Usage Guide | Open top and flat bottom big bag
This guide covers the use of the open-top, flat-bottom big bag: pre-use inspection, positioning on a pallet, loading the material through the open top, preparing for lifting, and lifting with all four loops simultaneously. Follow these steps to pack aggregates, rubble and loose materials with the most versatile format in the FIBC family.
Below you will find the technical specifications, the step-by-step procedure, the recommended complementary products and the maintenance guidelines that will extend the service life of your big bag.
Product specifications
These are the technical characteristics that define this specific model and will allow you to quickly identify which units apply to your order.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 975900 |
| Material | Virgin woven polypropylene |
| Top | Fully open top |
| Bottom | Flat bottom |
| Inner liner | No liner |
| Dimensions | 90 × 90 × 110 cm (3 × 3 × 3.6 ft) |
| Safe working load | 1500 kg (3300 lb) |
| Safety factor | 5:1 |
| Loops | 4 reinforced lifting loops |
| Treatment | Virgin fabric with UV resistance |
| Color | Translucent white |
| Packaging | Pack of 30 big bags |
Step-by-step instructions
Follow this procedure from the very first time to integrate the bag into your operations safely and take full advantage of the 5:1 safety factor it is designed with.
Inspect the bag before use
Unfold the big bag on a clean surface and visually check the four loops, the base seams and the body of the fabric. Make sure there are no tears, punctures or loose seams. A 30-second inspection before loading prevents a 1500 kg drop in the middle of a lift.
Position the bag on a pallet
Place a clean, sturdy pallet (ideally 1.0 × 1.2 m) in a clear area and center the bag on top. Lift the four loops upward, holding them with guides or with one operator at each corner; this keeps the top open and vertical during filling.
Load the material through the open top
Pour the material with a mechanical shovel, conveyor belt or by hand. Distribute the load evenly so the bag keeps its cubic geometry and does not exceed the 1500 kg safe working load. Avoid loading the bag off the pallet: if it shifts, the center of gravity becomes unbalanced.
Prepare the bag for lifting
Check that the four loops are free of obstructions and accessible from above. If the bag will remain exposed to rain, cover it with a tarp; the open-top model does not close on its own. Make sure the crane or forklift operator confirms the operation before lifting.
Lift using all four loops simultaneously
Always use a spreader bar or central hook that distributes the tension across all four loops at once. Never lift by holding only two opposite loops or a single loop with a direct hook: that concentrates the load in one area and can break the seam even if the weight is within the limit. Raise slowly and check stability before moving the load.
In rubble removal operations, do not fill the bag directly on the ground: a sharp stone or a metal fragment can puncture the bottom during loading. Always place the pallet or a rigid cardboard as a base; you easily gain 2-3 reuse cycles.
Complementary products
To get the most out of your open-top big bag, consider these add-ons. The big bag with skirt top is the alternative when you need closure against rain or wind. The manual stretch film and its applicator let you secure the pallet with several filled bags for stable transport.
Maintenance and care
A well-maintained big bag can be reused for several cycles; a poorly stored one fails on the first lift of its second use. These guidelines are the ones that extend the bag's service life the most:
- After emptying the bag, shake it to remove dust and particles. Inspect seams and loops before folding it for reuse.
- Store it folded in a dry, shaded area. Prolonged direct UV radiation degrades the polypropylene and reduces the effective safety factor.
- Do not reuse the bag if you detect cuts in the loops, open seams or punctures in the base. A failure during lifting never gives you any warning.
Never lift the big bag by holding only two loops or a single loop with a direct hook. The 5:1 safety factor is calculated based on the sum of the four loops working together; using only two can break the seam even if the weight is within the limit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse this big bag several times?
Yes, as long as the seams and the four loops are intact. Inspect it before each new cycle: 5-8 reuses is reasonable for clean rubble and aggregates; fewer if the material is abrasive, sharp or has been exposed to the sun for weeks.
Does an open-top big bag withstand rain?
The polypropylene fabric lets water through the open top and through the micro-pores of the fabric. If the bag will be left outdoors with a risk of rain, cover it with a tarp or consider the model with skirt top, which does allow you to close the upper part.
Can I stack filled big bags one on top of another?
It is not advisable unless the manufacturer expressly certifies it for stacking. This bag is designed for lifting, not for bearing additional vertical weight. If you need to stack, do so in columns of 2 bags maximum, on a firm and flat surface.