Lifting beams are a very popular and often necessary piece of equipment depending on your application. Many industries call upon this tool to assist them in moving all types of units or materials. That’s why it’s important to know the differences between lifting beams and which are available to rent.
The key differences in lifting beams is mostly based on capacities as well as length. There is a relationship with these two key differences. Generally speaking, the longer the lifting beam, the less carrying capacity it will have. The other difference it will have is the adjustability of the beam on the bottom and top as far as hooks or lugs spacing goes.
LGH has select models that have an adjustable bale, and when you’re adjusting the top and the bottom of the beam, you need to do so in order to consider the exact center of gravity. There’s a saying in this industry that you are to rig to the center of gravity especially on a center pick lifting beam apparatus.
It’s very critical to do so with this piece of equipment because the entire beam has to bear the brunt of the weight of what you’re trying to lift. When it comes to larger capacity lifting beams, it’s going to be stouter. As far as the materials it’s made out of it, it’s going to be made out of a thicker, heavier-grade steel.
There’s a direct correlation of a beam’s rated capacity and the type or grade of material. They can get pretty heavy and pretty inefficient, but LGH houses quite a few different types of lifting beams to meet customer needs.
The benefits of lifting beams is the low-headroom. Each beam is designed to the specifications of the application. There’s multiple and adjustable pick-point(s) availability. There’s also no need to worry about appropriate and adequate top-rigging. There is none.
Beams are used frequently for tilt wall (pre-tensioned concrete walls used to make “big box store” or warehouses) or any applications having limited headroom to pick up a load.
Keep in mind that beams are not a one size fits all. It’s not a very versatile piece of equipment. Some of disadvantages are that they can be pretty heavy and you need to take time to adjust to center of gravity. It can be dangerous if you don’t consider it first. Also, if you miscalculate the specifications or the drawings are incorrect, you are stuck with that beam. You have no adjustability from that point on. Some don’t have any adjustability on top at all. It’s just one center pick, with perhaps only lower adjustability. Because the beam itself is bearing the weight of the unit you’re lifting, they tend to be large and difficult to store and ship. Again, that’s why LGH has a variety of beams in terms of adjustable length or fixed length to accommodate all customers. The ranges go from 4-40 tons and the biggest advantages are the adjustability on the top or bottom and they feature a low-headroom profile.
So that’s why it’s important to know what type of beam you’ll need and which ones you can rent from LGH today.
For more information or receive a FREE Quick Quote, call us today at1-800-878-7305 or email us rentals@lgh-usa.com.