Spreader Frames & Lifting Frames

A spreader frame is a lifting accessory used to support and distribute the weight of a load across more than two lifting points, or in situations where headroom above the load is restricted. Where a standard spreader beam handles a straightforward 2-point lift, a spreader frame extends the same modular principle to 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-point configurations.

Modulift offers two core spreader frame systems. The TriMOD is a triangular, 3-point frame built from the struts used in the standard MOD® spreader beam range, and is a popular choice for circular or awkwardly shaped loads that need three balanced lifting points. It is compatible with MOD 6 to MOD 110 struts, spans from 0.5m to 18m, and covers a Working Load Limit (WLL) from 9.7t to 165t.

The CMOD® is a 4-, 6- or 8-point modular spreader frame, built by combining spreader beam struts with dedicated corner units and, for larger configurations, T-piece connections. Newly designed corner units give a 40% weight saving over the previous generation, and the frame is engineered to keep rig height lower than a ‘1 over 2’ cascading arrangement. CMOD® is available from CMOD 6 up to CMOD 250, spanning 0.5m to 20m with a WLL from 6t to 300t.

Both systems reuse struts from Modulift’s existing spreader beam range, meaning customers who already own MOD® struts can extend their equipment into a multi-point spreader frame without buying an entirely new system.

The purpose of a spreader frame is to provide a stable, controlled lifting solution for loads that have more than two lifting or attachment points, something a standard 2-point spreader beam cannot do on its own.

By spreading the load across three, four, six or eight points, a spreader frame improves weight distribution and allows heavier or more awkwardly shaped items, such as circular loads, machinery skids, or modules with multiple lifting lugs, to be lifted safely and predictably.

Spreader frames also solve a common site problem: restricted headroom. Because the frame sits lower than a cascading arrangement of spreader beams, typically no higher than a ‘1 over 2’ rig, it allows multi-point lifts to be carried out in locations where vertical clearance is limited, such as indoor facilities, under gantries, or beneath existing structures.

Yes. Lifting equipment sold into the UK or EU, including spreader beams, spreader frames, lifting beams and lifting frames, must carry a physical conformity marking and be accompanied by a conformity certificate confirming compliance with the relevant legislation before it can be placed on the market.

The marking itself should include the manufacturer’s name and address, the CE and/or UKCA mark, the series or type designation and serial number (if applicable), and the year of construction. A CE marking demonstrates compliance with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and is required for equipment sold into the EU. A UKCA marking demonstrates compliance with the UK’s Product Safety & Metrology Regulations and is required for equipment sold into the UK; equipment supplied to both markets typically carries both marks.

It’s worth noting that CE and UKCA marking confirm the equipment was compliant when placed on the market, but they do not remove the ongoing duty to carry out LOLER thorough examinations, at least every 6 months for lifting accessories, once the equipment is in service. Buyers and specifiers should check for the physical marking, the accompanying conformity certificate, and evidence of in-service inspection before relying on any spreader frame, spreader beam or lifting beam.

Spreader frames are classed as lifting accessories and must meet a combination of design, manufacturing and in-service regulations that vary by region, in addition to the CE/UKCA marking requirements outlined above.

In the UK and EU, spreader frames must be designed and manufactured to meet BS EN 13155 (Cranes, Safety, Non-fixed load lifting attachments) and BS EN 1993-1-1 (Eurocode 3), and must comply with the EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. In use, they fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

In the US, below-the-hook lifting devices are designed to ASME B30.20 and ASME BTH-1. In Australia, the relevant standard is AS 4991 (Lifting Devices). Internationally, ISO 17096 covers load lifting attachments for cranes, and offshore or marine lifts are frequently designed to DNV Standard for Certification DNV-ST-0378.

Modulift’s TriMOD and CMOD® spreader frames are designed and manufactured in accordance with all of the standards above, within a facility certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Because a spreader frame is classed as a lifting accessory rather than part of the crane or hoist itself, it must be thoroughly examined in its own right. Under LOLER, lifting accessories require a thorough examination at least every 6 months, carried out by a competent person with the practical and theoretical knowledge to identify defects in structural members, welds, corner units, T-piece connections and capacity markings.

A valid crane or hoist certificate does not cover the spreader frame being used with it, and regular use does not reduce the inspection interval: a 6-month examination is required regardless of how frequently the frame is used.

Ultimately, lift personnel should conduct a thorough examination of all lifting accessories prior to each lift to ensure they remain fit for use, regardless of when its last thorough examination took place.

The TriMOD and CMOD® are Modulift’s two core spreader frame systems, and the main difference between them is the number of lifting points they support and the shape of load they suit best.

The TriMOD is a triangular, 3-point frame, ideal for circular loads or any lift that needs three balanced attachment points. It is compatible with MOD 6 to MOD 110 struts, with spans from 0.5m to 18m and a WLL from 9.7t to 165t.

The CMOD® is a 4-point frame as standard, and can be expanded to 6 or 8 points using T-piece connections, making it the better choice for square, rectangular or larger loads that need more lifting points for stability. CMOD® is compatible with MOD 6 to MOD 250 struts, with spans from 0.5m to 20m and a WLL from 6t to 300t, and its corner units give a 40% weight saving over the previous generation.

Both systems reuse the same struts as Modulift’s standard spreader beam range, so the right choice generally comes down to the number of lifting points the load requires and the overall capacity and span needed.

Selecting the right spreader frame starts with the number of lifting points on the load: three points suits a TriMOD, while four, six or eight points suits a CMOD® configuration, built up with corner units and, where needed, T-piece connections.

• Load shape and centre of gravity: circular or triangular loads often suit a TriMOD, while square, rectangular or larger loads suit a CMOD® arrangement.
• Span and capacity: both systems are modular, so the strut configuration should be confirmed against the manufacturer’s load-versus-span data for the exact spans and Working Load Limit required.
• Headroom: spreader frames sit lower than a cascading arrangement of spreader beams, making them a strong choice wherever vertical clearance is restricted.
• Existing equipment: customers who already own MOD® spreader beam struts can often extend them into a spreader frame using corner units, rather than purchasing an entirely new system.

Where a lift falls outside these standard configurations, Modulift’s engineering team can design a custom spreader frame to suit.

Modulift’s TriMOD and CMOD® spreader frames are manufactured from high-grade structural steel, engineered using 3D design and Finite Element Analysis to achieve the best possible strength-to-weight ratio for each configuration. All welding is carried out by coded welders qualified to BS EN 287-1, with weld procedures specified and qualified to BS EN ISO 15614-1.

For frames destined for offshore, marine or otherwise corrosive environments, additional protection such as hot-dip galvanising or marine-grade paint systems can be applied to extend service life.