Caldwell Highway Road Concrete Barrier Lifting Tongs, also known as K-Rails or Jersey Barriers, are designed to move pre-cast concrete barriers quickly and easily from one place to the next. The automatic latch provides hands-free operation. The standard vulcanized urethane pads protect standard barriers from damage, while the optional, "Dog Points" work perfect for painted barriers.  States of California, Oregon and Washington may require special grips with steel "Dog Points" in lieu of standard pads.  Barriers that have smooth painted surfaces may need the extra grab that comes with the "Dog Points".   Uses a scissors type principle to handle road barriers, drums, concrete slabs, and rails.  Provides lifts without the need for lifting holes, lugs or slings.  Barrier grabs have an auto-latch that when engaged, holds the tong in the open position for easy operator placement of the grab.
The hands free operation is made possible by the auto-latch mechanism.  The Auto Latch is disengaged when the open tong is lowered on top of the barrier and the crane hoist is slack.  (refer to diagram) The crane hook can then be raised, allowing the pads (see replacement lifting pads) to engage the barrier.  Once the barrier is moved into position, simply lower the crane hook until the line is slack to re-engage the auto-latch.  You can then move onto the next barrier and repeat the process.  
Common applications for K-Rails or Jersey Barriers road barriers are on roadside repairs, building of new roads or any road construction project.  In addition, pre-cast concrete barriers are also used in many parts of the country to protect government buildings, along race tracks to protect the bystanders, and as permanent dividers on many of our nations roadways, highways and especially interstates in the east and freeways in the west.
Ask about the optional Extended Barrier Grab Kit.
"Maximum Rated Capacity" should be considered for the lifting application.  Use this rated capacity as the useful load limit for the barrier being lifted.  Many manufacturers provide both the "working load limit" and a "maximum rated capacity.  Only the maximum rated capacity is published.  Never overestimate a manufacturers published load capacity.  It is what it is... use caution and good judgment in any overhead lifting application. Note: Barrier Lifting Grab Credit Card Payments accepted only from authorized Federal, State, County or City Government Purchasing Agents.

Caldwell Battier Lifting Grab - Model BLG more details.