Beam clamps are used to suspend hoists when they need to work in conjunction with beams or gantries, that will fully take the weight of the hoist, and the hoist will use it to travel. There are different types of beam clamps that will suit different mechanisms and purposes so it is important, as ever, to select the right one and make sure the weight capacities are correct. There are many different kinds of steel beam clamps, rated depending on capacity, which will be used for different kinds of applications as needed across the lifting industry. Buying beam clamps can be more confusing than buying lifting equipment like hoists and cranes themselves, as people generally have a better idea of what they need. This general guide addresses the different kinds of beam clamps, what they are, what they do, and how they will benefit you.
Some beam clamps can lift weights of up to 20 tons, and usually lifting capacities start at around 1 ton. There will be beam clamps to suit all lifting and load moving purposes, that will be compatible with other lifting equipment to make processes simpler and safer. They should also be delivered with their certificates of conformity so that you know they meet all regulations and have been properly tested. Leading brands should always come with these certificates of conformity – you should only ever buy important and integral lifting equipment from well-known, established brands that you know and trust.
Types of beam clamps: which one will be right for you?
There are various types of beam clamps available, some more specialist than others. These are some of the main ones:
- GT beam clamps. These have a 10,000kg maximum capacity (different models are available) and are adjustable up to 320mm flange widths.
- Standard beam clamps. They also have capacities between 1,000kg and 10,000kg and beam widths start from 75mm, up to 320mm. They are a quick, versatile rigging point for hoisting equipment and have a locking device.
- Beam clamp with shackle. This is a beam camp option that comes with a shackle and can work with a large flange width of 410mm approximately. They will often be able to accommodate 20,000kg loads.
Other options that are similar might include bulb bar anchors, which are designed to be attached to bulb profiles. There are also universal beam clamps which can be used for all kinds of applications, often with capacities of up to 10 tonnes, or more if it is more specialist.
Specifying a beam clamp: the various considerations required to specify a clamp correctly
Beam clamps, which might also be called girder clamps, need to be properly specified so they will be compatible with the crane or lifting equipment they are being used with. Some of the key considerations when specifying a beam clamp are:
- Lifting capacity. This is the most important issue and needs to be closely adhered to.
- Flange width. This will dictate whether the beam clamp will fit.
- Shackle requirements. Some beam clamps come with shackles, others do not.