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Pipe Handling & Utilities

SEL supplies pipe handling and lifting equipment for safely transporting, positioning and installing pipes, culverts, manhole rings and other drainage components. Our hire range includes pipe caddies, pipe and culvert pullers, pipe grabs and manhole lifting equipment for groundworks, drainage, sewer, utilities and civil-engineering projects.

Use cases

  • Pipe transport, positioning and installation
  • Concrete, clay, plastic and steel pipe handling
  • Lifting concrete pipes and large culverts
  • Manhole ring, chamber and cover placement
  • Drainage, sewer and water-main construction
  • Utility and civil-engineering works

Our Solutions

Need pipe handling equipment in a hurry? Contact us today today for a rapid quote.

We also supply

We also supply pipe stoppers, inflation kits, testing equipment alongside a broader range of lifting equipment and temporary groundworks kit.

Common questions

How do I ensure pipe lifting is done safely?
All pipe lifting equipment supplied by SEL meets LOLER standards and is dispatched with valid test certificates and inspection documentation. While lift plans and site pre-use checks remain the contractor's responsibility, our technical team can help match your pipe diameter, weight and material to the correct equipment and safe working loads.
Should I use a pipe caddy or a pipe grab?
A pipe caddy cradles the pipe from underneath for steady site transport and trench laying on consistent pipe diameters (300mm to 2400mm). A pipe grab grips pipes from the sides and accommodates a wider range of mixed diameters and materials (275mm to 1800mm). Use a caddy for dedicated pipe runs; use a grab for versatile excavator handling and tight-space positioning.
Which culvert puller do I need, the RZE16 or the Mity Mite?
Choose the RZE16 for reinforced concrete pipe and box culverts from 800mm to 3000mm where 16 tonnes of force and cordless battery operation suit the site. Choose the Mity Mite for heavier pulls up to 30 tonnes, steel pipes, or extra-large bores up to 3658mm (144").
Can I use the same pipe grab for different pipe materials?
Yes, SEL's pipe grabs handle concrete, clay, plastic and steel pipes within their rated size and Safe Working Load (SWL). The 2.5-tonne grab covers 275mm to 1000mm, and the 5-tonne grab covers 275mm to 1800mm, both featuring replaceable rubber gripper pads for secure contact without marking or crushing the pipe.
Do I need manhole ring lifters or lifting pins?
Manhole ring lifting pins attach directly to cast-in lifting eyes and work with existing chain slings for simple, low-cost crane handling. A mechanical manhole ring lifter is a self-contained 3-leg clamp that engages automatically without cast-in eyes, providing faster cycle times on multi-ring chambers.
Can I use standard chains instead of specialist pipe handling equipment?
Standard chains and slings should only be used when connected to certified lifting pins or rated lifting eyes. For general pipe handling, specialist grabs and caddies prevent point-loading, pipe rolling, wall cracking, and slippage by distributing the load evenly across the pipe profile.
What equipment is needed for large-diameter drainage and culvert installations?
Large-diameter drainage runs typically require a three-stage equipment package: pipe caddies or pipe grabs for offloading and lowering into the trench, culvert pullers (RZE16 or Mity Mite) for drawing joints squarely home, and manhole ring lifters for access chamber construction.
What is involved in hiring pipe handling equipment from SEL?
To hire pipe handling equipment, contact your nearest SEL depot in Bristol, Cardiff or London. We offer a range of attachments for our entire range of pipe handling kit, with nationwide delivery and even familiarisation training.

We can help with your next project.

Our team is friendly, knowledgeable and ready to consult. We offer no-obligation site visits, fast delivery and competitive rates. Simply fill in the form and we'll be in touch.

You can also give us a call at any time.