Weight Capacity of Heavy-Duty Scaffolding Frames

The results are in!

Compression tests show that a set of our scaffolding frames have an average weight capacity of 40,300 lbs. According to OSHA, each scaffold and scaffold component must support without failure its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.§1926.451(a)(1). Because our frame sets can hold on average 40,300 lbs., the maximum intended load that can be applied to one of our sets (a span) is 10,075 lbs. The maximum intended load limit on each leg our scaffolding can be up to 2,518 lbs. That's a lot of weight!

Our Scaffolding Load Limits are Tested by Texas A & M

Our scaffolding load limits are tested at Texas A & M. The tests were conducted in accordance with ANSI/SSFI SC100-5/05. For the test, three sets of our SWS-610B scaffolding frames were stacked on top of each other without standard pins and spring clips. Screw jacks were added to the base. The tower was approximately 20'2" tall. Weight was applied to the top of the scaffolding tower at a rate of 5,000 to 10,000 lbs. over a period of time until failure occurred. Three tests were conducted. 

Check out our test results here: Scaffold Frame Compression Tests.

We have also tested the scaffolding sold by our cross-town competitors and have found that the competition's scaffolding, while similarly priced, has a weight capacity that is 20% less weight than ours.

Why Our Scaffolding has a High Weight Capacity

We make sure our scaffolding frames are manufactured to the highest standards and specifications using higher quality (and more expensive) Q-235 steel to ensure a maximum load limit. We have thicker steel than many of our competitors. We wary of the entry level pricing by some contractors. They lure you in with a low price on a light duty frame, then they upsell you on a frame that will actually meet your needs and hold up on a job site. We also use virgin steel. Many of our competitors use recycled steel, which contains rust and weakens the scaffolding.
Because of the large amount of weight our scaffolding can hold, it is considered to be heavy-duty in that it can support a weight in excess of the 75 lbs./sq. ft. per span. Even in the heaviest masonry applications, most of our customers will never even get close to the 10,000 lbs. per bay our scaffolding will support.

You Should Buy Scaffolding with a Large Weight Capacity

Many people justify buying cheap light-duty scaffolding because they will never get close to putting 10,000 lbs on a frame of scaffolding. This is a mistake. Having stronger scaffolding is especially important for longevity because through transport, assembly and use, the scaffolding will be dropped, hit with forklifts and tools and subjected to weathering. Stronger steel means, our scaffolding will withstand the test of time better than the competition and will not have to be replaced nearly as often as a light-duty frame.

Check out our scaffolding frames and accessories.