Quack, clamp, go! Secure pipe handling with Baumann Sideloaders

ENTER BAUMANN’s innovative pipe-clamp attachment designed specifically for sideloaders. Nicknamed ‘The Duck’, the attachment features a unique hydraulic drop-and-clamp function that adapts to varying pipe diameters on the fly, boosting safety, precision and overall ROI.

Handling pipe in a materials-handling context presents a unique set of challenges: pipes are inherently unstable and prone to rolling or slipping when lifted, requiring specialised equipment or attachments to maintain a firm grip; their varying diameters and lengths demand constant adjustment of clamps or supports, which interrupts workflow and increases cycle times; uneven weight distribution (particularly in longer sections) can induce awkward load imbalances that strain masts and compromise operator visibility; storing and staging large batches of pipe often requires wide aisles or substantial laydown areas, cutting into valuable yard space; and manual securing methods, such as chains or straps, expose staff to repetitive-strain injuries and pinch points.

As a result, inefficiencies, potential damage to both pipes and infrastructure, and elevated safety risks all combine to drive up costs and slow operations. Sideloaders are well proven in reducing space for long load handling and by integrating this triple-action hydraulic attachment, fleet managers eliminate extra manual-handling risks. Operators no longer wrestle with straps or chains around each pipe – loads are secured at the touch of a button, reducing back strain and pinch hazards.

It’s estimated that the clamp action can accelerate load and unload cycles by up to 30%, translating into more trips per shift and lower labour costs. Precise pressure control prevents over-clamping and surface marking, minimising scrap and replacement charges. The design also ensures consistent performance by maintaining optimal clamping force, even when handling irregular or wet pipes.

Real-world applications include steel service centres, plastics businesses and oil-and-gas pipeworks, where efficiently moving tubes and pipes from storage to assembly zones or directly onto trailers reduces double handling.

Considering the cost-saving implications, Baumann Sales Director Fabio Bernieri believes the results will speak for themselves: “We know these calculations can be difficult to measure precisely, but looking at a mid-sized steel distributor processing 500 pipes per day, the numbers tell the story. At three minutes per load for strapping, positioning and securing, you’re spending 1,500 minutes a day on manual processes. With this kind of attachment, that drops to two minutes per load – saving roughly 500 minutes of operator time each day. Over a year, that translates to more than £40,000 in labour savings, based on a £25 hourly rate, and potentially up to 20% fewer scrapped pipes, meaning significant reductions in replacement costs and operational delays. Within months, the investment in ‘The Duck’ pays for itself through improved labour efficiency and reduced material losses.”

Contact your local Baumann sideloader dealer today to schedule a live demo or request a custom ROI analysis. Elevate your long-load operations with Baumann and the precision and safety of ‘The Duck’.