Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices Built for Safety and Control

Moving heavy, awkward or irregular loads safely requires more than a standard hook or sling. Below-the-hook lifting devices improve load stability, operator control and positioning during crane and hoist operations.

Bohl Crane designs and supplies below-the-hook lifting devices for a wide range of industrial material handling applications. From standard lifting devices to custom-engineered equipment, our teams match the device to the load, process, capacity, environment and safety requirements.

Whether you need a lifting beam, spreader bar, clamp, magnet, vacuum lifter, rotating device, lift assist or custom solution, Bohl Crane can help you select or engineer equipment for your application. Request a Below-the-Hook Lifting Device Quote.

What Are Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices?

Below-the-hook lifting devices attach to a crane, hoist or lifting system and interface directly with the load. Unlike basic rigging, these devices are designed to secure, balance, grip, support, rotate or position loads with greater control.

They are often used when loads are:

• difficult to balance with slings alone
• irregularly shaped, fragile, long or oversized
• heavy enough to require added control
• difficult to grip, rotate or position manually
• part of a repetitive production or assembly process

By improving how loads are engaged and moved, below-the-hook lifting devices can reduce load movement, improve positioning accuracy and support safer crane operation.

Designed to Improve Safety and Ergonomics

One of the primary advantages of a properly selected below-the-hook lifting device is improved control for operators and surrounding personnel. Better load engagement can reduce shifting, improve stability and limit the need for workers to manually guide or reposition loads during a lift.

Ergonomics are also important. Many lifting devices and lift assists are designed to reduce strain during repetitive handling tasks, allowing workers to move, position or orient materials with less physical effort.

Bohl Crane designs and supplies lifting devices with safety, usability and process reliability in mind, helping reduce manual handling while improving load control.

Common Types of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

Below-the-hook lifting devices come in many configurations, each designed for specific load types, handling requirements and production environments. Bohl Crane supports both standard and custom lifting device options for manufacturing, foundry, machining, assembly, warehousing and other industrial operations. 

Lifting Beams and Spreader Bars

Lifting beams and spreader bars distribute load weight and support more stable lifts. They are commonly used for long, wide, flexible or oversized loads that need balanced support across multiple lifting points.

Bohl Crane can help determine whether a lifting beam, spreader bar or custom lifting fixture is appropriate based on load weight, dimensions, pick points, center of gravity and handling process.

Magnets and Vacuum Lifters

Magnets and vacuum lifters can reduce manual rigging and improve handling speed for certain materials. Industrial lifting magnets are commonly used for ferrous materials such as steel plates, sheets or components, while vacuum lifters may be used for smooth, nonporous materials where surface contact is preferred.

Bohl Crane can evaluate whether a magnet, vacuum lifter or another below-the-hook device is the right fit based on material, surface condition, load weight, process and safety requirements.

Clamping, Rotating and Positioning Devices

Some applications require more than vertical lifting. Below-the-hook lifting devices may include manual, pneumatic, electric or powered clamping, rotation or positioning features to align loads during production, assembly, machining or staging.

These devices can be useful when components need to be gripped, turned, tilted or positioned accurately as part of a repeatable process.

Custom Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

When a standard lifting device is not the right fit, Bohl Crane can create custom below-the-hook solutions built around the application, load and handling requirements. From concept through finished equipment, Bohl supports application-specific lifting challenges with devices designed for safety, control and real-world use.

Custom devices may be designed for:

• engine blocks and crankshafts
• transmission assemblies
• dies, molds and tooling
• steel coils, ladles and machines
• parts bins and material containers
• heavy, awkward or difficult-to-position components

Built With Standards and Compliance in Mind

Below-the-hook lifting devices must be designed and used with safety, documentation and application requirements in mind. Bohl’s approach considers recognized industry standards for lifting device design, fabrication, testing and use.

For custom lifting devices, factors such as load weight, center of gravity, pick points, operating environment, safety factors, controls and inspection requirements should be evaluated before equipment is put into service.

Choosing the Right Lifting Device

Selecting the right below-the-hook lifting device depends on the load, process and operating environment. Before recommending a standard or custom device, Bohl Crane considers factors such as:

• load weight and dimensions
• center of gravity
• material type and surface condition
• pick points and attachment method
• lift frequency and duty cycle
• required rotation, tilt or positioning
• available crane or hoist capacity
• operator interaction and safety goals
• environmental conditions

Bohl’s team works with engineers, safety managers, maintenance teams and procurement specialists to recommend lifting devices that improve control without adding unnecessary complexity.

Explore Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices From Bohl Crane

Need help lifting, gripping, rotating or positioning a difficult load? Bohl Crane can help determine whether a standard device, modified product or fully custom below-the-hook solution is the right fit.

Request a Below-the-Hook Lifting Device Quote
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For custom applications or questions about specific loads, use the quote request so our team can review the application, capacity, environment and handling requirements before recommending a solution.