F.A.Q.'s

Why is the "SKYHOOK" safer than other methods?

The "SKYHOOK" keeps all personell inside the floors of the building. Falls from a platform won't happen. (we loose one or two each yr who fall from platforms.) Loads secured under the "SKYHOOK" won't have to get yanked over the safety rails causing some loads to come apart. Keeping the load cable away from the building or other abraisive contacts won't damage the cable, also saving the replacement expenses.

How much will we save using a "SKYHOOK?"

With the help of a pre-construction team, we have put together an EXCEL spread sheet that allows you to fill in the blanks. Typical savings realized by the crew unloading the truck is from 10-40%. This can be more or less depending on how well prepared, and proficient the crew is that performs the task. Our spread sheet calculates the savings, as well as the indirect savings to the jobsite in whole. A glass company on an Oakland project saved about $750/truck load. The project also was more productive because the elevator/hoist allowed tradesman to continue their work without delays caused by hauling the glass in the hoist.

Why is utilizing the "SKYHOOK" better than portable decks?

Decks can be expensive, they use crane time moving them, and setting them usually requires shoring. Decks can place substantial weight on the edge of the floor. There is often high pressure points from the cantilever. Several are required to adequately deliver materials to all of the floors and perimeter. A deck can obstruct delivery to another floor below it.

We already utilize our elevators (hoists) to move material and have the expense built in, why rent a "SKYHOOK"?

A hoists causes the labor handling the material at least twice as much work to deliver it to the work area. The "SKYHOOK" takes the load from the truck, directly to the floor, at the open perimeter area of your choice. There is also less chance of damaging the interior items caused by repositioning materials. A hoist with a load of materials displaces tradesman who utilize the hoist to complete the scope of their work. Using the hoist often bottle-necks the loading platform below and in the area near the doors on the upper floors. How many tradesman will be standing around waiting for a ride?

How much weight rides on the wheel on the floor above the load?

Up to 50% of the weight of the load. The "SKYHOOK" is an engineered, patented pulley structure that ensures the load weight is carried by the crane's cable and the "SKYHOOKS" cable. The crane operator positions the "SKYHOOK" near the floor with the help of the signalman. The "SKYHOOK" is turned by a top man, so that it will set the wheel on the floor above the delivery floor. The signalman calls for a slow decent of the "Hook" as the top man guides the wheel into the building. Until the "SKYHOOK" sets level on the floor above, the majority of the weight is carried by the crane. When level approximately half of the load is carried by the crane and half is carried by the "SKYHOOK". The load is then lowered gently to the floor. (Preferrably onto pallet jacks or wheeled carts.)

How much does the "SKYHOOK" weigh?

The empty weight is 1477 lbs. The working capacity is 5,000 lbs.

How soon can we use the "SKYHOOK" on structural steel projects?

We have seen loads placed on decking without concrete. 2x's in the trays placed directly over the beams with ply on top will support loads like "dobies" for the rebar. Be sure they are flying the "dobies" securely in a suitable container. As soon as you know the concrete is cured enough for the loading you intend. The sprinkler fitters will appreciate getting their material bundles so they can complete their scope of work early.

Will the "SKYHOOK" work on stick framed buildings?

Yes, provided you protect the floor above with extra piece(s) of ply to roll on, to disperse the weight, and you unload only above suitably framed floors to carry the loads. Fortunately, the "SKYHOOK" can also be used to eliminate trash materials loaded into containers as well.

How low can the ceiling be, and still deliver a load?

Ceilings lower than 7'-5" are still workable. A spreader bar is used with rigging that keeps the load tight to the "SKYHOOK" allowing the loads to be placed onto the floors. Shorter, wider containers are beneficial with lower ceilings.

How do large steel beams near the floor edge affect operation?

The "SKYHOOK" has a 59" gap between the bottom edge of the top horizontal, and the top edge of the bottom horizontal. The "SKYHOOK" sets a load 4'-6" inside from the edge of the floor. Using this inset area, add up the distance between the lowest possible obstruction beam, up to the top of the floor surface above. The thicker that gap distance is, the slower the movements will need to be. For instance, if the gap is 4' total, the gap in the margin for the SKYHOOK is about 12". So when the hook is brought to near level, hoisting down will be paused or slowed to a creep while the top man steers the wheel into the building. Floor height at the loading floor below can be as much as 18' before the optional cable is required to be installed. That may also be alleviated by using longer rigging methods.

Are concrete window openings a problem?

No. The wheel will enter over the top of the window opening as it normally fly's. The wheel and rear foot can be adjusted in minutes to adapt to any profile at the edge of the slab. ( See our profile page for examples.)

How long does it take to train and certify users?

Good signalman/riggers can be taught in a couple of hours. However, "SKYHOOKS, LLC will send a certified trainer to do the initial set up, to confidence test, and to work with and certify the users of the "SKYHOOK". The trainer will spend up to two days on site per unit, and they will be demonstrating the many different abilities of the device. (We want to make sure your crews utilize the unit as much as possible.) Anyone who is proficient at signalling and rigging will probably be cerified very quickly. We usually know right away if someone is not capable and we will suggest to management that a substitute be used. Most of our trainers are certified crane operators and are proficient signalman. Our decision is final. Extra training for those without experience signalling and rigging is available as an extra expense.

What does it cost to rent the "SKYHOOK"?

Much less than it costs to rent a SKYTRAK or Gradall, and the "SKYHOOK" doesn't require the same maintennance of powered equipment. Just perform the normal, visual, hands-on inspection that is carried out for any rigging equipment before each use. It is stupid simple and we even supply a check list to initial before each use. (SKYHOOKS, LLC performs a static load test at least annually and it probably has been tested prior to your use. Be sure to make a copy of the report for your records.)

Prior delivery, the trainer will be made familiar with your intended loads, your pick and set positions, and any possible obstructions. We'll also make sure that the proper rigging is available or in the possession of the users. Our certifying trainer will have contacted and discussed with your crane operator(s) the operation and use of the "SKYHOOK". We will also find out from them who they prefer as a lead signalman/rigger, and if they have concerns about the "SKYHOOKS" use.

We ship a unit to be delivered to you at the exact time that fits your schedule. Our FedEx Freight delivery is guaranteed to be delivered per your directions. We are usually there to receive it, and training can begin immediately with signal/rigging staff assisting the set up.

We require all staff who get certified to spend at least 4 hrs training. Additional staff can also attend and it is usually beneficial to them to see the many ways that the device can be used. Cameras are welcome and can be helpful to remember how some loads are rigged. At some point in the near future, we will post pictures from our customers to display the many varying loads hoisted with the "SKYHOOK".

If we haven't answered your question here, drop us an email, sales@skyhooksllc.com or give us a call. (866) 587- 4008.

Please... Contact us in advance of your equipment needs. A lead time may be required to deliver your order and we want to have your equipment ready for you, when you are ready for it...