The overhead material handling industry, including cranes, hoists and monorails, is, in the US, still growing at double-digit rates, according to Hal Vandiver, Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) executive vice president of business development.
This is largely due to expansion at the ports, added Vandiver, who is also the managing director of the key overhead lifting product sections within the MHIA, namely the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) and the Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA).
Some areas of the industry, including industrial trucks, are already experiencing a slowdown but not so yet in the overhead sectors. Vandiver warns: “There is a business cycle.” But the challenge for overhead lifting manufacturers and suppliers is to stay ahead of the game.
Many still remain positive. Carlo A. Lonardi, vice president, sales and marketing, of Manheim-based manufacturer Harrington Hoists Inc., for example, said: “We’re not participating in any recession. We will concentrate our efforts on out-pacing the industry and creating our own opportunities. We feel another successful growth year is possible. The media want to talk us into a recession but major hoist industries are strong. We have found that many of our core industries are still strong and our Mexico and Central America markets still have much expansion available.”
He did add though: “I do believe that growth percentages will be lessened.” And that was probably the major talking point, among many others, on the show floor.
Overhead Crane & Hoist (OCH), now three issues old, was also showcased for the first time at a trade show. OCH was launched by myself and cofounder Mark Bridger (Progressive Media Markets’ cranes group sales manager), and is dedicated to the end user communities of the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Another new product catching the eye was on the Harrington Hoists Inc. stand. Harrington, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kito Corporation, generated a buzz with the last-minute unveiling of the next generation of the ER and NER series electric chain hoist, to the US market.
The ER model incorporates a mechanical load brake, while the NER has motor brake only.
“The new models will incorporate the latest technology available in the world today including standard under the cover variable frequency drives for all two-speed units, in addition to infinitely variable options,” Harrington said.
Additional improvements to the hoist include easy change top suspension, nickel-plated DIN chain, 5 and 6 pocket load sheave, IP 55 rating, UL listing for all models, capacities up to 20 US tons and a revolutionary brake “requiring no maintenance,” it added.
Spanco Inc. launched its so-called Lift Boss Wire Rope Hoist, and the Beam Boss Beam Tractor Drive, both part of its new Boss line of products.
The Lift Boss Wire Rope Hoist (its first ever wire rope hoist) is available in 3 or 5 ton capacity. Designed for Class C service, the hoist will come with 20 or 30ft lift capability, 15 FPM lift speed, and a four-pull hook load block. Outfitted with a worm gear reducer drive, the hoist travels on forged steel heat treated crown treads, designed to accommodate 4-8.05in flanges.
The Beam Boss Beam Tractor Drive, meanwhile, “will bring motorised power to your bridge crane or trolley hoist.” The “facility workhorse,” as Spanco referred to it, is available in three standard speeds with a raft of optional features.
Primarily designed for indoor service, it can run on an I-beam or wide flange beam with lower flange from 3 1/4-8 1/2in with a 1in thick maximum.
Optional features include explosion-proof controls, spark resistant wheels, soft start, variable frequency drives, among many more.
Spanco, meanwhile, opened a new west coast manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March. The new facility will allow Spanco to provide “better service and faster delivery to our valuable customers on the west coast,” it said.
Street Crane launched a new generation of mid-range hoists in the core 5-25t category to the US market. “The ZX6-8 series hoists will set new standards for safety, reliability and performance,” it said.
Coffing, a CM brand, showed its JLC-V models, which now feature a variable frequency drive.
The compact size of the drive unit allows neat and complete placement under the cover of the hoist. “Combine this new JLC-V option with the renowned Coffing design features of a five-pocket load sheave, multiple-disc motor brake and overload clutch and you have the best performance value in the marketplace today,” it said.
The Coffing variable frequency drive (VFD) allows for unsurpassed load-spotting and inching capability. The VFD offers additional speed flexibility that standard 2-speed motors cannot offer. The soft starting and stopping of the unit is perfect for delicate applications and reduces the daily wear and tear on the hoist, it said.
The JLC-V models are rated for loads from 1/8 to 2 tons, and are capable of lifting speeds of 8-32ft per minute depending on the capacity. Standard lifts of 10, 15, and 20ft with other lifts are available. Standard push-button drop is 4ft less than lift.
The MHIA used the show to generate further interest in its other materials handling fare, ProMat, which will take place in Chicago, January 12-15, next year. Over 800 exhibitors from industry, commerce and government will display their productivity solutions on the 300,000 square foot show floor. A raft of technologies will be represented including, of course, overhead lifting gear. OCH magazine used NA to secure its exhibiting space.
Columbus McKinnon showed its range of brands including Abell-Howe, Camlok, CM Hoists, CM Rigging Products and LodeRail. CM manufactures manual and powered chain and wire rope hoists and accessories. CM Hoist offers free training and service seminars as well as chain and rigging inspections. CM also manufactures a complete line of rigging attachments, jibs, and enclosed rail systems.
Gorbel exhibited the latest addition to its line of G-Force intelligent lifting devices. The new Q and iQ units are available in a 660lb (330kg) capacity, extending the capacity of the G-Force product line beyond the previous limit of 380lbs.
The Q 660 is the base model, which comes loaded with many standard options. The iQ 660 is the more advanced unit that comes standard with added programmability for increased flexibility.
Gorbel said: “The Q and iQ units combine the responsiveness of a human operator with the power of a machine. They are capable of more precise placement than traditional hoists, plus they’re more responsive than traditional air balancers.”
By giving operators greater control over the loads they are lifting and placing, the G-Force Q and iQ can improve operator safety, product quality, and overall productivity in that work cell, it added.
Konecranes-owned Shepard Niles used the show to celebrate its 130th anniversary. A 2 ton unit was on the stand.
Demag Cranes and Components Corporation introduced its DR20 wire rope hoist to its line of standard and engineered double girder overhead cranes.
The DR20 is standardised with a long list of features and is used on double girder cranes with the EZDR hoist trolley. This trolley is dimensionally optimised to meet the market requirements for these cranes.
Used in a wide variety of industries, the DR20 features duty classifications ranging from FEM 1 Am to FEM 4m, capacities from 6.3-50 US tons, and hoist speeds in a range of 12 FPM to 64 FPM.
The DR20 features quiet running, two-speed hoist motors, engineered for high cycling rates and accurate positioning, or VFC controls for higher speeds combined with “partial load express speed” for optimum efficiency.
Vitali International Lifting Equipment Ltd. showed a range of chain and lever hoists, including its so-called Kit-V Type lever hoist. The model is available in 1 and 2.5t units. “The unit is lightweight and compact and the patented friction disc design means no brake discs are required,” said director, Dennis Wong (pictured).
The unit includes a grade 100 galvanized load chain. Each chain block is operationally tested at 1.5 times rated capacity. The hand wheel and knob design means no preload is required. Also on show was the Yal Type lever hoist, available in 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75t capacity.
Knight Industries showcased its latest IAD Servo Systems, designed to accommodate consumer requests for increased load/configuration capacity.
Its KSH1000-2301 single chain hoist manages up to 1,000lb (454kg), while the KSH2000-2301 twin chain dual motor handles up to 2,000lb (907kg). All Servo Systems provide controlled transfer of workloads while enhancing the accuracy and repeatability of an application. Standard or custom options allow for various programmed product functions.
The KSA1000-2301 Servo Arm (1000lb/454kg) is a recent addition to the Servo family. The system includes a larger chain, motor, gearbox, and servo drive. The arm integrates “smoother than air precision, ease of programmability, as well as built-in safety features,” Knight said.
Douglas Jones, controls manager, highlighted the introduction of a digital control handle that displays weights, fault codes, and I/O diagnostics. The digital design includes an accelerometer which isolates inertial forces resulting from structural vibrations, and in turn more accurately detects the force applied by an operator.
Spede Technologies showcased its RFID crane locator system, a wireless solution for inventory control and warehouse automation for companies that use overhead cranes to move and manage large items.
The solution interfaces RFID and RF devices directly to the crane to record inventory transactions automatically as the crane moves. An RFID reader on the hook identifies the item being hoisted, RF laser range finders pinpoint the location where it is put, while an RF touch screen in the cab displays real-time locations, and records transactions.
Spede said the system eliminates the need for floor-searches, manual data entry and physical counts. “Items are tracked by serial number, and their precise location is always known, whether they are stored outside or in the facility,” it said.
Kastalon showed its crane bumpers. It said: “Affording physical properties that surpass ordinary materials, Kastalon Polyurethane bumpers have set new standards for performance and durability.” And added: “They are tough, resilient, economical and last up to 50 times longer than hydraulic, spring, rubber and wood bumpers.”
Available in both US and European configurations in sizes ranging from small machine shop applications to massive shipyard cranes, “the bumpers meet all requirements of OSHA, CMAA, ANSI and AISE.”
O’Brien Installations Ltd., a licenced partner with Vetter of Germany, exhibited its complete line of jib cranes in the hope of finding new dealers within the US market. Avtron Industrial Automation, meanwhile, exhibited its new ACCel500 AC drive solutions for the industrial crane control market. It now offers complete control panels for hoists and 3-5 motion cranes. Other control accessories such as DB resistors and encoders will also be on display.
Hu-Lift Equipment (USA) Inc. exhibited from its range of hoists, lifting clamps, slings and rigging equipment. Akapp-Stemmann marketed its Click-Ductor, Multiconductor and 4-Ductor insulated conductor bars.
Remote control round up
In cooperation with Ikusi of San Sebastian, Spain, Cervis Inc. presented the new 70M and expanded TM70 wireless control platforms. The 70M 4, 6 and 10 function wireless control systems utilise many of the unique features of the TM70 controls including the transferable EEPROM feature and 900MHz transmission.
The more compact, lower cost 70M uses standard AA batteries, with simple user programmable AC or PWM DC outputs.
Cattron Group International exhibited its Laser Collision Avoidance System (LCAS), which contains advanced laser technology to ensure overhead cranes and hoists do not collide with end walls or other overhead equipment.
NBB Controls, Inc. showed its Planar range, surface mounted joysticks and stop button technology. New products included its Planar B, C, and D pushbutton transmitters.
Tele Radio introduced its new systems T70-Jaguar and T80-Leopard. The already established T20 for doors, ports and gates, T60 for industrial use, and the 860 system were also on show.
Control Chief exhibited both its Advantage Series remote control receiver and its durable LJ45 wireless remote control BellyBox style transmitter. The Advantage Series utilises “PLC on a Chip” technology which allows for application specific ladder logic programming.
Hirschmann Automation and Control exhibited from its overload protection and weighing system range, including the PSA 3/1 and BSA overload protection systems for overhead travelling cranes.
Power Electronics was also present, with its range of mill-duty overhead crane controls for steel applications.
Schneider Electric, meanwhile, exhibited from a range of products, designed to entice the overhead materials handling market.
