This is a 2 part article.
Lifting points are fundamental elements within any lifting system. They are the crucial connection between lifting equipment (cranes, hoists) and the load itself, facilitating lifting, rotating, and manoeuvring operations. Common lifting point examples include eyebolts, swivel load rings and pad eyes, which connect to lifting chains using hooks, shackles, or other dedicated connectors. Modern lifting points are engineered to ensure safe load handling and to prevent damage throughout the lifting and transportation process.
Integrating Lifting Points at the Design Stage
With over 140 years of experience, RUD recognises that lifting points are often overlooked during the initial design phase. This can lead to complications and potential safety hazards later in the project. Incorporating lifting points should be prioritised from the outset to prevent such issues. This includes considering lifting requirements throughout the product lifecycle, from production and internal transportation to delivery, installation, assembly, and even potential relocation or decommissioning. Implementing lifting points at each stage minimises risk and promotes smooth operation. During the design phase, collaboration between the engineering, production, logistics, and supply chain management teams ensures proper lifting point integration.
Evolution of Lifting Points: From Simple Eye Bolts to Modern Safety Standards
Over time, lifting point design has evolved to comply with changing regulations and safety requirements. Four decades ago, DIN 580 eyebolts were the most prevalent lifting point option. However, a series of accidents in German underground operations, attributed to eyebolt breakage, necessitated stricter standards. These types of incidents regarding the misuse of collared eyebolts led to the development of modern lifting points, offering significantly higher safety margins against breakage in all directions. As a result, collared eyebolts such as DIN 580 and AS 2317.1 eyebolts are no longer the preferred choice for lifting points.
The Role of Lifting Points in Conjunction with Lifting Equipment
Lifting points play a vital role when working with lifting equipment like cranes, crane trucks, and material-handling machinery. Lifting chains that connect the machine to the load rely on these critical components. In Australia, specific standards for lifting (e.g. AS 4991, AS 3775.2, AS 3776) set the requirements for various lifting gear, prioritising operator safety. This focus on safety emphasises the importance of selecting the most suitable lifting gear for each application.
Types of Lifting Points: Boltable vs. Weldable, Rigid vs. Swivel
Lifting points are generally categorised into two primary types: boltable and weldable. Boltable options are the most common due to their versatility, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly as needed. They are available for standard thread sizes, offering maximum flexibility. Conversely, weldable lifting points are permanently affixed to the load. Their primary advantage is eliminating accidental unscrewing or over-tightening during load rotation or turning. Beyond these classifications, lifting points can also be rigid or swivelling. Rigid variants, such as collared eyebolts or pad eyes, lack adjustability in the pulling direction. Swivel lifting points, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility. They are commonly employed in multi-strand lifting applications, as they can automatically align themselves with the lifting force during load handling.
Click for our full range of bolt-on and weld-on lifting points.
Advantages of Lifting Points with Swivel and Rotation Capabilities
Lifting points specifically designed for rotating and turning applications offer additional benefits, translating into increased value. These points often integrate ball bearings, enabling a full Working Load Limit (WLL) under rotation. This makes them ideal for scenarios requiring load manipulation during lifting. The ball bearings significantly reduce sudden and unwanted movements during rotation, a crucial safety feature. Achieving smooth, impact-free rotation under load is only possible with these bearings.
Click here for an example of a ball-bearing lifting point - The RUD VWBG Load Ring.
Understanding Working Load Limit (WLL)
WLL is a critical industry term indicating the working load a lifting point can be subject to. Selecting appropriate lifting points necessitates a thorough understanding of their WLLs. Several factors influence a lifting point's WLL, including its attachment method, positioning, load symmetry, and the number of lift points used.
To be continued ...
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
We are happy to deal with RUD because of their product quality, customer service and competitive pricing. They are very efficient when submitting quotes with a short lead time and are always available when we need them.
Onsite support is excellent and always professional.
RUD Chains has a great product with an exceptional back-up and field service. We have previously bought from Chinese manufacturers and European companies, but we will stay with RUD due to the quality of the product and availability of service personnel.
Patterson Crane Hire loves a challenge and RUD lifting gear helps us solve these challenges. The weight saving gains when we use their Grade 120 ICE range really makes a difference and minimises our risk when we are managing difficult, heavy lifts.
Simply put, this is why we choose to work with quality suppliers like RUD.
At Holcim (Werribee) we rely on RUD Tyre Protection Chains. Their strong expertise and professionalism is on display when they fit and maintain our chains on site. The team works hard to keep us safe, enable our machines to stay in operation and minimise our costs.
Air & Allied Sales (Pacific) has partnered with RUD Chains for the past 25 years to deliver outstanding engineered solutions. The professional and continued relationship with Ian and his team allows us to continue to support our customers above and beyond their needs.
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As Managing Director of ACRAN, we are always excited to provide innovative and quality technical solutions to the market for industrial ventilation, filtration and noise control solutions.
Recently we completed a project where RUD chain drives provided a controlled drive solution for an Engineered lift and fulfilled the requirements. ACRAN is grateful for the technical and on-site...
At Gemilang, we’re confident that our high-quality Endurequip-made Portalifts and vehicle stands will continue to serve us well as we build more buses for the Australian market. These provide us unparalleled underbody access, thereby giving our clients the reassurance that every single bus component, from top to bottom, is designed, manufactured, secured and inspected thoroughly by our...
The team at Jilalan appreciate the quality service you provided in the design, fabrication and commissioning of our platforms for our Wagon remediation project.
RUD's attention to detail and great communications skills ensured that our project was completed to the highest standard and exceeded our expectations. From the start of the procurement process you committed to ensuring time...
Grima Recycling have been working the team at RUD in realising our plant expansion project. The modular RUD chain conveyor has proved to be reliable and effective for the transfer of our recycled products from the loader hopper and up the inclined slop as part of our new process line. The regular contact and support provided by RUD compliments the RUD system quality.
ENCO Precast have been involved with RUD for over 10 years now, predominantly for the supply of the Philipp Group Lifting Hoops for Prestressed Precast Concrete elements for bridges. The engineering support led by RUD's Engineering Manager Matt Pauli is always outstanding and has kept us loyal to RUD.
RUD’s service and product support have been excellent. We are happy to recommend RUD to anyone who has problems with their tyre life.
