Modulift Spreader Frame Lifts Vehicle for Filming Project

A modular spreader frame was centre stage at Pinewood Studios recently as FLG Services, a lifting equipment hire specialist, provided a solution to lift a four-wheel drive vehicle for a top-secret filming project at the iconic location.

The Modulift CMOD modular spreader frame was used beneath the hook of a mobile crane as the approx. 2,000kg vehicle was lifted on two occasions during the one-day shoot. The frame combined with chain slings and clamps that attached the rig to the tyres.

Shaun Sullivan, regional sales manager at FLG Services, said: “The four corners of the frame were positioned above the four tyres to create a stable lifting solution. Chain slings were used above the corners in a four-leg configuration and beneath it to complete attachment to the wheels.” Sullivan, who has worked with CMOD frames before, described it as the “obvious solution” when presented with the challenging scope of work.

The CMOD frame concept is designed to expand the capabilities of the below-the-hook equipment manufacturer’s spreader beam range; the struts from the beams are combined with four corner units to complete a frame. Customers that already have Modulift struts can re­-use them with the corner units to achieve four-­point lifts; therein lies the versatility for which the system is known.

Sarah Spivey, managing director at Modulift, said: “Our products are often the supporting cast in a larger scope of work, yet without them projects wouldn’t get off the ground—literally. This project epitomises that to some extent and it is thusly a standout application.”

The spreader frames are also designed for lifts where there are height restrictions as the height of the rig is lower than a one-over-two solution that might be commonly applied to a situation where a load has a slight offset centre of gravity and needs to have a vertical sling connection to avoid any potential forces being applied to the structure. CMOD sizes are currently available from CMOD 6 to CMOD 110, up to 300t capacity.

Chris Schwab, sales manager at Modulift, said: “It’s exciting to see customers benefiting from the flexibility of our CMOD spreader frame systems—and particularly stirring that in this case it has been applied at Pinewood Studios.”

He added: “Modulift works worldwide on a variety of lifts and understands that every one can be unique and completely different from the last. Therefore, the CMOD system offers the flexibility of multiple lifting points in a square or rectangular format. Since its launch in 2013 we have welcomed huge demand; they are extremely popular with hire companies as existing Modulift struts can be utilised. Global distributors also hold CMOD stock, enabling availability off-the-shelf with next day delivery.”