Having the right tools on site can make the difference between a smooth, efficient project and one slowed down by delays, safety concerns, and physical strain. When heavy materials need to be moved, your workflow should feel controlled, predictable, and safe, not rushed or risky.

That’s where lift and shift equipment becomes your advantage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tools designed to handle heavy materials safely, explain where each solution works best on site, and help you choose equipment that keeps your project moving efficiently and compliantly.

What is Lift and Shift Equipment?

Lift and Shift equipment refers to specialist tools and machinery designed to safely raise, lower, and transport heavy materials around your site. These solutions remove the need for manual handling of high-risk loads such as steel beams, concrete blocks, timber sections, glazing, and machinery components.

By using the correct equipment, you can:

• Reduce injury risk by eliminating dangerous manual lifting
• Improve efficiency by moving materials faster and with greater control
• Maintain access to elevated or restricted areas where standard handling isn’t practical
• Create a safer working environment that supports compliance with health and safety regulations 

What Lift & Shift Equipment Do We Offer?

Every site faces its own lifting challenges, whether that means overhead installations, scaffold loading or relocating plant. Having the right equipment in place ensures each task can be completed safely, efficiently, and with full control.

Genie Lifts

Our Genie Superlift models range (10ft to 25ft models) offer precise vertical lifting where height and accuracy matter most. With options including hoists, extension forks and other attachments, these lifts are ideal for overhead installations, scaffold loading, and positioning heavy components exactly where they’re needed. 

Key benefits include:

• Smooth, controlled lifting for safer handling at height
• Impressive reach for elevated installation tasks
• Precise placement, reducing the risk of load shifting or damage

Scaffolding Hoists

Scaffold hoists remove the physical strain of carrying materials up ladders or stair towers. They’re designed for regular vertical lifting of loads such as bricks, mortar buckets, tools, and fittings. Our range includes the IMER scaffold hoist (200 kg SWL), 4‑bucket carriers and muck tipping buckets.

On-site benefits:

• Reduced manual handling
• Faster material delivery to working levels
• Improved safety by eliminating lifting at height

Ramps

Without proper equipment like ramps, moving wheelbarrows or skips, loading onto vehicles can become both inefficient and hazardous. Our skip‑loading ramps and aluminium ramps create a stable, purpose-built pathway that improves traffic flow and site safety. 

Why construction ramps make a difference:

• Far safer than improvised planks or boards
• Easier loading for wheeled equipment, reducing physical strain
• Minimised material damage and fewer workplace injuries

Slings, Chains & Winches

Reliable lifting control depends on the right accessories. Sling, chain and winch are essential. These fundamental lifting accessories provide stability, safety and ensure loads remain stable during lifting and transport. Our range includes ratchet straps, chain slings, Tirfor winch and scaffolding hoist carriers - all built for secure load management.

These tools provide: 

• Enhanced stability during lifts
• Steady load movement to reduce risk
• Secure anchoring for controlled handling across a wide range of tasks

Plant Trailers

Plant trailers make moving heavy equipment between sites safer and more straightforward. Designed to carry machines like diggers and dumpers securely, they provide the stability and support needed to load, transport, and unload with confidence. 

They deliver:

• High load capacity instability
• Even weight distribution for safer transport
• A more controlled loading environment that protects operators and equipment 

Other Equipment

Alongside our major lifting solutions, we offer additional tools to support everyday site handling:

• Hydraulic Jacks: Perfect for lifting machinery slightly to allow repositioning or alignment adjustments.
• Vacuum Lifters: Provide safe lifting of smooth or fragile materials, including glass panels and steel sheets.
• Pallet Trucks: Reliable for quick, efficient movement of palletised goods around loading areas or storage zones.

Benefits of Using Lift & Shift Equipment on Site

Hiring lift and shift equipment transforms how your site operates - reducing physical strain while increasing productivity and safety across all lifting tasks.

Key advantages include:

• Safety: Eliminates hazardous manual handling and supports compliance with LOLER regulations and workplace safety standards.
• Efficiency: Streamlines material movement, helping teams complete tasks faster with fewer interruptions.
• Flexibility: Access a tailored hire solution that matches your project scope and timeline.
• Cost savings: Avoid the expense of purchasing equipment outright — hire only what you need, when you need it.
• Expertise: Guidance from our experienced team ensures you get the right solution for every task.

How to Choose the Right Lift & Shift Equipment for Your Project

Choosing the right equipment begins with a clear understanding of your site’s specific demands:

1) Assess the load: For elevated or heavy installations, Genie lifts provide safe, controlled vertical lifting. For ground-level repositioning, pallet trucks, hydraulic jacks, and winches are often more suitable. 

2) Reach & access: If your work involves height, Genie lifts are a reliable solution. For scaffold or horizontal site movement, hoists, ramps, and wheeled carriers keep materials moving safely.

3) Ground conditions: Uneven or soft terrain requires stabilised equipment such as plant trailers, solid-based jacks, or slings that evenly distribute load weight.

4) Duration: Short-term jobs benefit from quickly deployed tools like ramps or pallet trucks. Longer projects often require dual-purpose equipment like Genie lifts or plant trailers that support ongoing site operations.

5) Safety risk: High-risk tasks demand maximum control. Choose vacuum lifters for smooth sheet materials, chain slings for heavy suspended loads, and hoists for elevated transport.

6) Operator skills: For less experienced teams, user-friendly equipment like ramps and pallet trucks provides immediate safety gains. Advanced machinery such as Genie lifts or winches should only be operated by trained staff - or selected with guidance from your hire provider. 

Why PSM Hire is a Great Choice for Lift & Shift

PSM Hire is built around one purpose: to make lifting on site safer, simpler, and better planned. From honest pricing to expert equipment guidance, everything we do is focused on helping your project run smoothly.

When you hire with us, you’re not just booking machinery; you’re gaining a knowledgeable partner invested in your site’s success.

Ready to move forward with confidence? Our team is here to help you get started. Get in touch today.