Overhead cranes are essential materials handling equipment across construction, mining, manufacturing and warehousing. Using mechanical advantage, cranes allow us to hoist loads that would be impossible or unsafe to lift any other way.
While the chains and hooks found on most cranes are versatile, they limit how cranes can be used with irregular, unbalanced or loose loads. We navigate around this by using a wide range of crane lifting attachments — devices that connect to the crane hook and dramatically expand what a crane can lift.
In this article, we cover the most common types of crane attachments, what each one does, and how to choose the right attachment for your application.
What is a Crane Attachment?
A crane attachment is a lifting device used in conjunction with an overhead crane to improve how goods and materials are hoisted, balanced and handled. Crane attachments connect to the crane hook and allow the crane to safely lift loads that would be difficult, dangerous or impossible to handle with a standard hook and chain alone.
Most overhead cranes feature a single load point. While a hook and chain can lift many loads, large, heavy, unbalanced or unusually shaped loads tend to shift and become unstable during lifting — posing a serious risk to everyone on site. The right crane attachment converts that single load point into a stable, purpose-designed lifting system for almost any material.
In Australia, crane attachments must comply with AS 1418.1 Cranes, Hoists and Winches — General Requirements, which governs the design, manufacture and safe use of crane lifting equipment. Every Bremco crane attachment is designed and tested to meet this standard.
Common Types of Crane Attachments
Crane attachments are used across mining, manufacturing, construction, warehousing and more. While they come in hundreds of shapes and sizes, most devices fall into these main categories:
1. Crane Lift Bins and Devices
Crane lift bins and devices are designed to lift and transport loose materials — including gravel, sand, rubble, waste and construction debris — that cannot be slung or hooked directly. They are commonly used on construction sites, mine sites and in manufacturing facilities where loose materials need to be moved at height. Bins are available in a range of capacities and can feature solid or mesh panels depending on the material being handled.
2. Crane Goods Cages
Crane goods cages are enclosed or semi-enclosed cages designed to lift bulk or loose goods, tools and equipment. They are widely used on construction sites and in warehouses to safely transport palletised or non-palletised materials to height — particularly where a forklift cannot reach. Goods cages can be sized for single or double pallet loads.
3. Crane Lifting Cages
Similar to lift bins, crane lifting cages are box-style attachments designed to contain and lift loose goods and materials. They can feature solid sheet metal or mesh side panels, depending on the application. Lifting cages are a practical solution wherever loose items need to be moved safely at height without risk of falling.
4. Crane Man Cages
Crane man cages (also called personnel cages) are lifting attachments that allow cranes to safely transport people to height. They are used in factories, mine sites and on construction sites where personnel need to access elevated equipment or structures. Man cages must comply with AS 1418.1 and include safety harness attachment points, handrails, toe kicks and a compliance plate. They may be fully enclosed or open-top, depending on the application.
5. First Aid Rescue Cages
Crane first aid rescue cages are fully enclosed crane attachments used to transport injured personnel, including on a stretcher. They are larger than standard man cages and are specifically designed for emergency rescue scenarios on mine sites, construction sites and industrial facilities. Like all personnel lifting devices, they must comply with AS 1418.1.
6. Crane Lifting Beams
Crane lifting beams are horizontal metal beams — single bar or cross-shaped — with multiple attachment points for chains and slings along their length. They make it possible to lift large, awkward or unbalanced loads that cannot be handled with a single lifting point. Lifting beams are widely used in manufacturing, steel fabrication and heavy industry to stabilise long or wide loads during hoisting.
7. Spreader Beams
Crane spreader beams distribute the load of each lift across multiple points, improving balance and stability. Unlike a lifting beam — where the load hangs below the beam — a spreader beam is used in compression, keeping sling legs vertical to reduce the inward force on the load. Spreader beams are ideal for delicate or wide loads that cannot tolerate inward sling pressure.
8. Combination Beams
A crane combination beam functions as both a lifting beam and a spreader beam, reducing the need for multiple attachments on site. Combination beams are a cost-effective solution for operations that regularly handle a variety of load types and sizes.
9. Pallet Hooks
Crane pallet hooks consist of a pair of tynes attached to a load-balancing lifting point, allowing an overhead crane to safely move palletised goods. They are used in warehouses, factories and on construction sites where a forklift is unavailable or cannot access the required location. Pallet hooks are a simple, efficient solution for integrating crane and pallet handling.
10. IBC Lifting Frames
IBC lifting frames use a metal frame to support and lift intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) — rigid cubic containers used to store and transport liquids and granular materials. Unlike cloth slings, a lifting frame distributes the load evenly around the container body, preventing damage during hoisting. Commonly used in chemical, food processing and agricultural industries.
11. Bulk Bag Lifters
Bulk bag lifting hooks are designed to securely fasten flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) — also known as bulk bags or one-tonne bags — to the crane hook. They ensure bags filled with grain, sand, chemicals or other loose materials can be safely lifted and transported without risk of the bag slipping or the contents shifting during the lift.
12. Drum Handling Grabs
Liquid materials are often stored and transported in plastic, metal or fibre drums that can weigh hundreds of kilograms when full. Crane drum handling grabs latch onto standardised drum profiles, allowing cranes to safely lift and reposition drums without manual handling. Drum grabs are used in chemical, petroleum, food processing and manufacturing environments.
13. Gas Cylinder Attachments
Heavy-duty gas cylinders are common on construction sites and in factories. Gas cylinder crane attachments allow overhead cranes to safely lift and reposition cylinders under hook without risk of damage to the valve or cylinder body — a significant improvement over manual handling in confined or elevated work areas.
These are the most common types. Worksites with unique requirements can also invest in custom-designed crane attachments built to their exact specifications. If none of the above suit your application, Bremco can design and manufacture a compliant custom solution.
How to Choose the Right Crane Attachment
Choosing the right crane attachment comes down to three questions:
- What are you lifting? Loose materials need a bin or cage. Pallets need a pallet hook. People need a certified man cage. Drums need a drum grab. Matching the attachment to the load type is the starting point.
- What is the weight and size of the load? Every attachment is rated to a Working Load Limit (WLL). Always confirm that the attachment’s rated capacity exceeds the maximum load weight, accounting for dynamic forces during lifting.
- What does compliance require? Any attachment used to lift personnel must be designed to AS 1418.1 and carry a compliance plate. Custom attachments must be proof-load tested and certified before use.
The Benefits of Using Crane Attachments
- Improved versatility. With the right attachment, an overhead crane can lift and transport almost any load — loose materials, drums, pallets, bulk bags, personnel and more. Crane attachments multiply the usefulness of the equipment you already own.
- Improved safety. Unsecured and unbalanced loads are one of the most serious hazards on any worksite. Purpose-built crane attachments contain, balance and secure loads properly, significantly reducing the risk of dropped loads and associated injuries.
- Improved efficiency. The right attachment eliminates complicated and time-consuming rigging. Loads can be connected, lifted and repositioned faster, reducing downtime and labour costs on every lift.
- Compliance. WorkSafe Queensland and equivalent authorities across Australia maintain strict requirements for cranes and associated lifting equipment. Using compliant, certified crane attachments ensures your operation meets WHS obligations.
Australian-Made Crane Attachments from Bremco
Bremco is an Australian-owned manufacturer based in Brisbane, supplying crane attachments to clients across the country — from warehousing and construction to mining, manufacturing and transport.
Every Bremco crane attachment features fully welded construction, is designed to AS 1418.1, and is proof load tested and compliance-plated before dispatch. We carry an extensive range of off-the-shelf attachments, and we are equipped to design and manufacture custom crane attachments to your exact specifications.
Browse our full range of crane lifting attachments online, or contact Bremco to discuss your requirements and get a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Australian Standard governs crane attachments?
Crane lifting attachments in Australia are governed by AS 1418.1 Cranes, Hoists and Winches — General Requirements. This standard sets mandatory requirements for the design, manufacture, load rating and certification of crane attachments used in Australian workplaces.
What is the difference between a lifting beam and a spreader beam?
A lifting beam works in tension — the load hangs below the beam, and the sling legs angle inward. A spreader beam works in compression — it keeps sling legs vertical, preventing inward force on the load. Spreader beams are better for wide or delicate loads, while lifting beams suit long or heavy loads that need multiple lift points.
Can a crane be used to lift people?
Yes, but only with a certified man cage or personnel cage that complies with AS 1418.1. The cage must include safety harness attachment points, handrails, toe kicks, a load rating chart and a compliance plate, and must be proof-load tested before use.
What crane attachment do I need to lift pallets?
A crane pallet hook is the correct attachment for lifting palletised goods with an overhead crane. It consists of two tynes attached to a load-balancing lifting point, functioning similarly to a forklift but suspended from the crane hook.
Can crane attachments be custom-manufactured?
Yes — Bremco designs and manufactures custom crane attachments for applications where standard products do not meet specific requirements. Custom attachments are engineered to AS 1418.1, proof load tested and supplied with a compliance plate and unique serial number.