8 Types of Crane Rigging For Transport

Crane rigging helps streamline the oversized load transport process in heavy equipment shipping and logistics. Still, not all rigging equipment is the same. Most types of crane rigging vary depending on the tasks that mainly involve moving objects, loads, and other equipment.

Using the right rigging equipment is essential for efficiently handling objects and cargo. Also, some objects and shipping projects require multiple crane rigging apparatus and tools.

Types of Crane Rigging

Crane rigging in transport and logistics facilitates the safe lifting, hoisting, and shipping of heavy loads. Understanding the varying types of crane rigging or transport helps you pick the most suitable and efficient for your project.

Also, before picking and setting your rigger, you may need to determine the weight and size of your oversize load shipment for enhanced safety and efficiency. Luckily, most loads come with their weight and sizes marked, or the manufacturer provides a catalog showing the weight and dimension specs.

To understand the crane rigging types, here’s a detailed and comprehensive guide exploring the eight broad ranges of crane rigging equipment used in the heavy-load transport industry.

1. Pulleys and Blocks

Pulleys and blocks are the most common attachments and essential crane rigging equipment in the shipping industry. Heavy load-hauling companies utilize these two equipment types to lift and move heavy, over-dimensional objects with little force. There are different block types, including:

• Tilt-up blocks
• Swivel blocks
• Snatch blocks
• Square blocks

Pulleys include single and double types.

2. Hooks

Hooks are another crane rigging equipment type usually attached to a block or pulley system. The setup allows multiple lines to be connected, increasing the crane’s hoisting or lifting capacity, which gives you more control over your load.

The hook is essential when lifting heavy loads with multiple attachment points or when extra mechanical advantage is required. Hooks come in various styles that include:

• Swivel hooks
• Eye hooks
• C-hooks

While they are all hooks, they each serve a specific purpose; for instance, the swivel hook enables load rotation without twisting the cable or sling.

3. Synthetic Slings

Synthetic slings offer an alternative to metal slings, and they are mostly used for lighter weights. The materials used for slings mainly include polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. They are reliable for handling objects with delicate surfaces and irregularly shaped loads.

Synthetic slings are also preferred for their strength, resistance to corrosion, and flexibility. They are color-coded, indicating their load capacity, making it easy to pick the right sling to haul your transport.

4. Chain Slings

Chain slings are another suitable crane rigging equipment type in transport that is adjustable for various lengths and often preferred for lifting extremely heavy equipment. These sling types have single, double, and multi-leg configurations like wire rope slings.

5. Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are the most versatile and common crane rigging equipment, including single, double, and multiple leg configurations for hauling over-dimensional and superheavy loads. The single-leg, for instance, is preferred for vertical hoists, and the multi-leg sling is ideal for equipment with multiple attachment points.

Due to their strength and resistance to abrasion, they are the most suitable for heavy-duty applications. Multiple steel wire strands are twisted to develop a flexible, durable lifting tool and solution.

6. Lifting Beams

This crane rigging equipment is designed to distribute the load evenly, especially when lifting long, awkwardly shaped, or irregularly shaped loads. As the name suggests, the equipment has a horizontal beam with multiple attachment areas for hooks and slings.

In the shipping and logistics industry, lifting beams prevent heavy loads from bending or tipping when lifted. They enhance safety when loading or unloading heavy, overdimensional, irregularly shaped cargo.

7. Shackles

In crane rigging equipment, shackles connect lifting or hoisting hooks, slings, and other tools to the cargo. We have different rigging shackle types that mainly include:

• Round-pin shackles
• Screw-pin shackles
• Bolt-type shackles

While they conduct varying functions in the heavy-load transport industry, they primarily provide additional security and efficiency.

8. Turnbuckles

Heavy-load shipping experts use this rigging equipment to adjust tension in chains, ropes, and other apparatus. They also secure rigging components while fine-tuning the tension and alignment of slings and cables.

Heavy Haulers Final Thoughts

Only an expert transport company like Heavy Haulers can help you choose the most suitable crane rigging equipment for your shipping project. These trustworthy and reliable oversized load experts have over a decade of experience and understand the types of crane rigging used in shipping.