If we resolve the forces on the whole beam we get the force diagram as above.
Spreader beam vs lifting beam.
Beams increase the safety and efficiency.
Heavy or unbalanced lifts sometimes require more stability or capacity than a sling hitch can give.
It is a simple design with one lifting eye on the beam s topside for connecting the crane.
This is when riggers turn to below the hook lifting devices like lifting beams and spreader beams.
At the outset it is important to clarify the difference between a spreader and a lifting beam.
A basic lifting beam will have a bottom lug at each end to connect to slings or hook directly into the load in some circumstances.
Find the load capacity minimum and maximum spread and headroom that fits your application.
Under the beam are two or more slugs attached to and support the load via hook or sling.
While both a lifting beam and a spreader bar is similar in that they create a connection point between the load and crane there are differences that make one better than the other in specific instances.
The beam was designed to deal with compression not bending.
On the other hand lifting beams consist a long beam that serves the lifting load into a bending moment through the beam.
When headroom is limited use a lifting beam.
About spreader beams and lifting beams a lifting beam has a centre lifting lug at the top that connects to a crane hook.
A spreader beam is designed to take primarily compressive loads as can be seen in the figure above.
A spreader beam utilises a two legged top sling.
This is a much less efficient use of material and as a result lifting beams are in general heavier and more costly than spreader bars.
The way their lugs are orientated means the load taken by the spreader beam is mainly compressive so they can carry a great deal of weight compared to their size.
Lifting beams have a single centred lifting point on the top side of the beam to connect to a crane hoist or other lifting mechanism.
The main difference between a lifting beam and a spreader bar is the design which dictates the way the force is transmitted during the lift.
Problems occur when a spreader beam is treated as if it were a lifting beam.
Lifting beams and spreader bars are some of the most common types of lifting devices however the difference is often misunderstood.
As a result a spreader beam will likely fail if it is not used correctly remember it is 3 to 4 times smaller than a lifting beam.
Shop grainger today for spreader beams and other lifting equipment that can help you lift large items safely.
Spreader beams have lugs at either end which attach to the crane s sling and two lugs on their underside that attach to the load.
