The Eichinger Big Bag Lifting Frame (Model 1097) is a rugged 4-point spreader beam for the safe lifting and transport of bulk bags by crane, Hiab or forklift, built in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH. Four recessed bearing pins protect the big bag slings from long-term wear, with a large fabricated lifting eye for quick crane attachment and integrated fork pockets for forklift or telehandler use. Available in 1000kg, 1500kg and 2000kg capacities, every unit is fully load tested and supplied with certification.
Key Features
- 4-point spreader beam design — four recessed bearing pins with large radii protect big bag slings from wear, extending bag life and reducing replacement costs
- Dual lifting capability — large fabricated lifting eye for crane or Hiab attachment, plus integrated fork pockets for forklift and telehandler use
- Lower central load hook — fitted as standard for additional rigging flexibility
- Three capacity options — 1000kg, 1500kg and 2000kg SWL to suit standard builder's bulk bags through to heavier industrial loads
- Heavy-duty steel construction — rugged frame built to withstand repeated daily use in demanding construction and industrial environments
- German-engineered quality — manufactured by Florian Eichinger GmbH in Mühlhausen, Germany, producing construction equipment since 1904
Technical Specifications
| Model |
SWL (kg) |
Length (mm) |
Width (mm) |
Height with Bügel (mm) |
Fork Spacing (mm) |
Weight (kg) |
| 1097.1 |
1,000 |
930 |
915 |
440 |
280 |
68 |
| 1097.2 |
1,500 |
930 |
915 |
440 |
280 |
72 |
| 1097.3 |
2,000 |
930 |
915 |
440 |
280 |
78 |
Dimensions and weights are approximate. Check type plate on individual unit for confirmed SWL.
CE Marked, UKCA Compliant & BG Safety Approved
This product carries CE marking in accordance with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and a UKCA certificate is also provided where required for the UK market. The lifting frame is designed and manufactured to the occupational health and safety standards of the German Berufsgenossenschaften (BG — Employers' Liability Insurance Associations). Manufactured under DIN ISO 9001:2015 quality management and independently tested by TÜV Nord for product and workplace safety (GS — Tested Safety mark). An EC Declaration of Conformity is supplied with every unit as standard.
More About This Product
The Eichinger Big Bag Lifting Frame (Model 1097) is a rugged 4-point spreader beam designed for the safe lifting and transport of bulk bags by crane, Hiab or forklift. Built in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH, the 1097 features a heavy-duty steel cross-frame with four recessed bearing pins that protect the big bag slings from long-term wear. A large fabricated lifting eye on top provides quick attachment to any crane hook, while integrated fork pockets allow the frame to be used equally well with a forklift or telehandler. Available in three capacities — 1000kg, 1500kg and 2000kg — the 1097 suits everything from standard 1-tonne builder's bulk bags through to heavier industrial loads. A lower central load hook is also fitted as standard. Every unit is fully load tested and supplied with certification.
Suitable Applications
The 1097 Big Bag Lifting Frame is designed for any application where bulk bags need to be lifted, transported and placed safely on site. It is commonly used at builder's merchants for unloading and positioning 1-tonne bags of sand, gravel, aggregate and cement from delivery wagons. On construction sites, the frame allows tower cranes to lift bulk materials to upper floors or across the site perimeter. The fork pockets make it equally effective for use with forklifts and telehandlers at ground level, around farmyards, in factories and at logistics depots. The frame can also be used on Hiab-equipped wagons for kerbside deliveries of bagged materials. Available in three SWL ratings, hire companies can stock a single frame type that covers the majority of bulk bag handling requirements.
A bag is only as safe as its loops — check them before every lift. For drums see drum grabs, and for loose material a fork-mounted skip.
How to Use the Big Bag Lifting Frame
- Place the lifting frame on a flat, level surface before attaching the big bag.
- Hook the big bag sling loops over each of the four recessed bearing pins, ensuring all four loops are securely located.
- For crane lifting, attach the crane hook to the large fabricated lifting eye on top of the frame. Ensure the hook is fully closed and latched.
- For forklift use, insert the forks fully into the fork pockets. Ensure the load is centred and balanced before lifting.
- Raise the frame slowly off the ground and check that all four bag slings are seated correctly and the load is stable.
- Transport the load to the intended delivery area, avoiding sudden or jolting movements.
- Lower the frame carefully onto a flat, stable surface at the delivery point.
- Do not drag the load — this will put undue stress on the bearing pins when used with a forklift, or on the lifting eye when used with a crane.
Warning:
Never exceed the rated Safe Working Load (SWL) as shown on the type plate. Do not drag the load as this places undue stress on bearing pins and the lifting eye. Always check that all four bag slings are correctly seated before lifting.
Certification and Compliance
This product is CE marked and supplied with a full EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. A UKCA certificate is also provided where required for the Great Britain market. The lifting frame is manufactured under a DIN ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system, and independently tested by TÜV Nord for product and workplace safety (GS — Tested Safety mark). It is built in accordance with the occupational health and safety regulations of the German Berufsgenossenschaften (BG). All lifting equipment used on UK construction sites must comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Safety Information
- Never exceed the rated Safe Working Load (SWL) as shown on the type plate.
- Ensure all four big bag sling loops are securely seated on the bearing pins before lifting.
- Do not drag the load — lift clear of the ground before transporting.
- Inspect the lifting eye, bearing pins and fork pockets before each use for signs of wear, deformation or damage.
- A risk assessment must be carried out prior to moving or using this equipment.
- Operation only by persons who are familiar with the equipment and have read the operating instructions.
- Ensure the area of use is clear of overhead cables, power lines, or similar hazards.
- Required PPE: hard hat, safety boots, gloves, and hi-vis vest.
- The type plate must remain present and legible at all times. If defects are found, the equipment must not be used until rectified.
Inspection and Maintenance
The big bag lifting frame must be inspected before each use and undergo a thorough examination at least every 12 months by a competent person in accordance with LOLER 1998. All inspections must be documented and any defects rectified immediately before the equipment is returned to service. Pay particular attention to the bearing pins, lifting eye, fork pockets and weld points. Check for signs of corrosion, cracking or deformation. Clean the frame regularly to prevent build-up of material around the bearing pins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Eichinger 1097 Big Bag Lifting Frame used for?
The 1097 is a 4-point spreader beam designed for safely lifting and transporting bulk bags (big bags) by crane, Hiab or forklift. It is commonly used at builder's merchants, on construction sites, around farmyards and in factory environments for moving 1-tonne bags of sand, gravel, aggregate, cement and other bulk materials.
Q: Can the 1097 be used with both a crane and a forklift?
Yes, the 1097 features a large fabricated lifting eye on top for crane or Hiab attachment, plus integrated fork pockets for forklift and telehandler use. This dual capability means a single frame can be used across different handling methods on the same site.
Q: What sizes are available?
The 1097 is available in three capacities: 1097.1 (1000kg SWL), 1097.2 (1500kg SWL) and 1097.3 (2000kg SWL). All three share the same compact 930 x 915mm footprint.
Q: Is the 1097 CE marked and UKCA compliant?
Yes, the 1097 carries CE marking in accordance with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and a UKCA certificate is provided where required for the UK market. It is manufactured under DIN ISO 9001:2015 quality management, independently tested by TÜV Nord, and built to the safety standards of the German Berufsgenossenschaften (BG). An EC Declaration of Conformity is supplied with every unit.
Q: How often does the lifting frame need to be inspected?
The lifting frame must be visually inspected before each use and undergo a thorough examination at least every 12 months by a competent person, in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). All inspection records must be documented and retained.
