What Are Load Links And How Do They Work?

Those familiar with winching and hoisting equipment will understand its impressive capabilities. After all, there’s a reason it is used within hundreds of industries across the world. From marine and shipping to construction and mining, winches are everywhere. Of course, it isn’t quite as simple as attaching a winch and pressing ‘go’. Typically, there are a number of measures that must be put in place to ensure the safety of those operating the machinery as well as the load being pulled. In addition to the rigorous safety checks that take place before a winch can be put to use, there are also a number of devices and procedures that are implemented during lifts. Among these devices are load links. LOAD MONITORING Before we explain the function of load links, it is worth briefly clarifying the wider purpose of load monitoring and its importance. As you may have guessed, load monitoring is the process of actively monitoring the tension that a winch line, cable or spool is placed under during a lift or pull. In doing so, winch operators are able to keep an eye on load data, comparing it to the winch’s predetermined limitations and ensuring that winch lines and spools do not experience failure due to overloading. LOAD LINKS Usually, load monitoring is conducted using devices such as running line monitors or load links. Here, we’ll focus on the use and benefits of load links, though both methods have their own merits. Essentially, load links are small devices designed to measure the force between the winch line and the object being lifted. Load links, alternatively referred to as load cells, provide data wirelessly to a base station or hand-held unit outlining the real-time tension of the load. These amazing devices are able to monitor loads up to 500 tonnes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications across a multitude of industries. WHY USE LOAD LINKS? Utilising some form of load monitoring technology is essential for a number of reasons. Not only does it ensure that lifting and hoisting are safe for those involved, but it also minimises any risk to the equipment or cargo being moved. By monitoring loads and preventing the surpassing of predetermined safe limits, the risk of damage to loads, lines, winches and the surrounding area is greatly reduced. LOAD MONITORING FROM ATLAS WINCH & HOIST SERVICES Here at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services, we’re proud to supply our range of clients with both running line monitors and load links. What’s more, we supply load monitoring devices capable of handling a range of weights, from 6.5 tonnes all the way up to 500 tonnes. If you’re looking for safe, accurate and reliable load monitoring or winch equipment for your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Reach our head office in Scotland on 01899 221 577 or our southern office on 01371 859 555.