pewag levo Load Balancer Supports Precision Rooftop Heat Pump Lift

pewag UK Group has supported E.J. McGovern Crane Hire in the safe installation of a 7,000kg Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) onto a rooftop in Oxford, with the pewag levo Load Balancer providing remote control of load imbalance throughout the lift.

The rigging arrangement was built around pewag equipment, working alongside a Modulift CMOD® 24 Spreader Frame, to give the crane crew accurate control over a load with an awkward centre of gravity and uneven weight distribution. All within the confined space available at roof level.

The challenge: an awkward rooftop load

Air Source Heat Pumps are notoriously difficult to lift cleanly. Their internal components sit off-centre, shifting the centre of gravity away from the geometric middle of the unit, and rooftop installations rarely leave much room to manoeuvre. For this project, the crew needed a rigging solution that could keep the 7,000kg unit level and stable as it was manoeuvred into its final position, without the ability to make manual adjustments at height.

The pewag levo load balancer in action

The 20t pewag levo Load Balancer was central to the lift, offering an imbalance capacity of up to 6,000kg. Hydraulically driven and operated by remote control, it allowed the crew to correct load imbalance and level the ASHP from ground level throughout the operation – removing the need for anyone to make adjustments at roof height.

Working in combination with the eight-point lifting arrangement provided by the Modulift CMOD® 24 Spreader Frame, the load balancer meant the heat pump could be levelled remotely at every stage of the lift, giving the team precise control over its final placement.

A complete rigging solution

pewag Lifting Chains and Snatch Blocks completed the rigging arrangement, forming a solution drawn entirely from the pewag UK Group portfolio. Together with the Modulift spreader frame, this combination gave McGovern Crane Hire the stability, flexibility and control needed to manage a technically demanding lift with a single, coordinated set of equipment.

McGovern Crane Hire became the first UK mobile crane company to invest in the pewag 20t Load Balancer, supplied via Rope & Sling Specialists, strengthening its capability to take on complex lifts that demand a high degree of control and precision.

Client feedback

“Having the right equipment for the job makes a significant difference, particularly when working with awkward loads and challenging installation requirements,” said Kieran McGovern, Director at E.J. McGovern Crane Hire.

“The 20t Load Balancer gave our team the ability to control and level the ASHP remotely, while the Modulift CMOD® 24 frame and pewag Snatch Blocks provided the stability and flexibility needed for an efficient rooftop installation.”

About the pewag levo load balancer range

The pewag levo range is designed for precise control of load imbalance across a wide range of lifting applications, including construction, energy, housing, concrete and solar projects. Available with either chain or synthetic sling options, the range can be configured to suit different lifting requirements, with features including remote control operation, integrated battery charging, floodlights and protective casing options.

“Projects like this demonstrate how Modulift and pewag equipment can be combined to deliver a complete below-the-hook solution,” said Andy Charlesworth, Sales Director at pewag UK Group.

“By bringing together the Modulift CMOD® Spreader Frame, the pewag Load Balancer and rigging equipment, McGovern Crane Hire was able to lift, control and position an awkward rooftop load with precision. It highlights how our combined product portfolio can support customers with safe, efficient and engineered lifting solutions.”

For crane operators facing similar rooftop and confined-space challenges, this installation shows how a coordinated below-the-hook solution can reduce manual intervention at height, improve load control and support a safer overall lift.

For further information, contact one of our Lifting Experts.