How do you rig a load with unequal leg lengths to maintain balance?

How do you rig a load with unequal leg lengths to maintain balance?

• A. Use opposite or adjustable leg lengths or a spreader bar; ensure the load’s CG remains near the center; re-check angles and add attachments to balance forces.
• B. Shorten all legs to the same length and ignore CG.
• C. Only use one leg and lift from one point.
• D. Balance the load by adding more weight to one side.

Answer: (A)

When some legs are different lengths, the lift tends to tip because the load’s weight isn’t carried evenly and the sling angles aren’t balanced. The way to keep the system stable is to restore symmetry in the lifting geometry so the load’s center of gravity sits near the center of the attachment points and the forces on each leg are balanced. Using opposite or adjustable leg lengths (or adding a spreader bar) lets you bring the attachment points into a geometry that makes the lift more level. This helps keep the load’s CG within the base of support and reduces the tendency for one leg to take more load than the others. After setting up, re-check the angles at each leg and, if needed, add attachments to balance the forces so no single leg is overloaded. This approach avoids uneven loading and helps maintain a safe, controlled lift.

When some legs are different lengths, the lift tends to tip because the load’s weight isn’t carried evenly and the sling angles aren’t balanced. The way to keep the system stable is to restore symmetry in the lifting geometry so the load’s center of gravity sits near the center of the attachment points and the forces on each leg are balanced.

Using opposite or adjustable leg lengths (or adding a spreader bar) lets you bring the attachment points into a geometry that makes the lift more level. This helps keep the load’s CG within the base of support and reduces the tendency for one leg to take more load than the others. After setting up, re-check the angles at each leg and, if needed, add attachments to balance the forces so no single leg is overloaded. This approach avoids uneven loading and helps maintain a safe, controlled lift.