Caldwell Launches Overhang Lifting Beam

Oct. 27, 2020 - The Caldwell Group Inc. has launched a custom lifting beam for applications where obstructions prevent a crane’s boom tip from being positioned over a load.

Caldwell was initially approached by an automotive manufacturer that needed to lift a load that couldn’t be reached by its overhead crane.

Subsequent inquiries and feedback from the audience at a digital Associated Wire Rope Fabricators’ event earlier this year showed a wider need for the concept.

“Originally, we were unsure as to the extent to which such a product would be required, but there are actually a multitude of applications, such as lifting components during equipment maintenance; placing a load, say, onto the third floor of a building in a construction environment; or lifting a partial width roll of material where a monorail crane is centered for full rolls,” said Dan Mongan, senior sales engineer at Caldwell. “We anticipate finding other uses for the beam once word spreads.”

Integral to the overhang lifting beam is a counterweight that can move or be held in position. Movement can be powered or manual. The manual trolley is a cost- effective option if the lifter can rest on the floor, there is adequate time to make the adjustment, and lifts are occasional. A powered trolley should be specified if several lifts need to be made each day, the lifter cannot be rested on the floor during adjustment, or the adjustment must be made quickly.

Each overhang beam is manufactured for a specific application. The largest made to date has 10,000-lb. capacity.

Customers can request the popular auto-leveler feature, taken from Caldwell’s Posi-Turner, which is designed to rotate bulky and hard-to-handle objects during manufacturing or assembly.

“In the simplest example, if you have 100 lbs. of weight 4’ to the left, you need 100 lbs. of counterweight 4’ to the right to balance the load,” said Mongan. “We can provide a beam where the operator has to achieve that balance, or the more favorable [patent-pending] auto-leveler version, which senses when a load is out of level, informs the control system, and energizes the motor to move the trolley. With this option, the operator can focus on operation of the crane. Of course, the auto-leveler can be turned off if preferred for a particular usage.”

Caldwell’s detailed application form lets potential customers fill in blanks to create the product specifications. Important details include the maximum and minimum weight; the length of the overhang or how far away the load is from the center of the crane hook; the environment; and the duty cycle.