Safe Use: Beam Trolleys
Read Before Use
These guidelines must be read and understood by all operators before using Super Clamp beam trolleys. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.
Safe Use of Beam Trolleys
10.0 Beam trolleys should not be used on any beam other than those designed, tested and marked as a runway beam, with the exception that they may be used on a beam forming part of a structure where a specific design check has been made for this purpose and end stops or a suitable means of preventing the trolley running off the end of the beam have been fitted. The beam should also be sufficiently level under all loading conditions such that the trolley will not run away under gravity.
10.1 Beam trolleys are, in the main, adjustable to suit a specific range of beam widths. Adjustment is achieved by means of a screwed adjusting bar operated by turning the handle body.
Fig 10.1 Push Travel Trolley
Fig 10.2 Geared Travel Trolley
10.2 There are two types of beam trolleys available: push travel (see Fig 10.1) and geared travel (see Fig 10.2). Push travel trolleys are normally used for loads of up to 6,000 kg and linear movement is achieved by pushing against the load. Geared travel trolleys are preferred when loads in excess of 6,000 kg are to be handled or accurate positioning is required, e.g. alignment of flanges, bolt holes, etc.
10.3 The W.L.L. of the trolley must be adequate to take the load to be lifted plus the weight of the hoist. The operating chain (where fitted) should be long enough to hang approximately 2 feet above the operating level. Loads must always be picked up, travelled and landed directly below the runway beam.
10.5 Pre-Use Examination
As with all lifting gear, it is your responsibility to ensure that the beam trolley is in a safe condition to operate. The following checks should be made:
- The W.L.L. is adequate for the load.
- The colour coding (where applicable) is current and the trolley has a plant number / ID mark.
- Examine side plates and check for wear, distortion and cracks.
- Examine wheels, axles, bearings, wheel treads and flanges.
- If geared travel, check gear teeth on wheel flanges and drive sprocket of hand chain wheel shaft for alignment, broken teeth, etc.
- Examine hand chain and hand chain wheel to ensure chain seats properly in the chain sprockets.
- Check hand chain guides are not deformed and are correctly positioned to ensure smooth feed of chain into chain wheel.
- Examine suspension shackle for wear, distortion and cracking.
- Where an adjusting bar is fitted, check for straightness and examine threads for stretch/damage and check function of locking device.
- Ensure both the female threaded knuckles (mounted on the side plates) are not damaged or deformed.
10.6 Erection of Beam Trolleys
Measure the beam flange on which the trolley is to be fitted and, while the trolley is still on the ground/deck, open out to just over the beam flange width, hook on one side of the trolley, and close again until the desired width is obtained.
10.7 Warning
Remember to lock the adjusting bar. Please note on PT model trolleys the adjusting bar is locked by a screw located in the adjusting bar collar.
10.8 Correct Setting
Whichever type of trolley is being fitted, the recommended clearance between the edge of the beam flange and the wheel flange is 2.5 mm i.e. flange width plus 5 mm total.
Always
- 10.9 Ensure the beam flange is clear of any obstructions and is clean and free from debris.
- 10.10 Ensure operating chains will not foul or snag during travel.
Never
- 10.11 Subject the beam trolley to side loadings.
- 10.12 Overload the beam trolley.
- 10.13 Throw or drop trolleys onto the floor or deck.
These guidelines are provided for general guidance only. Always refer to the specific product instructions supplied with each trolley, and ensure all operations comply with local regulations and standards.