When a long or wide load is lifted by crane, a beam is placed between the load and the hook. In English two related terms are used: lifting beam and spreader beam. Both carry the load from more than one point; the difference is how the beam hangs from the crane and therefore how the beam is stressed. This guide explains the difference and shows when each HENDL beam family stands out.
The basic difference: how the beam is stressed
A lifting beam usually hangs from the crane by a single top connection point; the load is attached to points under the beam. In this arrangement the beam works in bending. Because no long sling legs are needed above it, it takes up less headroom under the hook.
A spreader beam hangs from sling legs that open out to its two ends. Because the legs are attached at the ends of the beam, the beam works mainly in compression. The top slings need extra height; in return the beam itself can be kept lighter.
Which arrangement fits is decided by the weight of the load, the span, the number of suspension points and the headroom under the hook in the plant.
HENDL beam families
| Product | What it does | Capacity (family upper limit) |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Lifting Beam | Suspension points are adjusted for different loads | 200 t |
| Hook-Type Lifting Beam | Beam with fixed or stepped hooks and no moving parts | 200 t |
| Motorized Rotating Lifting Beam | Rotates the suspended load about the vertical axis by motor | 100 t |
Beam capacity depends on the span, the position of the connection points and the load distribution; the values in the table are not valid for every span but are the upper limits of each product family. The exact value is calculated at the quotation stage. All beam types are part of the Lifting And Spreader Beams family.
Adjustable Lifting Beam
The Adjustable Lifting Beam is a family in which the position of the lower suspension points can be changed, so loads of different sizes can be carried with the same beam. Adjustment can be manual or motorized; manual adjustment is done only when no load hangs from the beam. Motorized adjustment under load is possible only in applications specifically designed and assessed for it.
Hook-Type Lifting Beam
The Hook-Type Lifting Beam contains no motor or moving mechanism. Its I- or H-shaped body can be built with two, four or more lower hooks. The top connection can be a single shackle, a two-leg sling or two crane hooks. With unequal loads, the load on each hook is assessed by engineering calculation.
Motorized Rotating Lifting Beam
The Motorized Rotating Lifting Beam rotates the suspended load about the vertical axis by motor; the rotation position is set within 0–360°. Rotation is through a slewing ring bearing and pinion drive, with the speed set by an inverter. Power can come from the crane or from a battery.
Spreaders for container handling
The spreader used for container handling is a separate equipment family from beam-type lifting beams. Details are on the Container Spreader page.
Information needed for a quotation
- Weight, dimensions and centre of gravity of the load
- Number of suspension points and the distance between them
- Headroom under the hook, and whether one crane or two cranes are used
- Whether the load must be rotated or the suspension spacing must change
You can send the details through the quotation form.
To see a preliminary calculation of the adjustable lifting beam's length and adjustment range from your load, you can use the lifting beam configurator. The result is a preliminary design; your request goes to our engineering team.