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.

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