A Buyer’s Guide to Lifting Equipment – What to Look for When Hiring or Purchasing

Lifting equipment and chains in-store.

When it comes to lifting operations, whether you’re managing a construction site, an industrial facility, or handling a one-off job, choosing the right lifting equipment is essential to ensure safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance. At LMT Hire Ltd, we provide a full range of lifting equipment from shackles & eyebolts to lever hoists and clamps for hire or purchase across the UK – all supplied with full certification and expert support.

Understanding Your Project Requirements

Before selecting lifting equipment, it’s crucial to assess the specific needs of your job. Consider the nature of the load, the working environment, lifting height and frequency of use. These factors will help determine the most suitable equipment for your needs, Whether it’s a simple shackle or a more complex item of equipment.

Know Your Weight Capacities

Weight capacity, also known as the Working Load Limit (WLL) or Safe Working Load (SWL) is one of the most important considerations when choosing lifting gear. Exceeding the SWL can lead to catastrophic failures, risking both equipment and operator safety. Always select equipment that can handle your heaviest expected load with an adequate safety margin.

At LMT Hire Ltd, our lifting gear comes in a variety of sizes and load capacities to suit every application. If you’re unsure what capacity you need, our experienced team can help assess your requirements and make informed recommendations.

Safety Factors and Compliance

Compliance with UK safety regulations is non-negotiable. All lifting equipment must meet the standards set out by LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations). Make sure that any equipment you hire or purchase is fully certified and accompanied by up-to-date documentation.

Our entire stock at LMT Hire Ltd is LOLER-compliant and supplied with a Declaration of Conformity or valid inspection certificate. We also offer repair, re-certification and LOLER inspection services to keep your gear in top condition.

Quality, Durability & Maintenance

Choosing robust, well-maintained equipment reduces the risk of failure and downtime. At LMT Hire Ltd, all our lifting equipment is regularly inspected, maintained, and ready for immediate use. From web slings and wire ropes to shackles and chain slings, you can count on our gear to perform when it matters most.

Expert Support

Not sure what you need? Our team is here to help. With decades of experience in lifting and proof load testing, we offer expert advice to guide you through the hiring or purchasing process, ensuring you get the right equipment for the job.

Explore Our Services

In addition to lifting equipment hire and sales, we also offer:

Visit our Lifting Equipment page to learn more, or contact us for a free quote.