Underslung Lifting Beams

Key features of an underslung lifting beam include:

1. Horizontal Beam Structure: The underslung lifting beam typically consists of a horizontal beam with attachment points, such as lifting lugs or hooks, at each end. This beam structure provides support for the load and allows for even weight distribution during lifting.
2. Mounting Configuration: The underslung lifting beam is designed to be mounted beneath the load, usually connected at the end with slings and shackles or other attachment mechanisms. This configuration allows the lifting beam to be positioned closer to the load, improving control and stability during lifting operations.
3. Load Capacity: Underslung lifting beams are engineered to handle a wide range of load capacities, from light to extremely heavy loads, depending on the specific design and construction of the lifting beam.
4. Safety Features: Many underslung lifting beams incorporate safety features such as locking mechanisms or safety pins to secure the attachment points and prevent accidental release of the load during lifting.

Underslung lifting beams are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics for lifting and manoeuvring heavy or oversized loads safely and efficiently. They provide a reliable and controlled lifting solution when the load does not have adequate lifting points.

Underslung lifting beams offer several advantages that make them valuable tools in various lifting operations. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Improved Control and Stability: By mounting beneath the load, underslung lifting beams provide better control and stability during lifting operations. This positioning allows for more precise movements and reduces the risk of load sway or instability.
2. Maximized Headroom Clearance: Underslung lifting beams help maximise headroom clearance, making them ideal for lifting operations in confined spaces or areas with limited vertical clearance. This feature allows for more efficient use of overhead space in industrial facilities.
3. Enhanced Load Distribution: The horizontal beam structure of underslung lifting beams facilitates even distribution of the load, minimising stress concentrations and reducing the risk of overload on any single point. This helps ensure safer lifting operations and prolongs the lifespan of the lifting equipment.
4. Increased Safety: Many underslung lifting beams incorporate safety features such as locking mechanisms or safety pins to secure the attachment points and prevent accidental release of the load during lifting. These safety features help mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries in lifting operations.
5. Efficiency: Underslung lifting beams enable more efficient lifting operations by providing better control, stability, and load distribution. This efficiency translates to improved productivity and reduced downtime in industrial settings.

Overall, underslung lifting beams offer a combination of control, stability, versatility, and safety that make them essential tools for lifting and manoeuvring heavy loads in various industries.

The safe working load (SWL) for underslung lifting beams is a capacity of the beam required to lift the load without any permanent deformation. It can vary depending on several factors, including the design, construction, and intended use of the lifting beam. It is crucial to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines for the specific underslung lifting beam being used to determine its safe working load capacity.

Typically, the safe working load for underslung lifting beams is specified by the manufacturer and based on factors such as:

1. Design: The design of the underslung lifting beam, including its structural integrity, attachment points, and overall configuration, influences its load-bearing capacity.
2. Material: The type of material used in the construction of the lifting beam (e.g., steel, aluminum) and its load-bearing capacity are essential factors in determining the SWL.
3. Load Distribution: How the load will be distributed across the lifting beam and attachment points affects the SWL. Using appropriate lifting slings, hooks, or spreader bars to ensure even load distribution is crucial.
4. Safety Factors: Safety factors are applied to the calculated SWL to account for uncertainties, variations in load conditions, and potential overload situations. These safety factors ensure a margin of safety in lifting operations.

The safe working load for underslung lifting beams can range from a few hundred kilograms to several tons, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines and ensure that the SWL of the lifting beam is not exceeded to maintain a safe working environment and prevent accidents or injuries. If in doubt, consulting with a qualified engineer or lifting equipment specialist is advisable to determine the appropriate safe working load for your specific lifting application.

Calculating the safe working load (SWL) of an underslung lifting beam involves several considerations to ensure safe and reliable lifting operations. Here’s a general guideline for calculating the SWL of an underslung beam:

1. Material Strength: Determine the material strength of the underslung lifting beam. Consider the type of material used (e.g., steel) and its load-bearing capacity. Material strength is a critical factor in determining the SWL.
2. Design Factors: Evaluate the design factors of the lifting beam, including its configuration, attachment points, and structural integrity. These design factors impact the load distribution and overall load-bearing capacity of the lifting beam.
3. Load Distribution: Consider how the load will be distributed across the lifting beam and attachment points. Use appropriate lifting slings, hooks, or spreader bars to ensure even load distribution and minimise stress concentrations on the lifting beam.
4. Safety Factors: Apply appropriate safety factors to the calculated SWL to account for uncertainties, variations in load conditions, and potential overload situations. Safety factors are typically expressed as a percentage of the calculated SWL and are used to ensure a margin of safety in lifting operations.

To calculate the SWL of an underslung lifting beam, you would typically use engineering principles and formulas based on factors such as material strength, beam configuration, load distribution, and safety considerations. It’s essential to conduct a thorough assessment and calculation of the SWL based on the specific characteristics and operating conditions of the underslung lifting beam. If in doubt, consulting with our in-house technical engineering team.

An underslung lifting beam, sometimes referred to as an underslung bottom beam or underslung lifting frame, is mounted beneath the load rather than suspended above it. A standard, or overhead, lifting beam sits above the load, with the crane hook connecting to the top of the beam and slings running down to the load below.

An underslung lifting beam is best suited to lifts where headroom above the load is restricted, such as indoor workshops, low-roofed warehouses, or sites with overhead obstructions like gantries, ductwork or existing structure.

Underslung lifting beams are classed as lifting accessories and must meet a combination of design, manufacturing and in-service regulations that vary by region.

In the UK and EU, they 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.

Modulift’s underslung lifting beams 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 an underslung lifting beam 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, attachment points and capacity markings.

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

Ultimately, operators should ensure that all lifting accessories are checked prior to each lift to ensure they remain fit for service.

Modulift’s underslung lifting beams are manufactured from high-grade structural steel, engineered to achieve the best possible strength-to-weight ratio for the intended load capacity. 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.

Choosing the right steel grade and finish for the operating environment, and for beams used in harsher or corrosive settings, additional protection such as galvanising or a marine-grade paint system, is an important part of specifying a beam that performs reliably over its working life.

Yes. Where a load doesn’t suit a standard configuration, whether because of its weight, dimensions, number of lifting points or centre of gravity, Modulift’s engineering team can design and manufacture a custom underslung lifting beam to suit.

Every custom beam is engineered using 3D design, Finite Element Analysis and built to the same quality and compliance standards as the standard range. Get in touch with the technical team to discuss a project-specific requirement.