Standard and bespoke lifting beams designed and manufactured to your specific requirements. For loads requiring multiple pick points, awkward shapes, or precise balance control – we design, build, test, and certify lifting beams for overhead crane applications across the UK.
What Is a Lifting Beam?
A lifting beam is a below-the-hook device with a single top attachment point (connected directly to the crane hook) and multiple bottom attachment points for slings, chains, or direct load connections. Unlike spreader beams which work in compression, lifting beams are subject to bending forces and are engineered accordingly.
Lifting beams are the solution when your load has specific lift points, requires precise balance, or cannot be lifted safely with standard slings alone.
Multi-Point Lifting
Two, three, four or more bottom pick points to match your load’s lift point locations.
Precise Balance
Adjustable pick point positions allow fine-tuning of load balance and centre of gravity.
Bespoke Design
Designed and manufactured to suit your specific load geometry and lifting requirements.
Fully Certified
Proof load tested and supplied with full certification for LOLER compliance.
Lifting Beam vs Spreader Beam
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different products designed for different applications. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right solution.
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Lifting Beam
Top: Single central attachment to crane hook
Bottom: Multiple pick points for slings/chains
Forces: Subject to bending
Use: Multi-point lifting, awkward loads, fixed geometry
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▭ LOAD ▭
Spreader Beam
Top: Two end attachments with slings to hook
Bottom: Two end pick points
Forces: Subject to compression
Use: Long loads, sling angle control, load protection.
Need a Spreader Beam Instead?
If your application requires sling angle control for long loads or two-point spreading, see our Spreader Beams page. We can advise on the best solution for your application.
Types of Lifting Beam
We design and manufacture lifting beams in various configurations to suit different load types and lifting requirements.
Two-Point Lifting Beams
Simple beam with central top lug and two bottom pick points. Ideal for balanced loads with two defined lift points.
- Fixed or adjustable pick point spacing
- Shackle, hook, or direct connection
- Compact and easy to handle
Four-Point Lifting Beams
H-frame or cross-beam design with four bottom pick points. For larger loads requiring four-point rigging.
- Rectangular or square pick patterns
- Even load distribution
- Ideal for machinery and fabrications
Adjustable Lifting Beams
Pick points can be repositioned along the beam to accommodate different load sizes and balance requirements.
- Sliding or bolted pick points
- Multiple load configurations
- Flexibility for varied products
Bespoke Lifting Beams
Fully custom designs for specific loads, complex geometries, or specialist applications where standard beams won’t work.
- Designed to your load geometry
- Integral attachments or tooling
- Special finishes and features
Applications
Festoon systems are used wherever electrical power or control signals need to be delivered to moving equipment.
Machinery & Equipment
Machine tools, presses, generators, pumps – loads with defined lift points.
Fabrications & Structures
Welded assemblies, frames, structural steelwork with multiple attachment points.
Automotive & Aerospace
Body panels, jigs, tooling, and components requiring precise positioning.
Precast Concrete
Panels, beams, stairs, and elements with cast-in lift points.
Transformers & Electrical
Heavy electrical equipment with specific rigging requirements.
Moulds & Tooling
Injection moulds, die tools, and fixtures requiring balanced lifting.
When to Use a Lifting Beam
Load has fixed lift points that don’t suit standard slings
Multiple pick points needed for balance or load distribution
Awkward shape or off-centre centre of gravity
Repetitive lifts requiring quick attachment
Load must remain level during lift
Design & Manufacture
We design and manufacture lifting beams in-house, giving us full control over quality, lead times, and the ability to create truly bespoke solutions.
Requirements
You provide load details: weight, dimensions, lift points, and any special requirements.
Design
Our engineers design the beam, selecting materials and calculating safe working loads.
Manufacture
Fabrication in our facility using quality steel and controlled welding procedures.
Testing
Proof load testing to 125% SWL (or as specified) with NDT where required.
Certification
Full documentation: test certificate, material certs, and user information.
Typical Specifications
| Safe Working Load | From 250 kg to 50+ tonnes (bespoke capacities available) |
| Span / Length | From 0.5 m to 6 m+ depending on design |
| Pick Points | 2, 3, 4 or more – fixed or adjustable positions |
| Construction | Fabricated steel beam, box section, or plate construction |
| Connections | Shackle lugs, swivel hooks, chain shorteners, or bespoke fittings |
| Finish | Primer and enamel, powder coat, or galvanised |
| Identification | Stamped/engraved plate with SWL, serial number, CE/UKCA marking |
What We Provide
Bespoke Design
Custom lifting beam design based on your load data, lift points, and operational requirements.
Manufacture
In-house fabrication with full traceability of materials and welding procedures.
Proof Load Testing
Testing to 125% SWL (or client specification) with calibrated equipment.
Certification
Test certificates, material certificates, and Declaration of Conformity.
LOLER Examination
Thorough examination of lifting beams – initial and periodic inspections.
Repair & Refurbishment
Inspection, repair, re-rating, and refurbishment of existing lifting beams.
Need a Lifting Beam Designing?
Tell us about your load – weight, dimensions, lift points, and how you need to handle it. We’ll design a lifting beam to suit and provide a quote with lead time and certification included.
Or call us: 0800 376 27 27
