Winches and hoist equipment are typically used for construction sites and other similar applications, but that’s not all they’re good for. Large-scale events are an industry that rely on durable winches and sturdy hoist equipment to keep their operations running. Concerts, outdoor events, festivals and other large scale events need winches and hoists to help assemble stages, speakers and other essential parts of the event. Our blog takes an in depth look at how winches are used for events, and what the benefits are. To learn more about winches and their role in event management, keep on reading.
The Role Of Winches In Event Management
While you may think of winches and hoisting machinery being primarily used on construction sites or industrial applications, they are extremely adaptable pieces of equipment. Winches are versatile pieces of machinery, and they can be used across a wide range of applications. Our article dives into just a handful of events industries which use winches to help them keep their operations running. Before we dive into these examples, it’s crucial to understand what a winch is and how it works. Read below to gain a deeper understanding of winches and how they operate.
Understanding Winches & Hoists
Winches and hoists can be used across many applications. From marine industries to construction, and industrial processes, to events, these versatile machines can make or break an organisation. Both are designed to handle heavy loads, but there are key differences in these two machines. Understanding what a winch is and how it works is crucial. We’ve broken down the key things you need to know about both winches and hoists.
Winches – Winches are designed to pull heavy loads horizontally. Pulling a car out of a ditch, or pulling a load off of a vehicle horizontally would be a task best handled with a winch. Winches use dynamic braking and gearing systems to secure and move loads. It’s crucial that winches are never used for lifting vertically, as the load would not be secure.
Hoists – Hoists, on the other hand, are perfectly designed to lift loads vertically. They are well equipped to lift and position heavy loads, as a result of their mechanical braking and locking mechanisms. Hoists are effective for precise lifting and positioning.
Both of these pieces of equipment being used on any events site can lead to a quick set-up and installation, as well as a seamless workflow when taking down the structures.
Types Of Events That May Require Winch Equipment
You may be wondering what types of events would need to use winches, and we’ve outlined some of the common events applications where you might need a winch. For most of these applications, winches play a crucial role behind the scenes and in setting up large scale events. Read below to learn more.
Concerts & Festivals
Concerts and festivals are a common example of winches and hoist machinery being used for events. Concerts and festivals are events that require various heavy elements, such as stages, speakers, and other parts of venues to be set up. Concert arenas and festival stages can be extremely large, accommodating hundreds to thousands of people at a time. In order to lift, arrange and safely assemble all the necessary parts of stages and arenas, winches and hoists are commonly used. They are also crucial for ensuring that everything overhead is secured safely, so that anyone on the stage or in the vicinity is safe.
Sports Events
Sports events are another industry where winches and hoists can be used effectively. From football games to tennis matches, there are various parts of sports events that will require a winch to help set up. Temporary structures needed for sports arenas and events will need to be assembled and put up so that no one is at risk. Banners, sound systems and other equipment may need to be moved or assembled for sporting events, and winches/hoists are able to do this safely. Sealing, lighting and even banners can be put up with winch machinery, making things efficient and more safe.
Theatre Shows
While you may not realise it, many theatre shows and productions rely on the use of winches and hoists to move set pieces, props and other items on stage. Broadway and west end shows often have complex rigging systems for the transition between scenes, props and other on stage events. Even actors can be lifted up by winches or hoists as a part of a theatre performance. Safety is a big aspect of using winches and hoists on theatre sets, as these items are being lifted at a height, and need to be secure so that actors or staff on stage are not at any risk.
Corporate Events
For larger companies and organisations, corporate events may be a common occurrence, or a special kind of event for some businesses. Corporate events could include talks, meetups, company events and even exhibitions. Setting up stages, banners and displays for these types of events will require organisation and the right kind of equipment. Winch and hoist hire services can work with companies to help them set up their event and facilitate certain things they need, such as large screens or overhead displays.
TV & Film Sets
Much like theatre shows, TV sets and other production sets need to lift and pull heavy items for filming. Cameras, microphones, lighting and other set pieces may need to be lifted or moved so that production crews can film shows or movies. Stunts and special effects are also carried out with the use of hoists and winches sometimes. Large scale productions, such as Marvel movies, can often use winches and other hoist tools to manage their needs on set.
Benefits Of Using Winches For Events
There are many benefits to using winch equipment for various events. Some examples of how a winch can be beneficial would include:
- Cost Effective – Winch rental, as opposed to winch and hoist purchase, can be a cost effective and practical solution for events management. Many events tend to be temporary, and therefore, need temporary fixtures. By using hire services when these events are running, rather than purchasing equipment, it can be much more economical for events businesses. It helps organisations to avoid the high upfront cost that would come with purchasing winches, and the need to find a storage solution.
- Specialised Equipment – Having access to specialised equipment is crucial for events and event managers. In order to create the most efficient workflow, and a seamless installation/uninstalling process, event managers need to have access to the latest machinery and most efficient models. By using hire services, events organisations can gain access to these models, and other specialised equipment for niche sites. Not only this, but by using hire instead of purchase, events companies are able to avoid high upfront costs, and still be able to run an efficient, safe event.
- Safety – Safety is paramount when it comes to safety at events. From staff to visitors, speakers and performers, everyone needs to be assured that the site is safe. By using winch equipment instead, it ensures that events organisations are complying with safety standards and regulations. Hiring from reputable hire companies can be great for event organisations, as using a reputable supplier can ensure that safety standards are met. Additionally, if event companies need any assistance and support from their suppliers, winch and hoist companies will ensure that everything is safe and secure for guests/staff.
- Industry Support – If you decide to hire or rent winch equipment, it’s likely that your rental service will be able to give you relevant information and support throughout the process. As you are using your equipment, your rental service will be able to answer any questions, advise you on using certain equipment and take the right safety precautions too. If you have any questions about your equipment, reach out to your supplier to ensure that you are operating things safely.
Find Your Winch Hire Supplier Today: Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services
Winches play a critical role in events, as well as many other industries. Winch hire services and hoist companies are available to provide you with the winch equipment you need for your site. Here at Atlas Winch hire & Hoist Services, we offer a range of winch hire equipment and hoist equipment for your organisation. Whether you’re in events or construction, our services could be the perfect solution for your needs.
To learn more about our winch hire and hoist services, feel free to browse our website. We offer new and used options, so that your project doesn’t need to break the bank. For further enquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today at info@winchhire.com.
