Lifting and spreader beams

Find out the differences between lifting beams and spreader beams, their working load limits and when to use them.

Lifting beams are used in lower headroom applications where the multi leg sling angle is greater than 120 degrees.

Lifting beams are subject to a bending moment at the centre of the beam. They are normally connected directly to the crane hook.

Spreader and lifting beams

Spreader beams are used in applications without headroom constraint where the load may be subjected to:

• compressive force
• flexible loads, or
• requiring extra support.

Every product made to AS4991 must have:

• "engineers calculations"
• drawing
• test certificate.

Spreader beam engineer drawings

Minimum markings are:

• working load limit
• manufacturer's mark
• serial number.

Other markings are:

• tare weight
• use instructions
• manufacture date
• working load limit at different extensions.

Spreader beam markings

What's the difference between spreader beams and lifting beams?

Some of the differences between these two types of beams are:

• lifting beams have a lower headroom requirement than a spreader beams
• spreader beams have a higher capacity approximately 5:1
• spreader beams max sling angle is 90 degrees
• spreader beams work in compression
• lifting beams are subject to a bending moment at the centre of the beam.

Both can be extended by removing pins (equal extension on both ends).
 

Lifting and spreader beam in use
 

Examples of lifting and spreader beams

Combination beam

This is a combination lifting and spreader beam:
 

Lifting and spreader beam

It has been designed for a working load limit of 15t in all positions as a spreader beam.

But the working load limit changes when it is used as a lifting beam. This depends on the length:

Working load limits for combination beam

The sling needs to be long enough for the beam to be fully open and still have an angle less than 90 degrees. This means the sling will be too long when the beam is used fully closed.