Lifting devices are central elements of lifting and positioning technology on construction sites, in workshops, and in quarries. They enable the safe lifting, holding, and lowering of components, machines, and rock blocks. In concrete demolition, gutting, and special demolition, they are used to move loads in a controlled manner, secure components, and transport segments away after cutting or breaking down. In direct conjunction with tools such as concrete demolition shear or rock and concrete splitters, lifting devices ensure stability and process reliability: components are balanced before gripping, supported during breaking, and purposefully repositioned after splitting or cutting.
Definition: What is a lifting device
A lifting device is a technical device or a system of devices used for vertical or controlled inclined movement of loads. This includes manual or powered hoists (e.g., chain hoists), hydraulic lifting systems (e.g., low-profile cylinders, lifting jacks) as well as complementary components such as spreader beams and load handling attachments. The goal is the safe lifting, holding, and lowering while observing the load-bearing capacity, the center of gravity, and the stability of the overall structure. In practice, the lifting device, slings, load handling attachments and—if hydraulically operated—a hydraulic power pack form a functional unit. Application is carried out in accordance with the applicable technical standards, the manufacturer’s instructions, and a previously conducted hazard analysis.
Design and operating principle of lifting devices
Lifting devices transmit forces to the load via mechanical, hydraulic, or combined systems. Mechanical solutions (e.g., chain hoists, screw jacks) operate via gears, spindles, and chains with gear ratios that allow high loads to be handled with modest operator input. Hydraulic systems use fluid pressure to amplify force: a hydraulic cylinder converts the supplied pressure into lifting force, which acts on the load via piston rods, prisms, or spreader beams. Decisive factors are a sufficiently dimensioned load path, even force distribution, and safe support against tilt- or slip-prone ground. Additional elements such as valves (for load holding), pressure relief, and sensitive controls enable controlled movements and minimize impact loads on the component.
Types of lifting devices in demolition, deconstruction, and extraction
Depending on the application, different lifting systems are used, often in combination with cutting and crushing tools such as concrete demolition shear or stone and concrete splitting devices:
- Hydraulic low-profile and hollow-piston cylinders: low installation height, precise stroke, ideal for lifting and shifting loads on massive components.
- Spreader beams and crossbeams: distribute the load, improve center-of-gravity positioning, and protect edges of sensitive components.
- Chain and wire-rope hoists: manual or powered, for suspended lifting, often at ceiling openings, gantries, or auxiliary structures.
- Lifting jacks and support stands: temporary support to secure before and during breaking/crushing.
- Lifting airbags (hydraulic/pneumatic): area-wide force introduction on sensitive surfaces with limited stroke.
- Transport aids (rollers, machine skates): horizontal repositioning after lifting, often as the final step in the sequence.
Use with concrete demolition shear, stone and concrete splitting devices
In concrete demolition and special demolition, lifting devices stabilize components before gripping with concrete demolition shear, reduce uncontrolled movements during breakout, and enable safe placement after breaking down. In rock breakout or natural stone extraction, stone and concrete splitting devices separate the block along a defined line; lifting devices then take over the lift, prevent jamming, and facilitate controlled rotation or tilting of the segments. This reduces weights, enables planned load paths, and adapts lifting operations to spatial constraints—such as low installation heights or limited lifting points.
Planning, load calculation, and selection criteria
The selection of a suitable lifting device is based on a systematic evaluation of load, geometry, and environmental conditions. Important criteria are load-bearing capacity, stroke, installation height, actuation, and compatibility with existing tools.
Load and center of gravity
Determine the load weight conservatively, accounting for allowances for adherent material, reinforcement, embedded parts, and moisture. The center of gravity must lie within the support and attachment geometry; for components with variable mass distribution, adjustable spreader beams or multiple lifting points are advisable.
Load-bearing capacity and safety margins
Select the lifting device and slings with adequate load-bearing capacity and documented identification. Pay attention to the effect of sling angles on lifting chains as well as to edges and bend radii. Even load distribution reduces localized overstress.
Stroke, installation height, and accessibility
In tight deconstruction environments, the installation height and required stroke determine the equipment choice. Low-profile cylinders or low-built lifting jacks are advantageous when components must be raised or relieved by a few millimeters prior to using concrete demolition shear.
Environmental conditions
Dust, moisture, temperature, and subgrade strength influence the choice of seals, corrosion protection, bearing pads, and the type of load engagement. Load distribution plates improve stability on uneven or capacity-critical subgrades.
Load handling and rigging technique
The connection between the lifting device and the component is made via suitable load handling attachments and lifting points. Typical measures include:
- Drilled anchors, eyebolts, or tested built-in components as lifting points in concrete elements.
- Spreader beams for centering the center of gravity and reducing edge loads.
- Edge protection and protective sleeves to preserve lifting chains and component edges.
- Redundant slings when load orientation is uncertain or dynamic effects are expected.
Hydraulic power packs, control, and interfaces
Hydraulically operated lifting devices require appropriately matched hydraulic power units. Pressure, flow rate, and valve technology determine lifting force, speed, and control quality. In projects where concrete demolition shear, stone and concrete splitting devices, or other hydraulic tools from Darda GmbH are used, matching the interfaces is essential: hose lengths, couplings, pressure relief, and the sequence of actuators must be selected so that no mutual interference occurs and operation remains clear. Sensitive controls with counterbalance valves support controlled lowering of heavy segments.
Safety, operations management, and legal framework
Lifting operations must be carefully planned and carried out by qualified personnel. Before commissioning, visual and functional checks are required; during lifting, exclusion zones apply and the principle of never working under suspended loads must be observed. Operating instructions, regular training, and periodic inspections by competent persons are part of a legally compliant organization. Legal issues are always project-specific and follow generally accepted technical standards, relevant regulations, and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Best practices on the construction site
- Analyze the load and determine the center of gravity; define and mark lifting points.
- Select the lifting device, slings, and load handling attachments with sufficient capacity; prepare bearing surfaces.
- Perform a trial lift at low height, check load orientation, and correct rigging if necessary.
- Lift, position, or lower with smooth, coordinated movements; ensure team communication.
- After splitting or gripping with concrete demolition shear, place the component in a controlled manner, de-tension the slings, and only then release them.
Maintenance, inspection, and typical fault patterns
Regular care increases operational safety: check hydraulic systems for leaks, clean and lightly protect piston rods, inspect slings for wear, cracks, or deformation. Typical observations include pressure drop under load, uneven stroke, increased friction, or damaged chain links. If deviations occur, the equipment must be taken out of service and professionally inspected.
Application examples from the fields of use
Concrete demolition and special demolition
Before breaking out wall or concrete slab segments with concrete demolition shear, the component area is slightly relieved using low-profile cylinders and secured with spreader beams. The lifting device then enables defined lowering and targeted placement without collateral damage to adjacent components.
Strip-out and cutting
When separating superstructures or installations, lifting devices support components prior to cutting. After cutting through, chain hoists and lifting jacks take over controlled removal from the installed position before the material is transferred for haulage.
Rock breakout and tunnel construction
After deploying stone and concrete splitting devices, released blocks are picked up with spreader beams and rotated or shifted within the tight tunnel cross-section. Low-profile hydraulic cylinders are advantageous here, as the installation height is limited and stability has the highest priority.
Natural stone extraction
Separated raw blocks are moved with protected lifting points and properly sized spreader beams. Lifting devices help preserve surfaces and avoid edge spalling, while stone splitting cylinders create the desired raw block geometry.
Special applications
In tight installation conditions, contaminated sites, or sensitive environments (e.g., during tank dismantling with segment-by-segment removal), finely controllable lifting systems enable safe positioning, intermediate storage, and relocation of the segments.
Terminology and interfaces with other tools
Lifting devices are to be distinguished from hoists and load handling attachments in terms of terminology, but in practical use they act as a networked system. Tools such as combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, or tank cutters create cut edges, release connections, and reduce weights—lifting devices take over secure holding and moving of the resulting segments. Coordinated use increases safety, precision, and efficiency throughout the entire process.