Whether it is in the factory or on a construction site, handling bulky, heavy and awkwardly shaped items is a challenge faced by many in the industry. They have to be placed precisely, stacked safely and moved without being damaged, a process that frequently requires the use of specialist handling equipment.
B&B Attachments specialises in bespoke attachment solutions, designed and manufactured to meet the unique needs of customers in various sectors including rail, construction, food and beverage and agriculture. Unlike standard equipment, these attachments are often specific to the materials-handling equipment being used, the load and the working conditions. This tailored approach supports safer, more efficient, and more reliable operations, even in demanding conditions.
A typical example is the challenge of pipe handling in civil engineering and utility applications. Pipe Grab Attachments are engineered to suit specific pipe diameters, lengths, and weights. They enable safe, damage-free lifting and accurate placement of pipes manufactured from concrete, steel, or plastic. The result is smoother workflows, reduced material losses, and improved protection for the load, the handling equipment and the operator.
Another bespoke solution is the Mesh Grab Attachment, which is designed to handle mesh panels, fabricated steel sections, and similar materials commonly used in construction and infrastructure projects. By providing a secure and evenly distributed grip, the attachment significantly reduces the requirement for manual handling. This improves site safety while enabling faster loading, unloading, and installation, supporting more efficient project delivery.
John Lamberth, managing director at B&B Attachments, explained: “Safety design features are a fundamental consideration in the development of all bespoke attachments.
“Controlled clamping forces, enhanced load stability, clear operator visibility, and robust construction are incorporated to reduce operational risk and support safe working practices. Designing attachments specifically for their intended task, rather than adapting standard equipment, helps minimise hazards and improves operator control during lifting and positioning operations.”
In agricultural and land management environments, Track Moving Clamps provide a practical solution for relocating temporary roadways, walkways, or vehicle tracks across fields and soft ground. Designed to grip securely without damaging trackway panels, these clamps allow work to continue efficiently while minimising ground disturbance and maintaining safe operating conditions.
The engineering team at B&B Attachments is often asked to come up with bespoke solutions to particular challenges. One recent example of this engineering approach is the Bogie Handling Attachment, developed for the safe lifting, manoeuvring, and positioning of train carriage bogies. Designed to provide precise control and enhanced stability, the attachment reduces risk while minimising the potential for damage to high-value components.
A further example is the Twin Barrier Clamp, developed for handling roadside barriers and temporary traffic management systems. Roadside barriers can be difficult to separate and reposition safely using conventional methods, yet the B&B Attachments team developed a clamp that is engineered to grip barriers securely, allowing separation, lifting, and accurate positioning using a forklift truck.
These examples illustrate just a fraction of the bespoke attachments B&B Attachments has manufactured. Every attachment is designed with the real-world application in mind. Bespoke engineering results in improved safety through better control and stability, increased productivity, reduced risk of equipment damage, and durable performance in demanding environments.
“Every attachment we design starts with understanding how it’s actually going to be used on site,” added John Lamberth. “We spend time learning what operators need, what the site conditions are like, and what challenges they face every day. That way, our custom solutions aren’t just built to spec, they’re built to make work easier, faster, and safer.
“Our goal is to ensure our customers have confidence that their equipment will do the job, every time.”
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