Below the Hook Lifting Devices

Below-the-hook lifting devices are essential attachments designed to lift and support a variety of loads in industrial workplaces. At Air Technical Industries (ATI), we offer different types of below-the-hook lifting equipment for lifting and transporting large items in industrial facilities. These devices improve productivity by streamlining the lifting process, decreasing the physical strain, and lowering the risk of injuries. We also offer custom below-the-hook lifting devices that cater to your specific needs. Contact us today for detailed information.

Industrial Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices Built for Demanding Applications

Below-the-hook lifting devices are industrial attachments used with cranes, hoists, and overhead lifting systems to lift, position, and move heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped loads. These specialized lifting devices help improve load control, reduce manual handling, and support efficient material handling operations in manufacturing and industrial facilities.

At Air Technical Industries (ATI), we manufacture and supply below-the-hook lifting devices, also known as under-the-hook lifting devices, for a wide range of industrial applications. Our product selection includes universal spreader bars, barrel lifters and dumpers, adjustable lifting forks, coil and reel lifters, and barrel clamps.

Our crane lifting devices are designed to handle drums, coils, reels, pallets, fabricated components, and other industrial materials. Whether your operation requires a standard attachment or a custom-engineered solution, ATI helps you select equipment based on load weight, dimensions, lifting points, crane compatibility, and handling requirements.

From routine material movement to specialized lifting applications, our industrial lifting attachments help facilities make better use of their existing crane and hoist systems.

Key Features of ATI Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

ATI’s below-the-hook lifters and industrial crane attachments offer features designed for demanding material handling environments.

• Heavy-duty welded steel construction
• Standard lifting capacities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 lbs., depending on the model
• Custom-engineered lifting solutions available for specialized requirements
• Designed for use with compatible overhead cranes, hoists, and lifting systems
• Adjustable configurations for different load shapes and dimensions
• Durable industrial-grade finishes
• Options for manual and powered operation on applicable models
• Designs that support controlled load positioning and material handling
• Equipment configurations for drums, pallets, coils, reels, and oversized loads
• Manufactured in the USA with engineering and technical support

Types of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices Available

ATI offers several types of lifting devices for cranes and hoists. Each attachment is designed for particular load characteristics, handling requirements, and industrial applications.

Universal Spreader Bars

Universal spreader bars help distribute lifting forces across multiple attachment points when handling long, wide, or irregularly shaped loads.

ATI universal spreader bars feature two swivel hooks and are available in capacities from 2,000 to 10,000 lbs. Standard lengths range from 4 to 12 ft., with custom configurations available up to 20 ft.

These crane lifting attachments are suitable for applications involving fabricated assemblies, industrial machinery, structural components, and other loads that require properly spaced lifting points.

When selecting a spreader bar, buyers should consider the load’s center of gravity, attachment-point spacing, lifting geometry, rated capacity, and available headroom.

Barrel Lifters and Dumpers

ATI’s barrel lifters and dumpers are under-the-hook lifting devices designed to lift, rotate, and empty industrial drums.

These attachments support controlled drum handling in manufacturing, processing, and material transfer operations.

ATI offers configurations including:

• Hand-chain operation
• Free rotation
• Hand-crank rotation
• Electric-powered rotation with pendant control

Standard models handle compatible 55-gallon drums weighing up to 1,000 lbs. An optional adapter is available for certain 30-gallon drum applications.

The appropriate configuration depends on drum construction, load weight, contents, rotation requirements, and the surrounding work environment.

Adjustable Lifting Forks

Adjustable lifting forks provide a practical solution for handling suitable pallets, crates, containers, and industrial materials using overhead lifting equipment.

These below-the-hook lifting attachments feature adjustable fork spacing to accommodate different load dimensions.

ATI models are available in capacities ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 lbs., with a 36-inch fork length, adjustable fork spans from 16 to 28 inches, and vertical throat opening options of 30 or 50 inches.

Industrial buyers should confirm load stability, pallet construction, load-center requirements, and compatibility before selecting an overhead lifting fork.

Coil and Reel Lifters

ATI’s coil and reel lifters are designed for lifting and positioning compatible industrial coils, reels, and rolls.

These specialized crane lifting devices are used in applications such as wire manufacturing, metal processing, paper production, and industrial fabrication.

ATI offers standard capacities of 2,000 and 4,000 lbs., with ram lengths of 24 and 36 inches and ram diameters of 3 and 4 inches.

When choosing a coil or reel lifter, important considerations include the load weight, bore diameter, reel width, load orientation, and available lifting clearance.

Barrel Clamps

ATI barrel clamps are industrial lifting attachments designed to grip and lift compatible drums during material handling operations.

With a rated capacity of 1,000 lbs., these devices can support drum movement and positioning in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and processing operations.

Buyers should confirm drum construction, dimensions, gripping compatibility, and load weight before selecting a barrel clamp.

Unlike barrel lifters and dumpers, barrel clamps are primarily intended for lifting and positioning rather than controlled pouring or dumping.

How to Choose the Right Below-the-Hook Lifting Device

Selecting the correct below-the-hook lifting device starts with understanding the load and how it must be handled.

Different industrial crane attachments are designed for different load shapes, lifting points, and movement requirements. Choosing the appropriate device helps support load stability, equipment compatibility, and efficient material handling.

Important Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Lifting Attachment

Load weight and rated capacity: Determine the maximum load weight, including any accessories or components that affect the lifting arrangement. The lifting device, rigging, and crane or hoist must all be suitable for the intended operation.

Load dimensions and center of gravity: Evaluate the load’s length, width, height, weight distribution, and lifting points to determine the appropriate attachment configuration.

Crane and hoist compatibility: Confirm that the device can be connected correctly to the existing crane or hoist and that the complete lifting arrangement has sufficient capacity.

Available headroom: Consider the vertical space required by the hook, rigging, attachment, and load.

Lifting frequency: Repetitive operations may benefit from adjustable configurations or powered handling features where available.

Work environment: Temperature, moisture, chemical exposure, available floor space, and surrounding equipment may influence attachment selection.

For unusual loads, ATI can help evaluate whether a standard product or custom-engineered lifting device is more appropriate.

Crane and Hoist Compatibility Considerations

Below-the-hook lifting attachments must work with the crane, hoist, and rigging used in the facility.

Before selecting a crane lifting device, buyers should evaluate the complete lifting arrangement rather than considering attachment capacity alone.

Important compatibility factors include:

• Crane or hoist capacity: The supporting equipment must accommodate the combined suspended weight of the load, lifting device, and applicable rigging.
• Hook and connection dimensions: The attachment’s connection must be compatible with the crane hook or approved rigging arrangement.
• Load center of gravity: The lifting arrangement must provide adequate stability during lifting and movement.
• Rigging geometry: Sling angles, connection points, and lifting forces must be considered when applicable.
• Vertical clearance: The combined height of the hook, lifting device, and load must fit within the available operating space.
• Operating environment: The attachment should be suitable for the facility’s working conditions and intended duty.

ATI’s industrial crane attachments can support different material handling applications, but compatibility must be verified for each specific installation and lifting arrangement.

Benefits of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

Properly selected below-the-hook lifting equipment can improve material handling efficiency while helping facilities address challenging lifting requirements.

Improved Load Control

Specialized lifting attachments provide load-specific engagement and support, helping operators position compatible materials more effectively.

Reduced Manual Handling

Using cranes and suitable lifting devices can reduce the need for employees to manually move, support, or reposition heavy materials.

Greater Equipment Versatility

A compatible crane or hoist can perform additional material handling tasks when equipped with appropriate lifting attachments.

Better Handling of Unusual Loads

Spreader bars, lifting forks, drum handling equipment, and coil lifters provide solutions for loads that may be difficult to handle using general-purpose rigging alone.

Support for Industrial Productivity

Purpose-built lifting attachments can simplify repetitive handling operations, reduce unnecessary repositioning, and improve workflow consistency.

Actual benefits depend on the equipment configuration, application, operating procedures, and proper use.

Industries Served

Air Technical Industries supplies below-the-hook lifting devices for a wide range of industrial sectors.

• Manufacturing Facilities: Handling fabricated assemblies, machine components, and production materials.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Positioning components, containers, and manufacturing equipment.
• Aerospace Manufacturing: Moving suitable assemblies and components that require controlled handling.
• Metal Fabrication: Lifting structural materials, fabricated components, and oversized loads.
• Steel Processing: Handling compatible coils, reels, and fabricated materials.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Moving suitable pallets, drums, crates, and industrial materials.
• Heavy Equipment Manufacturing: Positioning large components during assembly and maintenance.
• Construction Equipment Facilities: Handling machinery components and fabricated assemblies.
• Energy and Utility Operations: Supporting equipment maintenance and component movement.
• Industrial Maintenance Departments: Lifting and positioning machinery parts during servicing and repair.

Technical Specifications

ATI offers several below-the-hook lifting device configurations to accommodate different industrial material handling requirements.

Specifications vary by model and configuration. Refer to individual product information and confirm current technical details with ATI before selecting equipment.

Below-the-Hook Lifting Device Safety and Industry Standards

Safe lifting operations depend on proper equipment selection, rated capacity, inspection, operator training, and appropriate operating procedures.

Two important ASME standards associated with below-the-hook lifting devices are:

ASME B30.20 — Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

This standard addresses requirements for below-the-hook lifting devices, including applicable provisions for marking, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance, and operation.

ASME BTH-1 — Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

This standard establishes design criteria for below-the-hook lifting devices and supports engineering decisions involving structural and mechanical design.

Facilities should also follow applicable OSHA requirements, manufacturer instructions, and site-specific lifting procedures.

Before using a lifting attachment, qualified personnel should confirm its rated capacity, inspect the equipment as required, and verify that the intended lifting arrangement is appropriate.

Specific compliance or certification claims should be confirmed for the individual equipment model and applicable standard edition.

Custom Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices for Specialized Applications

Not every industrial load can be handled efficiently using a standard lifting attachment.

Unusual load dimensions, restricted clearance, nonstandard lifting points, or specialized production requirements may call for a custom below-the-hook lifting device.

ATI works with industrial customers to evaluate custom lifting requirements and develop solutions suited to specific material handling applications.

Custom engineering considerations may include:

• Load weight and overall dimensions
• Center of gravity and weight distribution
• Required lifting points and connection geometry
• Crane or hoist compatibility
• Available vertical and horizontal clearance
• Material handling frequency
• Load positioning and rotation requirements
• Facility operating conditions

Information to Provide When Requesting a Custom Lifting Device

To help ATI evaluate your application, provide the load weight, dimensions, material type, lifting-point details, existing crane or hoist information, and a description of how the load needs to move.

Drawings, photographs, or application sketches can also help communicate unusual lifting requirements.

Why Choose Air Technical Industries?

Air Technical Industries has decades of experience manufacturing industrial lifting equipment and developing custom material handling solutions.

Our team works with customers to understand their lifting challenges and recommend equipment suited to their applications.

ATI offers a range of standard below-the-hook lifting attachments along with custom-engineered solutions for specialized industrial requirements.

Customers choose ATI for:

• Extensive industrial lifting equipment experience
• American manufacturing capabilities
• Engineering support for specialized applications
• Standard and custom lifting equipment options
• Product configurations for a variety of industrial loads
• Technical assistance during equipment selection

From universal spreader bars and adjustable lifting forks to specialized drum and coil handling equipment, ATI helps industrial facilities identify practical lifting solutions.

Request a Custom Below-the-Hook Lifting Solution 

Looking for below-the-hook lifting devices, crane lifting attachments, or custom industrial lifting equipment for your facility?

Air Technical Industries offers standard and custom lifting solutions for handling drums, pallets, coils, reels, fabricated components, and other industrial materials.

Our team can help you evaluate equipment options based on load capacity, dimensions, crane compatibility, and operational requirements.

Contact Air Technical Industries to discuss your application or request a quote for a below-the-hook lifting solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What are below-the-hook lifting devices?

Below-the-hook lifting devices are attachments used beneath cranes or hoists to lift, support, position, and move industrial loads. Common examples include spreader bars, lifting forks, drum lifters, and coil handling attachments.

2. What is the difference between below-the-hook and under-the-hook lifting devices?

The terms are commonly used interchangeably. Both describe lifting attachments connected beneath a crane or hoist hook to handle loads.

3. How do I choose the right below-the-hook lifting device?

Start by evaluating the load weight, dimensions, center of gravity, lifting points, crane capacity, and available headroom. Then select a lifting attachment designed for the load type and intended operation.

4. What types of lifting devices can be used with cranes?

Depending on the application, crane lifting devices can include spreader bars, lifting beams, adjustable lifting forks, drum lifters, barrel clamps, and coil or reel lifters. The selected attachment must be compatible with the crane, rigging, and load.

5. Can ATI provide custom below-the-hook lifting devices?

Yes. ATI offers custom-engineered lifting solutions for applications involving unusual load dimensions, specialized lifting points, clearance limitations, and other material handling requirements.

6. What load capacities are available?

ATI’s listed standard below-the-hook lifting devices offer capacities from 1,000 to 10,000 lbs., depending on the product. Custom requirements can be discussed with ATI’s engineering team.

7. What is the difference between a lifting beam and a spreader beam?

A lifting beam generally supports loads through bending, while a spreader beam is typically designed to carry primarily compressive forces through an appropriate rigging arrangement. The correct choice depends on load geometry, lifting points, rigging configuration, and available headroom.

8. What safety standards apply to below-the-hook lifting devices?

ASME B30.20 addresses below-the-hook lifting device requirements, while ASME BTH-1 provides design criteria. Applicable OSHA requirements, manufacturer instructions, and facility lifting procedures should also be followed.

9. Can below-the-hook lifting devices be used with existing overhead cranes?

Many below-the-hook lifting attachments can be used with compatible overhead cranes and hoists. Before use, verify rated capacity, connection compatibility, rigging geometry, clearance, and load stability.

10. What information is needed to request a custom lifting attachment?

Provide the load weight, dimensions, center of gravity if known, lifting-point locations, crane or hoist specifications, available clearance, and a description of the required lifting operation. Drawings or photographs are also helpful.