Spreader beams have top rigging consisting of wire rope, chain slings, or synthetic slings, so they're not ideal in situations where overhead room may be limited.
Spreader beams require more headroom than a lifting beam in order to accommodate the overhead slings.
Long beams or uneven loads may require a tag line to keep the load under control and reduce the possibility of spinning.
If the load needs to be supported all the way throughout its length, then a lifting beam may be more beneficial because it will have more lifting points on the bottom side to support the center of the load, as well as lifting points at both ends of the beam.
