Lifting beams and spreader bars are designed to lift heavy loads with a crane safely and efficiently. Both are considered a below-the-hook lifting device since the attachment to the load (or loads) takes place below the crane’s hook.

While both a lifting beam and a spreader bar is similar in that they create a connection point between the load and crane, there are differences that make one better than the other in specific instances.

The main difference between a lifting beam and a spreader bar is the design which dictates the way the force is transmitted during the lift. A lifting beam is under pressure at the single lifting point and therefore subject to shear and bending, while a spreader beam is designed to work under compression and spread the load out evenly over a longer area.

Additionally, because there is just one lift point on a lifting beam and bending will occur during lifts, they are required to be larger and heavier than a spreader bar. However, the one point connection design of a lifting beam means it works better than a spreader bar in applications where there is little headroom.

Because both types of beams and bars are primarily used with cranes, and they feature an underhung crane beam design, they are also known as crane beams, a runway beam, or crane lifting beam.

All of our lifting beams and spreader bars are made in the best manufacturing and certified sites in Europe and USA, manufactured to exceed all OSHA regulations and certification. All are also proof loaded per OSHA requirements.

A lifting beam is a simple design of a long I-beam with a link or eye on the top to allow for connection to the crane or other lifting machine’s hook. It also has two or more connection points on the under where the load is connected.

Lifting beams are excellent for general purpose lifting, as well as for lifting weak or flexible loads that require the additional support of other equipment like lifting magnets or a lifting vacuum.

An additional benefit of a lift beam is the ability to lift more than one load at a time, since it is typically designed with two or more connection points. The design and construction of lifting beams make them an ideal choice if there is little headroom available in the lifting area.