
Official Genuine Bauer Supplier
As an official Genuine Bauer supplier, we provide access to one of the most trusted coupling systems in the industry.
Engineered for strength and quick connection, Bauer products are the go-to choice for agriculture, construction, water transfer and industrial applications.
Shop with confidence knowing you're buying authentic Bauer products from a trusted UK supplier.
Genuine Bauer
Explore from mild steel and stainless steel.
Industries We Serve
From agriculture and food processing to chemical handling, construction and general manufacturing, IHP supplies customers across a diverse range of industries.
Technical Expertise
Whether you're specifying components for manufacturing, construction or maintenance applications, we're here to ensure you get the right solution first time.
Fast Delivery
We understand that time matters, which is why we offer both standard and expedited shipping options to suit your schedule and budget.
Latest Articles
Agriculture, Irrigation & Farming: Coupling Solutions Built for the Field
Agricultural and irrigation systems need equipment that can cope with demanding working conditions. Hoses are regularly moved between fields, pumps need to be connected and disconnected, and fluid transfer systems can cover significant distances. For farmers and agricultural contractors, reliable hose couplings can make a significant difference to how quickly equipment can be installed, moved and put back into operation.
Storz Couplings Explained: Applications and Compatibility
Storz couplings are a popular type of hose coupling used across a wide range of industrial, agricultural, firefighting and fluid-handling applications. Unlike threaded connections, Storz couplings connect using symmetrical coupling halves that are joined together and twisted into position. This makes them particularly useful where hoses need to be connected and disconnected quickly. But what exactly are Storz couplings, where are they used and how do you know which type is suitable for your application? What Is a Storz Coupling? A Storz coupling is a type of hose coupling that uses identical male and female halves rather than separate male and female connections. The two coupling halves are aligned and pushed together before the locking rings are rotated to secure the connection. Because the coupling halves are symmetrical, either half can connect to the other. This can make Storz couplings particularly convenient for applications where hoses are regularly moved or reconfigured. How Do Storz Couplings Work? Storz couplings use interlocking claws and a locking mechanism to create the connection. The coupling halves are brought together with the claws aligned. They are then rotated until the connection is secure. A sealing gasket between the coupling halves helps prevent leakage. The connection can then be released by rotating the coupling in the opposite direction. This simple design allows hoses to be connected and disconnected without the need for traditional threaded connections. Where Are Storz Couplings Used? Storz couplings are used across a variety of industries and applications. Common examples include: Agriculture Irrigation Water transfer Wastewater Firefighting Construction Industrial fluid handling Tanker applications Pumping systems Suction and discharge hoses They are particularly useful where large-bore hoses need to be connected and disconnected regularly. What Are Storz Suction Couplings? Storz suction couplings are commonly used with suction hose applications where a pump needs to draw liquid from a tank, reservoir or other water source. Suction applications place different demands on a coupling compared with straightforward discharge applications. The coupling, hose and sealing arrangement need to be capable of maintaining the required connection and preventing air ingress. This makes correct coupling and gasket selection important. Storz Coupling Sizes Storz couplings are available in a range of sizes to suit different hose diameters and flow requirements. The correct size isn't simply determined by the physical hose diameter. The application may also require consideration of: Required flow rate Operating pressure Suction conditions Hose type Fluid being transferred Connection dimensions Operating environment Selecting the correct size helps ensure the coupling does not unnecessarily restrict the system or create an unsuitable connection. Storz Coupling Compatibility When replacing an existing Storz coupling, compatibility should be checked carefully. Important considerations include: Hose Diameter The coupling needs to be suitable for the hose it is being fitted to. Coupling Size Storz couplings are identified by standardised sizes and dimensions, so the correct size needs to be established before ordering. Operating Pressure The coupling must be suitable for the pressure generated by the application. Suction applications may have different requirements from pressure discharge applications. Fluid The materials and sealing components need to be compatible with the fluid being transferred. Water, chemicals, slurry and other fluids can have different material compatibility requirements. Gasket The gasket is an important part of the coupling assembly. The correct gasket material should be selected according to the fluid, temperature and application. Why Choose Storz Over a Threaded Connection? One of the main advantages of Storz couplings is the speed at which they can be connected and disconnected. This can be particularly useful in applications involving: Regular hose changes Mobile equipment Temporary pumping systems Irrigation Agricultural equipment Water transfer Emergency response The symmetrical design also means there is no separate male and female coupling half to match. Storz Couplings for Agriculture and Irrigation Storz couplings are particularly useful in agricultural and irrigation applications where hoses and pumping equipment may need to be moved around a site. They can be used for transferring water between pumps, tanks, irrigation equipment and other systems. The ability to make quick connections can save time when equipment needs to be relocated or reconfigured. Choosing the Right Storz Coupling Before ordering, consider: Hose diameter Coupling size Required flow Operating pressure Suction or discharge application Fluid being transferred Temperature Gasket material Material of the coupling Frequency of connection and disconnection If you're unsure which Storz coupling is suitable, providing details of the hose and application to a specialist supplier can help avoid ordering an incompatible component. Storz Couplings from IHP IHP supplies a range of industrial hose and coupling solutions for applications including agriculture, irrigation, water handling and industrial fluid transfer. Whether you need Storz suction couplings, replacement gaskets or associated hose fittings, selecting the correct combination of hose and coupling is important for safe and reliable operation. Need Help Selecting a Storz Coupling? If you're unsure which Storz coupling or suction coupling is suitable for your application, IHP can help identify the appropriate product based on your hose size and operating requirements.
What Does It Mean to Be the UK's Largest Official Genuine Bauer Distributor?
Bauer couplings are widely used in agricultural, irrigation, slurry, wastewater and industrial applications where reliable hose connections are essential. IHP is the UK's largest official Genuine Bauer distributor, supplying Bauer couplings and related equipment to customers across a range of industries.
How to Spot Genuine Bauer Couplings and Avoid Counterfeit Fittings
If you work in agriculture, construction, water transfer or industrial fluid handling, you'll already know that Bauer couplings are the industry benchmark for quick-connect pipe fittings. What you may not know is just how many imitation "Bauer Type" fittings are now in circulation, often sold to look like the real thing at a fraction of the price. The trouble is, a counterfeit coupling rarely announces itself until it's already onsite and under pressure. A failed connection can mean a burst hose, a spilled load, a stalled shift or even worse. As the UK's largest official Genuine Bauer distributor, we're often the ones customers call when a cheaper fitting has let them down. So we've put together this guide to help you tell a genuine Bauer coupling from an imitation, before it becomes an expensive mistake. What Are Genuine Bauer Couplings? Bauer couplings are a quick-release pipe and hose coupling system, originally developed in Austria and now used across agriculture, irrigation, construction, mining, dewatering and industrial fluid transfer worldwide. Their appeal is simple: a fast, secure, leak-tight connection that can be made and broken by hand, without tools, even in muddy or awkward site conditions. Because the design has been so successful, it's also been widely copied. These generic "Bauer Type" or "B-type" or "Leverlock Couplings" are manufactured by dozens of third parties, often to a similar profile, but rarely to the same tolerances, materials or testing standards as the genuine product. Why the Difference Matters On paper, a copy and a genuine Bauer coupling can almost look identical. In practice, the differences show up exactly when you can't afford them to: Under pressure - imitation fittings are more prone to distortion, cracking or seal failure at higher working temperatures. over time - repeated coupling and uncoupling wears out cheaper components far faster, particularly at the lever and locking mechanism. On safety - a coupling failure on a pressurised line isn't just an inconvenience, it's a genuine safety hazard for anyone nearby. Choosing genuine components isn't about brand loyalty, it's about knowing the fitting will perform the same way on day one and on day on thousand. Five Ways to Identify a Genuine Bauer Coupling Check the Stamp, Not Just the Shape: Every genuine Bauer coupling is clearly stamped with the Bauer name, along with size and specification markings. Counterfeits often carry a similar-looking mark, but the detail gives them away: uneven lettering, inconsistent spacing, or a stamp that looks moulded rather than precision-struck. If you're comparing a new delivery to stock you already trust, lay them side by side under good light - the difference is usually visible immediately. Examine the Lever and Locking Ring: This is where the real engineering difference lies. Genuine Bauer couplings use a robust lever design, permanently and securely fixed to the locking ring, built to withstand thousands of open-close cycles without loosening. Cheaper imitations frequently use a simpler pinned or riveted lever attachment, which can work loose, rattle, or fail entirely with regular use. If the lever action feels light, wobbly or the fixing looks like it could be drifted out with a punch, you're likely holding a copy. Weigh It Up, Literally: Genuine Bauer couplings are manufactured from high-grade steel to precise tolerances, and it shows in the weight. Held next to a counterfeit of the same nominal size, a genuine coupling will typically feel noticeably heavier and more solid. A fitting that feels light for its size is worth a second look. Assess the Finish and Machining Quality: Run a hand around the sealing face and thread. Genuine components have a clean, consistent machined finish with no burrs, rough casting marks, or inconsistent plating. Poor finishing on the sealing face in particular is a strong warning sign, as it directly affects how well the coupling seals under pressure. Buy from an Official, Traceable Source: The single most reliable way to guarantee you're getting a genuine Bauer coupling is to buy from an official, authorised UK distributor rather than an unverified third-party listing. Be cautious of prices that sit well below the typical market rate, unbranded bulk listings with no traceability, and sellers who can't confirm where their stock originates. If a deal looks unusually cheap for genuine Bauer product, it probably isn't genuine Bauer product. Genuine Bauer Coupling vs Bauer Type Leverlocks: A Quick Comparison Genuine Bauer Imitation "B-Type" Material High grade steel, precise tolerances Variable quality, often lighter gauge Lever fixing Permanently secured, built for repeated use Often pinned or riveted, prone to wear Stamping Sharp, consistent, precision struck Often uneven or poorly defined Sealing performance Consistent, leak tight under pressure Inconsistent, higher failure risk Traceability Supplied through authorised distributors Often unclear origin Long-term cost Lower cost per year of service Cheaper upfront, higher replacement cost Why Buy Genuine Bauer Couplings from IHP IHP has been supplying UK industry with couplings, hose fittings and pipe components for over 70 years and today we're the UK's largest official Genuine Bauer distributor. Every Bauer coupling, adaptor, hose tail and accessory we supply is genuine, fully traceable and backed by our in-house technical team, who can help you specify the right coupling for your application first time. Whether you need mild steel or stainless steel Bauer couplings, hose tail sets, threaded adaptors, flange adaptors or spares, our full range is available online with next working day delivery options. Browse our full range of Genuine Bauer couplings, fittings and accessories, or get in touch with our technical team for advice on choosing the right components for your project. Contact IHP Bannerley Road, Garretts Green Industrial Estate, Birmingham, B33 0SR sales@ihp.co.uk | 0121 783 8118

Leading manufacturer and supplier of specialist fittings
Established for over 60 years, we are the UK leading experts in the manufacture of hose fittings and turned parts for industry, horticulture, agriculture and other applications for steam, hydraulics and pneumatics.
Best Sellers
Industrial Hose & Pipe Fittings
For over six decades, Industrial Hose and Pipe Fittings Ltd (also known as IHP) has built a trusted reputation as a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of industrial hose assemblies, pipe fittings, and associated flow control solutions.
As a proud British manufacturer, we're relied upon by industries nationwide, from manufacturing and construction to energy, marine and food processing - to keep operations running safely, efficiently and with minimal downtime.





