What is a Clevis Drop Link & Delta Plate and How do They Work?
What is a Clevis Drop Link?
When performing 4-point lifts with angled slings, multiple slings can bunch together in a single shackle. This crowding increases stress on the shackles and accelerates wear on the slings, creating a higher risk of damage and reducing the overall safety and efficiency of the lift.
The Clevis Drop Link is an innovative solution for eliminating bunching and crowding of multiple slings in shackles, making it a safe and practical choice for performing 4-point lifts with one Spreader Beam.
Delta Plates are used for various lifting and pulling applications. They can be used on their own for specific applications and in conjunction with the Clevis Drop Link.
Typical Applications
The Clevis Drop Link and Delta Plate is designed to change the orientation of the shackles. Typical applications include skids, containers, or any 4-point lift with angled slings.
Key Advantages
- No bunching of synthetic slings which can result in crushing and damage of internal fibres
- No friction of wire rope slings, stops them rubbing together and damaging the wires
- No excessive stress on shackle body
- Can be used with the standard MOD Spreader Beam range
Product Specifications
Clevis Drop Links and Delta Plates are compatible with MOD Spreader Beams in 6t – 400t capacities, with custom sizes available on request.
Getting Started
Always consult Modulift User Instructions before assembly to ensure correct procedure has been followed.
For a detailed assembly breakdown, watch our Spreader Beam assembly video.
Step-by-step Guide to Assembling a Modulift Spreader Beam with Clevis Drop Links & Delta Plates
Prepare Components
- Check the ID plates on each Modulift component to ensure the correct size is used.
- Lay out the Struts and End Units in the correct configuration, laid on flats to prevent rolling
- Check that all pairs of flanges are clear from debris before connection
Assembly Procedure
- Bolt the components together using the nuts, bolts & washers provided.
- Place Clevis Drop Link inside the jaw of an End Unit, with the larger hole of the Drop Link lined up with the End Unit hole.
- Place a top sling onto the body of a top shackle, and put the jaw of the top shackle over the End Unit jaw
- Put top shackle pun through the shackle, End Unit jaw and Drop link, and repeat for the other spreader beam end.
- Attach free ends of top slings to the crane hook
- Attach the Delta Plate with the shackle pin to the Clevis Drop Link
- Attach the lower slings and shackles to the lower holes of the Delta Plate, and attach them to the load to be lifted
Preventing Misuse
The assembled Spreader Beam and lifting rig must always be thoroughly checked by a competent person prior to lifting. Refer to the Modulift user instructions for spreader configurations, maximum number of permissible struts, and recommended sling types. Always refer to Modulift if in doubt.
Summary
Clevis Drop Links used in combination with Delta Plates provide a simple, safe and highly effective way to carry out 4-point lifts without sling bunching, shackle overcrowding or the need for additional lifting frames.
By correctly orientating the shackles and separating multiple slings, they help protect synthetic and wire rope slings from damage while reducing stress on lifting components. Compatible with the MOD Spreader Beam range from 6t to 400t, this solution is suitable for a wide variety of lifting applications, from skids to containers.
When assembled and used in line with Modulift User Instructions, Clevis Drop Links and Delta Plates support safer, cleaner rigs and more controlled lifting operations – helping extend equipment life and ensuring every lift is carried out with confidence.