A lift pin insert assembly is releasably mounted upon a mold member for casting a manhole section. The mold is filled with concrete, which surrounds and embeds the insert assembly in the cast member. The insert is configured to receive a lift pin, which is automatically moved to a locked position when lifting tension is applied. A reinforcing support assembly includes at least a face plate and a metal rod of suitable thickness at least partially encircling the insert, and anchored either to the face plate or an additional support plate. The support assembly distributes the forces applied by the lifting force to the cast member substantially uniformly over a large surface area, significantly increasing the weight load capable of being lifted by a given lift pin without increasing the size and/or diameter of the lift pin.
