Rigging Rentals- Water Load Bags vs. Steel Weights: Why Water Wins Every Time
When it comes to load testing for cranes, hoists and lifting equipment, the choice between water load bags and steel weights can significantly impact efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Water bags have become the preferred testing method over recent years, whilst steel bags remain the traditional choice. Water bags offer several advantages due to their make and design, proving why water wins every time.
Designed to be precise in Load Testing
One of the Key benefits of water load bags is their ability to provide precise and adjustable weight distribution. Unlike fixed steel weights, which come in predetermined sizes, water bags can be filled to exact weight requirements, allowing for greater flexibility in load testing. Waterbags essentially provide a level of precision that other methods lack.
Designed from heavy-duty PVC-coated fabric, water bags are highly flexible and resistant to heavy loads and extreme conditions. This flexible fabric allows for water bags to mimic different weights and shapes of loads, creating a realistic simulation that mirrors the stress and strain that may impact heavy-lifting equipment in operation, ensuring that the equipment can handle the required weight safely and efficiently.
Easier Transportation and Storage
The flexible fabric of water bags also allows for them to be transported and stored more efficiently than steel weights. Water bags were made with convenience in mind, and have the ability to be packed down into smaller sizes. Unlike having to transport and store the full weight with steel weights, water bags typically weigh less than 2% of the achievable load; as the remaining 98% is filled with water for testing. The technology is simple, safe, and adaptable, so you can deploy it, and pack it down practically anywhere—indoors or outdoors, onshore or offshore. The Water Weights Bags are often used for load tests and certifications of lifting equipment in offshore and maritime environments, where they can be transported utilising much less delivery space in comparison to steel weights.
Improved Safety For Lifting Operations
Safety is the key to success in any lifting operation. Water load bags eliminate the risk associated with traditional methods, providing a controlled environment for testing loads without compromising the safety of workers and operations.
Similarly, the ability to add precise loads of water to the load bags ensures machines don’t become exposed to shock loading, as they would from traditional steel weights which also increase the chances of operational failure.
Their lightweight nature also ensures employees and workers are working and operating lighter loads, and enhances safety during handling, transport, set-up and storage.
Cost-effectiveness and Efficiency
Water Load bags are significantly more cost-effective than traditional steel weights. Whilst there is an initial investment price upfront, with care and maintenance load bags are designed to be durable and last for a significant period of time. Their flexible design also means costs are cut when it comes to transport, storage and hours used when operating them.
Due to their use of water, many rigs or water-based operations will be able to source water locally, a cheaper alternative than transporting heavy weights.
Additionally, efficiency will increase. Faster operation times due to their quick deployment and dismantling setups means there is reduced time spent on load testing. There is also minimal training and onboarding for water load bags, enabling quicker project turnaround and increased productivity.
Both water load bags and steel weights can be hired or bought. At Rigging Rentals, a multitude of different sizes and capacities. Waterload bafs from 1-50 tonnes are available to for hire whilst steel weights come in pre-determined weights from 20- 25000 kg. All test loading equipment from Rigging Rentals is maintained with care and is suitable for heavy lifting equipment load testing.
Environmentally Friendly Decision
Sustainability is a key factor for many operational projects, and water load bags tend to be more sustainable than traditional steel weights. As water is the main component to create weight, it means water load bags utilise a renewable and natural resource that can be drained and reused or repurposed after each use. The ability to dismantle them and pack them down into a significantly smaller size also requires less fuel and energy to transport them in comparison to traditional steel weights.
Hire your Water Load Bags with Rigging Rentals
Water load bags provide greater flexibility, improved safety, reduced costs and environmental benefits compared to traditional steel weights. Their precision, easy transport, and enhanced safety features make them the preferred choice for lifting and load testing operations.
At Rigging Rentals, we offer water load bags for hire, ranging in capacities from 1 tonne to 50 tonnes. All our water load bags are made from strong, durable materials that are resistant to tears, and scrapes, have RF welded seams for extra strength and are fully compliant with relevant standards. All our water bags can be used individually or clustered together to mimic loads.
Steel weights are also available for hire, available in pre-set increments from 20 kg to 25,000 kg. All test loading equipment is meticulously maintained by our expert team, ensuring safety, reliability, and suitability for heavy lifting equipment load testing.
To learn more about hiring test loads click here, or contact us—our friendly team can assist you, helping you choose the right equipment for your project.
Disclaimer—The content provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that the information presented here is completely accurate or up-to-date. The information should not be considered as professional or expert advice for rigging, lifting, or any related activities. Users should not rely solely on the information provided in this blog and should consult with qualified professionals and/or manufacturers before making any decisions or taking any actions related to rigging and lifting equipment or practices. Rigging Rentals is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of applying the information provided on this blog.
