The Netherlands-headquartered Fastro has introduced a modular system for attaching slings to heavy loads, particularly tubular structures such as those seen in the wind energy industry.
It can be difficult to fit slings around large piles and tubular structures because of limited space and the heavy bow shackles required. The circumvent this, the Fastro system makes use of a figure-eight trunnion element (the ‘octo’) that allows two split-eye soft slings to be coupled together in a few simple operations.
Traditionally, bow shackles are used where slings are placed around piles using a bow, a pin, and a diabolo. The relatively high weight of this equipment complicates manual handling and takes up time.
A trunnion, which can pivot or oscillate, is ideal for coupling slings but is only suitable for those with a sufficiently low length tolerance – a condition that cannot be achieved with conventional steel cables. Today, Enduro (Fastro’s parent company) soft slings have been proven in the field and boast the required low length tolerance.
The heart of the system is the octo, which features a middle plate with double trunnions on both sides for holding two loops of a special soft sling (split-eye slings). Safety pins secure the slings, preventing accidental detachment. Unlike traditional systems, the Fastro system does not require the disassembly of heavy load-bearing parts. The split-eye sling – a round sling designed with its ends split in two – forms a loops that fits around the trunnion. This design, manufactured according to a highly precise production technique, results in soft slings with minimal length tolerances, said Fastro.
In practice, the system facilitates coupling and uncoupling, requiring only a few straightforward steps, said Fastro, in just a fraction of the time of traditional rigging with bow shackles.
Sytse van der Molen, founder and owner of Enduro Softslings, added: “As Fastro-team we are honoured by the nomination of the Fastro modular and ergonomic lifting system for the Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding International (HLPFI) Heavy Lift Awards 2023. This recognises its contribution to improving efficiency and safety in heavy lifting operations by thinking beyond traditional solutions.”
