---

Why will I need a Hoist Trolley or Beam Clamp?

If you use an electric hoist, air hoist or even a manual chain block they will require a suitable means of anchoring to your chosen location. Hoists like these are typically utilised on some type of crane system. This may be an overhead crane, mobile lifting gantry or perhaps a Jib crane.

When used in this way some type of beam attachment will need to be fitted to the crane's runway beam in order to safely attach the hoist.

Now we will discuss the different types.

The Beam Clamp

The beam clamp is exactly as its name suggests; it is a clamp which fits onto a steel beam. They are classed as a stationary beam attachment as they cannot be moved whilst in use. Although you can re-position them if required after removing the hoist completely.

There are 2 sides on a clamp which are connected at the bottom and open at the top end. There are recessed segments at the top which the lower flange of the steel beam will fit into.

Through the centre there is a screw pin/bar which is used to open up the top so that it can be offered up to and over the beam flange. Then the screw bar can be tightened up until the beam flanges fit securely into the clamp recesses.

At the bottom of the clamp there is an anchor point which is where the top suspension hook of your hoist will connect to.

The Hoist Trolley

A hoist trolley or beam trolley is the most popular mode of anchoring a hoist to a steel beam on a crane system. This is because the trolley enables the hoist and attached load to be moved across the steel beam, thus allowing you to move a load from one position to another within the span of the beam to which it is attached.

Hoist trolley's fit to the steel beam in a similar way to a beam clamp in that there are two sides and a central screw pin for fitting. This is where the similarities end due to the fact that there are wheels at the top edge. The wheels sit onto the beam flange in order to be moved along smoothly. The screw pin enables easy adjustment to ensure the trolley fits securely. At the centre of the pin there is typically an anchoring eye, this is where a hoist can be fitted. Some trolley systems will have slightly different anchoring designs.

How to Move a Hoist Trolley

How you move your hoist trolley will depend on the type you have. There are three main types; push travel trolleys are the simplest and cheapest, thus popular. To move this type you will manually push them along, typically by pushing on the load or bottom block of the hoist, thus some physical effort is required.

Geared travel trolleys on the other hand incorporate a gear wheel and chain. When the chain is pulled it propels the trolley and attached loads across the beam. Some physical effort is still required to pull the chain but not as much as the push travel trolley.

The third type is a power drive trolley which is electric powered. These require no physical effort to use as the trolley, hoist and load can be moved precisely at the touch of a button. This is the most expensive type of hoist trolley but the most effective in terms of load moving speed with minimal effort.

More Lifting Equipment associated with Hoist Use

Although hoist trolleys and beam clamps are the most common type of lifting equipment associated with lifting hoists there are plenty more.

Lifting slings are commonly used in many lifting applications as they provide a means of anchoring a load to the hoist. Chain slings, web slings and round slings are the 3 popular types. Lifting shackles are the other most commonly used piece of equipment as they provide a secure connection point between multiple items.

All of these can be found here at Lifting Hoists Direct and are available to purchase online for quick delivery.

Call the friendly team if you need any help.