TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
ADVERTORIALS
Dam wall proves no obstacle for Hoist & Winch
With many successful water industry infrastructure projects under its belt, leading industrial lifting equipment supplier Hoist & Winch was once again approached to provide a comprehensive and robustly tested lifting solution for a specialist marine subcontractor. This demanding reservoir application required the transfer of three large-diameter pumping station pipes – each weighing 30 tonnes – across the reservoir waters and up the inclined slope of its dam wall. As always, Hoist & Winch proved up to the task. This complex hire equipment project required a triple-aspect approach. Firstly, to move each pipe across the water, Hoist & Winch had to supply, install, commission, load-test and LOLER- certify two air-powered chain hoists offering 20-tonne safe working load (SWL). The company proposed a pair of JDN top-hook suspension air hoists, each with its own load chain collector box, air service unit and air supply hoses. The hoist units are each controlled by an individually connected, heavy-duty, air-powered pendant control. They were fixed to the customer’s free- standing fixed gantries on two fabricated floating pontoons (20t SWL), which Hoist & Winch also had to load-test and LOLER-certify. Secondly, Hoist & Winch was tasked with providing a similar package of services for a large- capacity hydraulic winch system. Here, the company recommended a 12t SWL floor-mounted hydraulic winch with wire rope, diesel-powered hydraulic power unit, joystick control stand and interconnecting hoses. The winch was required to pull each pipe up the inclined slope of the reservoir’s dam wall in conjunction with two rail-mounted travelling gantries (20t SWL) fabricated by the customer. Lastly, the customer wanted Hoist & Winch to supply four 15t SWL manual chain blocks. The Tiger top-hook suspension type manual chain blocks proposed by Hoist & Winch would support each pipe from the rail-mounted travelling gantries following transfer from the air hoists in readiness for winching up the slope of the dam wall. Hoist & Winch technical support experts partnered closely with the main contractor’s civil and mechanical engineers throughout this safety-critical project, with strict approval procedures in place. Load testing of the two air hoists and their supporting gantries was facilitated by a 20t/25t skid-mounted dynamic proof-test load. Working closely with the marine subcontractor’s dive team, the test weights were initially positioned on the reservoir bed. Dynamic load testing of the hydraulic winch took place in two stages, firstly using an interim site test load comprising lighter concrete components, which also required winching up the reservoir’s dam wall. A further dynamic test was performed on the day of winching the first pipe. This activity was closely monitored to check all aspects of the winching system installation as work proceeded. Indeed, Hoist & Winch was tasked with operating the winch for the full duration of the first pipe lift up the dam wall slope while maintaining constant radio communication with the overall lift supervisor. As the night time closed in the very precise lifting operation had to continue and so the work was completed under floodlights. Hoist & Winch also provided various other aspects of technical consultancy, including guidance on lifting equipment legislation, lifting operation planning/management, the specification and procurement of a portable diesel-powered compressor, and operator handover training.
“The final outcome was the highly successful movement up the reservoir dam wall of all three pipes in a finely controlled and smooth manner, which delighted both our customer and the end client,” says Hoist & Winch Director Andy Allen. “It’s yet another successful example of how our extensive experience and deep technical knowledge can provide the optimal solution for some of industry’s most challenging lifting and transfer operations.”
Hoist and Winch Ltd 08450 171126
www.hoistandwinch.co.uk
Bespoke attachment solutions for every job
B&B Attachments specialises in bespoke attachment solutions, designed and manufactured to meet the unique needs of customers in rail, construction, food and beverage, agriculture, and more. Unlike standard equipment, these attachments are tailored to the forklift truck, the load, and the working conditions, delivering safer, more efficient, and reliable operations.
A key example is the Bogie Handling Attachment, engineered for the safe lifting and positioning of train carriage bogies. This solution provides precise control and stability, reducing risk and improving efficiency during maintenance or refurbishment. The Mesh Grab Attachment is another bespoke solution, ideal for handling mesh panels and fabricated steel. By offering a secure grip and reducing manual handling, it allows faster and safer installation on site.
For customers working with pipes in civil engineering or utilities, the Pipe Grab Attachment is designed to handle specific pipe diameters and weights. It ensures safe, damage-free lifting and accurate placement, streamlining operations and protecting valuable materials. In agricultural and land management settings, Track Moving Clamps provide a practical solution for relocating temporary walkways or vehicles across fields and soft ground. These clamps protect surfaces while allowing work to proceed efficiently and safely.
These examples illustrate just a fraction of the bespoke attachments B&B Attachments has manufactured. Every attachment is designed with the real-world application in mind. Bespoke engineering means improved safety through better control and stability, increased productivity, reduced risk of equipment damage, and durable performance in demanding environments.
“Every attachment we design starts with understanding how it will be used on site,” said John Lamberth, Managing Director at B&B Attachments. “Our bespoke solutions help customers work faster, safer, and with confidence.”
From initial consultation and design through to manufacture and delivery, B&B Attachments ensures every product meets the highest standards. With proven results across multiple industries, bespoke attachments from B&B provide measurable benefits where it matters most.
For more information or to discuss a custom project, contact B&B Attachments today on 01670 737373 /
info@bandbattachments.com or visit the B&B team at the UK Concrete Show on the 25th & 26th March at the NEC.
B&B Attachments 01670 737373
info@bandbattachments.com
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | DECEMBER 2025/JANUARY 2026 49
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
