About Rigger force holdings
Engineering Expertise Built on 40 Years of Field Experience
Frederick “Frik” van Eden
With over 40 years of hands-on rigging experience in South Africa and across Sub-Saharan Africa, Frederick “Frik” van Eden has built a career defined by precision, innovation, and leadership in heavy lifting. Beginning his apprenticeship in 1984 and qualifying at the age of 21, Frik embraced the evolution of hydraulic mobile cranes when the industry was transitioning from lattice cranes in the late 1980s.
With no formal training material available for the new generation of equipment, he wrote his own rigging manual to train others. In 1991, he was appointed Training Officer at Iscor in Vanderbijlpark and served as the Iron and Steel representative on the South African Rigging Board. His manuals were distributed nationwide, and several of his early apprentices went on to establish successful businesses of their own.
career milestones
1984
Apprenticeship at Dorbijl
1991
Training Officer at Iscor
1997
Established Independent Operations
2003
Published Rigging & Lifting Studies Vol 1
2013
Published Rigging & Lifting Studies Vol 2
2025
Rigging & Lifting Studies Vol 3 in Development
Rigging and lifitng studies
In 2003, Frik published Rigging and Lifting Studies – Volume 1, introducing riggers to modern hydraulic mobile cranes, safe lifting practices, and advanced rigging applications. The book gained international recognition and was purchased in countries including India, Australia, England, the Netherlands, and across Africa.
A decade later, Volume 2 expanded on advanced lifting techniques and engineering calculations.
A new Volume 3 is currently in development, covering:
• Jacking and sliding systems
• Gantry systems
• Self-propelled modular transport
• Master rigging
• Salvage diving
• Modern crane advancements and application methods
Engineering Built for African Conditions
Unable to source reliable jacking and sliding systems suited for rural African environments, Frik engineered and fabricated his own mechanical systems. Designed for durability and field reliability, these systems eliminate unnecessary technological complexity and are capable of moving loads exceeding 200 tons. By combining spring steel and advanced composite materials, Rigger Force has developed lighter sliding systems capable of handling increasingly heavier loads while maintaining safety and precision.
Engineering Calculations & Digital Lift Studies
Rigger Force provides structured digital lift studies and method statements allowing accurate pre-project calculations for modern crane operations.
Developing Skills. Preserving Knowledge.
Each sector within the lifting and rigging industry requires its own specialized equipment, procedures, and technical competencies. These skills must be transferred to the next generation of riggers to ensure the continued safe development of South Africa’s infrastructure.
Rigger Force is committed to practical knowledge transfer, exposing young and qualified riggers to the equipment and methodologies used in real-world heavy lifting, jacking and sliding, structural installations, salvage recovery, and engineered lifting operations. Knowledge is power — and in rigging, knowledge prevents accidents.
Specialist Experience & Investigations
With over four decades in the field, Frederick van Eden has been called upon to investigate serious lifting incidents, including fatal accidents, and to provide formal written reports detailing root causes and procedural failures. These investigations demand deep technical understanding, practical field experience, and objective analysis.
Beyond investigations, Rigger Force has executed specialized rigging operations across:
• Industrial plants
• Structural buildings
• Bridge construction
• Heavy equipment recovery
• Overturned mobile crane recovery
Each assignment reflects a disciplined approach to load control, risk assessment, and engineered execution.