Street Crane’s new ZX range of hoists, part of a $1m investment, is the first new wire-rope hoist to be designed and built in the UK for 15 years, the manufacturer claims.
The ZX is designed for low headroom monorail hoists, double-girder crab, and stationary versions have capacities up to 5t. The new range includes heavy-duty high-endurance models, rated up to M6, which are based on a modular design to enable the designer or end-user to customise the hoist for the individual application.
Street believes the appeal of the hoist is in its customisability. “In its basic format, the hoist is a robust, simple and cost-effective workhorse”, says sales director Keith Rainford. “With the addition of motion control, condition monitoring, digital weighing, remote control, devices and other performance equipment, the hoist becomes a key part of achieving higher output.” An example of this is that hours-of-use meters are fitted as standard to flag up maintenance requirements. This feature can be augmented with condition monitoring devices, overheating protection for motors and Street’s soft-start SC Smartlift and SC Smartdrive speed controllers.
Street believes a unique safety feature of the hoist is the braking method on the second gearbox reduction shaft. This is said to ensure fail-safe operation should a motor shaft, motor-to-gearbox or primary gearing failure occur.
Hoist barrel security is assured by a continuous shaft through the hoist drum and retaining snouts within the barrel. Other safety features such as asbestos-free brake linings, overload protection and hook safety latches have also been included.
Devices such as brake-wear sensing, travel limits and secondary hoists brakes are available as options.
•New Zealand has rapidly become one of Street Crane’s best export markets since setting up a partnership agreement with Carlos Verissimo Engineering (CVEL) last year. By the end of 1997 the Auckland-based company had sold nine overhead cranes, including one order for a twin-hoist power station crane, which catapulted Street to almost a quarter share of the New Zealand market.
