LIFTING BEAMS
Lifting beams are the ideal alternative to a spreader beam and allow for low headroom situations or when you need the beam to support the load. Typically used in indoor applications, the top of the lifting beam usually has a single attachment point centered on the top side of the beam for connecting your lifting device. This design of the lifting beam is for even loading that is spread out across the span of the beam. However, some lifting beams may have multiple bails in order to engage two crane or hoist hooks. When selecting your lifting beam it is important to review your lift details with your Product Advisor to determine the ideal span and capacity of your beam.
There are at least two lifting lugs on the underside of the beam that attach to and support the load via a hook or sling. This allows for great flexibility in your rigging attachments. Twin-Path slings are a great choice, for the bottom rigging of your lifting beam, due to their lightweight, flexibility and overload features.
Lifting beams do not require top rigging like spreader beams because they are designed to convert lifting loads into bending forces on the beam. This is great for low head room situations and for lifting loads that require support, such as steel plates or bundles of piping.
We can advise on the safest type of rig design for a particular application, and check the stability of the load, and can design Lifting Beams and Frames to suit more complex rigs. Below are some examples:
- Multiple connection points to suit different spans/sizes
- Additional adjustability to accommodate loads with offset centers of gravity
- ‘Inverted’ Lifting beams: Tandem Lifting Beams where there are two top lifting points and one central bottom lifting point e.g. when turning two crane hooks into one central lifting point
- Beams/Frames with shackle/crane hook/direct attachment to the load
I&I Sling supplies innovative adjustable lifting beams designed for strength, safety, and ease of use. Caldwell’s® Dura-Lite™ Model 416 Composite Adjustable Lifting Beams — lightweight yet incredibly strong solutions for safe and efficient handling. Constructed from advanced composite materials, these beams are up to 50% lighter than steel, reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment while still delivering exceptional strength and durability.
Main benefits are:
- Capacities up to 3 tons (depending on configuration)
- Non-conductive: corrosion-resistant material won't rust
- Proof tested with certificate issued
Knowing The Difference Between Spreader & Lifting Beams
Lifting beams are used when available headroom is not sufficient for top rigging. Lifting beams must be designed structurally larger than spreader beams to adequately handle load stress. Spreader beams with top rigging are smaller because most load stress is absorbed by the rigging. This differentiation is critical in order to properly specify the equipment required.
Contact your I&I Sling Product Advisor to assist you with choosing the correct beam for your application.
