Chain slings, shackles, and hoists: What lifting gear is most used in KSA projects?

The scale and diversity of industrial development in Saudi Arabia require lifting solutions that meet demanding performance and safety benchmarks. Across these sites, certain types of lifting gear have become standardized due to their reliability, load-bearing versatility, and compliance with local and international regulations.

Let’s look at the most deployed lifting gear in Saudi Arabia’s operational environment, focusing on core categories such as chain slings, shackles, and hoists. Understanding the typical selection criteria for each product group helps align inventory, inspection schedules, and client consultations with current project trends.

Chain slings: Versatile and load bearing

Chain slings remain the most widely used multi-purpose lifting solution across construction, logistics, and energy installations. Their modular configuration allows for quick adaptation to different load geometries and lifting angles.

Common preferences include:

• Grade 80 or Grade 100 alloy steel chains
• Single-leg, two-leg, and four-leg assemblies with adjustable lengths
• Use of shortening hooks and grab hooks for onsite flexibility

Chain slings are favored for their high strength-to-weight ratio, tolerance to abrasive environments, and compatibility with temperature extremes common in desert and industrial settings.

Shackles: Critical for load securement

Shackles serve as connectors between slings, hoists, and lifting points, and are vital for maintaining load integrity during lifts. In KSA projects, bow shackles and dee shackles are frequently used, depending on the directional force involved.

Key features driving their selection include:

• Forged alloy construction for high load capacity
• Bolt-type or screw-pin configurations based on rigging demands
• Compliance with ASME B30.26 or EN 13889 for offshore and onshore projects

Shackles must be traceable and routinely inspected for wear, pin deformation, and elongation, particularly in high use lifting environments.

Hoists: For vertical and controlled lifting

Manual and electric chain hoists are another essential component of lifting gear in Saudi Arabia, particularly for tasks requiring precise vertical lifting or installation of heavy mechanical systems. In refineries and high-rise construction sites, hoists are often integrated into beam trolley systems for repetitive lifting cycles.

Manual chain blocks offer the advantage of control in confined spaces, while electric hoists improve speed and reduce manual strain. In all cases, brake mechanisms, load limiters, and overload protection systems are standard expectations.

Compliance and inspection as operational priorities

All lifting gear used in the country must conform to recognized standards and meet the inspection protocols outlined by the Saudi Ministry of Industry, ARAMCO, and other certifying authorities. Regular testing, documentation, and third-party verification are prerequisites, especially for gear used in hazardous or critical applications.

Saudi Dutest continues to align its catalog of lifting gear with these expectations by offering certified products, client training, and in-house inspection services tailored to regional needs.

Equipping projects with reliable lifting solutions

Chain slings, shackles, and hoists form the core foundation of lifting systems used across Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and industrial sectors. Their widespread application reflects a combination of adaptability, compliance, and performance under site-specific demands.

By continuously evaluating the use trends and technical requirements of lifting gear in Saudi Arabia, stakeholders can ensure their equipment is aligned with both project specifications and national safety regulations.

Tags: lifting gear in Saudi Arabia

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This post was written by Second Admin