Big bag lifting options: choose the right loops for your handling
The loop type decides how a forklift, crane or hook picks up a full FIBC. DIV Trades sews every loop variant described here, sized to the SWL and SF of the bag.
Four corner loops are the FIBC standard, but cross-corner, one- and two-loop, tunnel, stevedore and bottom loops are available for every handling method.
Most big bags (FIBC) are lifted by four loops sewn into the corners of the bag. Alongside this standard, DIV Trades manufactures cross-corner loops, one- and two-loop bags, tunnel loops, stevedore loops and optional bottom loops. The loop width, the length sewn into the bag body and the loop material are set by our engineers according to the safe working load (SWL) and safety factor (SF) of the bag.
Pick the loop type that matches the equipment at the filling and emptying site: a forklift with two forks, a crane hook, a single-hook hoist or a farmer with a front loader all need a different arrangement. If you are unsure, contact our sales team and describe how the bag is handled.
Which loop type suits your handling equipment?
Four corner loops (standard)
One loop in each corner of the bag. The forklift lifts the bag from the top and has to catch all four loops, so a driver usually works with a second person who guides the forks through the loops. The free loop height above the bag is most commonly 25 cm or 30 cm; 60 cm loops allow all four loops to be gathered on a single hook.
- The industry standard, accepted by every filling and discharging station
- Easy handling with a forklift or crane
- The most economical loop configuration
- A second person is normally needed to guide the forks through the loops
Cross-corner loops
The loops are sewn to eight points across opposite corners, which gives each loop a larger opening. Cross-corner loops require a body made from circular woven fabric and can be combined with every bag type, including formstable Q-bags.
- Larger loop opening; many users find the forks easier to insert
- Available on all bag types made from circular fabric
- More expensive than four corner loops
One and two loops
A simpler and more economical lifting system used mainly for bags of 500 to 1,000 kg. One- and two-loop bags are typical for fertilizer, because a farmer can pick the bag up with a single hook or loader tine without a forklift. Loops can be made in different colors to identify products. See the one- and two-loop big bags page.
- Easiest handling for end users without a forklift, such as farmers
- Lower cost than four-loop bags
- Colored loops for product identification
- Usually needs an inliner, because coating the circular fabric is more complicated
- Cannot be made as a Q-bag
Tunnel loops
Two fabric tunnels made from the body fabric run across the top of the bag. The forklift drives the forks straight into the tunnels, much like lifting a pallet.
- Fast forklift pick-up without a second person
- Loops are made from the same fabric as the bag body
- The forklift can enter from two sides only
- Cannot be lifted with a crane hook
Stevedore loops
Supporting loops that connect the standard corner loops so the bag can be lifted at one or two points instead of four. Variants: a single stevedore loop pulled through all four corner loops, a double stevedore loop that connects two loops in parallel, or supporting loops attached to each corner loop.
- Lifting at one or two points, ideal for cranes and hoists
- Easier handling of the bag
- Extra belt material and sewing compared with plain corner loops
Bottom loops (optional)
Loops sewn to the bottom of the bag so it can be tipped over for emptying. Typical in the construction and mining industries, where flat-bottom bags are discharged by upsetting the bag.
- Controlled roll-over of the bag when discharging
- Only useful together with a suitable bottom design, see [discharging options](route:spec:discharging-options)
Loop material: PP raffia or PP multifilament
Loops are mainly made from PP raffia belt, which DIV Trades weaves in its own belt production. PP multifilament belt is available as an alternative. Standard loop widths are 40 mm and 50 mm. The width and the length sewn into the bag body are determined by DIV Trades according to the SWL and SF of the FIBC.
PP raffia loops
The standard loop material. Raffia belt is stiff enough that the loop stands upright on the empty bag, which makes it easier to catch with the forks.
- Standard variant with a favorable price
- Solid material, so the loop stands up
- Many colors: white, blue, black, red, green and more
PP multifilament loops
A softer belt made from multifilament yarn. The loop falls flat on the empty bag and feels more like a textile strap.
- Soft, flexible loop
- More expensive than raffia loops
- Fewer colors available
Type C loops for conductive big bags
Conductive Type C big bags use a special loop belt with an integrated carbon strip so that the loops are part of the grounded, conductive surface of the bag. Type C loops are usually yellow or white.
Perimeter belts
Some bags need an additional belt running around the bag, called a perimeter belt. On high-capacity bags and bags with bottom loops the perimeter belt sits on the bottom of the bag; on UN big bags it is placed at the top.
Specify the free loop height
Tell us the free loop height you need (25 cm, 30 cm or 60 cm are most common). Longer loops make it possible to gather all four loops on one crane hook; shorter loops take less fabric and keep the forklift mast lower.
What is the standard lifting system for a big bag?
Four corner loops with a free loop height of 25 cm or 30 cm. It is the most economical option and is accepted by every filling and emptying station.
Can a big bag be lifted with a single hook?
Yes. Order loops with 60 cm free height so all four loops reach one hook, add stevedore loops, or choose a one- or two-loop bag for loads of 500 to 1,000 kg.
What are big bag loops made of?
Mostly PP raffia belt, 40 mm or 50 mm wide, woven by DIV Trades. PP multifilament belt is available as a softer, more expensive alternative with fewer colors.
Do cross-corner loops work on every bag type?
Cross-corner loops require a body made from circular woven fabric. With that condition met, they can be combined with every big bag type we produce.
Can I choose the loop color?
Yes. Raffia loops are available in white, blue, black, red, green and other colors, which is a simple way to tell products apart in the warehouse.
Need advice on the right loops?
Describe how your bags are filled, moved and emptied and our sales team will propose the loop configuration, SWL and SF for your FIBC.
Request a quote