Eichinger Self-Discharge Boat Skip

Model 1045FA | CE Marked | UKCA Certified | Made in Germany

Engineered and manufactured in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH, the 1045FA Self-Discharge Boat Skip is a heavy-duty, fully automatic craneable tipping skip purpose-built for moving waste and muck around construction sites safely and efficiently. Featuring a patented rotating locking mechanism and drop-down bale arm, the 1045FA eliminates the need for personnel to enter the danger zone during loading, transporting, or tipping operations. Available in capacities from 200 litres to 4,000 litres with safe working loads from 400 kg to 8,000 kg, it is designed specifically for use on construction sites, demolition projects, civil engineering works, and any environment where bulk waste needs to be moved by crane. This CE marked unit is supplied with an EC Declaration of Conformity as standard, and a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certificate is also provided where required.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Fully automatic self-discharge operation — no second person required for loading or unloading; the crane operator can complete the entire cycle from the cab
• Patented rotating locking mechanism — the dovetail bale arm system automatically engages and disengages with each lift cycle, switching between upright transport and tipping positions
• Eliminates personnel from the danger zone — designed with health and safety as the primary objective, removing the need for banksmen or labourers to work beneath or alongside the suspended load
• Drop-down bale arm with lifting eye — simple crane hook attachment point; the fold-down design also provides a low loading height ideal for filling by mini diggers and small plant
• SWL range from 400 kg to 8,000 kg — seven standard sizes covering capacities from 200 litres to 4,000 litres to suit any project scale
• Heavy-duty all-steel construction — robust welded steel body built to withstand the demands of construction site use
• Debris nets available separately — Eichinger DB1045 load restraint nets can be fitted to secure loose materials during transit
• CE marked and UKCA certified — supplied with EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and UKCA certificate where required under UK law
• Backed by over 100 years of German engineering heritage — manufactured by Florian Eichinger GmbH in Mühlhausen, Bavaria

Where Is the Self-Discharge Boat Skip Used?

The Eichinger 1045FA is used wherever bulk waste, rubble, soil, or construction debris needs to be moved around site by crane. It is commonly found on high-rise construction sites, commercial building projects, civil engineering schemes, demolition sites, and infrastructure works. The self-discharge design is particularly valued on projects where muck needs to be cleared from upper floors or confined areas and deposited into skips or waste collection points at ground level, all without requiring personnel to work in the danger zone beneath the crane. The low-profile loading height also makes it ideal for filling with mini excavators, skid-steer loaders, and other small plant.

How to Operate the Self-Discharge Boat Skip

1. Position the skip — place on firm, level ground. Ensure the bale arm is in the down position and the rotating locking mechanism is correctly engaged.
2. Load the skip evenly — use a mini digger or load by hand. Do not exceed the rated SWL by weight or volume.
3. Attach to the crane — clear all personnel from the area. Hook onto the lifting eye on the bale arm, ensuring the safety catch is closed. Raise just off the ground and check the load is balanced.
4. Transport to discharge area — crane the loaded skip to the tipping point. Land on the ground with the front facing the discharge area. Lower the bale arm fully, allowing the rotating locking system to engage.
5. Tip and empty — raise the bale arm slowly. The rotating locking mechanism engages automatically, tilting the skip into its tipping position. Allow the skip to empty fully.
6. Reset for next cycle — lower the empty skip back to the ground. The bale arm lowers and the locking mechanism resets automatically, returning the skip to the upright transport position.

It is strongly recommended that both the banksman and crane operator carry out a practice run with the skip empty before first use to become fully familiar with the automatic locking sequence. If the rotating locking mechanism is ever out of sequence, simply raise and lower the bale arm to reset it.

Certification and Compliance

This product is CE marked and supplied with an EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. A UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certificate is also supplied where required, confirming compliance with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 as retained in UK law. As a crane-lifted below-the-hook attachment, the 1045FA is classified as a non-fixed load lifting attachment. In the UK, it is subject to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Under LOLER, the skip must receive a thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months (or in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person). Each unit is supplied with a manufacturer's specification sheet, working instructions, and safety information.

Safety Information

• All intended users must read and understand the manufacturer's working instructions before operating this equipment.
• Never exceed the rated safe working load (SWL) as shown on the type plate, either by weight or volume.
• Under no circumstances should personnel be allowed beneath the skip once it is lifted.
• Never raise or move the skip whilst in the discharged (tipped) position — sudden movements may cause the locking system to release.
• A risk assessment must be carried out prior to moving or using this equipment.
• Required PPE: safety helmet, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, protective gloves, and steel toecap boots.
• Ensure the intended area is clear of overhead cables, power lines, and similar hazards before use.
• This equipment must always be used in conjunction with your site safety policies.
• Do not use for the movement of dangerous or toxic materials, chemicals, or liquids.
• Under no circumstances should fires be allowed in this equipment.
• In the event of a locking mechanism failure, cease operations and contact Eichinger Equipment Ltd for advice.

Inspection and Maintenance

Under LOLER 1998, the self-discharge boat skip must receive a thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months, or more frequently if specified by an examination scheme. Pre-use visual checks should be carried out before each use, including inspection of the bale arm, lifting eye, rotating locking mechanism, welds, and the general structural condition of the skip body. The type plate must remain present, legible, and securely attached at all times. Any defects identified must be rectified before the equipment is returned to service. Contact Eichinger Equipment Ltd for guidance on load restraint netting or any maintenance queries.

Frequently Asked Questions