Choosing the Right I Beam Trolley for Your Lifting Application

Choosing the Right I-Beam Trolley

When it comes to safely moving suspended loads along an overhead beam, the right I-beam trolley is essential. At LGH, we provide a wide selection of beam trolleys and beam trolley hoist rentals designed for material handling tasks in construction, manufacturing, energy, and other industrial settings.

Also known as a trolley hoist, hoist trolley, or trolley beam system, these devices enable horizontal load movement with precision and ease—saving time, reducing manual labor, and increasing safety.

Product picture of a JDN push / motorized beam trolley

A JDN push / motorized beam trolley from LGH.

What Is an I Beam Trolley?

An I-beam trolley is a device that rides along the bottom flange of an overhead I-beam, allowing a suspended load—typically attached via a hoist and trolley combination—to travel along a straight or curved path. Trolleys are used in conjunction with chain hoists, lever hoists, or electric hoists to enable lifting and load movement along a beam system.

Whether you’re working in a tight maintenance bay or a large industrial plant, selecting the correct hoist trolley setup is crucial for both performance and safety.

 

Types of Beam Trolleys We Rent

LGH offers multiple types of trolley hoists, each tailored to specific operational requirements:

1. Manual / Push Beam Trolleys

A beam trolley from LGH

A manual push beam trolley from LGH.

These simple, cost-effective trolleys are moved manually by pushing or pulling the load. They’re ideal for light to medium-duty jobs and environments where electricity or air power isn’t available.

  • • Commonly paired with a chain hoist and trolley

  • • Quiet, low-maintenance design

  • • Available in capacities from 1 to 10 tons

2. Geared Beam Trolleys

A product picture of an I beam trolley push geared hoist from LGH

A geared I beam trolley from LGH.

With a hand chain-operated gear mechanism, these trolleys allow for smoother and more controlled movement. Best suited for applications requiring more precise load placement than a push trolley allows.

  • • Ideal for assembly, maintenance, or tight clearance tasks

  • • Compatible with both manual and electric hoists

  • • Frequently used where exact load positioning is needed

3. Electric Hoist Trolleys

Product picture of a Harrington NERM series motorized trolley electric chain hoist

A motorized trolley electric chain hoist from LGH.

These trolleys are powered by an electric motor and are often part of an integrated electric hoist and trolley system. Designed for repetitive or heavy-duty applications where manual movement isn’t practical.

  • • Excellent for long-distance travel along a trolley beam

  • • Compatible with beam widths and flange thicknesses of various sizes

  • • Used in production lines, maintenance facilities, and fabrication shops

4. Air-Powered Trolleys

Product picture of a JDN Profi series motorized trolley air chain hoist.

A JDN Profi series motorized trolley air chain hoist from LGH.

Often used in environments where electric power is restricted, pneumatic air-powered trolley hoists operate via a pneumatic motor. These are a perfect match for explosion-proof or spark-sensitive environments.

  • • Combines with air chain hoists for complete pneumatic lifting systems

  • • Reliable, clean operation for sensitive environments

  • • Part of our specialized air hoist and trolley offerings

 

Choosing the Right Hoist and Trolley Combination

When selecting a hoist and trolley setup for your project, consider the following:

  • • Capacity: Trolleys range from 1 to 60 tons at LGH. Always match or exceed the weight of the load.

  • • Beam Flange Width & Thickness: Accurate measurements ensure safe and proper trolley installation.

  • • Power Source: Determine whether manual, electric, or air power best suits your jobsite.

  • • Clearance & Travel Distance: Evaluate the space available and how far the load needs to move.

  • • Application Type: From small maintenance lifts to high-cycle production work, there’s a trolley built for the task.

It’s also essential to ensure your trolley hoist is never side-loaded and that the load remains evenly distributed along the trolley beam path. Check out our blog entry “Beam Trolley Fails: Top 4 Mistakes You Should Avoid” to read about other common mistakes when using beam trolleys.

Why Rent I Beam Trolleys from LGH?

At LGH, we make it easy to get the right equipment, fast. Our Ibeam trolley rentals are:

  • • Certified and load-tested before every rental

  • • Adjustable to fit narrow or wide flange beams

  • • Available nationwide with expert support

  • • Ideal for lifting, shifting, and positioning loads safely and efficiently

Whether you need a manual trolley, an electric hoist trolley, or a complete chain hoist and trolley system, LGH has the gear and expertise to help you lift smarter.

Rent Your Beam Trolley Today

Ready to get started? Contact LGH to rent a durable, high-performance I-beam trolley that fits your exact application. Our team of rental experts will help you choose the right hoist and trolley combo for your load, beam, and site conditions.

📞 Call us at 800-878-7305 or contact us here for a rental quote today.


ABOUT LGH

LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.