Lifting a Tractor onto a Vessel with 20t Single Axle Lifting Nets

When a customer needed to load a tractor onto a vessel, a standard set of slings wasn’t the right answer. The tractor had no certified lifting points, most of its weight sat over the rear axle, and the cab and bonnet had to come through the lift undamaged. Our solution was a pair of 20 tonne single axle lifting nets, one under each axle.

The brief

Tractors are awkward to lift. The weight isn’t evenly spread, the bodywork and glass are easily damaged, and there are very few places a hook or sling can be attached safely. Slinging around the axles or chassis can work, but it depends on finding secure points and keeping every leg evenly loaded for the whole lift.

The customer needed:

  • Plenty of capacity for a heavy, unevenly loaded machine
  • Lifting gear that could be rigged quickly at the quayside
  • No contact between the webbing and the cab, glass or bonnet
  • A level, stable lift from start to finish

Why single axle lifting nets?

A single axle lifting net cradles the wheels on one axle rather than hanging the vehicle from its chassis. With one net under the front wheels and one under the rear, the tractor is carried on its tyres, the way it was designed to bear its own weight.

Using two nets also deals with the uneven weight. Each axle is supported independently, so the heavier rear end doesn’t pull the lift out of balance, and the webbing stays clear of the cab and bodywork.

It’s quick to rig, too. The tractor is driven onto the nets, the legs are brought up and connected to the crane, and it’s ready to lift.

How we made them

Trans-Web manufactured both nets in-house from high-tenacity polyester webbing. Each net is rated at 20 tonnes working load limit and labelled with its WLL, so the crew knew exactly what it was rated for before the lift.

On the day

The tractor was driven onto the two nets, the legs were connected to the crane, and the machine was lifted onto the vessel in a single, level lift. [ADD A LINE FROM THE CUSTOMER, OR DELETE THIS SENTENCE]

Lifting nets for awkward loads

A tractor is just one example. We make lifting nets for cars, vans, plant, boats, bagged materials and other loads that can’t be lifted safely with slings alone, from standard cargo nets to one-off designs built around a single machine.

If you’ve got a load that doesn’t suit standard slings, send us its weight, dimensions and a photo. We’ll tell you what’s practical and come back with a quote and lead time.

See more custom solutions  ·  Browse our lifting equipment  ·  Request a quote

Custom Printed Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps are already a highly visible part of day-to-day transport and load securing. So why leave the webbing blank?

At Trans-Web, we can manufacture custom printed ratchet straps with your company name, logo or branding printed directly onto the webbing.

For qualifying orders of 1,000 metres or more, we currently offer this custom printing at no additional cost — with no design fee or setup charge.

It’s a simple way to turn an essential piece of equipment into something that is clearly identifiable as your own.

What are custom printed ratchet straps?

Custom printed ratchet straps are load restraint straps manufactured using webbing printed with a customer’s chosen company name, logo or other identifying information.

Rather than supplying a standard unbranded strap, Trans-Web can incorporate your branding directly into the webbing during manufacture.

A recent example is this batch produced for local transport company Kelvin Lord, with the company name printed repeatedly along the red webbing.

The result is still a practical piece of load restraint equipment — but one that’s immediately recognisable as belonging to the business.

Why put your company name on ratchet straps?

Branding isn’t just about appearance.

For transport companies, hire fleets and businesses using large quantities of lashing equipment, printed webbing can make equipment easier to identify when it’s being used across vehicles, depots or sites.

There is also the visibility benefit. Every time the straps are in use, your company name is visible on the equipment rather than leaving that space blank.

For businesses already ordering ratchet straps in volume, it can be a straightforward way to get more value from something you’re buying anyway.

Free logo and company-name printing on qualifying orders

For orders of 1,000 metres or more, Trans-Web can currently provide custom webbing printing without an additional design or setup fee.

The process is straightforward:

  1. Send us your requirement and artwork or company name.
  2. We’ll confirm the specification and provide a quote.
  3. Your custom webbing is printed and the straps are manufactured to your requirements.

If you’re unsure whether your artwork or design will work on the webbing, speak to us first. We can advise on what’s practical before production begins.

More than just the printing

The advantage of dealing directly with a UK manufacturer is that the customisation doesn’t have to stop with the company name.

Depending on your requirements, Trans-Web can manufacture ratchet and lashing straps with different:

  • Webbing lengths and widths
  • Colours
  • End fittings
  • Ratchet assemblies
  • Configurations
  • Printed company names or branding

That means the strap can be specified around the application rather than simply adding a logo to an off-the-shelf product.

Who are branded ratchet straps suitable for?

Custom printed ratchet straps can be particularly useful for businesses regularly using load restraint equipment, including haulage and transport companies, plant and equipment hire businesses, construction companies, logistics operations and retailers.

They can also make sense for distributors or businesses looking to supply their own branded range of lashing equipment.

Custom Ratchet Straps Manufactured in the UK

Trans-Web manufactures ratchet straps and other lashing equipment here in the UK.

For customers, that means access to custom manufacturing, flexible specifications and fast turnaround without relying solely on imported, pre-configured products.

Whether you need standard ratchet straps or something manufactured specifically for your operation, our team can help determine the appropriate configuration.

Put Your Name on Your Next Batch of Ratchet Straps

If you’re already ordering ratchet straps in volume, there’s little reason for them to remain anonymous.

On qualifying orders of 1,000 metres or more, we’ll print your company branding onto the webbing at no additional cost.

Enquire About Custom Printed Ratchet Straps

Send us your requirements and we’ll come back to you with a quote.

GET A QUOTE FOR BRANDED STRAPS

HMPE Performance Without the Full HMPE Cost

Not every lifting application requires a fully HMPE round sling.

In many cases, a hybrid sling configuration provides the right balance between performance, durability and cost-efficiency — particularly where weight reduction and handling improvements are important, but full HMPE construction is not necessary.

At Trans-Web, we manufacture custom round sling configurations using combinations of HMPE and polyester materials to suit specific lifting applications.

One increasingly popular option combines:

  • HMPE inner core
  • Polyester outer sleeve
  • HMPE protective sleeves in high-wear areas

This configuration delivers many of the benefits associated with HMPE lifting equipment, while helping reduce overall sling cost compared to a fully HMPE round sling.

What is a Hybrid HMPE Round Sling?

A hybrid HMPE round sling combines different materials within the sling construction to improve performance in key areas while keeping the specification practical and cost-effective.

The configuration shown uses:

HMPE Core

The HMPE inner core provides:

  • High strength
  • Reduced sling weight
  • Low stretch characteristics
  • Improved handling compared to traditional alternatives

This helps reduce operator strain and makes larger capacity slings easier to position and use on site.

Polyester Outer Sleeve

Using a polyester outer helps reduce overall manufacturing cost while still providing reliable everyday lifting performance.

For many applications, a full HMPE outer sleeve is not necessary, making polyester a practical and cost-effective solution.

HMPE Protective Sleeves

Additional HMPE protective sleeves can be added in high-wear areas where abrasion or edge contact is more likely.

This can help:

  • Increase resistance to abrasion
  • Reduce wear around connection points
  • Improve durability in demanding environments
  • Extend sling lifespan

Protective sleeving is particularly useful where frequent lifting causes concentrated wear in certain areas of the sling.

The Benefits of Hybrid HMPE Sling Configurations

Hybrid sling designs are becoming increasingly popular because they allow lifting equipment to be tailored more closely to the actual application requirements.

Benefits can include:

  • Reduced overall sling weight
  • Improved handling efficiency
  • Lower cost compared to full HMPE construction
  • Increased durability in wear zones
  • More application-specific performance

Rather than over-specifying lifting equipment unnecessarily, hybrid configurations allow customers to achieve the right balance of performance and budget.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Industries

Custom HMPE round sling configurations are used across multiple industries, including:

  • Construction
  • Infrastructure
  • Engineering
  • Steel fabrication
  • Heavy machinery movement
  • Modular building installation
  • Industrial lifting applications

Where lifting requirements vary, custom sling construction can often improve both usability and long-term value.

Custom HMPE Round Slings Manufactured in the UK

At Trans-Web, we manufacture custom HMPE round slings in-house to suit customer requirements.

Available options include:

  • Various working load limits
  • Custom lengths
  • HMPE protective sleeves
  • Polyester or HMPE outer sleeving
  • Application-specific configurations

Our UK manufacturing capability allows us to provide fast turnaround times alongside consistent build quality.

Need Advice on the Right Sling Configuration?

Not every application requires a full HMPE sling — and in many cases, a hybrid specification can provide a more practical and cost-effective solution.

If you are unsure which configuration is best suited to your lifting application, our team can help advise on the most suitable option.

Browse HMPE Round Slings Here

Testing High-Capacity HMPE Round Slings

At Trans-Web, we understand that when lifting heavy loads, reliability is critical. That is why our HMPE heavy duty round slings are manufactured and tested to meet demanding industry standards and real-world lifting requirements.

Recently, we carried out independent third-party testing on a selection of high-capacity HMPE round slings rated at 12 tonne, 25 tonne and 50 tonne. These tests were conducted to verify performance at breaking point and demonstrate the strength and reliability of HMPE lifting solutions for demanding applications.

All slings successfully passed testing.

Manufactured to Recognised Industry Standards

Our HMPE round slings are produced in accordance with:

  • BS EN 1492-2
  • Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC

These standards ensure lifting equipment is designed and manufactured to meet strict safety and performance requirements.

Independent testing provides additional assurance that the sling performs as expected when subjected to extreme load conditions.

Why HMPE is Used for Heavy Duty Round Slings

HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) is increasingly specified for high-capacity lifting applications due to its performance advantages over traditional materials.

Key benefits include:

  • High strength to weight ratio
  • Reduced sling weight compared to traditional alternatives
  • Low elongation under load
  • Excellent durability
  • Suitable for demanding lifting environments
  • Improved handling due to lighter construction

For larger capacities such as 25 tonne and 50 tonne round slings, weight reduction can significantly improve usability and handling efficiency on site.

Heavy Duty Round Slings for Demanding Applications

High-capacity HMPE round slings are commonly used across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Construction
  • Infrastructure
  • Steel fabrication
  • Heavy machinery handling
  • Modular building installation
  • Engineering projects
  • Industrial lifting applications

Where heavier loads are involved, selecting the correct lifting equipment is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Independent Testing Provides Confidence

The independent breaking point testing of these slings demonstrates the structural integrity and performance capability of HMPE materials when engineered correctly.

For customers requiring confidence in lifting equipment performance, independent verification offers reassurance that the product has been tested beyond normal working load conditions.

Custom HMPE Round Slings Manufactured in the UK

Trans-Web manufactures HMPE heavy duty round slings to customer requirements, including:

  • various working load limits
  • custom lengths
  • protective sleeving options
  • tailored configurations for specific lifting applications

 

Our UK-based production allows us to provide fast turnaround times alongside consistent manufacturing quality.

If you require high-capacity lifting solutions or would like to discuss a custom specification, our team can assist.

Browse our HMPE round sling range

Fall Arrest vs Fall Restraint – What’s the Difference?

When working at height, selecting the correct safety system is critical.

Fall arrest and fall restraint are often confused — but they serve very different purposes.

Choosing the wrong system can increase risk, complicate compliance, and expose workers to unnecessary danger.

This guide explains the difference — and when each should be used.

What Is a Fall Arrest System?

A fall arrest system is designed to stop a fall after it has already occurred.

The worker is allowed to reach a fall hazard (such as an edge), but if they fall, the system activates to limit injury.

A typical fall arrest setup includes:

  • Full body harness

  • Energy absorbing lanyard or fall arrest block

  • Secure anchor point

  • Sufficient clearance below the worker

Because the fall occurs before the system engages, impact forces must be absorbed and clearance distances calculated carefully.

Fall arrest systems are commonly used where restraint is not possible due to operational requirements.

What Is a Fall Restraint System?

A fall restraint system is designed to prevent a fall from happening at all.

The worker is physically restricted from reaching a fall hazard.

Key characteristics:

  • Fixed-length lanyard

  • Secure anchor point

  • No energy absorber required

  • No fall clearance calculation needed

Where practical, restraint is often the preferred solution because it eliminates the risk of falling rather than reacting to it.

Fall Arrest vs Fall Restraint – Key Differences

Feature Fall Arrest Fall Restraint
Purpose Stops a fall Prevents a fall
Worker can reach edge? Yes No
Energy absorber required? Yes No
Fall clearance calculation? Required Not required
Risk exposure Higher Lower

Which System Is Safer?

In many cases, fall restraint is considered the safer option because it removes the possibility of falling altogether.

However, restraint is not always feasible.

Operational layout, anchor positioning, and task requirements may require a fall arrest system instead.

The correct choice depends on:

  • Work location

  • Anchor availability

  • Task movement requirements

  • Clearance distances

  • Industry regulations

Why Choosing the Correct System Matters

Incorrect specification can lead to:

  • Increased injury risk

  • Non-compliance with Working at Height Regulations

  • Site shutdowns

  • Insurance issues

  • Investigation following incidents

Height safety should always be specified correctly for the application — not simply selected from a catalogue.

Height Safety Systems Supplied by Trans-Web

Trans-Web supplies a range of height safety equipment including:

  • Full body harnesses

  • Shock absorbing lanyards

  • Restraint lanyards

  • Anchor slings and connectors

  • Fall arrest blocks

As a UK manufacturer and supplier, we support construction, logistics, hire companies and industrial operations across the UK.

If you are unsure whether fall arrest or restraint is appropriate for your application, our team can review your setup and advise accordingly.

Speak to a Height Safety Specialist

Working at height carries serious responsibility.

If you would like guidance on selecting the correct system for your operation:

👉 Discuss Your Height Safety Requirement
👉 View Our Height Safety Equipment

Introducing HMPE Round Slings – A Lightweight Alternative to Polyester

Trans-Web now manufactures and supplies HMPE round slings as part of our expanding lifting equipment range.

Designed for applications where traditional polyester round slings become bulky, heavy or inefficient, HMPE (High Molecular Polyethylene) slings provide the same safe working loads in a significantly lighter and more compact form.

As a UK manufacturer of lifting equipment, we produce HMPE round slings to order from our Oldham facility, allowing capacity, length and protective options to be matched precisely to your lifting requirements.

What Are HMPE Round Slings?

HMPE round slings are manufactured using high molecular polyethylene yarns — a high-strength synthetic fibre often associated with premium lifting and rope applications.

When incorporated into lifting slings, HMPE offers:

  • Reduced overall sling weight
  • Smaller finished width
  • High cut and abrasion resistance
  • Low elongation under load
  • Strong performance in demanding environments

This makes HMPE an effective alternative to polyester where handling effort, space constraints or long service life are key considerations.

HMPE vs Polyester Round Slings

Polyester round slings remain a widely used and reliable lifting solution. However, in certain applications, HMPE can offer clear advantages.

Compared to polyester slings, HMPE round slings:

  • Are significantly lighter for equivalent working loads
  • Occupy less space around the load
  • Provide improved durability in high-wear environments
  • Low elongation under load
  • Deliver better load control due to lower stretch

For repetitive lifting operations or confined lifting configurations, these differences can improve efficiency and reduce manual handling strain.

Manufactured in the UK to Your Specification

At Trans-Web, all HMPE round slings are manufactured in-house in the UK.

This allows us to:

  • Produce slings to specific working load limits
  • Manufacture custom lengths
  • Provide improved durability in high-wear environments
  • Incorporate additional protection where required
  • Maintain strict quality control and traceability

As an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, our processes ensure consistent performance and compliance across our lifting equipment range.

When Should You Consider HMPE Round Slings?

HMPE round slings may be suitable where:

  • Polyester slings are too heavy for frequent handling
  • Lift paths are restricted and smaller sling width is beneficial
  • Long service life is required
  • Reduced elongation improves lift stability

If you are currently specifying polyester slings but facing handling or durability challenges, HMPE may provide a more efficient long-term solution.

Speak to a UK HMPE Round Sling Manufacturer

Trans-Web supplies HMPE round slings to hire companies, distributors and industrial operators across the UK.

If you would like to assess whether HMPE is suitable for your application, our team can review your lifting requirements and provide guidance.

👉 View our HMPE Round Sling range

Heavy-Duty Roundslings in Marine Lifting Applications

Marine lifting operations demand equipment that performs consistently under extreme conditions. From dockside handling to complex offshore lifts, reliability, strength, and load protection are non-negotiable.

At Trans-Web, our heavy-duty roundslings are designed and manufactured to meet the challenges of the marine industry — providing safe, efficient lifting solutions where failure is not an option.

Designed for Demanding Marine Environments

Marine environments expose lifting equipment to moisture, salt, abrasion, and heavy repetitive loads. That’s why we’ve recently upgraded our 12–60 tonne roundslings, enhancing performance without increasing cost.

Our roundslings are now manufactured with advanced Twillock diagonal sleeve construction, providing measurable improvements where it matters most in marine applications:

  • Greater abrasion resistance, helping extend service life in harsh dockside and offshore conditions

  • Improved flexibility and handling, particularly in tighter bends and complex rigging setups

  • Consistent, reliable performance for heavy-duty and repetitive lifts

This upgrade delivers a stronger, smarter solution at the same price point — ensuring our roundsling catalogue continues to meet the practical demands of marine lifting while offering long-term value.

Proven Performance in Real-World Marine Lifts

The images featured in this article show Trans-Web roundslings in use across a range of marine lifting scenarios — from dockside operations to large-scale vessel loading.

These real-world applications demonstrate why roundslings are widely used in the marine sector:

  • Even load distribution helps reduce point loading

  • Soft construction protects both the load and lifting points

  • Compatibility with cranes, spreader beams, and complex rigging setups

Each lift presents unique challenges, which is why selecting the correct sling specification is critical to safe and efficient operations.

Manufactured to Specification, Not Guesswork

Every lifting operation is different. At Trans-Web, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.

Our roundslings can be supplied as standard or manufactured to customer specification, taking into account:

  • Working Load Limit (WLL)

  • Lift configuration (basket, choke, or straight lift)

  • Environmental exposure

  • Load shape and weight distribution

This approach ensures that lifting equipment is fit for purpose — not just compliant on paper.

UK-Manufactured Quality You Can Rely On

All Trans-Web roundslings are designed and manufactured in the UK, giving customers confidence in quality control, traceability, and fast turnaround times.

By keeping manufacturing in-house, we’re able to respond quickly to urgent requirements and support time-sensitive marine projects without compromising on safety or performance.

Speak to the Experts Before Your Next Lift

Selecting the correct lifting sling is critical — especially in marine and dockside environments where conditions are unpredictable and margins for error are small.

If you have an upcoming marine lift and need roundslings you can rely on, our team is on hand to help you choose or design the right solution.

👉 Contact Trans-Web today to discuss your lifting requirements and receive expert advice tailored to your application.

Trans-Web Expands Custom Lifting Solutions to Meet Demanding Industry Needs

As industries face increasingly challenging environments, the demand for custom lifting solutions has never been higher. Trans-Web Ltd, a UK-based leader in the design and manufacturing of lifting and safety equipment, is proud to offer a range of bespoke solutions tailored to the exact needs of its customers. From hazardous environments to military applications, Trans-Web is setting the standard for quality, durability, and performance.

With a growing reputation for providing custom lifting nets, slings, bags, and harnesses, Trans-Web has become the go-to supplier for industries that require specialized equipment. Whether it’s construction, defence, or retail, Trans-Web’s custom solutions are built to perform under even the most demanding conditions, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency.

Meeting the Toughest Requirements: Lifting Solutions Built for Hazardous Conditions
Trans-Web’s custom lifting systems are engineered to withstand some of the toughest environments. Designed with chemicals, high temperatures, and other hazardous elements in mind, these solutions ensure that equipment can endure extreme conditions without compromising safety or performance.

Trans-Web has experience producing military-grade lifting equipment that meets the rigorous standards required for defence operations. The company offers NATO green products for military applications, ensuring that its equipment blends seamlessly with military standards while maintaining the highest levels of quality and performance.

In response to specific client needs, Trans-Web recently completed a custom lifting net for a construction client. This project highlights the company’s ability to create products from scratch, from initial drawings to a finished, high-performance product.

 

 

Trans-Web’s custom lifting nets are designed to be versatile and durable, offering enhanced safety and efficiency for lifting and securing heavy loads. By providing tailored solutions, Trans-Web ensures that each product is optimally designed to suit the specific lifting and safety requirements of the job.

Why Choose Trans-Web’s Custom Lifting Solutions?
Fast Turnaround: Trans-Web’s ability to deliver high-quality custom solutions quickly ensures that clients can get their lifting equipment when they need it most, minimizing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.

UK Manufactured: All of Trans-Web’s products are manufactured in the UK, ensuring quality control, faster shipping times, and the ability to accommodate specific customer needs.

Free Consultation: Trans-Web offers free consultations to ensure that clients receive the most appropriate lifting solutions for their unique requirements.

Get in Touch for Tailored Lifting Solutions
As industries continue to evolve and face new challenges, custom lifting solutions from Trans-Web offer the reliability, performance, and safety needed to meet the demands of modern business. Whether you’re in construction, defence, or retail, Trans-Web’s bespoke lifting systems can help you ensure safety and improve operational efficiency.

🔗 Request a quote today for tailored lifting solutions or get in touch with our team for a free consultation.

Height safety demand increases as businesses prioritise worker safety, says Trans-Web

Trusted manufacturer of lifting, lashing and height safety equipment, Trans-Web, have seen a surge in sales of their height safety range as a growing number of construction businesses prioritise worker safety.

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, one fatality occurs every week on a construction site due to inadequate health and safety awareness.

As a result, construction companies are increasingly focusing on the safety of their workers and turning to trusted suppliers like Trans-Web for high-quality equipment.

“The continued success of our height safety range is a clear sign that businesses are taking worker protection more seriously than ever, and we’re proud to support that effort with our best-selling full body harnesses, restraint lanyards and wire anchor strops” says Lee Wrigley, Director of Trans-Web.

Trans-Web’s height safety range is said to feature class-leading strength, flexibility and durability to protect workers at height in the most demanding environments.

Their LITE Full Body Harness is suitable for most work-at-height activities. Easy to fit, adjust and take off, the harness features textile rings at the chest and hips to naturally adapt to the user’s body shape whether sitting, standing or kneeling.

Their work restraint lanyards are ideal for work restraint or as a component for working at height. They can be made from three types of materials to suit different user requirements; two-ply webbing for cut resistance and durability, 32-braid polyester kernmantle rope for flexibility or elasticated webbing to reduce clutter and snagging.

Manufactured from 6mm galvanised steel wire rope, Trans-Web’s wire anchor strop is a durable temporary anchor device for work-at-height activities, fitted with eye thimbles at each end and a transparent protective tube to prolong its lifespan.

“It’s fantastic to see so many of our customers returning to us for our full body harnesses, restraint lanyards and wire anchor strops. We’re proud to offer products that their staff can rely on, tested to the highest standards for ultimate protection” adds Lee.

Established in 1987, Trans-Web is the leading manufacturer of lifting systems, lashings and height safety equipment in the UK.

With almost 40 years’ experience, the Oldham-based company has built a long-standing reputation for manufacturing durable, high-quality equipment that is trusted by distributors across the UK.

“Our priority is to supply distributors with the most effective height safety equipment for their customers, helping to keep workers in construction, manufacturing and other high-risk industries safe at height. As we expand our range with new height safety equipment, we’re looking forward to helping even more businesses meet their safety needs” concludes Lee.

For more information on Trans-Web, please visit https://www.trans-web.co.uk/

Trans-Web secures recertification of latest ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard

We’re pleased to announce that we have once again maintained our trusted certification of the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management, which highlights how an organisation can improve their performance, meet customer expectations and showcase their commitment to quality.

By maintaining this important standard, we demonstrate our ability to provide the highest quality lifting, lashing and height safety products that continuously meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.

For almost four decades, we’ve been manufacturing and supplying bespoke lifting systems, lashings and height safety equipment for our esteemed customer base all over the UK. Our products are used to keep workers safe and goods secure in important industries including construction, logistics, marine and oil & gas operations – so quality is critical.

We’re thrilled to achieve this recertification and extend a big thank you to our incredible team for their hard work crafting the highest quality products for our clients.

To find out more about Trans-Web, please visit https://www.trans-web.co.uk/