Spreader Beam Vs Lifting Beam

If we resolve the forces on the whole beam we get the force diagram as above.

Spreader beam vs lifting beam.

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. This is when riggers turn to below the hook lifting devices like lifting beams and spreader beams. When headroom is limited use a lifting beam. Lifting beams and spreader bars are some of the most common types of lifting devices however the difference is often misunderstood.

Lifting beams on the other hand consist of a long beam that converts the lifting load into a bending moment through the beam. Find the load capacity minimum and maximum spread and headroom that fits your application. A spreader beam is designed to take primarily compressive loads as can be seen in the figure above. Lifting beam vs spreader beam a sling alone isn t always enough to safely move a load.

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. It is a simple design with one lifting eye on the beam s topside for connecting the crane. Shop grainger today for spreader beams and other lifting equipment that can help you lift large items safely. 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 main difference between a lifting beam and a spreader bar is the design which dictates the way the force is transmitted during the lift. 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. About spreader beams and lifting beams a lifting beam has a centre lifting lug at the top that connects to a crane hook. 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 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. Beams increase the safety and efficiency. The beam was designed to deal with compression not bending. A spreader beam utilises a two legged top sling.

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. Under the beam are two or more slugs attached to and support the load via hook or sling. Problems occur when a spreader beam is treated as if it were a lifting beam. At the outset it is important to clarify the difference between a spreader and a lifting beam.