Layher Blitz, Layher Allround & Hünnebeck Bosta: Scaffolding Systems Compared – Compatibility, Approval & Buying
No other segment of the construction market has such an active second-hand trade as scaffolding. Millions of square metres of Layher Blitz, Layher Allround and Hünnebeck Bosta change hands every year between scaffolding companies, trade businesses and private builders – and with them the questions that come with this trade.
Which system is right for which application? What happens legally when components from different systems come together on one site? And as a buyer, how do I check whether a used scaffolding component still carries a valid building authority approval? These questions are not just practically relevant – they determine the structural stability of the scaffold and, in the event of damage, who is liable as the erector.
This guide compares the three most widely used scaffolding systems on the German-speaking market from a technical, legal and commercial perspective. It is aimed at scaffolders, trade businesses and anyone looking to buy or sell used scaffolding material – while staying on the safe side.
What is the difference between Layher Blitz, Layher Allround and Hünnebeck Bosta?
Layher Blitz: the fast frame scaffold for facades & trades
| Type: | Frame scaffold |
| Connection: | Plug-in system |
| Bay length: | 2.57 m |
| Lift height: | 2.00 m |
| Use: | Facade, private |
| Load class: | 3 (2 kN/m²) |
Layher Allround: the flexible modular scaffold for professional applications
| Type: | Modular scaffold |
| Connection: | Wedge-and-rosette |
| Bay length: | 0.73–3.07 m |
| Lift height: | variable |
| Use: | Professional, industry |
| Load class: | up to 6 (6 kN/m²) |
Hünnebeck Bosta: the proven frame scaffold
| Type: | Frame scaffold |
| Connection: | Plug-in/hinged ledger |
| Bay length: | 2.50 m |
| Lift height: | 2.00 m |
| Use: | Facade, trades |
| Load class: | 3 (2 kN/m²) |
Technical properties in direct comparison
| Feature | Blitz | Allround | Hünnebeck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection principle | Plug-in | Wedge-and-rosette | Hinged ledger |
| Bay length flexibility | Fixed 2.57 m | Flexible | Fixed 2.50 m |
| Assembly/dismantling | Very fast | Medium | Fast |
| Weight per m² | approx. 17 kg | approx. 20–22 kg | approx. 16 kg |
| Max. load class (DIN EN 12811) | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Mixing of systems permitted | |||
| DIBt approval available | |||
| Available used (CETRAC) |
What defines each system?
Layher Blitz is the classic frame scaffold for facade work. The standing frames simply plug into each other and the diagonal braces hook in – making it the fastest system for standard facade work. Ideal for painting companies, roofers and private renovation projects. The second-hand market is large; at CETRAC, Blitz packages are often available from as little as €10/m².
Layher Allround is the professional modular scaffold with wedge-and-rosette connection. With 8 connection points per rosette, almost any geometry can be realised – shoring scaffolds, birdcage scaffolds, stages, protective roofs. It is the most expensive of the three systems when bought new, but its longevity makes it particularly stable in value on the used market. It requires well-trained personnel for assembly.
Hünnebeck Bosta is the most widespread frame scaffold alongside the Layher Blitz. The hinged-ledger connection allows safe and fast assembly. The system was the market standard for decades and is correspondingly often available used. Hünnebeck was taken over by MEVA in 2016; spare parts and new accessories now run under the MEVA umbrella but remain fully compatible with the old Bosta system.
Can Layher and Hünnebeck parts be mixed in one scaffold?
The clear answer is: no – as a rule, not. Every scaffolding system (Layher Blitz, Layher Allround, Hünnebeck Bosta etc.) has its own building authority approval from the German Institute for Structural Engineering (DIBt). This approval applies exclusively to the respective system as tested and documented by the manufacturer.
Mixing components from different manufacturers or from different systems of the same manufacturer (e.g. Layher Blitz + Layher Allround) voids the system-specific approval. The erected scaffold then counts as a non-approved special construction under DIN EN 12811 – and must be given an individual structural stability verification by a qualified structural engineer.
Exception: Individual components approved for cross-system use (e.g. standardised scaffolding tubes Ø 48.3 mm to EN 39 or tested couplers to EN 74) may be used – provided the structural stability verification explicitly allows for this.
- Layher Blitz frames + Hünnebeck diagonal braces: not permitted
- Layher Blitz + Layher Allround mixed: not permitted without special structural analysis
- Hünnebeck Bosta + Hünnebeck TopEc (formwork): different systems, cannot be combined
- Standardised tubes Ø 48.3 mm from different systems: may be permitted with structural verification
Liability with mixed scaffolding systems: what you need to know legally
Anyone who erects or operates a scaffold without a valid approval bears full responsibility – under civil law, criminal law and the rules of the employers' liability insurance association. In the event of damage (a fall or collapse), the decisive question is who erected and handed over the scaffold.
1 Civil liability of the scaffold erector:
The erector is liable under §§ 823 ff. of the German Civil Code (BGB) for personal injury and property damage. If there is no valid approval, the liability insurer can refuse cover – the erector is then liable with their private assets.
2 Criminal liability:
In cases of negligent bodily harm or negligent manslaughter caused by a non-approved scaffold, prison sentences of up to 3 years are possible (§§ 229, 222 of the German Criminal Code, StGB).
3 Consequences with the employers' liability insurance association:
BG Bau can claim recourse and impose fines. TRBS 2121-1 (Technical Rules for Operational Safety) obliges the operator to provide proof of structural stability.
4 Buyers of used material:
Anyone who buys used material from third parties and erects it themselves bears full responsibility as the erector. The origin and system affiliation of the parts must be checked before assembly.
How do I identify a valid approval number on a component?
A valid building authority approval (allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung, abZ for short) can be recognised on the component itself or in the accompanying documentation. Proceed as follows:
1.Embossed or stamped manufacturer mark:
Every scaffolding component (frame, ledger, diagonal brace, deck) must bear the embossed manufacturer name, a product code and ideally the year of manufacture. On Layher parts, for example, you will find “LAYHER” with a part number; on Hünnebeck parts “HÜN” or “HÜNNEBECK”.
2.DIBt approval number in the accompanying document:
The actual abZ number (format: Z-8.x-xxx) is not on the component itself but in the assembly and use instructions (AuV). These must be available on site with the scaffold. Example Layher Blitz: Z-8.22-64. Example Hünnebeck Bosta: Z-8.22-407.
3.Checking the DIBt approval register:
Every valid abZ is publicly listed in the DIBt online register (dibt.de → approvals → construction products). Searching by manufacturer or approval number shows whether the approval is still active.
4.CE marking:
Scaffolding components to DIN EN 12810/12811 carry a CE marking with the identification number of the testing body. The CE mark alone does not replace the abZ – both must be present.
5.Buying used – what should you check?
If the manufacturer stamp is missing or illegible, the component is considered unidentifiable and must not be installed. CETRAC checks all parts for system affiliation and legibility of the marking before sale.
Find the right scaffolding package
FAQ: Layher vs. Hünnebeck system comparison
Both systems are well suited to private customers and smaller trade businesses. The Layher Blitz is somewhat simpler and faster to erect thanks to its plug-in connection; the Hünnebeck Bosta is often cheaper to buy used because it is so widespread. The deciding factors are availability in your region and the size of the package you need.
The load class to DIN EN 12811 indicates how much area load the scaffold decking can carry. Load class 3 (2 kN/m²) is sufficient for most facade work, painting work and light repairs. Load class 5 (4.5 kN/m²) or 6 (6 kN/m²) is needed for heavy materials, masonry or industrial applications. Layher Allround can be configured up to load class 6; Layher Blitz and Hünnebeck Bosta cover load class 3 as standard. Scaffolding load classes simply explained
Yes. MEVA took over Hünnebeck's scaffolding division in 2016 and continues the full product range. All Bosta spare parts (frames, ledgers, diagonal braces, decks) remain available and are 100% compatible with existing stock. On the used market – including at CETRAC – Hünnebeck/Bosta material is regularly in stock.
Steel scaffolding components have no legally defined service life. What matters is their condition: corrosion, deformation, illegible marking and damaged connection elements are exclusion criteria. A professionally maintained scaffold can be used for 30 years and longer. CETRAC checks all parts for condition and system affiliation before sale.
Yes – scaffolding can be erected all year round, but special measures are required in winter. Snow and wind loads must be taken into account in the structural analysis (standards: DIN 1055, EN 1991). Decks must be secured against icing; safety nets and tarpaulins can increase the wind load and may require reinforced anchoring. TRBS 2121-1 applies all year round.
The easiest distinguishing feature is the connection type: Layher Blitz frames plug together (transoms hook in), while on the Allround the wedge head slots into the rosette and is secured with a hammer blow. Visually: Blitz frames are closed rectangles with integrated standards; Allround consists of individual vertical standards with welded-on perforated discs (rosettes) every 50 cm. The product name is also embossed on every part.
In B2B trade (business to business), the statutory warranty rights can largely be excluded. CETRAC sells used material excluding liability for material defects in respect of known signs of use. The buyer, as the erector, bears responsibility for proper inspection and intended use. In B2C trade (sale to consumers), the statutory warranty of 2 years applies.
Yes. CETRAC delivers throughout Europe and also offers sea-container loading for exports to Africa, MENA and East Asia. No customs duties apply to imports into Austria and Switzerland (EU/EEA internal market). Import VAT is payable for Switzerland. Please note country-specific standards: the EN standard applies in Switzerland, and in France the NF standard applies in addition (ask for advice if needed).
Yes – CETRAC buys technically sound scaffolding and formwork from all major manufacturers. The process: enquiry with system details, quantities and photos → offer within 24 hours → picking and dispatch or collection. In addition, the CETRAC ReBuy Option applies: scaffolding bought from CETRAC is bought back for up to 5 years after purchase at the list price minus 15%.