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No Room to Spare: Rigging Solutions for Data Center Construction

Overcoming Tight Clearances With The Right Lifting Equipment

 

As the demand for data storage grows, data center construction continues to boom across the U.S. These facilities are critical to powering everything from cloud computing to AI, and contractors are tasked with building them at an unprecedented pace. But one of the biggest challenges in these projects isn’t just the scale, it’s the space.

No headroom? No problem. LGH has your back with the tools you need.

Tight corridors, low ceilings, and limited access points are the norm in many data centers. Unlike industrial sites, these environments leave little room for large lifting equipment. That’s where low headroom solutions come into play.

The Challenge: Tight Spaces, Heavy Lifts

Data center construction often involves installing large and heavy equipment like chillers, backup generators, and switchgear in spaces with restrictive clearance. Traditional lifting setups can’t always fit through doorways or maneuver in low-ceiling environments. Without the right rigging equipment, delays and safety risks quickly escalate.

LGH’s Low Headroom Solutions

At LGH, we specialize in helping contractors overcome these challenges with safe and efficient equipment rental options. Some of our most tried and true solutions for low headroom jobs include:

  1. Beam Trolleys:

    When clearance is limited, every inch of headroom matters. LGH’s low headroom beam trolleys are designed to travel smoothly along beams while supporting the weight of heavy loads. Their compact profile allows contractors to maximize lift height even in spaces where overhead obstructions would otherwise restrict movement, making them essential for installing large equipment inside data centers.

    In spaces with tight headroom, beam trolleys from LGH make tough jobs easier.

  2. Hand Chain Hoists:

    These compact yet powerful hoists provide reliable lifting strength in confined areas where traditional hoists won’t fit. By reducing the distance between the hook and the beam, hand chain hoists enable safe vertical lifts without sacrificing capacity. This makes them especially valuable where overhead space is often limited by framework, piping, or ductwork.

    Chain hoists and beam trolleys make the perfect pair in a situation with low headroom.

  3. Crazy Skates & Toe Jacks:

    Not every lift can happen overhead. In situations where equipment needs to be maneuvered at ground level, crazy skates and toe jacks are the perfect solution. Hydraulic toe jacks allow contractors to safely lift and position heavy electrical cabinets or cooling systems just high enough to place them onto hydraulic skates, which then roll the load smoothly through narrow aisles or around tight corners inside the facility.

    Crazy skates give precision and control when working in tight spaces.

  4. CMOD Spreader Frames:

    Tight spaces don’t always allow for standard lifting angles, which is where LGH’s CMOD modular spreader beam system excels. With its flexible design, CMOD can be configured to distribute load weight evenly and maintain safe lifting geometry even in restricted areas. This adaptability makes it one of the most trusted solutions for delicate, high-value lifts like HVAC units or large IT infrastructure inside data centers.

    Just because you don’t have a lot of room doesn’t mean you can’t use Modular Beams! Our CMOD Frames ensure you can lift wherever you need.

  5. Rack Rollers (Pipe Rollers):

    Rack rollers help to make moving bulky pieces a breeze.

    Floor space in data centers can be just as limited as headroom. Rack rollers provide a simple, efficient way to slide massive equipment such as cooling systems, battery racks, or switchgear into final position. By allowing contractors to roll loads into place with control and precision, rack rollers reduce the risk of damage to both the equipment and the surrounding infrastructure in these tight working environments.

 

Why It Matters in Data Centers

Low headroom lifting isn’t just about fitting equipment into tight spots. It’s about efficiency, safety, and project timelines. By using the right LGH solutions, contractors can help reduce downtime caused by maneuvering oversized equipment, keep safety first by ensuring proper weight distribution and controlled movement, and stay on schedule even when working in highly restrictive environments.

A Trusted Partner in Data Center Construction

At LGH, we understand the unique challenges data center builders face. Our team works directly with contractors to design lifting solutions that meet both the demands of the project and the limitations of the job site.

As data centers continue to rise across the country, low headroom equipment will remain essential to building them safely and efficiently, and LGH is proud to be part of that success.

ABOUT LGH

LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.