to optimise material flow.
• Smart Equipment with IoT: Integrating IoT to monitor operating status in real-time, report errors, warn of overloads, and track maintenance history (Predictive Maintenance).
• Green Energy & Efficiency: Shift towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) replacing internal combustion engines, high-efficiency motors, and energy recovery systems to reduce emissions and fuel costs.
• Ergonomic Design: Focus on the operator with assistive lifting arms (manipulators) to reduce fatigue, adjustable lift tables, and user-friendly interfaces.
• Smart Management Integration: Connecting with MES/WMS/ERP to track location, synchronise data, and plan proactive maintenance.
• Standardisation and "Plug-and-Play": Modular designs that are easy to install, integrate, and upgrade, allowing flexibility in changing production processes.

Vietmani - Provider of Genuine Assistive Lifting Solutions & Consultation

In practical factory implementation, lifting equipment only truly proves effective when chosen for the right problem and used correctly. This is why Vietmani does not approach the market by just "selling equipment," but focuses on consulting on assistive lifting solutions suitable for each specific process.

Vietmani starts with a practical survey at the site, observing directly. From there, we propose suitable assistive lifting solutions rather than imposing a fixed model. The goal is to help businesses use equipment effectively and sustainably over the long term.

If you are looking for a reputable unit for consulting & supplying assistive lifting equipment that understands factories and operators, Vietmani is ready to accompany you from the survey stage to deployment and solution optimisation.

Contact Vietmani for consultation on the assistive lifting solution best suited to your business's actual needs.