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ComponentHooks, Lifting Beams and Attachments
However well the crane is chosen, it's the attachment that actually holds the load.
Effect on the capacity calculation
A crane's rated capacity is the total load at the hook. The weight of the lifting beam, sling, magnet or grab is part of that capacity — it isn't added on top of the part's weight, it's deducted from capacity.
This is a commonly overlooked point at the design stage. If a heavy lifting beam will be used, crane capacity should be selected accordingly.
What a lifting beam does
When a long part is lifted from a single hook, the slings form an angle; as that angle grows, the force in the slings rises fast and the part is forced to bend.
A lifting beam removes this problem by picking up the load vertically from two or more points. It's a basic safety requirement when handling long profiles, sheet and welded structures.
Common attachments
| Attachment | Where it's used | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | General purpose | Safety latch must be functional |
| Lifting beam | Long, unbalanced loads | Its weight is deducted from capacity |
| Lifting magnet | Sheet, profile, scrap | Backup power required on a supply loss |
| Grab / bucket | Bulk material | Requires additional power and controls |
| C-hook | Sheet coil | Centre of gravity and tipping risk |
| Ladle lifting beam | Molten metal | Requires heat and redundant safety provisions |
| Vacuum lifter | Sheet and glass surfaces | Surface cleanliness and a vacuum-loss alarm |
Technical terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Lifting beam | A lifting member that picks up the load vertically from more than one point. |
| Sling angle | The angle the slings make with the vertical; the sling force rises as it grows. |
| Safety latch | The spring-loaded tongue that stops a sling from slipping off the hook. |
| Centre of gravity | The point at which the load hangs in balance. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a magnet to my crane later?
Because it needs its own power supply, controls, and backup power for a supply loss, this isn't an addition — it's a system change. Planning it from the start is far more economical.
Does the lifting beam's weight really matter?
Yes. It's part of the capacity. A heavy lifting beam visibly reduces the actual part weight the crane can lift.