Sling Hitches ~ Sling Load and Hitch Types

Slings can be used in any of the following four "HITCHES":

Vertical or straight attachment to the load by using hooks, shackles, or other hardware.

Choker hitches are used when conditions allow for safe "choking" of the load by the sling. In all cases care must be taken to insure the following:

1. The load will not be damaged by the sling body.
2. The sling will not be damaged by the load.
3. All adjustments to the sling must be made prior to lifting. Tightening the sling during lifting may result in burns which seriously damage the sling and may cause sling failure.
4. The point of choke should be on the sling body and not against the splice or base of the sling eye.

Basket hitches are used to distribute the load equally between sling legs. See section below on effect of angles on sling legs.

Bridle hitches are used when two or more slings are needed to provide load control.

All hitch styles are shown below:

Sling Angle Stress Factors

Consideration must always be given to the angle at which a sling is to be used. Any angle from vertical will decrease the sling's capacity. The amount of lost capacity is determined by the "sling to hook angle", shown as angle "A" below. To calculate the capacity of a sling used at an angle, multiple the sling's load rating by the appropriate factor in the "Sling Load Chart" below. This will give you the sling's reduced rated capacity.

Sling Load Chart

WiscoLift designs custom slings for any application. For more information, email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com or view our available slings online at WEB SLINGS.

Improve Industrial Efficiency with a Conveyor System

Have you considered a new Conveyor System for your warehouse and manufacturing applications? Conveyor technology continues to advance to minimize unexpected downtime and there are a full range of conveyors for every application imaginable. Following is a list of conveyor types and their primary usage:

• Cleated Belt Conveyors - Handles parts that move in an up/down incline with an economical parts conveyor. Belt widths can be ordered from 4" wide to 48" wide.
• Steel Wire Mesh Belt Conveyors - Used to convey oily, hot or cold products in cooling, oven or other special spraying and drying conditions.
• Motorized Roller Conveyors - Loads up to 3900 lbs. can be moved with these clean and efficient motorized roller systems.
• Roller Bed Belt Conveyors - Designed for transporting heavy loads over long distances with less horsepower than slider bed conveyors.
• Gravity Conveyors - Standard in the production industry due to their ideal movement of light to medium weight packages. Easily portable and can be used as a temporary or a permanent conveyor line.
• Accordion Conveyors - Portable and efficient, they conform to various shapes necessary for ease of product handling with lengths available up to 60 feet and load capacity up to 275 lbs. per lineal foot.
• Zone Accumulation - Designed to accumulate products and containers into zones without contact; commonly termed Zero Pressure Accumulation or ZPA.
• Gates - Manual or spring assisted gates can be used to provide access to personnel or equipment in other areas of the building. Can be used with skate wheel or roller conveyors.

WiscoLift is now offering a full range of conveyors for all of your warehouse and manufacturing applications. We can assist with evaluation of your specific application and provide customized installation. For more information on conveyor systems, call us at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Upgrade Your Crane to the 21st Century

Does your Crane need some new technology to ensure safety and ease of use? Let WiscoLift bring your crane up-to-date with engineered components for your application requirements:

• Wireless communication controls.
• Laser, proximity, and photoelectric sensors.
• Communication interface for Collision Avoidance Control.
• Pre-engineered two-way communication for access to troubleshooting information and load weight on the ground.
• Built-in electronic motor thermal overload protection.
• Ergonomic pendants that deliver optimum control and performance with less fatigue.

There are several benefits to adding engineered applications to your crane:

•  Built-in self-diagnostics help keep your overhead material handling system up and running safely.
• Collision Avoidance Systems limit the potential for crane-to-wall and crane-to-crane collisions and use self-monitoring optical lasers to monitor your crane’s position.
• Pre-engineered control panels allow you to access diagnostics and improve safety through crane stoppage after any communication loss (either serial or RF transmission)
• New lightweight, ergonomic pendant design performs with less effort and fatigue than traditional pendants.

We are happy to provide more information on upgrading your crane to the 21^st century. Call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.  

Fall Arrest System Solutions

To fully comply with OSHA standards and ANSI recommendations, employees must provide their employees a workplace free from health hazards and known safety risks. When working OVER dangerous equipment and machinery, a Fall Arrest System must be in place, regardless of the height.

Gorbel has two fall arrest systems that work well in elevated environments.

Tether Track System (Rigid)

The Tether Track System is the best option for low-headroom applications. It stops fall within a shorter distance than wire rope and less clearance is required from the anchor point to the floor below.

• Designed for multiple workers
•  Includes an anchor trolley
•  Various in various configurations, including multiple track profiles and support center distances
• Provides a high degree of mobility and freedom

View VIDEO of the Tether Track in Action >>

Ranger Mobile Anchor (Flexible)

The new Ranger allows for quick attachment to a forklift truck or alternate towing vehicles. It allows the unit to be anchored directly above where the user is performing the work, working well for indoor or outdoor use.

• All steel construction
• Only 2,685 lbs.
•  Adjustable anchor height at 18’, 20’ and 22’
•  Integral outriggers provide firm support
• Permits a 30 degree work area from anchor point
• Maximum tow speed 25 mph

View VIDEO of the Ranger Mobile in Action >>

For more information on these Gorbel products or assistance in determining what Fall Arrest System is best for your application, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

No Room for an Overhead Crane?

Gorbel’s Freestanding and Wall Mounted Work Station Jib Cranes are a practical and economic solution! With a wide variety of spans, capacities and mounting styles, you will be able to find an efficient and reliable solution for your material handling application(s).

Types of Workstation Jib Cranes:

Freestanding (WSJ360)

Capacities: 100, 150, 250, 500 and 1,000 Lbs.

Rotates 360 degrees and can be bolted directly to your existing floor without the need for a base.

These cranes have a retaining pin through the pivot pin to help against accidental dislodgment of the boom assembly.

This model is also available in stainless steel for models with 250 or 500 series track.

Wall Cantilever (WSJ200)

Capacities: 100, 150, 250, 500 and 1,000 Lbs.

Rotates 200 degrees and mounts to a wall or column. The crane uses a tapered roller bearing at the pivot point for ease of rotation. Shim stock is included with each jib to ensure that it is aligned through the pivot axis.

This model is also available in stainless steel for models with 250 or 500 series track.

Wall Bracket (AL100)

Capacities: 150, 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Lbs.

Rotates 200 degrees and handles extremely easy due to its patented lightweight aluminum enclosed track. The jib rotates 40% easier than a comparable I-beam jib.

Standard hoist trolley and end stops are included in the base price.

Do you still need help assessing your best option?  Call one of our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 for a free crane assessment or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

#materialhandling  #workstationjibcranes  #jibcranes

Do You Need to Improve Work Force Utilization?

Just imagine this scenario. You are working on a project and your work cell members typically operate a manual I-beam crane. But, the two work cell members who are required to handle a large load are out sick.

I-beam cranes require more effort to move which means there is a greater chance of injury. An ergonomic solution is Gorbel’s Freestanding Work Station Bridge Crane. A Gorbel Workstation Bridge Crane require much less effort, a load can be moved 3 times more easily than with a traditional I-beam crane. Because it is so easy to handle, it can be safely operated with fewer work cell members also allowing a greater variety of people to safely lift and maneuver heavy loads.

Features:

·        Capacities from 150 to 4000 lbs

·        Rectangular coverage with up to 34’ bridge and 124’ runway standard

·        Standard support distances of 20, 25, and 30 feet.

·        Easy to move and position loads

·        Modular design for greater flexibility

·        Doesn't require existing support structure

View the VIDEO at: https://vimeo.com/85185030

For more information on Gorbel’s Freestanding Work Station Crane, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Inspection Tips for Below-The-Hook Lifting Devices

When was the last time you inspected your below-the-hook lifting devices? A below-the-hook lifting device is defined as a device that is used for attaching loads to a hoist. It may contain components such as slings, hooks, rigging hardware and lifting attachments. Types of below-the-hook lifting devices include:

• Lift Beams/Spreader Beams
• Plate Clamps
• Pallet Lifters
• Coil Lifters
• Vacuum Lifters
• Lifting Magnets
• Sheet Lifters
• Tongs

According to ASME B30.20, these are the minimum inspection requirements:

VISUAL INSPECTION: Daily / Weekly / Monthly

• Check for structural deformation, cracks and excessive wear of any part of the lift device.
• Check for loose or missing guards, fasteners, covers, stops or nameplates.
• Check all functional operating mechanisms and automatic hold and release mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with operation.

RECORDED INSPECTION: Quarterly / Semiannually / Annually

• Check for loose bolts or fasteners.
• Check for cracked or worn gears, pulleys, sheaves, sprockets, bearings, chains or belts.
• Check for excessive wear of linkages and other mechanical parts.
• Check for excessive wear at hoist hooking points and load support clevises or pins.

Any visual or recorded problem should render the device out of service. ASME B30.20-1.3.9 Maintenance states:

(b)(1) Before adjustments and repairs are started on a lifter, the following precautions shall be taken:(a) All sources of power shall be disconnected, locked out, and tagged “Out of Service.”(b) A lifter removed from service for repair shall be tagged “Out of Service”.

Do you need an ongoing Inspection/Maintenance Program for your equipment?  If so, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com. We would be happy to design a program tailored to your company’s specific needs.

#liftingdeviceinspection #hoistinspection #materialhandling