Emco Wheaton Loading Arms
Complete System Design & Integrations for Safer, More Efficient Bulk Fluid Transfer
SafeRack is North America’s largest distributor of Emco Wheaton loading arms
We design, supply, and install Emco Wheaton top, bottom, A-frame, and LPG arms — then integrate them with the gangways, safety cages, and fall protection that make the whole loading rack OSHA-compliant. One partner, one accountable solution.
Backed by Emco Wheaton’s 60+ years of engineering and SafeRack’s hands-on RAM (Regional Area Manager) network, you get the right arm specified for your product, flow rate, and vehicle — delivered on time and on budget.
OPW
Safety & Compliance Expert
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Why buy Emco Wheaton arms through SafeRack?
Customer First
Largest Emco Wheaton distributor in North America
stock, pricing, and lead times direct from the manufacturer.
Complete system, one vendor
the arm plus the platform, gangway, safety cage, and grounding, engineered to work together.
On-site evaluation
a SafeRack loading arm expert walks your facility, measures reach and spotting tolerances, and specs the exact model.
Turnkey install + support
Ergonomic, durable designs reduce downtime and improve safety.
Compliance built in
systems engineered to API RP 1004 and OSHA fall-protection requirements.
Some of the Emco Wheaton loading arm models we supply
Bottom loading arms
Ground-level, sealed transfer for petroleum, chemical, and LPG — safer and faster than hoses.
- E2573 Counterweight Hose Loader — counterweight-balanced for smooth handling; common in multi-compartment truck loading.
- E2304 Spring Cylinder Hose Loader — spring-balanced hose loader for station setups.
- E2313 “A-Frame” Bottom Loader — D2000 World Series swivels, 2″–6″, carbon/stainless/low-temp/aluminum; vertical range 55° park to −20° load (up to 95° with spring cylinders). Short-range truck bottom loading; parks high and narrow to save space.
- E2121 High-Pressure A-Frame (LPG) — 2″ arm rated to ~580 psi (40 bar) for LPG, anhydrous ammonia, NGL, and propylene; bull-horn style available.
- E2022 / E2024 Bottom Transfer Loader — six swivels, 50° vertical movement, long reach; built for oil/chemical road and rail loading where vehicles can’t be precisely spotted.
- E2123 MYR Linkage A-Frame — linkage-assisted A-frame for controlled handling.
Top loading arms
For rail loading, chemical trucks, and dome loading of petroleum — open-fill or sealed-fill with vapor recovery.
- E2630 Top Loading Arm — boom-style top loader for rail and truck, open or sealed fill.
- Variable-reach and long-reach top loaders — supported or unsupported boom for tank trucks and railcars where spotting varies.
- Vapor-recovery configurations — vapor cones, tight-fill, and overfill safety devices for volatile products.
Specialty & accessories
- PTFE-lined and jacket-heated arms for aggressive or temperature-sensitive media
- Drum-filling loaders, telescopic drop tubes, vapor cones and deflectors
- D2000 World Series swivel joints, SURELOK couplings, TODO dry-disconnect couplers and breakaways
- Hydraulic, mechanical, and pneumatic quick-release systems; overfill safety devices
Top vs. bottom loading
Which Emco Wheaton arm?
A SafeRack RAM will confirm the right choice based on your product, throughput, and how precisely vehicles can be spotted.
| Top loading arm | Bottom loading arm | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Through the top hatch/dome | Ground-level flange / API coupler |
| Operator position | On a platform at the hatch | At ground level — less fall exposure |
| Best for | Rail, chemical trucks, dome fill | High-throughput truck terminals, LPG |
| Vapor recovery | Sealed fill with vapor cone | Closed-loop vapor return |
| Example models | E2630, boom top loaders | E2313, E2573, E2121 (LPG) |
Built for safety and uptime
Emco Wheaton arms replace cumbersome hoses with articulating swivel joints and balanced counterweight or spring systems — reducing spills, leaks, operator strain, and downtime. SafeRack completes the picture with ErectaStep access stairs and platforms, truck/railcar safety cages, GX gangways, and YellowGate self-closing gates, so operators connect every arm safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
An OPW loading arm is a rigid, articulating mechanical arm that transfers liquids or gases between a facility and a tank truck or railcar. It uses swivel joints and a counterbalance system to replace hoses, improving safety, sealing, and repeatability.
A top loading arm connects through the tanker’s top hatch; a bottom loading arm connects at ground level via a flange or API coupler. Bottom loading reduces fall exposure and supports closed-loop vapor recovery, while top loading suits rail, chemical, and dome-fill applications.
A top loading arm connects through the tanker’s top hatch; a bottom loading arm connects at ground level via a flange or API coupler. Bottom loading reduces fall exposure and supports closed-loop vapor recovery, while top loading suits rail, chemical, and dome-fill applications.
The 1004D4 is OPW’s next-generation API bottom-loading coupler. Its spring-loaded sleeve design simplifies maintenance and pairs with OPW bottom loading arms for sealed, ground-level connection to API-equipped tankers.
Yes. SafeRack provides on-site evaluation, system design, installation, and aftermarket parts, and integrates the arm with OSHA-compliant gangways, safety cages, grounding, and fall protection.
SafeRack is North America’s largest distributor of OPW loading arms, supplying direct from the manufacturer with stock, competitive pricing, and short lead times.
OPW bottom loading arms meet API RP 1004 envelope requirements, and complete systems are engineered to OSHA fall-protection requirements when integrated with SafeRack access and safety equipment.
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