Choosing the Right Lifting Beam

Lifting beams, or spreader beams, consist of one or more beams fitted with hooks, suction cups, or magnets. These are used to attach a load to lifting equipment, such as a crane or bridge crane. Their function is to distribute the weight of the load over several attachment points to increase the stability and reduce the forces applied to it during lifting.

Lifting beams are used for handling large, flexible, and very heavy loads. Depending on the load to be lifted, you can opt for a single or double beam, an H-shaped or frame lifting beam for boxes and containers, a cross lifting beam for big bags, a turning lifting beam for lifting boats, etc. This equipment is used in various sectors of activity, such as construction, agriculture, the automotive and aeronautical industries, etc.

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How to choose a lifting beam
There are several factors to consider when choosing a lifting beam:
- The intended use, i.e. whether it will only be used for lifting loads or also for moving them horizontally.
- The dimensions and weight of the load, i.e. whether it is long and/or tall, light or heavy.
- If there is a need to distribute the weight of the load over more or fewer lifting points.
- The type and number of lifting points.
- The type of power supply: electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.
- The space available to install the equipment and move the loads, in particular, the ceiling height for indoor spaces.
- The possibility of adjusting the lifting beam: Do you need a fixed lifting beam or one that is adjustable?
What are the advantages of using a lifting beam?
Using lifting beams offers great advantages. They allow you to:
- Lift and move particularly long and/or tall loads, weighing between a few kilos and hundreds of tons.
- Reduce the opening angle of the slings, increasing the resistance capacity of these elements.
- Reduce the height required to hoist the same long load with a sling of two or more legs.
- Reduce the risk of the load tipping over or slipping, since it is possible to control the angle of the sling, allowing these load-handling operations to be carried out more safely.
- Have moving flexible parts, minimizing the risk of deformation.
What are the different types of lifting beams?
There are several types of lifting beams. Your choice will depend on the characteristics of the loads you want to move.

A single-girder lifting beam is a single bar with two or more lifting points that can be fixed or adjustable. It balances the load to be moved and reduces the stress applied to it. This is a very economical solution for handling and lifting work.

There are also lifting beams made up of several crossbars, which have more than two lifting points. They offer greater stability and are capable of handling very heavy loads. These include lifting beams with various configurations:
- Frame lifting beams are square or rectangular, and used with a 4-point sling, which allows them to be lifted. They can be fixed or adjustable, depending on the model. An adjustable lifting beam, also known as a telescoping spreader beam, allows you to adapt the distance between the attachment points to the dimensions of the load.
- Cross lifting beams can only lift loads of up to one and a half tons. They offer a high degree of safety thanks to their four fixed hooks. They are a low-cost solution widely used in the construction industry, for example.
- H-shaped lifting beams with four lifting points, guarantee excellent load stability. They can be fixed or adjustable.
Turning lifting beams can turn hoisted loads using a motorized system. They can be used for large loads.

VERLINDE H lifting beam

SAPEM fixed lifting beam
Fixed or adjustable lifting beam?

Flaig Magnetsysteme adjustable lifting beam

Your choice between a fixed or adjustable lifting beam will depend on your intended use.

Fixed lifting beams

Fixed lifting beams can balance the load, just like the other models. However, they can only be used with loads whose length is compatible with the dimensions of the lifting beam.

Adjustable lifting beams

If you need to lift or move loads of different lengths, opt for an adjustable lifting beam, also known as a telescoping lifting beam. This will allow you to adjust the distance between the lifting points and thus adapt the lifting beam to the length of the load in question. Before starting, the necessary adjustments must be made to ensure the stability and balance of the loads, paying particular attention to those whose weight is not evenly distributed along their length.
Why opt for a vacuum lifting device?
Vacuum lifting devices allow heavy loads to be lifted and moved with a smooth, flat surface with a vacuum clamping system. This system is powered and controlled by a vacuum generator, which can be pneumatic or electric.

This type of lifting device consists of a steel frame with suction cups. The size and number of suction cups must be appropriate to the type and dimensions of the load. It is a device that offers several advantages:
- Fast and precise lifting of loads.
- Easy handling of smooth, flat loads such as marble, glass, steel plates, plastic sheets, etc., horizontally and vertically, with 90°, 180° or 360° rotation.
- A very stable hold on the load, allowing it to be moved more safely and reliably.
- Easy maintenance of the lifter.
- Ergonomics.
This solution is suitable for handling loads of up to 20 tons, such as sheet metal, glass, car bodies (bodywork), etc.