Caldwell Adjustable Beam Simplifies Cable Reel Handling

March 3, 2020 -- A 26,000-lb. capacity custom lifting beam from Caldwell is being used to lift reels of electrical cable off flatbed trailers. The beam, which adjusts to spans from 48” to 87”, was recently delivered to a high voltage electrical transmission contractor by Caldwell distributor Western Sling, a provider of lifting and rigging equipment with facilities in Denver, Colorado, and Casper, Wyoming.

The beam user needed a way to offload of reels of electrical line that arrive by semi-trailer, and whose weight and dimensions can vary with each lift, depending on the type, size, and length of cable.

Caldwell's custom reel lifter beam met the specifications, whereas a standard, fixed below-the-hook solution would have added time and complexity to each lift.

Joey Detrick, inside sales at Western Sling, said: “The bottom hook dimensions were the key.” Detrick also said that Caldwell equipment is delivered with the relevant paperwork to satisfy decision makers and supervisors at modern-day jobsites.

Recently, the beam was used beneath the hook of a National Crane boom truck. However, it can be used with any crane that meets the specific requirements of a lift. Detrick explained that in this instance, 28,000-lb. capacity, 10’-long wire rope slings were used at the recommended 45° angle to achieve the most efficient, safest lift. They were sourced from the Western Sling rigging store.

The beam and rigging also save the high voltage electrical transmission contractor time by enabling lifts to be made by just one crane operator and one rigger.

The crane lowers the beam and already-attached wire rope slings to the reel. The rigger then simply adjusts the beam and aligns it with a lip on the reel’s flange before the crane lifts it.

Detrick reported that this application is indicative of current trends that see a slowing of coal and oilfield work. He said, “Business remains steady because we are actively diversifying and moving into the electrical and wind farm sectors. Construction and re-power jobs are also driving demand; we continue to service oil and coal projects as the need arises.”