Spreader Bar - Which one?

[ted@napoligranite.com]

After 6 months stuck in Building Department hell, our crane in our new shop is operational. Now the question is which spreader bar is right for me?

We can pull trucks right into the shop to unload straight from the truck but this creates a height restriction. I tested a Caldwell group 17-4-8 which was nice but due to the height restriction, I would have to go to their low profile option: 20-5-8. Nice looking unit, but over $2000 by the time you add freight and tax.

The Abaco low profile spreader bar lists online for under $400.

Why should I pay for the higher priced (designed) Caldwell? Anyone have any input on this?

[DavidL]

Buy the bar that meets your capacity and clearance requirements.

I am in a situation where based on crane height we are having a new one custom made that has a profile allowing our traps to ride as high as the centerline of the hook. It is taking a while due to load testing but when done it will be much safer for us as we will be able to "fly" jumbo slabs over each other with more clearance between them.