The TEC Container BA-128 being used in a Spanish port to lift a catamaran.
The BA-128 is a heavy-duty, modular lifting beam designed to withstand heavy use. It can be used in two modes: standard and spreader.
In ‘standard mode’ (the case at Veracruz), the operator hooks chains or wire slings to the four robust padeyes on the top flange. Any crane or reach stacker can be used. Gravity then takes over, with the beam distributing the load and stabilising awkward cargo that would otherwise twist or buckle in mid-air.
Switch to ‘spreader mode’ (the case with the catamaran) and its capabilities change. ISO corner castings, which are welded onto the crown, enable the BA-128 to be used with a conventional 20- or 40-foot container spreader. The twistlocks engage, the beam hangs sideways and the lifting appliance gains extra width — no additional rigging is required. This versatility makes the BA-128 an invaluable asset for ports handling unitised and irregular freight.
The beams that we manufacture range in length from 4 to 14 metres. The Working Load Limit (WLL) is 42.5 tonnes when slung by cables, but this drops to 25 tonnes when lifted through the corner castings due to the lower limit dictated by the twistlock shear.
TEC Container never stands still — we innovate all the time!