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What Is a Trunnion Spreader Beam and How Does It Improve Heavy Lift Safety
In many heavy or complex lifts, rigging time, manual handling and headroom can become limiting factors. Modulift’s Trunnion Spreader Beam addresses these constraints with a shackle‑free end‑unit design that allows direct sling connection to the beam. The result is quicker rigging, lower rigging weight, improved headroom, and better control on high‑capacity lifts, onshore and offshore.
What is a Trunnion Spreader Beam?
A trunnion spreader beam is a modular spreader that replaces the traditional shackle connection at each end with integrated trunnion end units. Slings are attached directly to these end units, eliminating heavy shackles or drop links from the assembly. This simplifies rigging and reduces the number of lifting accessories that must be handled, inspected, and controlled during the lift.
- Shackle‑free connection – slings connect straight to the beam’s end‑units
- Lightweight – Shackle free solution, reducing weight and cost. By eliminating requirement for heavy shackles and wire rope slings. By using synthetic slings directly connected to the trunnion end units, manual handling is significantly reduced
- Modular design – uses the same struts and bolting configuration as the MOD range; compatible with current and legacy Modulift equipment
How it Works
Integrated lugs at the end units form the sling interface, removing shackles from the rig.
- Direct connection reduces rigging weight, making the system easier to handle
- With fewer components to move and position, manual handling is reduced and rigging time is shortened.
When to Choose a Trunnion vs a Standard Spreader
Select the Trunnion when you need to:
- Reduce rigging time (fewer components, faster assembly)
- Lower rigging weight and minimise handling of large shackles
- Improve control on very heavy lifts where frequent re‑rigging are expected
- Retain modular flexibility while simplifying the rigging
Standard spreaders remain ideal for general applications, but trunnion systems excel where high capacity and speed are critical.
Typical Applications (Industry Examples)
- Offshore & Subsea – heavy module installation, subsea structures; corrosion‑resistant finishes support marine use
- Oil & Gas – topsides, skids, process modules where rapid rig‑up reduces vessel or crane time
- Renewables – wind components, nacelles and large subframes
- Construction & Infrastructure – bridge sections, precast units and long elements
- Heavy Manufacturing & Shipyards – large fabrications, hull sections, and assemblies where minimising rigging speeds turnaround
Key Features & Benefits
- High capacities: manufacturable up to 3,000t; engineered for extremely heavy‑duty lifts
- Modular & compatible: uses the same struts and bolting configuration as the MOD range; works with current and legacy Modulift equipment
- Compliance: designed and manufactured to relevant global standards. Enhanced QA options available.
- Offshore‑ready: coatings and design suited to marine environments
Commercial impact: By cutting rigging accessories and assembly time, a Trunnion system can reduce overall rigging costs, staff numbers required to rig the beam and keeps repetitive heavy lifts on schedule.
Preventing Misuse (Good Practice)
- Avoid re‑introducing shackles between sling and trunnion lug unless the rig is specifically engineered for it.
- Respect sling angles and WLL – never exceed capacity ratings.
- Keep end‑unit rotation unobstructed – ensure free alignment under load.
- Follow Modulift User Instructions – for permissible configurations, WLL, bolt patterns, and inspection intervals.
Summary
For projects where the heaviest loads demand safer, faster, and more efficient rigging, the Modulift Trunnion Spreader Beam delivers shackle‑free connection, lower rigging weight and reduced setup time- all within a modular, certified, and offshore‑capable system. It’s a practical upgrade for high‑capacity, time‑critical lifting across offshore, renewables, construction, and heavy industry.
The trunnion system is ideal for rental companies, allowing customers to use their existing Modulift struts and only hire the trunnion end units.