We will be taking part in key industry trade shows in 2026 and we look forward to connecting, sharing ideas and demonstrating our products and solutions.
This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Indo Pacific International Maritime ExpositionisAustralia’s premier commercial maritime and naval defence exposition which will be held at theInternational Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney from Tue 4 - Thu 6 Nov 2025.
RUD Australia is also a certified supplier to the Australian Defence Force. Some of the solutions we provide to the ADF are:
Australian-Made Innovations supporting Sovereign Capability
What does RUD offer?
We offer innovative lifting solutions which are manufactured in Germany, suitable for corrosive applications such as the NEW ACP-TURNADO Ocean Star which is ready for marine applications or the ROV-Hook, which has been developed specially for rigging with underwater robots.
ROV Subsea Rigging Hook
Developed for subsea rigging applications for use with Remote Controlled Vehicles (ROVs)
Eliminates the risk of snagging and accidental rigging
Has an outer smooth profile with no protruding hook nose
Outward opening safety latch closes automatically when the ROV releases the trigger
The safety latch is securely locked in a closed position
The hook safety latch opening and closing can be operated by a single ROV
ACP-TURNADO Bolt-On Lifting Point - M30
Fulfills the requirements of MIL-STD-209K and STANAG 4062
Smart design with auto optimisation
Maximum distribution of force in all possible directions
RFID technology as standard
RUD 4:1 safety factor
ACP-TURNADO Ocean Star Bolt-On Lifting Point
This lifting point combines the benefits of the ACP-TURNADO for marine applications. It is certified according to DNV-ST-0377 and DNV-ST-0378 and designed for safe and reliable use in subsea and offshore environments.
Zinc flake coating for maximum corrosion resistance
720 h salt spray resistance
9 bolts
Hardness 380 HV
Available in M8–M30
Inox-Star Bolt-On Lifting Point
Pivots 360° for adjustment in load direction
Clear marking of the minimum WLL
Material: Duplex steel 1.4462
RUD 4:1 safety factor
Inox-ABA Weld-On Lashing Point
Forged from Duplex Steel 1.4462
Full WLL in any direction with 4:1 design factor
Clear marking of the WLL
Patented wear markings on the inside and outside
Closed and circumferential fillet weld
Temperature Range -40ºC to 250ºC no reduction in WLL
RORO Weld-On Lashing Point
Milspec MIL-STD-209K, US Dept of Defence Interface Std
Phosphate surface
Used specially for low temperatures -40°C
100% crack detected
Lashing capacity - 10,000 daN
TECDOS Drive Technology
TECDOS Drives can be used in linear, rotating, horizontal or vertical applications to:
Move cranes, align, and adjust loaders and open and close cargo space covers on ships
Lift and lower platforms, drive ferries, and extend telescopic booms and skidding systems
Open and shut gates and roofs
Drive gangways in ports
Click hereto visit theIndo Pacific International Maritime Expositionwebsite.
Visit our Defence Jobs Qld Area booth from 4-6 Nov 2025at the InternationalConvention Centre to discuss our maritime Lifting, Lashing and Drive Technology Solutions.
For more information on RUD Solutions for the defence industry, click here to fill out our form or visit our contact page to send us an enquiry.
Selecting the proper chain is critical for safe lifting operations. Remove the guesswork of choosing the right chain length and components with the Australian RUD Sling Configurator, which helps you select the best RUD Grade-100 and Grade-120 chains for your requirements.
Configuring lifting chains does not have to be time-consuming or complicated. Traditionally, this involved multiple decisions such as selecting the chain grade, lifting angles, end components and load requirements. It also required manually cross-referencing charts, part numbers and technical specs.
But with the NEW RUD Sling Configurator, you can design, configure and create the proper chain sling for any lifting application. And in only six easy steps. So, whether you are an engineer wanting to do a lift plan, a rigging specialist or a lifting equipment supplier, the RUD online tool makes it faster and easier with a step-by-step process that ensures your final setup is safe and optimised for your specific lifting needs.
What You Can Do with the Sling Configurator?
Build your chain sling in 6 simple steps
Walk through a guided process from start to finish, selecting your suspension parameters and elements, shortening elements and intermediate parts
Choose between VIP-100 and ICE-120 chain systems
The Sling Configurator includes both VIP Grade-100 and ICE Grade-120. Each grade has its advantages depending on your application, from high-strength lifting to cold-temperature performance
Select compatible components
View and compare a full range of chain slings, hooks, links and connectors
Get expert lifting tips and product information
Every step includes suggestions and best practices that are built into the process, so you know what you are selecting every time
Visualise with a live 3D model
Watch your configuration come to life as a 3D render to ensure it is exactly what you require
Download CAD files and PDFs
Export your design for documentation, lift plans or to share with your team for discussion
Send your configuration to RUD
You can finalise your design and email it directly to the RUD Australia team for fast, accurate quoting and further support if required
If you want more details of our lifting and lashing solutions, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300.
Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
The CICA (Crane Industry Council of Australia)Conference is one of the biggest crane industry events in the southern hemisphere. CICA 2025will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Wed, October 15, to Fri, October 17, 2025. RUD is proud to sponsor the Networking Dinner on 16 Oct and will showcase solutions for the crane industry's lifting, lashing, and engineering requirements at the show.
RUD Australia is a certified supplier to the crane and infrastructure industry, providing solutions such as:
Visit our stand #7 in the Main Hall at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 15-17 Oct 2025 to discuss our Lifting, Lashing, Drive and Engineering Solutions.
For more information on RUD Solutions for the Crane Industry, click here to fill out our form or visit our contact page to send us an enquiry.
Founded in Germany in 1875 and celebrating 150 years in 2025, the RUD Group is a global leader in chain technology and lifting solutions. It currently employs over 1,700 employees and sells products in more than 140 countries. RUD was founded by the Rieger family, which continues to blaze a path with a strong legacy of innovation, quality, and technical excellence.
RUD Australia was established in 1984 and has been led by the Nuttall family since its inception. For the past 40 years, it has been supporting the crane industry with innovative lifting and lashing solutions through local offices across Australia and New Zealand.
RUD's focus on safety is exemplified by the quality of its products, especially the ICE 120 chain slings, which are manufactured to meet the highest safety standards for crane operators and on-site staff. Mark Read, Director of SureLift Crane Hire, a long-term RUD customer, attests to the quality of RUD's chain slings, testifying that they are the "best chains in the industry". SureLift Crane Hire, which started with one crane in Moranbah, Queensland, now operates over 16 cranes and exclusively uses RUD products because of their performance, which Mark believes "embodies the message of safety."
RUD Australia has an advanced 6000m2 engineering and manufacturing facility in Brisbane, which offers bespoke lifting and material handling solutions for the crane industry. The production facility includes expanded positional robotic welding technology and multiple 200/500-tonne test beds, ensuring quality work that exceeds industry standards.
RUD provides customised lifting kits and lashing solutions for the crane industry. RUD’s ICE Grade 120 chains can be tailored to meet specific site requirements. The ICE Grade 120 chain is 30% lighter than Grade 80, a critical safety factor. Additionally, when used with a balancer, a RUD ICE 16 mm chain can lift up to 48 tonnes, which is the highest in its capacity class. Mark Read of SureLift Crane Hire highlights the balancer as a "huge point of difference" that allows them to lift at a higher capacity while maintaining safety.
Brisbane-based Hulk Lifting consistently turns to RUD for lifting and lashing solutions. “Knowing that we’re using RUD’s products provides us with a sense of comfort and reassurance,” says Ben Rose, Director of Hulk Lifting. “RUD really are ‘best-in-show’ for us: through the design, manufacturing and final build stages; everything is simply top-notch.”
RUD designs and manufactures a range of lifting and spreader beams locally, specified to customer applications. We also offer over 700 boltable and weldable lifting points featuring load ranges all the way up to 250 tonnes.
RUD Australia is known for its unrivalled after-sales service and support, which customers highly value. As Mark Read of Surelift Hire notes, “RUD is always available to provide advice on maintenance, new products and different lifting solutions”, which is similarly echoed by Ben of Hulk Lifting, “Whenever we get something in from RUD, there’s always an engineer coming afterwards to inspect the product and ensure that it’s performing exactly as it should.”
The New RUD Sling Configurator
Configuring lifting chains for applications can be time-consuming and complex. Multiple factors influence safety, complicating the choice of the right sling chain. The new Sling Configurator from RUD makes it easier to configure the perfect chain sling for any lifting application in only six easy steps.
In addition to choosing between a VIP-100 and an ICE-120 chain, you also get a choice of components, information on the lifting accessories, tips on lifting and the option to save your chain configuration as a PDF or CAD file and email it to RUD.
The benefits of the RUD Configurator
Calculate lifting means in 6 easy steps
Get a 3D view of the final configuration
Compare components and parts
Download a CAD file that can be used in lift plans
The Sling Configurator gives you a list of the parts in your configuration, which makes it easy to discuss the sling chain with your team and contact us to place an order or for more information.
By combining a long-standing legacy of quality with cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on customer service and safety, RUD aims to be a preferred partner for crane operators seeking a safe and reliable investment.
RUD is holding an open event on 15 October at 12 Commerce Place, Larapinta, QLD 4110. We will showcase our lift technologies for the crane industry, including break tests for chains, lifting beams, and lifting points. We will also demonstrate our new robot and ICE Tensioner load cell technology. Limited spaces, so call us to book your seat!
Interested in our lifting, lashing and chain solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or enquire here.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
When a foundry in Italy found itself in a hot problem, they turned to RUD.
Foundries are notoriously harsh environments. They get hot, insanely hot. Red-hot loads demand equipment that can withstand extreme temperatures while ensuring safe and efficient operation.
A foundry in Italy needed to move scorching hot steel bars that were long and weighed thousands of kilos. They were also square-shaped with a unique profile that required a unique lifting solution.
The Situation
The project had several challenges:
Extreme Temperatures: The bars reached a staggering 300°C, requiring a heat-resistant lifting mechanism to protect operators and equipment.
Weight and Size: Each bar measured 12 meters long and weighed a hefty 2,400 kg, requiring a robust lifting solution with a high working load limit (WLL).
Square Geometry: The square profile of the bars (14x14 cm and 16x16 cm) demanded a unique clamping mechanism for secure grip and transport stability.
A Unique Solution
RUD has been in the lifting business for years and knows steel like the back of our hand. So, we took our knowledge of high-quality clamps and chains and devised a custom system to handle this hot situation.
Built to Last: We customised a robust system that weighed 150 kg with a working load limit (WLL) of 2,500 kg. This was a rock-solid solution that provided stability and safety. The system's core component was a RUD VIP-2-strand sling, which hooked into the crane for a secure connection.
Versatile Clamping: The clamping mechanism was versatile and could adjust to slight size differences (14x14 cm and 16x16 cm) without a problem. This ensured a secure grip regardless of minor size discrepancies, preventing potential slippage during transport - the last thing you need when dealing with red-hot metal!
Safety First Followed by Efficiency: Safety is paramount in a foundry for both the employees and the equipment. Our safety-friendly design ticked all the boxes. We made it semi-automatic with a lever system for hooking and unhooking the bars. This kept the operators far away from the intense heat. The lever also controlled the rotation and locking of the clamps, ensuring the bars stayed put throughout the entire process. The clamps themselves were attached to super-strong 8mm RUD VIP Grade 100 sling chains - chosen specifically for their exceptional heat resistance and strength.
Game Change for the Client
This custom system has been a game-changer for the foundry, improving operations on the floor. It moves the steel bars with ease, keeping things efficient while prioritising operator safety. This project is a perfect example of how RUD combines high-quality lifting components with custom-designed solutions. This tailored approach sets RUD apart from the competition. We don't just sell products; we deliver solutions for even the most challenging high-temperature lifting situations.
This project shows our commitment to exceeding customer expectations. By combining our expertise in lifting with a dedication to custom design, we ensure safety, efficiency, and happy customers, no matter how hot the job gets.
If you want more details of our lifting and lashing solutions, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300.
Article copyright toRUD Group andRUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are shown for illustration only.
Introduction:
Germany, with 34 million tons of cement production, is Europe's leading cement producer*. When TBA, a renowned concrete supplier needed assistance to lift the roof of a concrete silo used for an infrastructure project, they turned to RUD.
The Challenge:
The project required lifting and placing a roof on top of a silo located near Unterkochen.
The project presented several challenges for the lifting operation:
Logistics: The circular silo roof was 10 meters in diameter, 3 meters in height and weighed 16 tonnes. Lifting such an object requires careful planning.
Inclement Weather: The project location was known for inclement weather conditions from strong crosswinds and average temperatures of 2°C.
Limited Lifting Space: The lift was done using a crane with double hooks. This required precise planning of the lifting equipment to maintain safe load capacity within the permissible range while ensuring sufficient chain length.
The Solution:
Due to the heavy lift and the lifting configuration, RUD engineers proposed that a 13mm, 2 x 2-strand ICE 120 chain was ideal for the operation. To maintain the chain's working load limit (WLL) within safe parameters, it was calculated that a minimum length of 6.402 meters was required for low sling angles.
However, there were only 2 x 7-metre 2-strand chains and 2 x 4-metre chains in stock. Instead of postponing the project to another date, we decided to use IH (ICE-H) Connectors to extend the 4-metre chains.
The I-H Connectors are a fast, simple, and cost-effective solution for converting ICE chains into endless configurations. They are compact, easier to manage than conventional chain connectors, and flexible enough to fit the ICE chain.
Once the chains were extended to the necessary length, ICE Star Hooks were attached to the chain ends. Due to their innovative skeletal design, ICE Star Hooks can be used in temperatures from -60°C to 300°C and are up to 25% lighter than Grade 80 hooks of the same WLL.
This solution enabled a safe and secure lift of the silo roof. The roof was lifted to its final height of 35 meters above ground for the final assembly.
Products used in the project:
ICE 120 2-strand 13mm chains
ICE H-Connectors
ICE ISAK Masterlinks
ICE IMVK Shortening Claws
ICE Star Hooks
Conclusion:
This project demonstrates how RUD's innovative lifting solutions, such as the flexible ICE Chains, can solve complex lifting challenges. RUD is the innovator and sets standards for lifting technologies through expertise and flexible solutions to ensure safe and successful operation even in challenging conditions.
* The European Cement Association. Key Facts & Figures: Main World Producers in 2018; The European Cement Association: Brussels, Belgium, 2020
Article copyright to RUD Ketten and RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.
Part 2 of the 2-part article.Click hereto read Part 1.
Lifting chain safety depends on selecting the correct chain grade, ensuring proper certification and conducting regular inspections. Grade identification markings, traceability systems and electromagnetic crack testing all play an important role in preventing lifting incidents. Choosing the right lifting chain requires consideration of load weight, attachment points, operating conditions and Working Load Limit (WLL) requirements to ensure safe and efficient lifting operations.
Identifying Chain Grades
Lifting chains are stamped with their grade for easy identification. Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting chains use the “(H)” stamp followed by the corresponding number:
H8 for Grade 80
H10 for Grade 100
Grade 120 lifting chains use the “(D)” stamp. It is important to note that hoist chains cannot be used for lifting applications. Hoist chains are stamped with letters to prevent potentially dangerous mix-ups with lifting chains.
Safety Certifications and Testing
Safety is critical in lifting operations. Lifting chains should always be approved by relevant regulatory bodies, such as DGUV in Germany. Traceability is also important for lifting chain safety and compliance. Batch codes and RFID chip tracking, offered by RUD, assist with identification and inspection management. Regular inspections and electromagnetic crack testing are essential to maintaining lifting chain integrity and operational safety. Electromagnetic crack testing should be conducted every three years as part of ongoing inspection procedures.
Choosing the Right Lifting Chain
Selecting the correct lifting chain depends on several operational and environmental factors.
RUD assists customers in selecting the appropriate chain suspension for lifting applications based on:
Load type and weight
Attachment points
Presence of sharp edges or rough surfaces
Required Working Load Limit (WLL)
Load centre of gravity
Operating temperature range
Ease of operational safety checks
Choosing the correct lifting chain helps improve lifting safety, operational efficiency and compliance with lifting standards.
Conclusion
Understanding the types, grades and applications of lifting chains is essential for safe and efficient lifting operations.
Safety should always remain the priority by:
Following lifting regulations and standards
Conducting regular inspections and testing
Selecting the appropriate lifting chain for the application
Ensuring traceability and compliance
Proper lifting chain selection and maintenance help reduce operational risks and improve lifting performance across industrial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can lifting chain grades be identified?
Lifting chain grades are identified through stamped markings on the chain. Grade 80 uses H8, Grade 100 uses H10 and Grade 120 uses a D stamp.
Can hoist chains be used for lifting?
No. Hoist chains are not designed for lifting applications and are marked differently to prevent unsafe use.
Why is lifting chain certification important?
Certification ensures the lifting chain complies with recognised safety and performance standards required for lifting operations.
What inspections are required for lifting chains?
Lifting chains require regular visual inspections and electromagnetic crack testing to identify wear, damage or fatigue.
What factors should be considered when selecting a lifting chain?
Factors include load weight, attachment points, sharp edges, Working Load Limit (WLL), centre of gravity, temperature range and inspection requirements.
What is electromagnetic crack testing?
Electromagnetic crack testing is a non-destructive inspection method used to detect cracks or defects within lifting chains to improve operational safety.
Click hereto download our Lifting Points and Lifting Means Catalogues.
Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.
This is a 2 part article.
Lifting chains are critical components in material handling and heavy lifting applications. Grade 80, Grade 100 and Grade 120 lifting chains each offer different levels of strength, weight reduction and durability. Modern lifting chains provide superior adjustability, temperature resistance and sharp-edge performance compared to wire rope and synthetic slings, making them ideal for demanding industrial environments.
What are Lifting Chains?
The age-old proverb, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," first used in Thomas Reid’s “Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man” in 1786, perfectly encapsulates the critical role of lifting chains in material handling. This article delves into the world of lifting chains, exploring their types, grades, uses, and essential safety considerations.
Lifting chains are crucial connectors between a load and a lifting hook. They are typically secured to a designated lifting point on the load, ensuring safe and secure lifting. Lifting chains form part of chain suspensions, which, along with the chains, include a master link, end components like hooks, connecting or shortening components and balancers if required.
Evolution of Lifting Chains
Modern lifting chains have significantly improved compared to their predecessors. While older chains suffered from lower material strength and cumbersome weight, today’s lifting chains offer high strength, durability and cost-effectiveness, making them the preferred choice for lifting and lashing applications. Modern lifting chains also weigh considerably less for the same Working Load Limit (WLL), which is beneficial when lifting heavy loads.
Types of Lifting Equipment
While wire rope and synthetic slings offer alternative lifting options, they have limitations, particularly in terms of adjustability, susceptibility to sharp edges and performance under extreme temperatures.
Lifting chains stand out because of their:
Adjustability - Length can be easily modified using additional components.
Sharp-edge resistance - Greater resilience against damage from sharp edges.
Temperature tolerance - Suitable for a wider range of operating temperatures.
Choosing the Right Chain Grade
Several lifting chain grades exist, including Grade 80, Grade 100 and Grade 120, each with its own Working Load Limit (WLL). Selecting the appropriate grade is critical for safety and efficiency.
Grade 80 Lifting Chain
Grade 80 lifting chain has been in existence since 1970 and remains popular in some parts of the world because it offers affordability. However, it has a lower breaking force and higher weight compared to newer grades. Tip: RUD was the first chain manufacturer approved for Grade 80 in 1972.
Grade 100 Lifting Chain
Grade 100 lifting chain has been in existence for more than 30 years and is widely used across lifting applications. It is a step up from Grade 80 and provides a balance between cost and performance. Tip: RUD launched Grade 100 as VIP (Verwechslungsfrei in Pink) in 2006, and it remains a popular solution for many lifting applications.
Grade 120 Lifting Chain
Grade 120 is the latest and strongest lifting chain grade, offering lighter weight and higher breaking force than Grade 80. It is exclusive to only a few manufacturers, including RUD.
Grade 120 lifting chains provide:
A 30% reduction in weight compared to Grade 80
A 60% higher breaking force than Grade 80
Excellent robustness and resistance to sharp and rough edges
This means that an ICE Grade 120 lifting or lashing chain, regardless of nominal thickness, can replace a Grade 80 chain of the next higher nominal thickness. Click here for more details on RUD ICE 120 Chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lifting chains used for?
Lifting chains are used in material handling and lifting applications to connect loads to lifting equipment safely and securely.
What is the difference between Grade 80, Grade 100 and Grade 120 lifting chains?
Grade 80 is a traditional lifting chain grade offering affordability. Grade 100 provides improved strength and performance, while Grade 120 offers the highest strength, lower weight and increased durability.
Why are lifting chains preferred over synthetic slings?
Lifting chains provide better adjustability, improved resistance to sharp edges and better performance under extreme temperatures.
What does WLL mean in lifting chains?
WLL stands for Working Load Limit, which is the maximum load a lifting chain can safely lift under normal operating conditions.
What are the advantages of Grade 120 lifting chains?
Grade 120 lifting chains offer reduced weight, higher breaking force and greater resistance to harsh lifting environments compared to lower chain grades.
to be continued ...
Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.
