Precast Lifting Systems

Precast lifting: clutches, anchors and the ton class that ties them together

Precast lifting hardware is a system with one rule that matters more than any other: the clutch, the anchor and the ton class must match. A 2.5-tonne clutch belongs on a 2.5-tonne anchor. Mixing systems, or mixing manufacturers within a system, is the most common way a plant ends up with hardware that physically engages but is no longer rated.

TELEMAC supplies the full spherical-head lifting system by ton class: cast-in anchors that go into the form, and the lifting clutches, known as "dog bones", that engage the anchor head on the yard.

What we supply

• Lifting clutches (dog bones) in the common precast classes: 1.3 T, 2.5 T, 5 T and 10 T. Each clutch is stamped with its ton class and serial number.
• Ring clutches where a rotating ring connection suits the pick better than a fixed-jaw clutch.
• Cast-in anchors matched by ton class, in the lengths that suit the element thickness and edge distances you work to.

Sizing a pick, briefly

Element weight is only the starting point. Three factors regularly change the anchor a plant should be casting in:

1. Suction from the form. Stripping a flat panel from a steel form can add substantially to the effective load. This is designed for, not discovered on the yard.
2. Sling angle. Precast picks are rarely vertical. Angled legs increase tension per anchor and, on edge-lift anchors, change the direction of load into the concrete.
3. Concrete strength at lift and edge distance. Anchor capacity is a function of the concrete it sits in at the moment of the pick, not of the 28-day strength.

If you tell us the element type, weight, lift configuration and release strength on the quote, we will confirm the matching clutch and anchor classes with the order rather than leaving the plant to reconcile two catalogues.

Marking, proof testing and documentation

Clutches are proof-tested and supplied with the ton class, serial number and manufacturer permanently marked on the body, along with the certificate referencing that serial. Anchors are supplied with their production documentation. Documentation is provided to support the rating, marking and record-keeping obligations that apply under Ontario's O. Reg. 213/91 and the applicable CSA and ASME standards, see Compliance.

Why this category is worth a conversation

Precast lifting hardware is a consumable in the anchors and a durable in the clutches, and most plants buy both from whoever supplied the last order. It is also a category where direct sourcing changes the landed cost noticeably at plant volumes. Send a season's worth of purchase lines through the Cost Comparison and we will return a like-for-like comparison by ton class.

Pricing

Prices display after sign-in on an approved account. Full specifications, ton classes and documentation details are public, add what you need to a quote and we will price it with your quote.