What is BS 6911-6 – lift capacity of pipelayers about?
Earthmoving equipment is heavy equipment, typically heavy-duty vehicles designed for construction operations that involve earthworks. BS 6911-6 is an International Standard that discusses the testing of earth-moving machinery.
BS 6911-6 is the sixth part of the multi-series, and provides a uniform method of calculating, and a test method for validating, rated lift capacity as presented in commercial literature for pipelayers and wheeled tractors or loaders equipped with a vertical-only pivoted, hydraulic, or mechanically operated, side boom.
BS 6911-6 applies to machines having a lift capacity greater than 10 000 N when used in lifting applications.
BS 6911-6 includes pipelayers as defined in ISO 6165 and ISO 7136, and wheeled tractors and loaders as defined in ISO 6165, ISO 6747, and ISO 7131.
Who is BS 6911-6 - lift capacity of pipelayers for?
BS 6911-6 on the lift capacity of pipelayers for earth-moving machinery is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of earthmoving machinery
- Transporters of earthmoving machinery
- Product design engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Owners and operators of earthmoving machinery
- Contractors
- Project managers
- Maintenance crews  and operators
- Quality control and testing personnel
- The construction industry
Why should you use BS 6911-6 - lift capacity of pipelayers? 
A wheel loader uses an arm to lift and lower its bucket, and a bell crank is used to open and close its bucket.
The rated lift capacity considers hoist mechanism limits, tipping loads, and rope factor. After the lift capacity has been calculated and validated, a reduction factor is applied to establish the rated lift capacity for the specific pipelayer or wheeled machine configuration.
BS 6911-6 provides guidance on lift capacity calculations, procedure, performance requirements, and rated lift capacity. Load rating charts assist you with verification testing, test findings, and calculation validation.
BS 6911-6 helps to mitigate risks to life and property during the testing of earth-moving machinery, ensuring that projects proceed smoothly and without accidents. 
