| Bag Size (Tons) | Metric Tons | Approximate Empty Weight | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2te | 2te | ~20 kg / 44 lb | Davit arms, hoists, gangways |
| 3te | 3te | ~30 kg / 66 lb | Small davits, light-duty cranes |
| 5te | 5te | ~50 kg / 110 lb | Personnel cranes, utility davits |
| 10te | 10te | ~100 kg / 220 lb | Medium-duty cranes, deck equipment |
| 12te | 12te | ~120 kg / 265 lb | Lifeboat davits, mid-range cranes |
| 35te | 35te | ~350 kg / 770 lb | Offshore pedestal cranes |
| 50te | 50te | ~500 kg / 1,100 lb | Heavy-lift cranes, port cranes |
Note : For loads exceeding 55 metric tons, bags can be clustered together using standard Rigging hardware to achieve test loads up to 500 metric tons.
About Water Bag Load Testing Rentals
Holloway Houston Inc. provides specialized [water bag load testing rental] solutions for industrial, marine, and energy sectors. This method serves as a highly efficient substitute for traditional solid weight testing, removing the extreme logistics costs of transporting and storing hundreds of tons of steel or concrete blocks.
Headquartered at 5833 Armour Dr, Houston, TX 77020, our Houston-based rental fleet supports Crane load testing, Davit testing, and offshore equipment inspections. Because water weight bags weigh less than 1% of their total filled capacity, they facilitate rapid mobilization to remote job sites, vessels, and offshore platforms. Our commitment to safety is absolute; every rental bag undergoes rigorous examination and verification to meet demanding industry standards.
Water Bag Load Testing Applications
Holloway Houston water weight bags are used across diverse sectors to verify equipment capacity and structural strength.
Crane Load Testing
Standard for mobile, overhead, and pedestal cranes. Using water bags allows for gradual load application, which helps identify structural weaknesses before reaching the full proof load. This prevents the shock-loading risks inherent with solid weights.
Davit and Lifeboat Davit Testing
Essential for [lifeboat davit] verification per SOLAS Chapter III. Water bags from 2 to 12 Te are the primary choice for davit load testing due to their compact packed size and ability to operate in confined marine environments.
Offshore and Marine Testing
Preferred for platform cranes and winches. Our bags ship in standard containers for simple offshore logistics. Once the test is finished, water is simply drained, removing the need for heavy return-freight of test weights.
Elevator and Hoist Testing
Used for freight elevators and construction hoists. The flexible nature of [water weight bags] allows them to fit within shaft dimensions more effectively than rigid weights.
Certifications and Regulatory Acceptance
Every water bag in our fleet is accepted for proof load testing by major classification organizations :
Each bag is produced under EN ISO 9001:2015 quality management and carries a minimum 6:1 design safety factor.
Standards Met :
- OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
- DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
- Lloyd's Register
- Bureau Veritas
Water Bags vs. Solid Test Weights
Comparing these two methods reveals significant cost and safety benefits for the rigger.
| Factor | Water Bags | Solid Test Weights |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Weight | ~1% of test load | 100% of test load |
| Load Application | Gradual (Controlled fill) | Instant (High shock risk) |
| Precision | Meter-controlled to 1% | Fixed weight increments |
| Logistics | Ships in standard crate | Requires lowboy trailers |
| Safety | Progressive leak risk | Catastrophic drop risk |
For a 55-ton test, a solid weight requires multiple trucks and a secondary crane for positioning. An Holloway Houston water bag of the same capacity can be positioned by a small crew by hand before filling.
Ancillary Equipment Included with Rental
Holloway Houston provides complete turnkey water bag rental packages. Every kit includes the supporting hardware needed to execute the test:
- High-capacity water pumps (Electric or Diesel).
- Calibrated water meters for precise load tracking.
- Flow hoses and manifold systems.
- Calibrated Load cells for real-time force monitoring.
- Master links, Shackles, and spreader beams
How to Rent Water Bags from Holloway Houston— 4 Steps
The rental process is structured to ensure technical accuracy and timely mobilization.
Contact : Call (713) 675-3900 or request a quote with your test load requirements.
Selection : We help determine bag sizes and the clustering configuration needed.
Preparation : We assemble the package, including hoses, pumps, and meters.
Mobilization : Equipment is delivered to your site, vessel, or offshore platform, or available for pickup at our Houston yard.
Industries Utilizing Water Bags
Construction (Commercial & Civil)
Oil & Gas (Onshore & Offshore)
Petrochemical & Refining
Power Generation (Traditional & Renewable Energy)
Manufacturing & Industrial Plants
Marine & Shipbuilding
Entertainment & Staging
Mining
Infrastructure & Bridge Projects
Military & Defense
Why Choose Holloway for Water Bag Rentals?
Holloway Houston combines over six decades of rigging history with modern testing technology.
Technical Support
Access in-house engineering and safety advocates to help plan your lift.
Immediate Dispatch
Our Houston shop maintains deep inventory levels for same-day or next-day mobilization.
Calibrated Precision
We utilize only calibrated measuring tools to verify that your test load is accurate per ASTM E4 specifications.
Full Ecosystem
We provide everything under one roof, from the bags and pumps to the Lifting slings and shackles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is water bag load testing?
It is a proof testing method using PVC-coated polyester bags filled with water to verify the structural integrity of lifting hardware. It allows for safe, gradual load application.
Can water bags be used for offshore crane testing?
Yes. They are the preferred method for offshore platforms because they eliminate the need to transport heavy steel weights to the vessel.
What capacities are available for rental?
We rent individual bags from 2 to 55 metric tons. Multiple bags can be clustered to reach test loads up to 500 metric tons.
What ancillary gear is provided?
Our rental packages include water pumps, hoses, calibrated water meters, and the necessary rigging hardware.
Is this method accepted by OSHA?
Yes. Water bag testing is accepted by OSHA and all major marine classification societies (ABS, DNV, Lloyd's) for crane and davit proof loading.
Are the meters calibrated?
Yes. Every meter and load cell is calibrated to NIST-traceable standards to provide accurate load verification.
How much does the bag weigh when empty?
A water bag typically weighs approximately 1% of its filled capacity. This facilitates easy handling and low shipping costs.
How do I handle water drainage?
Once the test is finished, the water is simply drained. In marine environments, this is done directly overboard, removing the logistics of hauling weights back to shore.