Container Lifting Lugs
There are a wide range of container lifting lugs on the market, this is a quick focus on a couple of the most common.
Provided they are used in the correct way and dangerous lifting practices are avoided, they offer a versatile and safe means of connecting the container to the lifting slings.
Top Lifting Lugs
As the name suggests, these lugs are designed to be fitted to the top of an ISO corner casting. They are generally designed such that they can be inserted into the slot at the top of the corner casting. Then to secure they are twisted through 90 degrees and retained by a locking device. This particular type is commonly designed to be fitting to a vertical sling, connected to a container lifting frame or similar. Note that the top lug has a lifting tolerance of only 15% from the vertical.
Side Lifting Lugs
These are the most common form of container lifting lugs. These are designed to be used on the bottom castings and come in a ‘Left’, ‘Right’ and ‘Straight’ lift configuration. These different configuration lugs mean that lifting a container from the bottom lugs can be done vertically. They can also be done with a set of lifting slings at an angle. Lugs with a spring actuated pin locking device are also available which secure the lug into place once it has been twisted into position.
InspectionÂ
All container lifting lugs need to be visually inspected prior to use and as part of a periodic inspection. If any of the following defects are found they could be grounds for withdrawal from service:
- distortion, such as bent shank or deformed eye
- loss of section through excessive wear
- damage such as nicks, cracks, gouges, corrosion
- missing or illegible markings
For sales or hire information on container lifting lugs or other lifting and materials handling equipment please contact the team at LiftQuip Australia on 7089 8335 or at sales@liftquipaustralia.com.au
