RSS Supplies Multi-Configuration Rigging Package for Sarens Bridge Lifts
- Meagan Wood
- 21 hours ago
- 7 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. supplied Sarens UK with a configurable below-the-hook equipment package for lifting multiple bridge sections. The arrangement combined Modulift spreader beams and CMOD frames with slings and chain hoists beneath a 250 tonne Grove GMK5250XL-1 All Terrain crane. The equipment will return to the project under a repeat hire agreement later in September 2026.
RSS Supports Multi-Configuration Bridge Lifts
Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd., commonly known as RSS, has supplied a range of lifting equipment to Sarens UK for the installation and movement of bridge sections. The bridge components had different dimensions and lifting point arrangements, requiring the below-the-hook equipment to be reconfigured between lifts.
RSS supplied a combination of:
One 9.5 metre MOD50 spreader beam
One 14.5 metre MOD110 spreader beam
One 13 metre MOD110 spreader beam
One CMOD50 spreader frame configured at one by one metre
One CMOD34 spreader frame configured at one by one metre
Lifting slings
Chain hoists
Associated rigging equipment
The modular equipment allowed the lifting team to match the span and lifting point arrangement required for each bridge section.
“Projects like this demonstrate the importance of having the right below-the-hook equipment for the lifting operation,”
said Chris Winton, depot manager at RSS.
“With several different configurations involved, it was important that the equipment supplied matched the requirements of each lift.”
Spreader Beams Distribute Rigging Loads
A spreader beam is positioned between the crane hook and the load to separate the lower lifting slings and distribute the forces across the selected lifting points.
Unlike a lifting beam, which primarily resists bending, a spreader beam works mainly in compression. Upper slings connect the beam to the crane hook, while lower slings connect the beam to the load.
Maintaining separation between the lower slings can reduce inward forces on long or sensitive components. It can also improve load stability and help protect the lifted structure from excessive compression.
For the Sarens project, RSS supplied MOD50 and MOD110 modular spreader beams at three different assembled lengths. The 9.5 metre MOD50 supported one set of bridge section requirements. The two MOD110 beams were configured at 14.5 and 13 metres to suit longer lifting arrangements.
A Modulift MOD110 is designed for loads reaching 110 tonnes in approved configurations. The actual working load limit depends on the assembled span, sling angle, selected components and manufacturer load chart.
CMOD Frames Provide Four-Point Lifting
RSS also supplied CMOD50 and CMOD34 modular spreader frames, each assembled in a one by one metre configuration. A CMOD frame converts modular spreader beam components into a rectangular lifting arrangement. Corner units connect the structural members to create four lifting points beneath the frame.
The bridge sections incorporated concrete anchor points. Chain hoists were connected between the corners of the spreader frames and the anchors positioned in the bridge components.
Using chain hoists at each corner allowed the rigging team to adjust the effective length of each connection and manage the bridge section’s orientation.
This arrangement could be adapted to account for variations in:
Bridge section dimensions
Anchor point locations
Component geometry
Center of gravity
Required installation angle
Available headroom
The two frames were positioned at opposite ends of the longer spreader beams, creating a lifting system capable of supporting the bridge sections through multiple connection points.
Chain Hoists Support Load Adjustment
Chain hoists provided an adjustable connection between the spreader frames and the concrete anchor points. Before lifting, the hoists could be used to balance the rigging system and account for differences in connection height or load distribution.
Adjustment at each lifting point helps the rigging team level a component or position it at the angle required for installation.
The capacity of each chain hoist, sling and connection must be selected based on the calculated load at that point rather than only the bridge section’s total weight.
The complete lifting arrangement, including the crane, upper rigging, beams, frames, slings, hoists, shackles and anchors, must be assessed as one system during lift planning.
Modular Rigging Adapted Between Lifts
Modulift beams use interchangeable struts, end units and connection components that can be assembled into different spans. This allowed RSS and Sarens to change the lifting arrangement without requiring a separate purpose-built beam for every bridge section.
The same modular components can also be incorporated into CMOD frames by replacing standard beam end units with frame corner units. Depending on the design, CMOD systems can be configured with four, six or eight lifting points. They can require less vertical headroom than arrangements using multiple cascading spreader beams. For this project, the one by one metre CMOD50 and CMOD34 frames provided compact four-point arrangements at each end of the main beams.
Six RSS Depots Coordinate Equipment Supply
RSS coordinated the lifting package through six of its United Kingdom locations:
Grangemouth
Glasgow
Rotherham
Warrington
Heathrow
Aylesford
The multi-depot approach allowed RSS to source the required beam sections, frames, slings and chain hoists from across its rental inventory. Coordinating equipment across multiple locations can reduce the need to manufacture or purchase project specific components when compatible equipment is already available elsewhere in the network. RSS operates additional facilities across the United Kingdom, with its head office located in Swansea.
Sarens Uses Grove GMK5250XL-1
Sarens completed the lifting work with a Grove GMK5250XL-1 All Terrain crane. The five axle crane provides a maximum lifting capacity of 250 tonnes and features an eight section main boom extending from 13.4 to 78.5 metres. Grove describes the GMK5250XL-1 as having the longest main boom in its five axle class. With optional extensions installed, the crane can provide a maximum tip height of approximately 109 metres.
Primary specifications include:
Maximum lifting capacity: 250 tonnes
Number of axles: Five
Main boom: 13.4 to 78.5 metres
Maximum tip height: 109 metres
Swingaway jib: 11.2 or 17.8 metres
Total counterweight: 80 tonnes
Minimum carrier width: 2.99 metres
Overall carrier length: 15.4 metres
Outrigger base: Nine by 7.8 metres
The crane uses Grove’s MEGATRAK independent hydropneumatic suspension and is available with MAXbase for asymmetrical outrigger positioning.
Its long main boom allows operators to complete many lifts without installing additional lattice extensions, depending on the required radius, height and capacity.
Repeat Hire Planned for Further Work
The below-the-hook equipment is scheduled to return to the project later in September 2026 under a repeat hire agreement. The second rental period will support additional bridge lifting work using the same range of configurable beams, frames and rigging components.
Repeat use of an established equipment package can reduce preparation time when the upcoming lifts involve similar bridge sections and connection arrangements.
Each new lift will still require confirmation of the load weight, center of gravity, anchor capacity, rigging configuration, crane setup and applicable working load limits.
About Rope and Sling Specialists
Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. is an independent United Kingdom lifting equipment engineering company. RSS manufactures, supplies and rents lifting equipment and provides servicing, repair, proof load testing, statutory examinations and training.
Its product and rental inventory includes wire rope, chain slings, synthetic slings, shackles, hoists, lifting beams, spreader beams, load monitoring equipment and other below-the-hook products.
The company operates depots in Swansea, Pyle, Rotherham, Aylesford, Grangemouth, Heathrow, Warrington, Plymouth, Minworth, Glasgow and Netherton. RSS is a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association and holds ISO 9001 quality management certification. Its inspection and testing services support compliance with the United Kingdom’s Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
Company website: www.ropeandsling.co.uk
About Sarens
Sarens is a Belgian heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental company serving projects worldwide. The company provides crane rental, heavy lifting, specialized transportation and engineering services across civil infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, petrochemical, offshore wind, nuclear, mining and industrial markets.
Its equipment fleet includes crawler cranes, lattice boom cranes, telescopic mobile cranes, tower cranes, ring cranes, self-propelled modular transporters, hydraulic trailers, gantries, strand jacks and other specialized lifting systems. Sarens UK supports lifting and engineered transport projects throughout the United Kingdom with access to both locally based equipment and the company’s international fleet.
Company website: www.sarens.com
About Modulift
Modulift UK Ltd. designs and manufactures modular spreader beams, spreader frames, lifting beams and other below-the-hook equipment. Based in Poole, Dorset, the company supplies modular lifting systems across construction, energy, offshore, shipping, industrial and heavy lift markets.
Its MOD spreader beam system uses interchangeable struts and end components to create multiple beam spans. The same core components can be adapted into CMOD and TriMOD spreader frames for loads requiring multiple lifting points. Modulift’s range extends from smaller lifting beams to systems rated for loads reaching several thousand tonnes in approved configurations.
Company website: www.modulift.com
About Grove
Grove is a mobile crane brand of The Manitowoc Company.
Its product portfolio includes All Terrain, Rough Terrain, truck mounted, industrial and telescopic crawler cranes.
Grove All Terrain cranes are manufactured in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The range combines road mobility with lifting capabilities for construction, infrastructure, energy and industrial projects.
Company website: www.manitowoc.com/grove
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment did RSS supply to Sarens?
RSS supplied three Modulift spreader beam configurations, two CMOD spreader frames, lifting slings, chain hoists and associated rigging equipment.
What were the spreader beam lengths?
The package included a 9.5 metre MOD50, a 14.5 metre MOD110 and a 13 metre MOD110.
What spreader frames were used?
RSS supplied CMOD50 and CMOD34 frames, each configured at one by one metre.
Why were chain hoists used?
The chain hoists connected the frame corners to concrete anchor points in the bridge sections. They also allowed the lifting team to adjust the individual connections to balance and orient the loads.
What is the advantage of a spreader frame?
A spreader frame provides more than two lower lifting points and can distribute forces across a large or complex load. It can also use less headroom than a cascading beam arrangement.
Which crane completed the lifts?
Sarens used a 250 tonne Grove GMK5250XL-1 All Terrain crane.
Will the equipment be used again?
Yes. The RSS equipment is scheduled to return under a repeat hire arrangement later in September 2026.
