Rigging Hitches: Choosing the Best Hitch For Your Load | Civil Rigging
In the field of civil rigging, selecting the right hitch is crucial to ensuring the safety and stability of every lift. Riggers must be familiar with different hitch configurations so they can assess and choose the best option for any given load. Understanding how each hitch works and its ideal application helps prevent accidents and ensures that materials are securely transported on-site.
The four main categories of rigging hitches are:
- Vertical Hitch
- Bridle Hitch
- Basket Hitch
- Choker Hitch
According to Ralf Notheis, Manager of Bigfoot Crane Academy, choosing the best hitch for a load is about ensuring stability. “When it comes to lifting loose material, long material, or anything else that’s difficult to balance,” says Notheis, “the rigger needs to be able to decide the best hitch to keep that load intact and secure.”
Hitch Variations for Different Loads
Each category of hitch has its own variations, providing flexibility depending on the size, shape, and stability requirements of the load. For instance, some hitches use multiple slings, which can be arranged to increase load stability and minimize the chances of slipping or tilting during transport.
Certain loads, such as loose bundles of pipes or other materials, may require a specific hitch configuration to prevent shifting or instability. In these cases, riggers must quickly assess the situation and determine the right hitch to ensure safety and efficiency. When multiple slings are involved, it's essential to secure any unused sling legs while adjusting hitch configurations. This helps maintain load integrity and reduces the risk of interference during lifts.
Rigging Hitches in Bigfoot’s Civil Rigging Course
At Bigfoot Crane Academy, our Civil Rigging Course provides comprehensive training on rigging hitches. Participants not only learn the different hitch types but also gain hands-on experience selecting the best configuration for various load scenarios.
Our course emphasizes safety and professionalism, empowering riggers to approach each job with confidence. By mastering the art of choosing the correct hitch, riggers can ensure safer, more efficient lifting operations on construction sites.
Ready to enhance your rigging skills? Enroll in our Civil Rigging Course today and gain the knowledge needed to excel in your role. Click below to get started!