Rigging & Attachment Basics

Proper rigging is essential for safe side boom tractor operations. The rigging connects the load to the hook block and must be correctly selected, inspected, and configured for each lift.

All rigging gear must be certified, inspected before use, and appropriate for the load being lifted.

Common Rigging Equipment

Wire Rope Slings

Most common for pipe lifting operations
Available in single, double, and endless configurations
Must have visible tags showing Working Load Limit (WLL)

Web Slings

Used for coated pipe to prevent coating damage
More susceptible to damage from sharp edges
Must be protected from abrasion and cutting

Shackles

Connect slings to hook blocks and loads
Must be correctly sized and pin-secured
Never side-load shackles

Pipe Hooks & Cradles

Specialized lifting points for pipe sections
Must be rated for the pipe diameter and weight
Position to maintain pipe balance

Sling Angle Effects

The angle of the sling legs affects the tension in each leg. As the angle decreases (legs spread wider), the stress on each leg increases significantly.

Sling Angle	Load Factor	Effect
90°	1.00	Full capacity
60°	1.15	15% increase in sling tension
45°	1.41	41% increase in sling tension
30°	2.00	100% increase – DANGER ZONE

⚠️ Never use a sling angle less than 45° without specific engineering assessment and approval.

Rigging Inspection

Before each use, inspect all rigging for:

Wire Rope Slings: Broken wires, kinking, crushing, corrosion
Web Slings: Cuts, abrasion, burn marks, chemical damage
Shackles: Cracks, deformation, thread damage, pin security
Tags: Legible WLL marking, valid inspection color code

✅ Rigging Best Practices

Only use certified rigging with valid color codes
Inspect all rigging before each lift
Match rigging capacity to the load weight
Protect slings from sharp edges with corner protectors
Never shorten slings by tying knots
Store rigging properly when not in use

❌ Reject Rigging If

WLL tag is missing or illegible
Color code is expired or missing
Visible damage, kinks, or deformation
Signs of heat damage or burns
Shackle pin is bent, damaged, or incorrect