Electronic load limiting devices to prevent overloading on overhead cranes and hoists. Protect your equipment, your loads, and your people with visual and audible warnings plus automatic cut-out when limits are exceeded.
Why Use Load Limiters?
Every overhead crane and hoist has a rated Safe Working Load (SWL). Exceeding this limit – even briefly – can cause serious consequences including structural damage, equipment failure, dropped loads, and injury to personnel.
Load limiters provide an automated safeguard against overloading by continuously monitoring the load and intervening before limits are exceeded.
Prevent Overloading
Automatic cut-out stops the hoist before the SWL is exceeded, preventing damage and accidents.
Early Warning
Visual and audible alarms alert operators as loads approach the limit, allowing corrective action.
Compliance
Supports compliance with LOLER and PUWER regulations for safe lifting operations.
Equipment Protection
Protects hoists, cranes, and supporting structures from damage caused by excessive loads.
How Load Limiters Work
Load limiters use a load cell (strain gauge sensor) installed in the lifting system to continuously measure the weight being lifted. This signal is processed by an electronic control unit that compares the actual load against pre-set limits.
Load Sensing
Load cell measures actual weight in real-time
Signal Processing
Electronic unit compares load to programmed limits
Warning Stage
At ~90% of SWL: visual/audible warning activates
Cut-Out Stage
At 100% SWL: hoisting motion automatically stops
Typical Warning Levels
Pre-warning: 90% of SWL – amber light / intermittent alarm
Warning: 100% of SWL – red light / continuous alarm
Cut-out: 100-110% of SWL – hoisting disabled
Warning levels can be adjusted during commissioning to suit your requirements.
Types of Load Limiter
We supply and install load limiting systems to suit different crane types, capacities, and requirements.
Basic Load Limiters
Simple, reliable overload protection with warning light and automatic cut-out. Ideal for standard applications where weight display is not required.
- Warning light indicator
- Audible alarm
- Automatic hoist cut-out
- Adjustable set points
Load Limiters with Display
Full-featured systems with digital display showing real-time load weight. Allows operators to see exactly how much they’re lifting.
- Digital weight display
- Percentage of SWL indication
- Multi-stage warnings
- Remote display options
Wireless Systems
Wireless load monitoring with handheld or crane-mounted displays. Easier installation and flexible display positioning.
- No signal cables required
- Handheld display option
- Multiple display support
- Ideal for retrofit
Integrated Systems
Factory-fitted load limiters integrated into new hoists and cranes. Seamless integration with hoist controls and diagnostics.
- OEM integration
- Single control interface
- Diagnostics integration
- Available on new equipment
Applications
Load limiters can be fitted to virtually any lifting equipment. Common applications include.
Overhead travelling cranes
Electric chain hoists
Wire rope hoists
Gantry cranes
Jib cranes
Monorail systems
Goods lifts
Bespoke lifting equipment
Retrofit or New Installation
Load limiters can be fitted to existing cranes and hoists as a retrofit upgrade, or specified as part of new equipment. We can advise on the best solution for your situation.
Compliance & Regulations
While load limiters are not mandatory for all lifting equipment, they provide an important safeguard that supports compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
LOLER 1998
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations require that lifting equipment is safe to use and that loads do not exceed the equipment’s rated capacity. Load limiters provide automated protection against overloading.
PUWER 1998
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations require employers to ensure equipment is safe and that risks are controlled. Overload protection is a recognised risk control measure.
BS EN Standards
Load limiters should comply with relevant standards including BS EN 12077-2 for crane safety and limiting devices.
When is Overload Protection Required?
Overload protection may be required or recommended when:
Lifting loads of unknown weight
Multiple cranes working in tandem
Lifting in safety-critical environments
Required by customer specifications
Part of risk assessment controls
What We Provide
Specification
We help you select the right load limiter for your crane, capacity, and application requirements.
Supply
Quality load limiting equipment from trusted manufacturers, competitively priced.
Installation
Professional installation by our qualified engineers, whether retrofit or new equipment.
Commissioning
Calibration and setting of warning and cut-out levels to your specifications.
Calibration
Periodic calibration and testing to ensure continued accuracy and reliability.
Service & Repair
Ongoing maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repair when required.
Need Load Limiting for Your Crane?
Whether you need a new load limiter fitted or want to upgrade existing equipment, our team can advise on the right solution and provide a competitive quote.
Or call us: 0800 376 27 27
