Scaffolding Ballast & Kentledge Blocks
Reliable precast counterweights to secure scaffolding in all conditions
Why Choose Precast for Scaffolding Ballast?
Securing scaffolding in exposed locations or on sensitive ground begins with reliable ballast. Precast concrete blocks offer quick, versatile, and cost-effective counterweights that keep structures stable without the need for drilling or casting foundations.
Unlike lightweight or water-filled systems, precast ballast remains in place, withstands harsh weather, and can be reused across multiple projects. With consistent unit weights and easy handling options, it’s the practical choice for safe, compliant scaffolding.
Key Benefits of Precast for Scaffolding Ballast
Fast setup – Delivered ready to install, so you can stabilise a scaffold in hours rather than days.
Flexible layouts – Linkable and freestanding options adapt to almost any scaffold footprint.
Hire or purchase – 850kg, 1T and 2.4T blocks available to rent or buy.
Weather‑resistant – Concrete withstands wind, rain and impact without shifting.
Reusable & sustainable – Move and reuse across sites, cutting waste and cost.
Suitable Products For Scaffolding Ballast & Kentledge Blocks
Best for: Scaffolding ballast on constrained sites, combined ballast where larger units can’t access.
Versatile, linkable units for modular scaffold ballast.
Available to hire or buy
68mm cast‑in holes through length and width for linking with scaffold tubes
Fork recess in base + 1 × 2.5T Deha lifting clutch for safe handling
Compact footprint – 1,200 × 545 × 600mm, 850kg
Best for: Scaffolding ballast, hoarding and façade retention on mixed or softer ground.
Stable square kentledge with maximum ground contact.
Solid profile with no base recess – greater contact area and stability
2 x M16 threaded sockets plus 68mm pole hole for tying/connecting
Straightforward handling via top lifting point (1 x 2.5T Deha)
750 x 750 x 750mm, 1,000kg
Best for: High‑wind/exposed sites, large scaffold runs, temporary works.
Heavy‑duty ballast – fewer units, faster installs.
2.4T mass reduces block count on exposed scaffolds
Fork recess + 4 x 2.5T Deha lifting points for balanced lifts
Flat, non‑interlocking sides for flexible positioning
1,000 x 1,000 x 1,000mm, 2,400kg
Claremont Hotel, Eastbourne – scaffolding ballast for a fire‑damaged, Grade II listed seafront site
What to Consider Before You Use Precast Ballast for Scaffolding
- Ground Conditions & Bearing Capacity – Check the surface where the ballast will sit, such as concrete, tarmac, compacted stone, or a delicate surface. 1T and 2.4T units have a larger contact area for softer ground, while 850 kg blocks can be used on narrower, more confined spaces. Confirming the bearing capacity helps prevent settlement or movement.
- Wind Loading & Temporary Works Requirements – Different scaffolds need different counterweights based on height, exposure, and façade type. Heavier 2.4T blocks reduce the number of units needed on coastal or high-wind sites, while modular 850kg linkable blocks are suitable for tighter or more complex layouts. Temporary works engineers should confirm the necessary weights and arrangements.
- Block Selection & Connection Points – Select ballast according to the scaffold footprint and the type of connection required: 850kg blocks have 68mm cast-in holes for tying in scaffold tubes. 1T blocks feature threaded M16 sockets and a pole hole for tying or connecting. 2.4T blocks are heavy-duty units with adaptable positioning. Choosing the right type improves stability and speeds up installation.
- Access, Lifting & Handling Equipment – Ensure safe access for delivery vehicles, Moffett trucks, telehandlers, or HIAB off-load. All blocks include fork recesses or cast-in lifting points, but plan lifting routes and exclusion zones early – especially on constrained or busy sites.
- Hire or Purchase Strategy – 850kg, 1T, and 2.4T units are available for hire or purchase. Hiring is ideal for short-term scaffolds or temporary façade retention; purchasing is suitable for long-term projects or multi-site contractors who regularly reuse ballast.
- Site Layout, Stability & Footprint – Scaffold ballast must sit flush and stable. The 1T square blocks deliver maximum ground contact, making them ideal for softer ground or areas where footprint stability is essential. Ensure blocks are positioned evenly along the scaffold line to prevent uneven loading.
- Programme, Lead Times & Availability – Ballast often needs to be deployed quickly. Many units are in stock, with UK-wide delivery and optional installation. Confirm quantities early to ensure the sizes and quantities are ready for scaffold erection.
- Reuse, Storage & Return Logistics – Precast ballast is fully reusable. For hire contracts, organise collection after dismantling; for purchased units, plan storage space and lifting equipment for future redeployment across sites. This improves sustainability and minimises waste.
Questions We Get All The Time
Supply is often available from stock. We’ll confirm lead times and book delivery to suit your schedule when we quote.