pewag Levo Load Balancer for Construction, Renewables

pewag Inc. has expanded U.S. stock of its Levo load balancer, which is used below-the-hook of a crane when the load has to be lifted horizontally or at a certain angle.

The load balancer is available in 5t, 20t and 50t capacities, as standard, with an option of a special 100t capacity version. It is designed to tilt and rotate a load remotely, providing precise control and orientation during lifting. It offers 360° tilting / rotation, making it ideal when a load must be positioned horizontally, at a specific angle, or manipulated in mid‑air for alignment.

The pewag Levo load balancer can be used instead of cascading spreader beam setups when headroom is limited.

The product is frequently used in the construction industry to position steel or concrete structures and bolted connections accurately, tilting and moving profiles in the air rather than on the ground or manually to reduce damage and labor. It provides remote-controlled tilting and rotation for safer load handling. It is an alternative to the more traditional method of using chain hoists or adjustable slings, both of which are more labor intensive and result in personnel having to be in contact with the load. A shackle and a drop chain are required to attach the balancer to a crane hook.

The balancer is now available for rent and purchase from pewag Inc.’s specialist partners and distributors, which include rigging shops, lifting equipment supply houses, and rental fleets. End users include rigging and lifting professionals, alongside heavy lift planners; crane rental and specialist lifting companies; renewables installers; and industrial installation or machinery moving teams.

Doug McElravy, sales operations manager at pewag, said: “The load balancer delivers smooth, pinpoint load control in many scenarios. Complex lifts require safe remote placement and precise angle control. Precast, steel erection, and bolted connections require especially accurate placement. In renewable energy, proper orientation ensures safe and efficient operations, while controlled tilt helps alignment and reduces manual handling.”

Importantly, the load balancer can be used with many types of cranes, including tower, mobile, and electric overhead traveling (EOT) cranes. McElravy explained that it can be used wherever there is a compatible crane hook, adequate headroom, and a lift plan. Equally varied are the end-user marketplaces where loads frequently have to be lifted horizontally or at a certain angle:

• Chemical and oil: the load balancer enables smooth repositioning of valves from horizontal to vertical and effortless pipe connections.
• Solar energy: accurately positions subframes and solar panels during large-scale park installations. More pre-assembly in the factory means less on-site labor.
• Wind energy: provides safe, precise positioning of wind turbine blades and components, ensuring optimal control and speed during production.
• Concrete: floors and walls can be installed with fewer personnel and minimal risk of damage thanks to precise load control.
• Aerospace: delicate components and long heat shields are installed precisely, reducing manual handling and error margins.
• Energy production: optimizes efficiency and performance for energy production and storage, helping companies streamline processes and operate sustainably.
• Housing: compensators on the load balancer deliver maximum precision for unit installation, making housing construction faster, safer, and more reliable.

The load balancer can be used instead of cascading spreader beam setups, which are typically taller, bulkier, and harder to maneuver in tight modular installations, when headroom is limited and buildings must be positioned precisely. A spreader rig also can’t adjust the load’s angle mid‑lift when the load’s weight is unevenly distributed, while the pewag Levo system provides remote‑controlled tilting and rotation for accurate alignment. Additionally, a spreader arrangement often requires more hands‑on load handling, whereas the Levo reduces the need for workers to be near the load by allowing adjustments from a safe distance, improving both efficiency and safety.

An additional feature is the floodlight, which offers users hands‑free light where they need it, instead of relying on jobsite lighting. pewag’s McElravy said: “It’s not just a nice extra; it genuinely helps you see the hook and load better. This improves safety and efficiency in low-light or night-time operations.”

The pewag Levo load balancer is frequently used to lift long, awkwardly shaped stairways.

Load compensator

pewag has also expanded stock of its load compensator, which is designed to equalize and stabilize multi‑leg sling systems, ensuring the load remains evenly distributed and steady. Rather than tilting the load intentionally, as would be the case with the load balancer, the compensator focuses on maintaining balance and preventing uneven sling tension. The compensator line includes 12t and 17t capacity models.

Installing a stairway with the Levo load balancer

Stairways are a particularly good case study because of their long, awkward shape and the frequent requirement to control pitch / roll to thread them into landings and connection points. The Levo balancer is specifically described as enabling 360° tilting and rotation and precise positioning, which maps well to stair alignment:

• Pre-lift planning: confirm the stair weight plus pick points and choose a model with adequate Working Load Limit (WLL). Plan for a lift requiring the stair to be horizontal or at a controlled angle for installation.
• Rig the balancer to the crane: attach the load balancer to the crane hook using the required shackle and drop chain. Connect the stair to the balancer using the supplied chain sling (standard variants) or synthetic sling.
• Find level, then dial in final angle: use the load balancer’s operation mode to let the load settle, then apply braking / controlled adjustment. From a safe position, use the remote control to make fine adjustments to desired angle.
• Placement and installation: with the stair hovering, use controlled tilt to align top landing first, then pitch / roll to align the bottom landing and bolt pads. Once bolts / tack points are in, keep slight tension, confirm alignment, then de-rig.

All steps should be taken deliberately and should not be undertaken without a clear understanding of the load, a well thought out lift plan, and proper use of the lifting equipment.