Built for
Extreme
Force
Industrial-grade tensile and compression testing machines, engineered to the highest standards of accuracy and durability.
Load Testing, Proof Load Testing & Destructive Testing Services
Durham Lifting provides certified testing services for lifting equipment, wire ropes, structural components and bespoke engineered assemblies from our Britannia Test House facility in Middlesbrough.
With high-capacity horizontal and vertical test beds, we support critical projects across offshore, marine, construction, infrastructure and heavy engineering.
Testing Capability at a Glance
- Up to 3000Te tension testing
- Up to 2500Te compression testing
- Horizontal and vertical test beds
- Proof load, tensile, compression and destruction testing
- Testing support for offshore and heavy industry
Engineering Testing Services for Critical Lifting Applications
When lifting equipment, steelwork or rigging components are used in demanding environments, assumptions are not enough. Our testing services help verify performance, support compliance and provide clear evidence before equipment goes into service.
Proof Load Testing
Controlled proof load testing for lifting beams, spreader beams, frames, shackles, lifting accessories and bespoke fabricated equipment.
View proof load testingLoad Testing Services
High-capacity load testing for lifting equipment, structures, marine equipment, crane components and engineered assemblies.
View load testing servicesWire Rope Testing
Wire rope testing, socketing support and destruction testing for assemblies used in lifting, crane, marine and offshore applications.
View wire rope testingDestructive Testing
Controlled testing to failure to understand breaking load, performance limits and behaviour under extreme loading.
View destructive testingTensile Testing
Tensile testing for materials, lifting components, steel assemblies and engineered products requiring load performance verification.
View tensile testingCompression Testing
Compression testing for large structures, jacking equipment, offshore components, support systems and heavy engineering applications.
View compression testingHigh-Capacity Test Facilities at Britannia Test House
Our Middlesbrough facility gives Durham Lifting the capacity to test large, heavy and complex equipment under controlled conditions.
What Can We Test?
We regularly support manufacturers, contractors, ports, offshore operators and engineering companies that need clear test evidence for lifting and load-bearing equipment.
- Lifting beams
- Spreader beams
- Lifting frames
- Wire ropes
- Shackles and rigging equipment
- Crane components
- Jacking systems
- Structural steelwork
- Quayside bollards
- Marine equipment
- Offshore lifting assemblies
- Bespoke fabricated equipment
Why Choose Durham Lifting?
Testing is not just about applying a load. It requires the right equipment, experienced engineers and a clear understanding of how lifting equipment behaves under real force.
Durham Lifting combines in-house engineering, fabrication and testing capability, allowing us to support projects from initial design through to final verification.
Speak to our testing teamOur Testing Process
Every test is planned around the equipment, the required load, the test method and the evidence needed by the customer.
Review
We review the item, test requirement, drawings, WLL, certification needs and any special handling considerations.
Set Up
The test arrangement is prepared using suitable fixtures, jacks, test beds and calibrated equipment.
Test
The required load is applied in a controlled manner while the equipment is monitored throughout the process.
Certify
Following a successful test, documentation and certification are provided to support safe use and traceability.
Testing for Offshore, Marine, Construction and Heavy Industry
Our testing services support industries where lifting equipment and structural components must perform reliably under demanding conditions.
Offshore & Renewables
Testing support for offshore lifting equipment, subsea tools, wind energy components and heavy lifting assemblies.
Marine & Ports
Load testing for quayside bollards, mooring systems, marine equipment and port infrastructure.
Construction & Infrastructure
Testing for lifting beams, steel structures, temporary works, jacking arrangements and site-critical equipment.
Testing Services FAQ
Common questions about load testing, proof load testing and destructive testing.
What is proof load testing?
Proof load testing is a controlled test where a specific load is applied to lifting equipment or a structure to verify that it can safely withstand the required force before use.
What is the difference between proof load testing and destructive testing?
Proof load testing verifies that equipment can withstand a specified load without failure. Destructive testing takes a component or assembly to failure to understand its breaking load and behaviour at the limit.
Do you provide test certificates?
Yes. Following a successful test, Durham Lifting can provide certification and supporting documentation for traceability and compliance records.
Can you test bespoke lifting equipment?
Yes. We regularly test bespoke lifting beams, frames, fabricated assemblies, jacking systems and engineered lifting equipment.
Where is testing carried out?
Testing is carried out at Durham Lifting’s Britannia Test House facility in Middlesbrough. Some testing requirements may also be reviewed for site-specific support.
Need Load Testing or Certification?
Send us your equipment details, drawings or testing requirement and our team will advise on the most suitable test arrangement.
Lifting Equipment, Testing & Crane Services in the UK
Durham Lifting supports critical lifting operations with high-capacity testing, crane services, statutory inspections, lifting equipment supply and hire, backed by the capability of Britannia Test House.
Based in Middlesbrough, Durham Lifting provides lifting equipment, load testing, crane services and statutory inspections across the UK. Operating from Britannia Test House, we support critical lifting operations with proven testing capability, engineering support and compliant inspection services under LOLER and PUWER regulations.
Lifting support built around real capability
Testing Services
Proof load, tensile, compression and destructive testing from Britannia Test House.
Explore Testing →Crane Services
Design, installation, maintenance, upgrades and service level agreements for crane systems.
View Crane Services →Inspections & Examinations
LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 thorough examinations for lifting equipment and work equipment.
Book an Inspection →Home to one of the UK’s most capable lifting test facilities
Built in 1926 and still supporting major engineering projects today, Britannia Test House gives Durham Lifting a testing capability few companies can match.
Lifting equipment supply and hire
Equipment Supply
We supply lifting equipment from recognised industry brands for lifting, rigging and handling operations.
- Shackles
- Slings and wire rope
- Hoists and rigging equipment
- General lifting equipment
Equipment Hire
Hire support for lifting operations, site requirements and testing applications.
- Test weights
- Water bags and test bags
- Lifting equipment hire
- Multisec modular spreader beam hire
Engineered lifting systems by Multisec
For modular spreader beams, modular spreader frames and engineered lifting systems, Durham Lifting connects customers with Multisec, our specialist engineered lifting systems brand.
Proven through real projects
Wire Rope Destruction Test
Controlled testing of a 103mm wire rope at Britannia Test House.
View Project →150Te TBM Lifting Beam Test
Static proof load testing using an in-house jacking arrangement.
View Project →Crane Maintenance Support
Planned support, inspections and repair work for operational lifting appliances.
View Services →Capability, compliance and practical engineering support
Facility Capability
High-capacity test beds and controlled testing environments.
Engineering Support
Practical support from concept through to completion.
Compliance Focused
LOLER, PUWER, certification and reporting support.
Responsive Service
Testing, maintenance, repair, hire and supply from one team.
Common questions
What services does Durham Lifting provide?
Durham Lifting provides testing services, crane services, statutory inspections, lifting equipment supply and lifting equipment hire.
Where is Durham Lifting based?
Durham Lifting is based at Britannia Test House in Middlesbrough and supports projects across the UK.
Do you provide load testing services?
Yes. Durham Lifting provides proof load testing, tensile testing, compression testing and destructive testing using high-capacity test facilities.
Do you carry out LOLER inspections?
Yes. Durham Lifting provides thorough examinations and inspection reporting for lifting equipment under LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998.
Need support with a lift, test or inspection?
Send us your requirement, drawing, equipment details or site issue and our team will advise the next step.