Two Different Types Of Beam Lifts
Posted on: 31 March 2022
When working on a construction project or managing a warehouse, you often have big and heavy items you need to move around. It is difficult to lift a beam on your own; that is why you need to rent a beam lift when you are working on a project requiring many beams to be moved around. There are two different types of lifting devices that you can use to lift beams.
There are below-the-hook lifting devices that come in a range of sizes and configurations that allow you to lift the beams where the load being lifted puts bending stress on the beam. Then there are spreader beams, where the load is being lifted by putting a compressive stream on the beam.
Spreader Beam
A spreader beam is a very simple device. It has a long bar that holds two different slings apart. It is made to take the load that is being lifted. The weight of the lifting load is spread across the legs of the sling that is being lifted.
There are two lifting lugs at both ends of the beam. A chain is attached to the two lifting lugs, coming upwards to create what looks like a triangle shape. At the end below where the chain is, there are two hooks that hang down. These hooks are where the load is attached. The weight is spread over the length of the beam. The beam can then be connected to various lifting machines and used to move materials around. For example, it can be attached to either a crane or a hoist. The lugs on the bottom allow the load to be connected to the beam.
A spreader beam has two lifting points instead of one. By using two lifting points instead of one, the weight of the load is spread out more evenly, hence the name spreader beam. This helps reduce the chance of a load tipping, sliding, or bending at all.
The one disadvantage of a spreader beam is that they need a fair amount of overhead room to work. If the load is too long, you may need to use some extra tools, such as a tagline, to keep it stabilized.
Lifting Beam
Another tool you can use for moving around goods is a lifting beam. A lifting beam works differently than a spreader beam. On a lifting beam, one hook connects to the lifting tool. That hook is located in the middle of the load. Then, there are three attachment points on the beam itself instead of just two. There is an attachment point on both ends of the beam, right at the end. There is also an attachment point in the middle of the beam.
A lifting beam doesn't require the same headroom to work as a spreader beam. You don't need as much space between the beam and the lifting device with only one lifting point. You don't need to have as much space to work with when using a lifting beam.
One of the most significant advantages of a lifting beam is handling out-of-balance loads. You can also use special attachments to help you secure and move loads around.
When deciding between renting a spreader beam or a lifting beam, you need to consider how much headroom you have and the types of loads you are moving around.
For more information, contact a company that offers beam lift rentals.
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