Turning beams – find manufacturers and suppliers

Turning beams are mechanical lifting and handling devices that allow heavy or bulky components to be rotated or turned without the load having to be set down by the gripper or crane.

They are used in industrial and manufacturing sectors such as mechanical engineering, steel and metal processing, plant construction, shipbuilding and logistics, where heavy or bulky loads need to be safely rotated and turned.

Below you will find the structure, function and use of turning beams, as well as a brief overview of their advantages and benefits:

Design and function of turning beams:

Turning beams consist of:

1. Support structure: Usually a stable frame or framework made of steel profiles that carries the load.
2. Suspension points: Attachment points for the crane hook or other lifting equipment.
3. Load suspension devices: Depending on the application, these can be clamps, hooks, chains, tension belts or gripping devices.
4. Turning or rotating mechanism: The key feature of the turning spreader beam is the ability to rotate the load through 90°, 180° or another angle. This is done either:Manually, by adjusting the spreader beam mechanically or by hand.Hydraulically or pneumatically, for larger loads or more frequent turns.Via an articulated or rotating device that can be operated during lifting.

The load is usually fixed at several points to prevent it from tipping or slipping when turning.

Areas of application for turning beams:

Turning spreader beams are used in various industries, especially where heavy or awkward loads need to be moved safely and turned at the same time:

1. Heavy industry and mechanical engineering:
When handling large machine parts or components that need to be turned before further processing.

2. Shipbuilding:
For turning ship hulls, components or heavy equipment.

3. Steel and metal industry:
For turning large steel plates, sheets or structures.

4. Construction and plant engineering:
In the assembly of precast concrete parts or steel structures that need to be turned before installation.

5. Logistics and handling:
When handling bulky and heavy goods that are turned in the warehouse or during transportation.

Advantages and benefits of turning beams:

• The turning spreader beam enables the load to be turned in a controlled and safe manner, minimizing hazards caused by uncontrolled tipping.
• The load is turned and rotated during the lifting process without having to be set down.
• They are available in different sizes and designs, adapted to different load weights and application requirements.
• The even load distribution and secure fixing prevent damage to the goods.

Turning beams are specialized lifting devices that enable heavy loads to be turned safely without having to set them down. They are widely used in industries that work with large, bulky or sensitive components. Thanks to their robust construction and flexible design, they make a significant contribution to more efficient and safer handling processes.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria that you should look out for when purchasing turning beams:

Numerous technical, safety-related and economic factors play a role when purchasing turning beams. The wrong choice can lead to safety risks, inefficient work processes and increased wear.

• The key selection criterion is the maximum load capacity of the turning device. It must not only correspond to the weight of the largest load, but also offer safety reserves.
• When purchasing, also check the load distribution: some loads act selectively or unevenly, which requires a robust design and corresponding stability.
• Undersizing leads to high loads on the structure, oversizing to unnecessary additional costs.
• The design of the truss must match the dimensions and shape of the load. Variable pick-up points or adjustable gripping elements are important for long, flat or irregularly shaped workpieces such as sheet metal, wooden panels or pipes.
• The question of whether loads have to be gripped internally, e.g. via holes, or externally also plays a role.
• Turning beams can cover different ranges of movement: simple 90° turns, complete 180° turns or even endless 360° rotation. The required range of movement should be tailored to the production processes. A rotation angle that is too small can require additional retooling, while an oversized range drives up costs.
• There are manual, electric and hydraulic turning traverses.
• Manual ones are inexpensive and suitable for smaller loads, but require physical effort.
• Electric ones are convenient, precise and suitable for medium to large loads.
• Hydraulic ones are suitable for very heavy and bulky loads. They are usually extremely robust, but also require more maintenance.
• They can be controlled via manual control units, radio remote control or fully automatically. Interfaces to existing control systems are important for complex production lines.
• The lifting beam must be compatible with existing crane systems, hoists or other conveyor systems. This includes connection points, pin dimensions, suspensions and the overall height.
• The slewing range in the hall and the ground clearance should also be taken into account.
• Safety is the top priority. Therefore, pay attention to:
• Certification such as CE marking, DIN EN standards.
• Safety devices such as load pressure brakes, emergency stop systems, overload protection.
• Position monitoring for automated systems.
• Secure clamping or tensioning of the load to prevent slipping when turning.
• Additional protective measures are required for loads with special risks, e.g. sensitive surfaces, hazardous goods.
• In many production environments, different types of loads need to be moved. A lifting beam with adjustable gripper arms, interchangeable pick-up points or modular assemblies increases flexibility. This can help to avoid follow-up investments.
• Energy consumption should be taken into account, especially with electric or hydraulic models.
• Maintenance costs, lubricant requirements, spare parts prices and downtimes also play a role. Easy access to maintenance points and low wear ensure long-term cost-effectiveness.
• Intuitive operation, ergonomically designed controls and a clear view of the load increase work safety and reduce the risk of operating errors. Radio remote controls offer additional flexibility.
• An established manufacturer with proven experience and a strong service network is essential. You should therefore attach importance to:
• Spare parts availability and delivery times.
• Training opportunities for operators and maintenance personnel.
• Service contracts and response times in the event of a fault.
• In addition to the purchase price, all running costs such as energy, maintenance, personnel costs and possible increases in productivity due to shorter cycle times should be included in the calculation.

The purchase of turning beams requires a precise analysis of the loads, processes and safety requirements. Load capacity, compatibility, safety standards, degree of automation and service quality are decisive factors. Paying attention not only to price, but also to operating costs, flexibility and integration ensures efficient, safe and economical use in the long term.

Turning beams can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Turning beams from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.