Jan/Feb 2026

Replacing an overhead crane is costly. There is capital expenditure. There is risk. Not only must the buyer consider the scale of financial outlay, but also any possibility of equipment underperformance, or failure if his choice is wrong. The watchwords are care, and caution too. One viable option, often overlooked, is refurbishment. If the function of the crane has not changed, then refurbishment offers at least three clear advantages: cost savings first; improved crane perf

Ben Dobbs, Head of Global Standards and Legislation at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), looks at the development of chain grades. Chain slings provide a versatile, durable and safe means of connecting loads to lifting appliances, but they must be used in the correct manner to avoid dangerous lifting practices and service damage. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case and many slings have been subjected to great abuse in service. Chain slings manuf

Wacker Neuson South Africa is extremely proud to announce the introduction of the globally trusted, precision-engineered German telehandler brand, Weidemann, to Sub-Sahara Africa’s agricultural sector. This strategic move ushers in a new force set to elevate productivity and performance across the region’s farming landscape.“Our introduction of Weidemann to the South and Sub-Saharan African market reinforces our long-term growth vision for Africa and marks a defining moment i

YOKE Industrial Corp. is now a validated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) service provider of the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA (LEEASA). YOKE, a LEEASA member, is a renowned supplier of hardware, including Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting chain fittings; swivel hoist hooks; shackles; angular contact swivels; wire rope clips; and lifting points. LEEASA was formed by like-minded organisations and individuals from the providers and manufacturers, in add

The public infrastructure investment plan announced by the Government through 2027 is set to have a major financial impact on the country, with an estimated GDP boost of up to 1.5% for every percentage point invested in the sector. During the first quarter of 2025 alone, the industry suffered the loss of more than 119,000 jobs. Younger workers and those with lower technical and professional qualifications have been the most affected by this employment crisis. However, initiat

A lift plan is essential because international legislation and recognised industry standards require lifting operations to be properly planned, assessed and controlled. Worldwide, organisations must be able to demonstrate that lifting activities are executed in a safe and structured manner — and the lift plan is the practical proof that these requirements are met. For the heavy lifting and hoisting sector, lift planning is not optional or limited to complex lifts. Every lifti