Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Ergonomic and Affordable Crane Solutions - Part I

Does your company need an overhead lifting solution yet you have limited floor space? 

Our large variety of wall-mounted and freestanding jib cranes are designed to support tool balancers, air balancers, vacuum lifters and hoists. Workers will enjoy the easy and ergonomic movement supporting greater productivity and safety in their daily industrial applications. We also provide financing for all work station cranes priced at $3,800 and above.


Free Standing Jib Cranes with 360° rotation are perfect to place underneath large bridge cranes, in open areas where they can serve several work stations, in outdoor applications such as loading docks, or in machining and assembly operations where they can be overlapped with other jibs to provide staged operation.
  • Capacities: 100, 150, 250, 500, 1000 lbs.
  • Coverage: circular, spans 4-16 feet
  • 360° rotation

Wall Cantilever Work Station Jib Crane


The wall mounted WSJ200 work station jib crane uses tapered roller bearings at the pivot points for unsurpassed ease of rotation. The cantilevered design allows for maximum headroom.
  • Capacities: 100, 150, 250, 500 and 1000 lbs.
  • Coverage: circular, standard spans 4-16 feet
  • 200° rotation
  • Can be mounted to a wall or column


WiscoLift provides installation and service for all Gorbel cranes in the Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota areas. For more information, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

#cranes #jib #wiscolift

Monday, July 25, 2016

Need a Flexible Speed Electric Hoist?

The new ergonomic ED-V Mini Single Phase Electric Hoist is the first of Harrington Hoists and Cranes’ single phase models to include an adjustable speed feature. The standard speed is 16 feet per minute. When you need a higher speed, simply open the cover and adjust the speed by turning the potentiometer screw with a flat blade screwdriver.

These hoists handle critical loads by providing the speed and precise load positioning for your lifting requirements.

Additional features:
  • 120 volt single phase power
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Low headroom
  • Heat-treated gearing
  • Weston-style and regenerative load brakes
  • Friction clutch for overload protection
  • Standard upper limit switch
  • Nickel-plated, heat-treated load chain

Ideal for all industrial and commercial applications, we think you will like the flexibility of the ED-V Mini Electric Chain Hoist.


For more information, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.


#electrichoists #singlephasehoist #HarringtonHoists #WiscoLift


Friday, July 8, 2016

Daily Hoist Inspection Training Program Online

We all know that proper training reduces accidents, however, training is not always feasible due to lack of available time. I am happy to announce that we are now offering our Daily Hoist Inspection training program online for companies and individuals needing general inspection knowledge or to use as a refresher course as part of your annual training regimen. For only $20 per person, our training module combines video clips, diagrams, and applicable OSHA and ASME standards for a comprehensive overview of daily hoist inspection and safe lifting practices.

Our online training program allows each individual to create their own login and do the program and testing whenever it is convenient for them. Upon completion, they will receive a Certificate of Achievement along with a laminated Daily Hoist Inspection Checklist pocket card. Follow this link to view our introduction video.

If you would like additional information, please view the training information on our website, or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com

Monday, May 23, 2016

Does Your Fall Protection Include OSHA's Recommendations?

According to OSHA, fall protection products fit into four functional categories:

1. Fall Arrest;
2. Positioning;
3. Suspension; and
4. Retrieval.

Fall Arrest – Is required if there is any danger that a worker could fall from an elevated position. As a general rule, the system should be used when working of heights of 6’ or more. A full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard or a retractable lifeline is the only product recommended.

Positioning – Holds the worker in place while keeping their hands free. When the worker leans back the system is activated. Note: Positioning is NOT designed for fall arrest purposes.

Suspension – Lowers and supports a worker while allowing them to work hands-free.

Retrieval – Preplan retrieval in the event a fall should take place as part of your fall arrest program.

Do you need assistance with a Fall Protection System? WiscoLift is a nationally recognized dealer of Fall Protection Systems. For more information, call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Reference: OSHA.gov

#fallprotection #fallarrest #OSHAcompliance

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Prolong the Life of Your Fall Protection Equipment

Keeping your employees safe does not stop after purchasing fall protection equipment. How you take care of your equipment will contribute to either high performance or diminished safety.

  1. Store your equipment in an area that is clean, dry, and has no exposure to fumes or corrosive elements.
  2. Wipe off all surface dirt with a dampened sponge using plain water. Then squeeze the sponge dry and dip it in a mild solution of water and detergent or soap. Work up a thick lather, wiping the equipment vigorously. Follow by wiping the belt with a dry clean cloth.
  3. Hang wet equipment to dry away from excessive heat or sunlight.

Caring for your equipment will prolong and endure its life as well as keep it functioning appropriately.

#safetyharnesscare  #fallprotectionequipment  

Monday, April 25, 2016

Sling Hitches ~ Sling Load and Hitch Types

Slings can be used in any of the following four "HITCHES":

Vertical or straight attachment to the load by using hooks, shackles, or other hardware.

Choker hitches are used when conditions allow for safe "choking" of the load by the sling. In all cases care must be taken to insure the following:

  1. The load will not be damaged by the sling body.
  2. The sling will not be damaged by the load.
  3. All adjustments to the sling must be made prior to lifting. Tightening the sling during lifting may result in burns which seriously damage the sling and may cause sling failure.
  4. The point of choke should be on the sling body and not against the splice or base of the sling eye.
Basket hitches are used to distribute the load equally between sling legs. See section below on effect of angles on sling legs.

Bridle hitches are used when two or more slings are needed to provide load control.

All hitch styles are shown below:


Sling Angle Stress Factors

Consideration must always be given to the angle at which a sling is to be used. Any angle from vertical will decrease the sling's capacity. The amount of lost capacity is determined by the "sling to hook angle", shown as angle "A" below. To calculate the capacity of a sling used at an angle, multiple the sling's load rating by the appropriate factor in the "Sling Load Chart" below. This will give you the sling's reduced rated capacity.

Sling Load Chart

WiscoLift designs custom slings for any application. For more information, email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com or view our available slings online at WEB SLINGS.



Monday, March 21, 2016

Improve Industrial Efficiency with a Conveyor System

Have you considered a new Conveyor System for your warehouse and manufacturing applications? Conveyor technology continues to advance to minimize unexpected downtime and there are a full range of conveyors for every application imaginable. Following is a list of conveyor types and their primary usage:
  • Cleated Belt Conveyors - Handles parts that move in an up/down incline with an economical parts conveyor. Belt widths can be ordered from 4" wide to 48" wide.
  • Steel Wire Mesh Belt Conveyors - Used to convey oily, hot or cold products in cooling, oven or other special spraying and drying conditions.
  • Motorized Roller Conveyors - Loads up to 3900 lbs. can be moved with these clean and efficient motorized roller systems.
  • Roller Bed Belt Conveyors - Designed for transporting heavy loads over long distances with less horsepower than slider bed conveyors.
  • Gravity Conveyors - Standard in the production industry due to their ideal movement of light to medium weight packages. Easily portable and can be used as a temporary or a permanent conveyor line.
  • Accordion Conveyors - Portable and efficient, they conform to various shapes necessary for ease of product handling with lengths available up to 60 feet and load capacity up to 275 lbs. per lineal foot.
  • Zone Accumulation - Designed to accumulate products and containers into zones without contact; commonly termed Zero Pressure Accumulation or ZPA.
  • Gates - Manual or spring assisted gates can be used to provide access to personnel or equipment in other areas of the building. Can be used with skate wheel or roller conveyors.

WiscoLift is now offering a full range of conveyors for all of your warehouse and manufacturing applications. We can assist with evaluation of your specific application and provide customized installation. For more information on conveyor systems, call us at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.