Top Loading Arms
Top Loading Arms: Safe, Efficient, and Fully Integrated Solutions
The #1 Supplier of Top Loading Arms in North America
SafeRack offers a complete line of OPW, Excel, and Emco Wheaton loading arms, designed to replace cumbersome hoses with articulating swivel joints and spring or weighted counterbalance systems. These ergonomic solutions make the loading process safer for operators, reduce the risk of spills and leaks, and provide a longer-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to traditional hose-based transfers.
Our top loading arms can be equipped with vapor recovery hatch plates, seals, and overfill monitors to prevent product overfills and vapor release, ensuring a safe and compliant operation. For bottom loading applications, including petroleum, LPG, LNG, and unit train transfers, SafeRack’s loading arms deliver enhanced safety, efficiency, and durability compared to conventional hoses.
Industries that rely on SafeRack’s top and bottom loading arms include petrochemical, shipping, oil and gas, wastewater treatment, and gantry systems, among many other industrial applications. With workplace safety as a priority, SafeRack provides tailored solutions to meet your specific loading and unloading needs.
- Coordination with Local Engineering, Vehicle Variables, Gangway and Fall Protection
- Ergonomic Designs and Innovative Technology
- Fluid Level Sensors and Vapor Recovery Solutions
- Grounding and Metering Systems
- Pipe Support Structures
- Insulated, Steam Jacketed and Heat Traced Options
- Breakaway Couplings and Dry Break Disconnects
Top Loading Arms
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Why Choose SafeRack for Top Loading Arms?
Customer First
Industry Leader
North America’s top distributor of loading arms, trusted across industries.
Full-Service Support
End-to-end design, engineering, and integration for seamless operations.
Custom Configurations
Solutions to match specific flow rates, products, and site needs.
Safe & Efficient
Ergonomic, durable designs reduce downtime and improve safety.
Top loading is the most efficient, safest, and cost-effective method of loading/unloading in many situations.
A properly designed top-loading system should have a sufficient horizontal range to reach the farthest compartment without re-spotting and have enough vertical movement and length for various vehicle heights. By using components, such as vapor plates, tapered hatch plugs, and inflatable hatch seals, top-loading systems can be used in tight-fill and vapor recovery applications.
By using a wide range of specialty valves, fittings, and instrumentation, SafeRack can provide you with the most effective loading/unloading top-loading arm systems to safely and efficiently handle the needs of your application.
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Bottom Loading Arms
Top Loading Arms
Top Loading Arms
Marine Hoses
DockReel – Barge and ship bulk loading equipment improves operator safety, boost productivity and increase product service life.
Couplings
Bulk loading and unloading API couplers and adapters
Swivel Joints
Swivel joints prevent bends in loading hoses that can reduce flow or even tear or rip, releasing harmful chemicals into the air.
Breakaways
Breakaways prevents damage and hazardous spills during pull-away incidents by stopping hose assembly failures before they impact plant piping, bulkheads, or loading arms.
Variable Reach Loading Arm
A versatile arm designed to load multiple compartments without repositioning the vehicle, featuring smooth spring-balanced swivels for easy handling. Ideal for dynamic environments requiring flexibility.
Features
- 360° rotation with spring or counterweight balancingHeavy-duty swivel joints
- Adjustable reach for multi-compartment access
Applications & Uses
- Fuel terminals with multi-compartment tankers
- Chemical plants needing variable spotting
Fixed Reach Loading Arm
A straightforward, single-arm solution for loading single-compartment vehicles where accurate spotting is achievable, offering dependable performance with minimal complexity.
Features
- Three swivel planes for basic movement
- Optional drop hose for tight-fill or closed systems
- Durable, low-maintenance design
Applications & Uses
- Small petroleum terminals
- Railcar dome loading with consistent positioning
Scissor Style Loading Arm
Built for rugged, high-flow applications, this arm extends reach with a scissor-like mechanism, ensuring durability and adaptability in variable operating ranges.
Features
- Extended reach with scissor design
- High flow rate capacity
- Robust swivel joints
Applications & Uses
- Oil depots with frequent misalignment
- High-volume truck or railcar loading
Boom Supported Loading Arm
The most versatile top loader, featuring a custom boom for maximum reach and stability, perfect for handling diverse media across large vehicles or complex setups.
Features
- Greatest reach with boom support
- Heavy-duty swivels and spring balancing
- Customizable for vapor recovery
Applications & Uses
- Rail or truck applications
A-Frame Loading Arm
A flexible arm adaptable for both top and bottom loading, equipped with specialized fittings for secure, efficient transfers in standard loading scenarios.
Features
- Dry-disconnect or tight-fill fittings
- Multi-configuration compatibility
- Ergonomic design
Applications & Uses
- Petroleum truck loading
- LNG facilities requiring adaptability
Loading Arm with Vapor Return
Engineered for hydrocarbons and toxic media, this arm includes a vapor return line to reduce emissions, enhancing safety and environmental compliance.
Features
- Six swivels for 3-axis movement
- Integrated vapor return line
- Parallel bar for easy connection
Applications & Uses
- Gasoline loading with vapor recovery
- Toxic chemical terminals
Heated/Jacketed Loading Arm
Designed to maintain product flow in cold conditions, this arm features heating or jacketing to handle viscous or frozen materials reliably.
Features
- Fully or partially jacketed for heat retention
- Durable for viscous products
- Custom heating options
Applications & Uses
- Asphalt or molten sulfur transfer
- Rail terminals in cold climates
Toxic/Chemical Loading Arm
Specialized for aggressive or hazardous chemicals, offering durable materials and optional powered movement for safe, precise handling
Features
- Specialty materials (e.g., Hastelloy)
- Insulation or pneumatic options
- Long reach for safety
Applications & Uses
- Acid/caustic transfer (e.g., hydrochloric acid)
- Chemical plants with dangerous media
Liquefied Gas Loading Arm
Built for safe transfer of liquefied gases like LPG or LNG, featuring secure couplers and robust construction for high-risk operations.
Features
- Designed with two end pipes for unloading (bull horn design).
- Specialty couplers for gas connections
- Six swivels for flexibility
- High-frequency durability
Applications & Uses
- LPG/LNG tanker loading
- Gas terminals requiring precision
| Loading Arm Type | Key Attributes | Applications & Uses | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variable Reach | 360° rotation, spring-balanced, adjustable | Fuel/chemical multi-tankers | Multi-compartment flexibility |
| Fixed Reach | Three swivels, optional drop hose, durable | Small terminals, rail domes | Accurate, single-compartment loading |
| Scissor Style | Extended reach, high flow, robust swivels | Oil depots, high-volume loading | Rugged, variable-range needs |
| Boom Supported | Max reach, boom support, vapor recovery | Marine, large terminals | Greatest reach and versatility |
| A-Frame | Tight-fill fittings, multi-configurable | Petroleum/LNG trucks | Standard, adaptable setups |
| Parallel w/ Vapor Return | Six swivels, vapor line, parallel bar | Gasoline/toxic media with recovery | Emission-controlled transfers |
| Heated/Jacketed | Jacketed, heat retention, viscous-ready | Asphalt/sulfur in cold climates | Viscous or frozen products |
| Toxic/Chemical | Specialty materials, powered options | Acids/caustics in chemical plants | Hazardous media safety |
| Liquefied Gas | Gas couplers, six swivels, durable | LPG/LNG tankers | Secure gas handling |
| Small Compartment | Long reach, manhole detection, compact | Drum/IBC filling | Small-scale precision |