Beam Clamp Or Beam Trolley?

Steel beams are typically the "H" profile and are the key component on most kinds of crane and seeing that the majority of cranes are used to pick up weighty loads, particular lifting apparatus will need to be attached to the steel beam, this requires to be done securely and in a stable manner, the perfect way to do this is to use a beam clamp or beam trolley which fix firmly onto the flange/projection of the beam thus generating a safe and secure fixing point from which to add other lifting equipment like a hoist.

So what is the difference concerning a beam clamp and a trolley?

A beam clamp can be described as a device which clamps on a beam and stays in that position whilst a load is being lifted by the use of a lifting device, although they are able to be detached and re-located, but never when under load. A beam clamp is classed as a semi-permanent device that is frequently available in various model styles; different dimensions can be found to fit different sizes of steel beams, however you can find also adjustable models available too. Certain clamps will contain a scissor type action, several will have bolt fixings and many will include a screw lock type of fitting. Some varieties of beam clamp will encompass a locking mechanism to make certain it is locked safely onto the beam; they're also typically supplied with a shackle already fitted to aid even simpler attachment of other lifting gear.  Certain varieties of these clamps are especially sturdy  and will include extra toughened side plates and jaws for those demanding jobs. Frequently obtainable in lifting capacities up to 10000kg  the beam clamp offers a lightweight, easy to install lifting point from which to suspend your chosen lifting device.  Beam clamps can also be utilised in two's however a spreader beam is generally utilised for this assembly and precision taken, so that no single clamp exceeds its highest lifting capacity, loading in line with the centre of gravity is especially essential here.

A beam trolley similarly fixes to the lip of a "H" beam and allows lifting tools to be attached effortlessly; that's where the similarities end owing to the fact that a trolley possesses steel wheels to enable them to travel across the beam. The basic trolley is manually pushed back and forth whilst a geared model will be transported more simply by pulling on a chain, subsequently there is the powered versions which are the simplest to drive via the use of remote/pendant control. The ball bearings enable smooth movement whilst the geared and powered models enable more exact placement of the trolley, they are also able to be pushed whilst under load so is a key benefit against the beam clamp, yet a locking device can be attached to lock it in position if necessary.

For safety’s sake it's important to make sure that the beam clamp or trolley is the correct size for the beam and of the appropriate capacity for the object to be lifted. You must always confirm they are firmly fixed to the beam prior to every use and should never be used on damaged or distorted steel beams. Obviously you must never exceed the safe working load and you must furthermore ensure that the beam alone is capable of taking the weight of the load and devices used.

Both beam clamps and trolley systems are significant types of lifting equipment and are practically always observed on any type of crane or “H” beam in any factory or industrial site because of their indispensible ability to provide easy and also secure anchor points for other hoisting/lifting devices.