Manilla Rope Blocks, Quick Facts
| Product | Manilla rope blocks, fibre rope sheave blocks |
|---|---|
| Configurations | Single, double or treble sheave |
| Rope | 10 mm to 24 mm fibre rope |
| Safe working load | 65 kg to 2,000 kg |
| Made to | British Standard or London Pattern |
| Fittings | Forged steel hook, swivel oval eye or swivel safety hook |
| Supplied from | Toco Lifting, Germiston and Cape Town |
Toco Lifting has supplied lifting, lashing and rigging equipment across South Africa and SADC since 2002 and is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008).
Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd has supplied Manilla Rope Blocks for industrial, construction, and marine rigging across South Africa since 2002, as a 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 or Manilla Rope 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, a South African 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
