Seven Signs You Should Rent a Spreader Bar

Spreader bar from LGH

Spreader Bars for Every Project

Spreader bars receive a lot of attention but are still not always seen for their full potential. While there are limitations to modular spreader bar, they’re efficient and beneficial in many circumstances. If you’re considering whether a spreader bar fits your project, look for these seven telltale signs that it’s time to bring one to the job site.

  1. You need to manage multiple pick points with an even load distribution, stay within crane capacity, and keep the load level.
    • In some rare cases, the rigging hardware or lifting points on a load leave little choice but to get creative with your rigging. When you have a challenging lift that requires all pick points to remain vertical, an equal share of the load, or headroom requirements that put the load near capacity, spreader bars are likely to be your only option.
    • A modular spreader bar setup keeps your rigging weight manageable and within a crane’s limit, ensuring safety.
  2. You are looking for more manageable rigging.
    • When facing logistical or cargo space constraints, a spreader bar provides more space a lighter and more cost-efficient transport option. A single person can move it on site without needing additional equipment.
  3. You need a high-capacity lift while keeping rigging weight down 
    • Modular spreader bars allow you to lift heavier loads for a fraction of the rigging weight. For example, lifting 100-tons, even with a span of 40 feet, would require massive lifting beam weighing considerably more than 10,000 pounds. An equivalent spreader bar would weigh in at less than 4,000 pounds. 
  4. Needing to keep a load level during the lift when it has an offset center of gravity. 
    • While there are some lifting beams that can achieve the same results, working with a spreader bar allows for independent adjustability. Through the use of mechanical adjustments to the top rigging – from turnbuckles, additional rigging hardware or hoists – each side can be adjusted to the appropriate length to keep the load level compared to a centerpick beam that has only one lifting point, for a fraction of the rigging weight. 
  5. If horizontal forces could damage or compromise the load during lifting.
    • Spreader bars are used specifically to spread the load across the length of the bar using compressive forces to negate the horizontal force, but they also create two pick points – or more when run in a cascading/Christmas tree setup – that can maintain vertical or near-vertical lifting on the load’s lifting points. For loads with eye bolts as a lifting point, for example, the difference between using a spreader or connecting the rigging directly from the load to the hook can be the difference between a successful or failed lift. 
  6. When job site space is at a premium.
    • Sometimes, a steel lifting beam can be a perfectly viable option based solely on the weight of the load. Say you are lifting 40 tons with a span of 25 feet and can get a lifting beam to handle the load. A spreader bar that breaks down to occupy less than 5 feet when not in use becomes a huge asset in limited spaces.
  7.  You need the safety of a manufactured product built to consistent global standards.
    • Standards vary among engineers, so other fabricated beams might not pass OSHA inspections. Choosing a bar manufactured to strict global standards, complete with documented load tests and certifications, can save you from unexpected downtime and headaches.

If you have additional questions or need high-quality, inspected, tested, and certified lifting equipment rentals, LGH has you covered. Click to connect with one of our equipment experts or call 800-878-7305 now.