pewag Rigging System Supports 7 Tonne Rooftop Heat Pump Lift in Oxford
- Meagan Wood
- Aug 26
- 9 min read
30 Second Takeaway
pewag UK Group supplied a complete below the hook lifting arrangement to E.J. McGovern Crane Hire for the installation of a 7,000 kg air source heat pump on a rooftop in Oxford. The system combined a Modulift CMOD 24 Spreader Frame, a 20 tonne pewag levo Load Balancer, pewag lifting chains and snatch blocks. An eight point lifting arrangement distributed support around the unit, while the remotely controlled load balancer allowed the crane team to correct its uneven weight distribution during lifting and final positioning.
Complete Rigging Package for Oxford Rooftop Installation
E.J. McGovern Crane Hire has completed the rooftop installation of a 7 tonne air source heat pump in Oxford using a coordinated rigging package supplied by pewag UK Group.
The unit’s uneven internal weight distribution created an offset centre of gravity, while limited space at roof level restricted the options available for controlling and positioning the load.
To address these conditions, the below the hook arrangement incorporated:
A Modulift CMOD 24 Spreader Frame
A 20 tonne pewag levo Load Balancer
pewag lifting chains
pewag snatch blocks
An eight point lifting configuration
Remote load levelling capability
Each component performed a specific role within the engineered rigging system, allowing the heat pump to remain supported and controllable as it was lifted to the roof and moved into its final installation position.
Uneven Weight Distribution Creates Lifting Challenge
Although the heat pump had a total weight of 7,000 kg, its centre of gravity was not positioned evenly within the external casing. Air source heat pumps contain compressors, heat exchangers, fans, pumps and electrical components. The location and weight of this equipment can create a substantial difference between the unit’s geometric centre and its actual centre of gravity.
If this imbalance is not addressed in the rigging design, the load can tilt as it leaves the ground. This changes sling angles, redistributes forces between lifting points and can complicate placement within a restricted area. The Oxford operation therefore required a lifting system that could support the unit at several points while allowing its attitude to be adjusted remotely.
CMOD 24 Provides Eight Point Support
The Modulift CMOD 24 Spreader Frame was configured to create eight lifting points around the heat pump. A multi point frame distributes the lifting arrangement across a wider area than a conventional two point spreader beam. This can help support long, wide or structurally sensitive equipment at positions that correspond with its designated lifting points.
For the Oxford installation, the frame provided the geometry needed to connect with eight points around the unit while keeping the upper rigging clear of the heat pump casing.
The CMOD range uses modular struts, corner units and intermediate components that can be assembled in several frame layouts. Depending on the selected components and engineering requirements, CMOD systems can be arranged for four point, six point or eight point lifting.
The working load limit of any completed frame depends on its size, span, rigging geometry and selected configuration. The complete arrangement must therefore be assessed as one system rather than by the capacity of an individual component alone.
Load Balancer Corrects the Centre of Gravity
The 20 tonne pewag levo Load Balancer provided active control of the heat pump’s orientation during the lift. The hydraulically operated unit can manage a load imbalance of up to 6,000 kg, subject to the approved configuration and operating parameters.
Remote control allowed the lifting team to adjust the load balancer from ground level rather than making manual rigging changes at roof height.
By moving the effective lifting position relative to the load, the system could compensate for the offset centre of gravity and bring the heat pump into the required level attitude.
This adjustment remained available throughout the operation, allowing the team to respond as the unit was raised and approached its installation area.
Remote Control Reduces Manual Adjustment at Height
Traditional methods of correcting an uneven load can require the crane to lower the item so the rigging can be adjusted before another trial lift is completed. A remotely controlled load balancer can reduce this process by allowing adjustments while the load remains under controlled suspension.
For the Oxford installation, remote operation provided several practical advantages:
Load attitude could be corrected from ground level
Personnel did not need to manually adjust the balancer at roof height
The unit could be levelled during different stages of the lift
Final positioning could be completed within the restricted rooftop area
Fewer repeated trial lifts were required
Remote control does not remove the need for a lift supervisor, designated signallers or appropriate personnel at the landing area. It provides another method of controlling the load within the planned lifting arrangement.
Chains and Snatch Blocks Complete the System
pewag lifting chains and snatch blocks completed the below the hook package.
The lifting chains connected the frame and load through the specified lifting points. Their lengths and connection positions were selected to match the geometry of the heat pump and spreader frame.
Snatch blocks provided flexibility within the rigging arrangement by guiding the load balancer system and supporting the required line path. When incorporated into a lifting system, snatch blocks must be selected for the expected line load, rope diameter, fleet angle and reeving arrangement. Their attachment points must also be included in the overall rigging calculation. Combining the frame, load balancer, chains and blocks within one planned system allowed each component to work with the others during lifting and positioning.
Restricted Rooftop Space Demands Precise Placement
Limited space at roof level increased the importance of controlling the heat pump as it approached its final position. Rooftop installations can be affected by parapet walls, existing plant, ducting, pipework, access structures and restricted landing areas. These conditions leave little room for an uncontrolled tilt or rotation.
The lifting team needed to maintain clearance around the unit while lowering it onto the prepared supports. The eight point frame helped stabilise the heat pump, while the levo Load Balancer allowed its level to be adjusted without direct manual intervention at the suspended load.
Taglines and communication between the crane operator, signaller and installation team would still remain central to controlling orientation and confirming clearances during final placement.
McGovern Highlights Value of the Rigging Package
Kieran McGovern, director at E.J. McGovern Crane Hire, said:
“Having the right equipment for the job makes a significant difference, particularly when working with awkward loads and challenging installation requirements.”
He added:
“The 20t Load Balancer gave our team the ability to control and level the ASHP remotely, while the Modulift CMOD 24 frame and pewag Snatch Blocks provided the stability and flexibility needed for an efficient rooftop installation.”
The project demonstrated how specialised below the hook equipment can be used to address challenges that cannot be resolved through crane selection alone. Even when the crane has sufficient capacity and reach, the rigging system must account for load geometry, centre of gravity, lifting points and final placement requirements.
First UK Mobile Crane Company to Invest in 20 Tonne Model
E.J. McGovern Crane Hire was the first UK mobile crane company to invest in the 20 tonne pewag levo Load Balancer. The unit was supplied through Rope and Sling Specialists, giving McGovern access to remotely controlled load balancing for future projects involving uneven or difficult loads.
Owning the system allows the company to incorporate the equipment into lift planning from an early stage, rather than sourcing it only after a load control issue has been identified.
Potential applications extend beyond heating equipment to industrial machinery, prefabricated structures, energy equipment, concrete products and other loads with offset centres of gravity.
Integrated Below the Hook Equipment
The Oxford lift also reflects the expansion of the pewag UK Group portfolio. The group brings together pewag lifting and rigging equipment with Modulift spreader beams and frames, as well as load monitoring products and specialist sling capabilities from its associated UK businesses.
Andy Charlesworth, sales director at pewag UK Group, said:
“Projects like this demonstrate how Modulift and pewag equipment can be combined to deliver a complete below the hook solution.”
He added that bringing together the spreader frame, Load Balancer and rigging equipment allowed McGovern Crane Hire to lift, control and position the rooftop unit with precision.
An integrated equipment package can simplify compatibility checks and coordination, although every component must still be selected according to the specific load, crane and operating conditions.
About the pewag levo Load Balancer
The pewag levo Load Balancer is a hydraulically operated device developed to control loads with uneven weight distribution. The product range is available in several capacities and can be configured with lifting chains or synthetic slings, depending on the application.
Features available across the range include:
Remote controlled levelling
Hydraulic load adjustment
Integrated battery charging
Chain or synthetic sling configurations
Floodlights
Protective casing options
The 20 tonne model used in Oxford can accommodate a stated load imbalance of up to 6,000 kg. The rated capacity and imbalance limit are separate values. The 20 tonne figure describes the product’s overall lifting capacity, while the 6,000 kg figure describes the maximum difference the system is designed to compensate for under the approved configuration.
Product website: pewag levo Load Balancer
About the Modulift CMOD Range
The Modulift CMOD system is a modular spreader frame designed for loads requiring more than two lifting points. Interchangeable struts, corner units and connection components allow the system to be assembled in different dimensions and layouts.
CMOD frames can be configured with four, six or eight lifting points, allowing the rigging design to support equipment, vehicles, modules and structures across several approved connection locations.
The range extends from the CMOD 6 to the CMOD 250, with maximum working load limits and available spans determined by the selected model and configuration. The CMOD 24 used for the Oxford lift was assembled as an eight point frame to distribute support around the heat pump.
Product website: Modulift CMOD Spreader Frames
About pewag UK Group
pewag UK Group supplies lifting, lashing, load monitoring and engineered below the hook equipment to customers across the United Kingdom.
Its portfolio brings together pewag UK, Modulift by pewag, LMS by pewag and Aberdeen Web by pewag.
The combined product range covers lifting chains, lifting points, spreader beams, modular frames, load cells, monitoring systems, slings and remotely controlled lifting equipment.
The wider pewag organisation traces its manufacturing heritage to 1479, when a forge was first documented in Brückl, Austria. The pewag name was created in 1923 following the merger of chain manufacturing operations in Graz and Kapfenberg.
Company website: www.pewag.com/uk
About Modulift
Modulift is a UK manufacturer of modular spreader beams, lifting beams, spreader frames and custom lifting equipment. Founded in 2002 by technical director Sue Spencer, the company provides engineering and manufacturing services from its facility in Poole, Dorset.
Its products are used across construction, energy, offshore, maritime, transport, defence and industrial lifting applications.
Modulift now operates as Modulift by pewag within the pewag UK Group.
Company website: www.modulift.com
About E.J. McGovern Crane Hire
E.J. McGovern Crane Hire is a family operated crane rental, contract lifting and machinery moving company based in Derbyshire. The company was established in 1995 by Eddie and Thomas McGovern following the purchase of its first mobile crane, a Coles 3033. Its current equipment range includes mobile cranes, mobile tower cranes, city cranes, truck mounted cranes, mini cranes, telehandlers and specialist lifting accessories.
The mobile crane fleet extends to a 250 tonne Liebherr LTM 1250 5.1, supported by smaller all terrain cranes for regional lifting and installation work.
Company website: www.mcgoverncranehire.co.uk
About Rope and Sling Specialists
Rope and Sling Specialists, commonly known as RSS, supplies, hires, inspects, tests and manufactures lifting and height safety equipment through a network of UK locations.
The company supplied E.J. McGovern Crane Hire with its 20 tonne pewag levo Load Balancer, making McGovern the first UK mobile crane company to invest in the model.
Company website: www.ropeandsling.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment was installed in Oxford?
E.J. McGovern Crane Hire installed a 7,000 kg air source heat pump on a rooftop.
Why was the load difficult to lift?
The heat pump had an uneven weight distribution and offset centre of gravity. Limited space at roof level also increased the need for precise control.
What spreader frame was used?
The lifting arrangement incorporated a Modulift CMOD 24 Spreader Frame configured with eight lifting points.
What did the pewag levo Load Balancer do?
The Load Balancer allowed the crane team to remotely adjust and level the heat pump throughout the lifting operation.
What was the capacity of the Load Balancer?
The unit had a maximum lifting capacity of 20 tonnes and could accommodate a load imbalance of up to 6,000 kg.
Why was an eight point lifting arrangement selected?
Eight lifting points distributed support around the heat pump and matched the requirements created by its dimensions, designated lifting locations and uneven weight distribution.
Were manual adjustments required at roof level?
The remotely controlled Load Balancer reduced the need to make manual levelling adjustments at roof height.
What other equipment formed part of the arrangement?
The complete package included pewag lifting chains and snatch blocks alongside the CMOD 24 frame and levo Load Balancer.
Who supplied McGovern’s Load Balancer?
The 20 tonne Load Balancer was supplied to McGovern through Rope and Sling Specialists.
