Load Moment Indicator

Load Moment Indicator- How Much Is Too Much?

A Load Moment Indicator (LMI) is a device which senses the load capacity of heavy lifting equipment. In the construction industry, LMI’s are generally used to determine the load capacity of cranes. Calibrating the lifted object’s weight to the load capacity of the equipment, and thereby alerting the operator of a potential overload situation.

The Different Uses

Thinking about today’s complex infrastructure developments and the kind of complicated tasks that a crane is used for, a LMI is integral to the safety aspect of any activity involving lifting of loads. Advanced techniques are used to design, develop and manufacture LMI’s capable of performing multiple functions such as limiting load, measuring geometric angles of the crane i.e., the boom angle, boom length, radius, wind speed and so on. Other than internal software advancements, modern LMIs also incorporate structural advancements such as better visual displays, visually accessible indicators and wireless technology.

How it Works?

Previously, LMI’s had to be connected throughout the crane using wires, however advances in microchip technology now allow LMIs to be attached to your crane wirelessly thus reducing any hindrance which may be caused by the breakage and weakening of wires (and also increasing the mobility and aiding management of process at the same time). Setting up a modern indicator requires minimal technical expertise especially since a lot of them are set up from the factory as plug-and-play devices. Modern LMIs also allow you to add hardware extensions to them for added features and greater safety.

Why are they important?

The reason why these indicators are so important to the crane industry is that they are absolutely essential when it comes to the safety of everyone involved, be it the crane, the workers or the surrounding structures and environment around the lift site. So how does this device help you ensure the safety of everyone and everything around?

1. By alerting you when the load on your crane may be exceeding the normal levels; it automatically alerts you if you exceed the maximum load that the crane can lift (or the maximum preset load).
2. It can lockout the solenoids to prevent further dangerous movement in the event of any emergency which may pose a threat to the crane or the surroundings.

3.Modern Load Moment Indicators instantaneously analyze and assess the manufacturers load charts so as to determine the current lifting capacity of the crane.

4. It monitors the lifted load, boom length, boom angle, wind loadings, shock loads and hook over hoist; and the list is not exhaustive.

Mike bode, the founder of lsiwireless.com, a global dealer of lsi-robway™ products.