What information should you give when requesting a quotation for lifting equipment?

Incomplete requests lead to generic proposals, successive revisions and longer lead times. The more precise the initial survey, the closer the technical and commercial analysis will be to reality.

1. Identify the type of requirement

Before the figures, clarify the nature of the request: manufacture of new equipment, installation, preventive maintenance, corrective service, inspection, panel retrofit or automation. Each path requires different information and involves different teams.

2. Load and movement data

• Rated capacity. The real maximum load, including lifting devices, grabs, beams or electromagnets.
• Span or reach. Distance between supports, in the case of overhead and gantry cranes; jib reach, in the case of jib cranes.
• Lifting height. The usable travel required between the floor and the raised position of the load.
• Travel distance. Total length of the longitudinal travel.
• Speeds required. Hoisting, trolley travel and bridge travel.

3. Site conditions

State the available headroom, the existing structure, the floor type, the presence of piping, lighting, ducts, conveyors or walkways, and whether the operation is indoors or outdoors. Obstructions are the main cause of design revision after a proposal has been approved.

4. Electrical and control data

Available voltage and number of phases, distance to the supply point, and the intended control method — pendant, radio remote or cabin. Also state whether variable frequency drives, soft starters or more precise positioning are required.

5. Duty cycle

How many cycles per hour, how many shifts per day, what share of maximum load in routine use. The duty cycle influences hoist selection, drives, brakes and maintenance expectations.

6. For existing equipment

• Photographs of the nameplate, the panel and the structure
• Make, model and approximate year
• A clear description of the symptom or the operating limitation
• History of previous maintenance and interventions, where available
• Short videos of the movement, when the problem is intermittent

7. Administrative restrictions

Authorised working hours, documentation requirements, contractor induction, the need for scheduled shutdowns and deadline limits. These factors affect team productivity and the final cost of the service.

Conclusion

A good request for quotation describes the operation, not just the equipment. Gathering capacity, dimensions, site conditions, electrical data, duty cycle and photographic records before making contact reduces back-and-forth and lets the proposal address the real problem.