What Are Tilt Props and How Do They Work?

Tilt props, often called push/pull props in Australia, are propping systems that provide the high load-bearing capacity required to safely and efficiently support structures.

Let’s take a closer look at our tilt props, including what they are, how they work, and some of their features and benefits.

What are Tilt Props?

Tilt props are versatile and economical propping solutions that are ideal for supporting heavy-load concrete panels in major tilt-up constructions. United Rentals offers two types of tilt props – traditional Steel Tilt Props and our innovative Aluminium Tilt Props.

After years of research, development, and testing, United Rentals created a lightweight, safe, and simple alternative to the traditional precast steel panel prop. Our Aluminium Tilt Props are 33% lighter than their steel counterparts and were designed to reduce the weight per prop significantly while still maintaining load capacity. This greatly reduces the physical strain for contractors working on job sites who are lifting tilt props day in and day out.

New tilt-up slab techniques have resulted in increased panel sizes and the need for greater load bearing, resulting in builders wanting simpler and more effective solutions to increase efficiency on-site, which is why our tilt props have become a go-to product for customers.

How do Tilt Props work?

Tilt props are designed to take loads in two directions, working in both compression (pushing) and traction (pulling), which makes them perfect for their main application, helping erect pre-cast concrete panels.

Pre-cast concrete panels are made by casting a reusable mould and then lifting them into place. It’s likely that when the panels are placed, they need to be propped, and this can be done using either of our tilt props. Propping designs for pre-cast panels are necessary to account for wind loading while they are set in place.

Aluminium and Steel Tilt Props can also be used in more bespoke engineered propping applications, such as additional bracing for propping towers for facade retention projects.

These types of props cater for a large range of lengths and capacities, because they have a large adjustable range with fine adjustment possible with the ACME thread, which helps ensure versatile yet precise adjustments to length.

Tilt props can be set to a ‘rough’ length by removing the T-Lock and pin, sliding the outer sleeve to the desired length, and then securing the T-Lock and pin in the correct hole. Once pinned, fine adjustments can be achieved by winding out the outer sleeve to tension it.

What are some of the features and benefits of Tilt Props?

United Rentals’ Aluminium and Steel Tilt Props are designed with a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning they can easily be manoeuvred and installed on-site, saving you both time and money on labour and transport.

A key feature of our tilt props is the universal foot prop, which allows for a dual position that creates ease of installation and anchoring. Their swivel-end design enables the props to be easily adjusted and accommodates any slope or angle.

All of our tilt props have a manufactured and purpose-built T-Lock that securely locks the inner and outer sleeves together. This unique key system prevents tampering on-site, and the auto-lock system and handle allow easy installation. Additionally, knee braces can be used as an accessory to provide extra support during installation or to stabilise tilt props under a heavy load.

One of the innovative services United Rentals offers with our Aluminium and Steel Tilt Props is that our experienced engineers and project managers can talk you through how to install props, or our team of on-site riggers can handle the temporary works design and full installation and dismantling of the props. This service assures you that your project will be executed smoothly and safely.

If you would like to find out more about our Aluminium or Steel Tilt Props, or any of our other propping products and solutions, get in touch with our expert team today.

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.