Simmers Crane’s Below-the-Hook (BTH) expertise is unmatched, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of custom lifting solutions tailored to the most demanding and unique applications. Our lifting devices are essential for safely and efficiently handling complex or irregular loads that cannot be managed by standard hooks, ensuring optimal performance, precision and safety in every lift.

What are below-the-hook lifting devices

Hook Device - About Us

Below-the-hook (BTH) lifting devices are tools or attachments used to connect a crane or hoist to the load being lifted. They are critical in handling materials that cannot be safely or efficiently lifted with a standard crane hook alone.

Services

At Simmers Crane, we provide comprehensive on-site support, inspections, and repairs, along with custom-designed below-the-hook lifting devices tailored to each customer’s specific part or assembly. Our expert engineering team utilizes Creo (a 3D modeling software) to develop precise, reliable solutions that meet your unique lifting needs.

Below-the-hook lifting device types

We provide off-the-shelf and custom designs, engineering and manufacturing for many types of BTH devices, including:

Custom Lift Devices

Are specially designed below-the-hook (BTH) equipment tailored to meet the unique lifting requirements of a specific application or load. Unlike standard lifting devices, custom lift devices are engineered to accommodate non-standard shapes, sizes, and weights, ensuring optimal safety and efficiency during the lifting process.

Spreader Beams

A type of below-the-hook (BTH) lifting device used to stabilize and distribute the load of a lift across multiple points. They are essential when lifting long or heavy objects that require support at multiple locations to prevent bending, deformation, or damage.

Coil Hooks

Designed specifically for handling coiled materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, or other rolled goods. They allow for safe, efficient vertical lifting and placement of coils without damaging the material.

Pallet Lifters

Are used to safely lift and transport palletized loads using overhead cranes or hoists. They offer an efficient solution when forklifts are not practical or available, especially in environments where vertical lifting is required.

Tongs

Are mechanical devices designed to securely grip and lift loads using a scissor or cam-action mechanism. They are commonly used to handle irregularly shaped, cylindrical, or difficult-to-lift items without the need for slings or hooks.

Magnet Lifters

Uses a magnetic force either permanent or electromagnetic to securely lift and transport ferrous metal loads such as steel plates, bars, billets, and structural components. They provide a fast, efficient, and often hands-free method for handling heavy materials without the need for slings, clamps, or hooks.

Vacuum Lifters

Uses vacuum suction to lift and handle smooth, non-porous materials such as glass, metal sheets, plastic panels, and tiles. They are highly effective for materials that are difficult to lift with traditional mechanical hooks or clamps due to their surface characteristics.

Gripper Manipulators

Securely grip and manipulate materials during lifting operations. These devices typically feature mechanical arms, jaws, or clamps that are used to handle and position objects in various industrial environments. They offer precision control over the lifting and movement of parts, particularly when dealing with delicate or complex shapes

Our below-the-hook device capabilities

Finite element analysis (FEA)

We design to required standards and can provide the supporting documentation

  • Fully engineered solutions

Virtual Solutions

Virtual Models in collaboration with our customers

  • 3D Creo Design Software
  • Allows for quick solutions
  • Ergonomic considerations
  • Efficient and effective designs
  • Pre-production design and build

Fabricated Lift Devices

Design, Engineer and Build a vast variety of lifting devices

  • Custom Low to High Complexity
  • Rotating
  • Motorized
  • Simple J-Hooks
  • Detailed prints allow for local build

Integrated Solutions

Provide a complete Turnkey Design

  • Integrate devices with additional components…hoists, cranes etc.
  • Offer potential cost saving ideas
Hook Lift Capabilities

Compliance and Industry Standards

Lift Device Standards

Our devices are engineered to the ASME B30 and ASME BTH-1 specifications. ASME BTH-1 provides minimum structural, mechanical, and electrical design criteria for below-the-hook lifting devices, which are used to lift loads that do not have a built-in lifting point.

Key Aspects of ASME BTH-1

  • Scope: The standard applies to the design or modification of below-the-hook lifting devices, ensuring they meet the requirements of ASME B30.20, which covers safety aspects such as marking, construction, installation.
  • Design Criteria: BTH-1 addresses only design requirements and should be used in conjunction with ASME B30.20. The design criteria set forth are minimum requirements that may be increased at the discretion of the lifting device manufacturer or a qualified person.

Applications

  • ASME BTH-1 is intended for use by manufacturers, employers, users, and others concerned with the specification, maintenance, training, and safe use of below-the-hook lifting devices.

At Simmers Crane, we’re committed to delivering customized, safe, and efficient lifting solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you require a below-the-hook lifting device, on-site support, inspections or repairs, our team of experienced engineers is ready to help.

Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our cutting-edge technology and industry expertise can optimize your material handling operations. Let’s lift your business to new heights!

Over 65 years of excellence in engineering, building, and maintaining overhead cranes and hoists.