Geared Crawls
Geared crawls are hand-chain driven beam trolleys supplied by Toco Lifting in a 0.5 to 20 ton capacity range, adjustable to fit I-beam flange widths from 50 mm to 220 mm. Supplied by an LME 008 entity across South Africa and SADC.
Description
Geared Crawls, Quick Facts
| Product | Geared crawl, a hand chain driven beam trolley |
|---|---|
| Function | Driven by a hand chain to move a suspended load along an overhead I beam |
| Capacity | 0.5 ton to 20 ton |
| Beam fit | Adjustable to I beam flange widths 76 mm to 305 mm |
| Certificate | Advised on enquiry |
| Supplied from | Toco Lifting, Germiston and Cape Town |
Toco Lifting has supplied lifting, lashing and rigging equipment across South Africa and SADC since 2002 and is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008).
Geared crawls are beam trolleys driven by a hand chain that turns the trolley wheels as the operator pulls the chain, moving a suspended load along an overhead I-beam. Toco Lifting supplies geared crawls across a 0.5 to 20 ton capacity range, adjustable to fit I-beam flange widths from 50 mm to 220 mm.
Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd holds LME No. 008 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and supplies lifting, lashing and rigging equipment to mining, construction and industry across South Africa and the SADC region.
What is a geared crawl?
A geared crawl is a beam trolley fitted with a hand-chain and gear drive. When the operator pulls the hand chain, the gearing turns the trolley wheels and moves the load along the beam in a controlled way. It clamps onto the lower flange of an overhead beam and carries a lifting appliance — typically a chain block or lever hoist — below it. The gear drive lets one operator move heavy loads precisely, including at height where hand-pushing is impractical.
Geared crawl vs plain crawl — which do you need?
A geared crawl is moved by pulling a hand chain that drives the wheels through gearing, while a plain crawl is moved by pushing the suspended load along the beam by hand. Geared crawls suit heavier loads, longer travel and work at height, giving controlled movement from ground level. Plain crawls suit lighter loads and shorter, frequent moves at low level. Both fit the same beam profiles; the choice comes down to load weight, travel distance and operator access.
What beam sizes do Toco geared crawls fit?
Toco geared crawls are adjustable to suit I-beam flange widths from 50 mm to 220 mm, covering the common structural beam profiles found in workshops, plant rooms and gantry structures. The adjustable side plates let one trolley fit a range of beams, so the same unit can be moved between structures. Confirm the exact flange width and beam profile with our team before ordering.
Where are geared crawls used?
Geared crawls are used wherever a load needs to be moved along a fixed overhead beam in a controlled way, particularly heavier loads or travel at height. Typical applications include construction gantries, plant and equipment maintenance, and fabrication and assembly bays. Paired with a chain block or lever hoist, a geared crawl turns an overhead beam into a controllable travelling lifting point.
Capacity range
Toco supplies geared crawls in a capacity range from 0.5 ton to 20 ton. Select the crawl rating to match or exceed the rated capacity of the lifting appliance it carries, and never exceed the safe working load marked on the unit. Our team will confirm the right capacity and beam fit for your application.
Compliance and certification
Toco Lifting operates as an approved Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008) under Driven Machinery Regulation 18(5) of the OHS Act, with inspections carried out by an ECSA-registered Lifting Machinery Inspector (Reg. No. 201112078). Toco is a Standard Member of LEEASA and a member of the Chamber of Engineering Technology (COET).
Frequently asked questions
What is a geared crawl used for?
A geared crawl is used to move a suspended load along an overhead I-beam in a controlled way by pulling a hand chain that drives the trolley wheels. It clamps to the lower flange of the beam and carries a lifting appliance such as a chain block or lever hoist beneath it, suiting heavier loads and travel at height.
What is the difference between a geared crawl and a plain crawl?
A geared crawl is moved by pulling a hand chain that drives the wheels through gearing, while a plain crawl is pushed along the beam by hand. Geared crawls give controlled travel of heavier loads and are easier to operate at height; plain crawls suit lighter loads and low-level moves.
What capacity geared crawls does Toco supply?
Toco Lifting supplies geared crawls in a capacity range from 0.5 ton to 20 ton. The crawl should be rated to match or exceed the capacity of the lifting appliance it carries. Our team will confirm the correct capacity for your beam and load.
What beam width do geared crawls fit?
Toco geared crawls are adjustable to fit I-beam flange widths from 50 mm to 220 mm. The adjustable side plates allow one trolley to suit a range of beam profiles. Confirm your exact flange width and beam type with our team before ordering.
Does Toco supply geared crawls across South Africa and SADC?
Yes. Toco Lifting supplies geared crawls and the full lifting, lashing and rigging range from its Germiston head office and Cape Town branch, serving customers across South Africa and the wider SADC region.
Can a geared crawl be used with any chain block?
A geared crawl carries a chain block or lever hoist on its load pin, provided the crawl capacity matches or exceeds the appliance rating and the appliance suspension fits the trolley. Our team will confirm compatibility for your specific chain block or lever hoist.
Need geared crawls for your beam? Speak to our team to confirm capacity, beam fit and availability.
