How to Calculate Sling Capacity Using Sling to Load Angle

To calculate lifting capacity, first identify your material type and consider the rated lifting capacity required. The rated lifting capacity of the sling must often be greater than the weight of the load to be lifted. Because the angle of pull on the leg of a sling varies with the leg angle, forces may be exerted on a sling greater than the user may expect.

 

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To calculate the load on a sling leg and the associated lifting capacity:

1. Take the total load weight and divide it by the number of legs supporting the load to get the total minimum load on a sling leg.
2. Determine the load factor by consulting the sling angle factor chart below.
3. Multiply the load factor times the minimum load on a sling leg. Then, multiply that number times the number of legs to determine the basket capacity to safely lift the load.

For example: Assume a 2,000 pound load is to be supported by 2 legs of a sling at a 60° leg angle.

1. 2,000 pounds divided by 2 legs equals 1,000 pounds of total minimum weight on each leg of the sling.
2. Looking at the chart below, the associated load factor for a 60° leg angle is 1.154.
3. The total minimum weight on each leg (1,000 pounds) times the load factor for 60° (1.154) equals 1,154 pounds.

In this example, the rated sling capacity needed is 2,308 pounds (1,154x2 legs) in basket capacity to safely lift the 2,000 pound load.