Blog

How to Choose the Right Lifting Loops for FIBC Bags

While you might think about the strength of the fabric and storage volume of your FIBC, or "jumbo bags" as they are often called, one feature performs the actual heavy lifting-the loops.

The importance of selecting the right FIBC lifting loops extends beyond mere logistics to cover safety, productivity, and product integrity throughout the supply chain, whether you're handling chemicals, minerals, or even food products.

Why is lifting loops important?

Lifting loops act as the direct interface between your bag and the machinery performing the lift, your forklift, crane, or hoist. Without the correct type or compatibility of loops, you could risk damage to the bag itself, its contents, and most importantly, a serious workplace injury. The "Safety Factor" (commonly 5:1 or 6:1) that applies to the safe lifting bulk bags relies heavily on the loop attachment and construction material.

Common Bulk Bag Lifting Loop Types

There is more than one type of bulk bag lifting loop:

Here are the different types of loops commonly used onFIBC(Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) bags:

1. Standard Corner Loops

• These are the most common and are stitched into the four corners of the bag.
• Best for: Standard forklift operations.
• Advantages: Most economical option.

2. Cross-Corner Loops

• In these types of loops, they are stitched into the bag and cross over each corner.
• Best for: fully automated fill stations and simplified forklift operations.
• Advantages: Automatically align so that forklift tines will easily enter the loop.

3. Stevedore Straps

• Stevedore straps are additions to standard lifting loops, used for crane or single-point hook operations.
• Best for: Shipping and the operation of cranes.
• Advantages: Allow for multi-point, two-point, or single-point crane operations.

4. Single Point or Double Point Bags

• Single-point bags or double-point bags do not feature four loops as do all other FIBCs, rather one or two large loops are made of the FIBC bag material.
• Best for: The cement and fertilizer industries.
• Advantages: Provide a very rapid single crane loading speed.

Key considerations when choosing an FIBC loop:

The following will help you choose an FIBC loop for the most optimal performance:

Free Length (Height of Loop)

The height of the loop in relation to the top of the bag is the free length. Your forklift tines need to fit under the bag, but the loops must not be so long as to cause the bottom of the bag to scrape the ground when lifted. Loops can range in length from 25 to 30cm.

Loop Material and Weave

Most FIBC loops will be made from a woven polypropylene material, but the strength of the weave can vary greatly. The force that will determine the strength of the loop material is the number of strands woven together; a polyester yarn reinforcement can help the loop support loads and resist stretch.

Color Coding

Many businesses make their FIBC loop color a standard for their operational processes-the loop color helps staff identify contents, weight, and other pertinent details about the bag, thereby reducing errors in handling or products being shipped and contamination.

How to Safely Lift FIBCs

An optimized FIBC loop is not useful if the bag is improperly handled. Here are several guidelines to make FIBC lifting safer:

Avoid Cinch Lifting

Never bundle all four loops together onto a single hook, unless it is authorized by the manufacturer and you have a large enough hook. Doing this puts lateral pressure on the seams and loops.

Check for UV Degradation

Loops left outside for a length of time will suffer the first damage, making your FIBC unusable for lifting; look for frayed spots or the deterioration of loop material.

Lift Vertically

The ideal way to lift an FIBC is straight up. Sideways motion or dragging can pull seams apart.

Note the SWL

Remember the Safe Working Load (SWL) indicated on your FIBC and never exceed the weight it is able to carry.

FIBC Loop Selection Checklist

Unsure of what to get? Consider these 3 things:

1. How will I be lifting the bag?

Forklift, use standard or cross-corner; Crane, use stevedore straps or single-point lift bags.

2. Will the lifting operation be automated?

Cross-corner loops are optimal for automated fill stations.

3. What environment will the bag be used in?

High-heat or chemical environment: polyester yarn reinforced loops are a good choice.

Final Thoughts

The material of the bag can contribute to the durability of the container, but the loops used to lift it are paramount to its strength and overall effectiveness. Inefficient or poor loop selection can result in product loss or severe injury to staff. Correct loop selection will contribute to a more productive operation and higher professional standards. Always confirm the Safety Factor of your loops and the weave pattern. After all, the strength of an FIBC is only as good as the loops carrying its contents. Regularly audit your current lifting loops to ensure they are performing the job they are intended to do.

FAQ'S

1. What is the lifespan of an FIBC loop?

The life of the loop is mostly determined by the Safety Factor (SF) of the FIBC; 5:1 (single-trip) bags are not designed for more than one use, nor will they support repeated lifting of loads once used once. A 6:1 (multi-trip) bag, or more, is designed to allow for a longer life span and will support a loop load repeatedly.

2. What exactly is a "stiffened" loop?

Special stiffened loops do not droop when used; they are designed to remain erect, allowing the forklift to easily place its tines within the loop. This is crucial for automated filling and is ideal when operating forklifts.

3. How do I know when my FIBC loops are not safe?

Always observe the SWL listed on the FIBC, as well as the SF, and look for any signs of degradation of the loops, such as fraying or discoloration.

4. Can I get FIBC loops in a color other than white?

FIBC loops are readily available in red, blue, and black colors in addition to white.