Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd has supplied Manilla Blocks for industrial, construction, and marine rigging across South Africa since 2002, as the country’s premier lifting equipment partner. Need help choosing a configuration? Speak to our sales team or call 011 345 8800.
Specifications
Safe working loads (SWL) for Toco’s standard Manilla Block range, by rope diameter and sheave count:
| Rope diameter (mm) | Sheave diameter (mm) | SWL — 1 sheave (kg) | SWL — 2 sheave (kg) | SWL — 3 sheave (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 65 | 65 | 300 | 350 |
| 13 | 90 | 120 | 350 | 400 |
| 16 | 100 | 200 | 600 | 700 |
| 20 | 120 | 300 | 850 | 1000 |
| 22 | 125 | 400 | 1200 | 1300 |
| 24 | 150 | 550 | 1500 | 2000 |
Sheave configurations
- Single sheave (1 wheel) — direction change, simple line redirection
- Double sheave (2 wheels) — increased mechanical advantage in block-and-tackle setups
- Treble sheave (3 wheels) — maximum mechanical advantage for heavier loads
Compatible rope types
| Rope type | Use with Manilla Block? |
|---|---|
| Manila (natural fibre) | ✓ Yes |
| Polyester | ✓ Yes |
| Polypropylene | ✓ Yes |
| Sisal | ✓ Yes |
| Steel wire rope | ✗ No — use a snatch block |
| Chain | ✗ No — use a chain block or chain hoist |
Available attachment options
| Attachment | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Forged steel hook | Standard lifting, quick attach/detach |
| Swivel oval eye | Permanent or fixed installations |
| Swivel safety shackle | Heavy-duty with locking pin |
| Link and shackle | Custom rigging arrangements |
Where Manilla Blocks are used
- Industrial rigging — block-and-tackle arrangements for lifting and line redirection
- Construction — temporary lifting where wire rope is not suitable
- Marine — deck rigging where soft rope is preferred
- Plant maintenance — line redirection in workshop and field operations
Frequently asked questions
What is a rope block / Manilla Block?
A pulley block designed for soft fibre rope (manila, polyester, polypropylene). Used to change the direction of a line or to multiply pulling force in a block-and-tackle arrangement.
What does SWL mean on a Manilla Block?
SWL stands for Safe Working Load — the maximum load the block is rated to lift in normal use. The figures in the spec table above are SWLs for each rope size and sheave count.
What’s a sheave?
A sheave is the grooved wheel inside a pulley block that the rope runs over. A single-sheave block has one wheel; a treble-sheave block has three. More sheaves means more mechanical advantage when used in a block-and-tackle setup.
What rope diameter matches which sheave size?
See the spec table above. Each rope diameter from 10 mm to 24 mm has a matched sheave diameter from 65 mm to 150 mm. Using a rope outside the matched size will reduce SWL and accelerate wear.
What’s the mechanical advantage of a 2- or 3-sheave block?
In a typical block-and-tackle arrangement, mechanical advantage scales with the number of rope falls supporting the load — not just the sheave count. A double-sheave block in a moveable arrangement typically achieves around 4:1; a treble around 6:1. Exact ratios depend on rigging configuration. Speak to our team for application-specific advice.
Can I use a Manilla Block with steel wire rope?
No. Manilla Blocks are designed for soft fibre rope. For steel wire rope applications, use a snatch block instead — the sheave geometry, groove, and bearing are designed for wire rope.
What’s the difference between a sheave wheel and a Manilla Block?
A sheave wheel is the rotating grooved component on its own (sold as a replacement part). A Manilla Block is a complete assembly — sheave(s), shell, axle pin, and attachment fitting — ready to rig.
How do I order a Manilla Block or get a custom configuration?
Send your spec — rope diameter, required SWL, sheave count, and attachment type — to sales@toco.co.za or call 011 345 8800. Standard configurations from the table above are typically in stock; custom configurations are quoted with lead time on request.
Request a quote from Toco Lifting
From Toco Lifting — South Africa’s premier lifting, lashing and rigging equipment supplier. Tell us your rope size, capacity needed, and attachment type for a same-day quote.
Phone: 011 345 8800
Email: sales@toco.co.za
Germiston (head office) · Cape Town
