Plastic cribbing system helps stabilise heavy loads

A safety initiative by CablePrice NZ Ltd has seen it introduce a system of plastic cribbing blocks designed to optimise safety when stabilising heavy loads after they have been lifted for maintenance and access.

The Enerpac plastic cribbing system - developed as an alternative to wooden blocks - was provided by Enerpac distributor Jonel Hydraulics for use with machinery widely used in the construction, forestry, transport, agriculture, quarry, mining and demolition industries.

The blocks, available throughout Australia and New Zealand, feature a patterned, slip-resistant, pyramid locking surface for stability in cribbing, chocking and shoring. Unlike wood, plastic is said to provide a stable, predictable and high load capacity which ultimately deforms only slowly under extreme load, because of the homogeneous material used.

“We have had up to 30 tons sitting on them - we use them for everything. It is all about safety,” said CablePrice Rotorua equipment workshop team leader Chase Murphy.

“Previously we used wooden blocks, but this is the way of the future for an industry leader. Sometimes we could hear wooden blocks cracking under load. We are always obsessed with safety, so we sought a better way to ensure it when lifting up machinery for service inspection and maintenance,” said Murphy.

Enerpac NZ territory manager Neville Stuart said that after he went on-site to demonstrate the blocks, CablePrice ordered 24 x LPC6701-B, 6 x 7″ blocks from Jonel Hydraulics’ range of Enerpac cribbing systems, which can support up to 60 tons in two-box cribs and 100 tons in three-box cribs.

“They were very impressed with the block’s safety, performance and versatility and ordered more for themselves and another 100 for other branches. This product, like other Enerpac technology, is extensively proven and backed in the field by companies such as Jonels with strong expertise in lifting and safety.

“Our total ranges are keyed to safety and cost-efficiency, which is the case with plastic cribbing systems being used when maximum crib stability and material durability is required by industry leaders such as CablePrice NZ Ltd,” says Stuart.

Enerpac cribbing block systems from Jonel Hydraulics supporting a CablePrice tracked vehicle.

“Enerpac’s cribbing system won’t splinter, doesn’t absorb most fluids (subject to chemical compatibility tests) and can be used for interlocking box cribs, parallel cribs and triangle cribs.”

Available in three sizes of cribbing blocks and two sizes of wedges, the system, made from recycled plastic, is available in different combinations of wedges and blocks in nylon carrying totes.