When you need to lift uneven loads safely, crane operators often need extra tools. Traditionally, rigging systems consisting of slings, shackles, spreader beams, and tag lines would be used to lift large and uneven loads. While these methods remain common, they often require significant manual adjustment, repeated trial and error, and can lead to delays—or worse, unsafe lifting conditions from user error.

With modern technology, lifting uneven or imbalanced loads like wall panels, prefabricated structures or machinery, we have a responsibility to lift smarter. Ensuring that loads remain stable and level throughout the lift is essential for safety on-site.

Read on to find the safest, most efficient and cost-effective solution for your project:

1. Manual Chain Adjustment

How it works:

Operators manually adjust chain lengths to balance the load before lifting.

Pros:

Simple and inexpensive.

Requires minimal equipment.

Cons:

Time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Risk of incorrect levelling or unsafe setup.

Requires load to be lowered and adjusted repeatedly.

Higher chance of error under pressure.

2. Spreader Beams with Multiple Slings

How it works:

A rigid beam distributes the load evenly to multiple sling points.

Pros:

Effective for loads with uniform dimensions.

Reduces stress on lifting points.

Cons:

Difficult to level if the load has an offset centre of gravity.

Not ideal for highly irregular shapes or prefab wall panels.

Limited adjustability once setup begins.

3. Tag Lines with Guided Movement

How it works:

Ground personnel use ropes (tag lines) to manually control load orientation.

Pros:

Helps reduce swinging or spinning.

Useful for fine positioning during lift.

Cons:

Offers no help with levelling.

Risk of personnel being too close to the load.

Ineffective with heavy imbalance or complex geometries.

4. Battery-powered Levelling Yokes (e.g. Ganterud Range)

How it works:

A remote-controlled levelling system that can level loads automatically.

Pros:

Auto or remote levelling ensures safe and precise balance.

Reduces crane time and site delays.

Radio remote enables Hands Off, Step Away, Safe Space (HOSASS)

Ideal for safe lifting of wall panels and prefabricated elements.

Adaptable to awkward geometries.

Low maintenance, built for rugged environments.

Cons:

Higher initial investment.

Requires understanding the equipment and a new way to lift

Why Ganterud Levelling Yokes Stand Out

Throughout the industry, handling uneven loads has often meant relying on hands-on methods such as manual chain adjustment—processes that are both time-consuming and physically demanding. The Ganterud Levelling Yokes introduces a more efficient approach—greatly reducing the need for manual intervention.

With remote-controlled precision, it allows operators to make quick and accurate adjustments, improving both safety and productivity while keeping control in the hands of the lifting team. With models ranging from the compact L3 (3,000kg) to the heavy-duty L20-3 Pro (20,000kg), Ganterud offers a solution for nearly any lifting task.

Key benefits include:

Push-button or automatic levelling, drastically reducing manual intervention.

Snatch block functionality for controlled rotation—perfect for orienting heavy panels.

Minimal maintenance, with just weekly charging and easy cleaning.

Weatherproof design for dependable performance in –20°C to +40°C environments.

In scenarios where traditional methods require multiple adjustments and long setup times, Ganterud systems allow operators to complete lifts safely and efficiently with one remote and minimal downtime.

Knowing how to lift uneven loads is essential for every crane operator. While traditional techniques still have a place in the field, they often can fall short when handling today’s complex prefabricated or heavy industrial components. Choosing modern, tools like Ganterud levelling yokes enables operators to level smarter and lift safer, every time — ensuring safety, efficiency, and productivity every step of the way.