How to Use and Maintain Counterbalance Lifting Beams？

Proper usage and maintenance of counterbalance lifting beams are crucial to ensure safety, optimize performance, and extend the equipment’s lifespan.

counterweight lifting beams

Using lifting beams according to manufacturer guidelines minimizes the risk of accidents, while regular inspections and maintenance prevent structural damage, corrosion, and wear. These practices are essential for maintaining load capacity and compliance with safety standards.

Types of Counterbalance Lifting Beams

Balance beam can divide into two kinds. One is the hook fixed, calling fixed balance beam; the othe is according to the size of the lifted object hook can adjust position, called adjustable beam. The main load-bearing balance beam is the main load-bearing combination of parts. The upper part of the ring, can directly connect with the crane hook, the travelling crane connected to the sorghum, for lifting work. Connecting slings are mainly wire rope rigging or chain rigging.

• HLA Lifting Beam
• HLB lifting beam
• HLC lifting beam
• Single lifting beam
• Frame lifting beam
• Wind power lifting beams
• Electric rotating lifting beam
• Work type lifting beams
• Spreader beam
• Adjustable gear lifting beam

The main points of the balance beam are: reasonable design, simple structure, large load capacity, smooth lifting, full weld seams, reinforced lugs, multi-layer antirust treatment, meticulous workmanship, and easy to use.

Role of the Counterbalance Beams

Lifting operations, generally according to the weight of the lifted equipment, specifications and dimensions, structural characteristics and environmental requirements of the site and other conditions to choose the form of lifting beam, and after the design calculations to determine the specific size of the balance beam.

• It can reduce the deformation of the lifting object caused by the horizontal pressure of the sling.
• Maintain the balance of the lifted equipment, which can ensure that the surface of the equipment do not damage by the sling.
• Shorten the length of the sling, reduce the lifting height of the movable pulley, increase the effective lifting height of the crane, expand the lifting range.
• Lifted directly, avoiding bundling, shortening lifting time and improving efficiency.
• Reduce the horizontal pressure when lifting the equipment to avoid damage to the equipment.
• Reasonable distribution and balance of the load of each lifting point.

After use, the counterbalance beams should store in a ventilated, dry and clean plant and kept by special person. Should not store in acid, alkali, salt, chemical gas, humid environment and high temperature area. Regularly clean the rotating parts and lubricate regularly to prevent dry friction and jamming phenomenon.

Points to Note on the Use of Lifting Beam Spreaders

Trial lifting process to meet the safe operation of the load of the route, environmental conditions, lifting conditions, lifting and lowering position, affecting the lifting of the environment is not pre-lifting.

• Balance of the load: make clear the position of the centre of load balance, it is safe and reliable when the centre of lifting and the centre of the weight are the same.
• Trial lifting distance from the ground: the load is not more than 200mm away from the ground or the benchmark of the load is not more than 200mm away from the ground.
• Abnormal phenomenon stop test hoisting again: in the process of test hoisting, measure and load have abnormal ringing sound, beam deformation, fracture, welding open welding, wire rope sling produce broken wire, rope core exposed.
• Prevent the beam and load rotation.
• Don’t hang the beam sling directly on the bundled iron or bundled strap to prevent the danger of off-loading.

Points for Lifting Beam Spreaders

When a beam lifted, the persons involved in the lifting shall clearly identify by signs. Enable the operator to see or understand the working conditions of the other persons involved.

• Clear transfer route obstructions: during lifting, make sure that no obstructions encountered. Such as wires, antennas, pipes, etc., in the lifting route.
• Eliminate the obstacles under the load: during the lifting process of the beam, do not allow the obstacles under the load. Such as the bolts that pressed under the load.
• Strictly prohibit standing underneath the load: when it is necessary to be manually on the heel of the load, it is necessary to have protective measures or use auxiliary methods to solve the stability of the load.
• Prohibition of manual resting on the load: When the load lifted, avoid manual grasping of the load and resting on the load.
• Prohibition of shaking of beams and loads: Whether the load lifted or unloaded, take care to prevent the beams from shaking and to prevent danger, which must be safely controlled.

Maintenance and Care Points for Lifting Girder Spreaders

Maintaining lifting beams is essential to ensure safety, extend their lifespan, and maintain optimal performance. Regular inspections should focus on checking for wear, cracks, and corrosion. Cleaning and proper storage help prevent damage caused by environmental factors.

• Single girder, double girder serious distortion, deformation, welding cracks, can not repaire should be scrapped.
• All accessories of girder body: the connecting body deformed and cracked, and should replaced or scrapped.
• Wear and tear of pin rotating connecting parts exceeding 15% of nominal size shall be scrapped.
• All the accessories of the beam body have serious corrosion affecting the safe use shall be scrapped.
• Cracks found by visual inspection or non-destructive testing shall be repaired or scrapped.
• The beam body is seriously bruised affecting the safe use.
• When the main parts of the girder have obvious plastic deformation.
• Serious jamming phenomenon, after repair still jamming, replace the original or scrap.
• If the test force of the girder fails to reach 80% of the lifting force after the test.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for usage and maintenance, and schedule professional inspections periodically to ensure compliance with safety standards. By adhering to these best practices, you can minimize risks and maximize the efficiency of your lifting operations.

Selection of Reliable Lifting Beam Suppliers: Why Choose KNKT

Choose KNKT as your lifting beam supplier to ensure safety, efficiency, and unparalleled quality in your lifting operations.

• Extensive Experience: KNKT boasts over 30 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality lifting beams, catering to diverse industries worldwide.
• Certified Quality: All KNKT lifting beams meet international standards, including ISO, CE, and GS certifications, ensuring safety and durability.
• Tailored Solutions: KNKT specializes in customized lifting beam designs, providing tailored solutions to meet unique operational needs.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Equipped with cutting-edge technology, KNKT ensures precision engineering and strict quality control for every product.
• Expert Team: KNKT’s skilled engineers and technical experts offer professional advice and support for choosing and maintaining the right lifting equipment
• .Global Reach: With a strong export network, KNKT has earned the trust of clients in Europe, America, and Asia for its reliability and customer service.

If you’d like expert advice on beam maintenance, or find out about our range of durable, quality lifting solutions. Check out our website or contact us directly.