Dear All I have been made aware of a significant manual handling issue within the organisation that I work for. The issue relates to the removal and reinstatement of clutch flywheels on heavy goods vehicles. These can be a horrendous weight (as much as a person worst case scenario) and they are not the easiest of items to handle. It isn't a daily occurrence (hence not picked up on general RAs until now) but may take place several times a year across the small fleet that we own. Some of the mechanics seem a little resigned to 'grin and bear it' (classic macho pride), but I am sure that with all the major vehicle production, repair and maintenance companies out there, there must be a suitable piece of mechanised equipment on the market to take the strain of the flywheel whilst the mechanic makes final adjustments into position/ removal. A google search (yes, I tried that first rather than just being lazy!) hasn't worked as I couldn't get the right combination of keywords to obtain meaningful results. What I am after is either literature from the trade on safe working practices and/ or details of a supplier who I can contact to explain our needs. Any help or pointers are appreciated.

I confess my experience is limited to private cars, where flywheels tend to be manageable on the odd occasion you might have to remove one (maybe a re-grind where the wheel has been gouged by a worn clutch). On bigger engines (LGV and on to the BIG marine and other generator power units) I'd like to think there was something to attach a lifting strop to - the thing had to be assembled in the factory after all! The fun doesn't stop there of course, the flywheel might need to be lifted on and off a grinding machine if it needs dressed.

Hi Ian, HSG261 should help

Folks. Thanks for the assistance. There is a 'Clutch Jack' manufactured by a company called AFF that looks ideal. (It is used for installation from beneath the vehicle and the whole assembly can be done from the spindle on the jack). The only problem is I can find no UK dealer (only USA) and whenever I try to search all I get is clutch bags and Union Jacks. If I am really lucky Clutch bags and in a Union Jack Pattern!! I will keep trawling, and let everyone know.

Just get someone to chat to them over the toolbox about how life-changing it is to have a herniated spinal disc.....several months of extreme pain. (don't say "operation", the availability of same is nhs-low now)

Thanks to all who have assisted (including off-forum via PM). I now have some pointers for suitable distributors in the UK, and have earmarked a suitable piece of kit to get in for a demo or even a trial period. I won't state the suppliers here for fear of advertisement, but if you follow Graham's advice you will find a number of potential solutions.