On a show floor packed with storage and automation equipment and lift trucks (there will be more than ever this year) it is so important that overhead lifting equipment is given the exposure it deserves.
Knight’s KSH1000-2301 single chain hoist manages up to 1,000lb (454kg)
Hoist, which will exhibit at booth 2725, is passionate about promoting overhead lifting above all other forms of material handling. There are clear advantages of, say, gantry and jib cranes over widely used lift trucks, but the challenge is positioning the products in a way that convinces the end user market that is the case.
In a recent poll of visitors to the Hoist website, the majority (61%) said the main reason they choose overhead lifting equipment over fork lift trucks is to clear floor space. Some 22% said trucks are cumbersome, noisy and dirty.
The former reason is a real selling point and it is just one of the messages we will be trying to get through to the sales channels during NA08.
Only when we unite forces against the lift truck business will we gain a priceless portion of the massive slice of the market they currently enjoy.
Gorbel Inc. (2804) will exhibit 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
Find here a comprehensive guide to the show and some of the key overhead lifting exhibitors.
Don’t forget to drop by booth 2725!
Spanco Inc., a major manufacturer of jibs, gantries, workstations and rigid track fall protection systems, plans to unveil a range of products at booth 2536, “including two that we are especially proud of,” said the Morgantown, Pennsylvania-based firm.
The so-called Lift Boss Wire Rope Hoist, and the Beam Boss Beam Tractor Drive, are both part of its new Boss Line of products.
Demag Cranes and Components Corporation (2834) has introduced its DR20 wire rope hoist to its line of standard and engineered double girder overhead cranes
The Lift Boss Wire Rope Hoist (its first ever wire rope hoist) will be available in 3 or 5 US 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 also plans to display its retrofit jib drive, aluminum gantry crane, articulating jib crane, workstation bridge crane (consisting of one ALU-track bridge, and one trussed telescoping plain track bridge), stainless steel wall cantilever jib, and 500 series end trucks and hoist trolley.
Coffing (3208), a CM brand, will show its JLC-V models, which now feature a variable frequency drive
Spanco opened a new west coast manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, this month (March). The new facility will allow Spanco to provide “better service and faster delivery to our valuable customers on the west coast,” it said.
Harrington Hoists, Inc. (2536) will exhibit its CX mini hand chain hoist, “the world’s first 0.25 US ton hand chain hoist featuring a revolutionary small size and light weight,” it says. This hoist was developed to tackle jobs with light loads and where work is required in high or difficult to reach places such as duct installation, plumbing and heating, home automobile maintenance and crane repair.
Harrington will also feature its TCS Cheetah air powered hoists available in 0.5 and new 0.25 and 1 US ton capacities.
Also on show will be its ergonomic work station jib cranes and articulating jib cranes in capacities up to 1 US ton. This new selection of jibs provides “additional rotation and positioning options,” Harrington says.
LB lever hoists with a slip clutch option will be available in capacities of 0.75-9 US ton capacity. The slip clutch device prevents the hoist from being used to lift damaging loads beyond rated capacity.
Demag’s DCS-Pro stepless variable speed chain hoist utilises an inverter and stepless buttons, offering speeds from 100 FPM down to 0.45 FPM
Meanwhile, a new distributor section of the Harrington website will be available for viewing to current active distributors visiting the show. One of the unique features of this site is RevCon (Revolutionary Configurator), an automated RH-Advantage wire rope crane component quote programme, making quoting components “faster and easier,” providing component features, benefits, outline drawings and all related pricing “within seconds.”
Vice president sales and marketing Carlo Lonardi says: “We are expecting a solid performance to continue through this year. Industries such as power and petro-chemical are continuing to show signs of growth. This is good for the hoisting business. We are cautiously optimistic that we will continue our expansion efforts throughout 2008 and will continue to work on bringing new and innovative solutions to the material handling markets.”
Headquartered in Manheim, Pennsylvania, Harrington is a leading supplier of electric chain and wire rope hoists, air powered hoists, lever hoists, manual hand chain hoists, trolleys, cranes and crane components.
The booth will be staffed by president and CEO Ned Hunter, Carlo Lonardi, regional sales managers Bill Erkenbrack, Jim Small and Jim Gordon, business development sales manager Bret Lussow and several other “key sales representatives.”
Coffing (3208), a CM brand, will show 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 US tons, and are capable of lifting speeds of 8 to 32 feet per minute depending on the capacity. Standard lifts of 10, 15, and 20ft with other lifts are available. Standard push-button drop is 4-feet less than lift.
The Coffing JLC-V drives feature a closed loop system, which monitors the load hook’s direction and speed. Additional components monitor motor amperage to provide consistent and reliable operation. In addition, in-field, instant programming allows speeds from infinitely variable (12:1 speed ratio) to any intermediate, predetermined speed range.
The standard 2-step buttons allow the operator to increase and maintain the lifting or lowering speeds. The optional 3-step buttons allow the operator to increase, maintain, or decrease the lifting or lowering speeds without interruption.
The JLC-V can be mounted with rigid or swivel top hook, lug, plain, geared, and motorised trolley. In addition, the variable frequency drives can also be externally mounted to motorised trolley units.
The JLC-V features a lifetime warranty with a durable construction and compliance with ASME/ANSI B30.16.
Columbus McKinnon, itself, will exhibit from its range of brands at booth 3205 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 manufacturers a complete line of rigging attachments, jibs, and enclosed rail systems.
Gorbel Inc. (2804) will exhibit 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 says: “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.”
‘Computer controlled, low current switching circuitry significantly extends contactor life,’ Demag says. ‘A microprocessor provides real-time diagnostics as well as service and maintenance information covering hoist and crane functions,’ it adds
By giving operators greater control over the loads that 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 adds.
The Q and iQ 660 units are ideal for larger capacity lifting applications, including lifting fully dressed engines and transmissions, changing out expensive machine tooling and dies on production machinery, heavy equipment manufacturing, and large valve assembly for the oil and natural gas industry.
Knight Industries (2637) will showcase its latest Servo Systems.
Knight promotes turnkey solutions in product design and development. The updated IAD Servo Systems are 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 says.
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. This new technology provides an improved response reaction to operator input.
“Knight Industries’ featured line of lean tools are designed to be uncomplicated, durable, cost-effective ergo assists,” it says. Each pre-designed device includes a balancer and pendant control. Lean tools are essentially a “pre-engineered Ergo Assist in a box,” it adds. Various lifting configurations include box clamp, prong clamp, J-hook, power clamp, seat scoops, magnetic and vacuum lifts.
Demag Cranes and Components Corporation (2834) has 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.
“Computer controlled, low current switching circuitry significantly extends contactor life,” Demag says. “A microprocessor provides real-time diagnostics as well as service and maintenance information covering hoist and crane functions,” it adds.
This information can be accessed via control pendant or radio transmitter mounted LCD screens. Communication with the crane is achieved with either a laptop or Pocket PC (PDA), with pre-loaded software from Demag, via infrared, without leaving the floor.
Operational safety is enhanced with standard hoist overload protection, upper and lower geared limit switches, brake wear monitoring and load spectrum recording. Additional standard features include a fast acting hoist brake, protective rope guide, lubricated for life gear reducer and state-of-the-art electrical equipment. Hard-wired push button pendants or optional radio controls are available.
Demag has launched its new stepless infinitely variable speed electric chain hoist. The DCS-Pro is a “must for any critical and precise material handling requirement,” it said.
The DCS-Pro stepless variable speed chain hoist utilises an inverter and stepless buttons, offering speeds from 100 FPM down to 0.45 FPM.
Avtron Industrial Automation (3212) will exhibit 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.
Additionally, Avtron will demonstrate “anti-sway” control, explaining how “you can improve your handling speed and boost your crane productivity,” it says. Visitors can also learn how Avtron can retrofit aging DC crane controls for improved reliability and reduced maintenance with its ADDvantage-32 DC drive.
The MHIA, the leading trade association representing the material handling and logistics industry, will use booth 1375 to market its other major trade show, ProMat, which takes place on alternate years to NA.
In January 2009, tens of thousands of material handling and logistics buyers from more than 90 countries will meet at Chicago’s McCormick Place South. They will come to see, touch and operate the solutions of over 700 of the top material handling and logistics providers. The 300,000 square foot show floor will feature manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, assembly, logistics and IT solutions for the supply chain.
A selection of remote control exhibitors
Cattron Group International (booth 2137) will exhibit 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.
“LCAS uses retroreflective Class I laser technology, which can detect either stationary or moving objects,” says Jeremy Pearson, sales director, North America Material Handling.
He adds: “Unlike some other products on the market, everything is in one enclosure. Set up is easy and most of it can be done on the floor before taking it up to the crane so down time is kept to a minimum.”
The field adjustable LCAS can be programmed for alarm, slowed or stopped at any user-selected distance. With a range of 50m (164ft), the device can sense distance changes as little as 3mm (0.12in).
The alarm output of LCAS is activated whenever a unit detects any target moving within its set warning distance giving operators sufficient time to take corrective action before a costly collision can occur.
Pearson contined: “When you consider the costs of repairing cranes that have been in collisions and factor in the additional costs to production because of equipment downtime, you can see why LCAS systems are so essential for equipment and personnel safety.”
Additional LCAS features include continuous fault monitoring, input voltage from 100 to 240 VAC, solid state control outputs with optical isolation to 4000 volts, and a single standard NEMA 4X (IP66) enclosure with optional internal heater for cold temperature applications. Complete specifications are available on the company’s website at www.cattrongroup.com.
Tele Radio (2840) will introduce its new systems T70-Jaguar and T80-Leopard. Additionally, the already established T20 for doors, ports and gates, T60 for industrial use, and the 860 system will also be on show.
Tele Radio claims: “T70-Jaguar is the first real high quality and low cost system in the market.” It is the solution for radio remote controlling of mobile, winching and crane applications, it adds.
The system has a large number of pre-programmed functions to choose from, for example, fixed relay configurations. T70-Jaguar uses the license free 433-434 MHz band. With a total of 64 different channels to choose from, “you will always find a free channel to work on,” even with other radio remote controls nearby.
The transmitter comes with 2-16 functions, depending on the transmitter version. For the TX4 and TX5 transmitter, the front foil is easily exchangeable between standard layouts or custom prints. The receiver RX1 has one auxiliary relay that always engages with the function relay. The bigger receiver, RX2, has the possibility to programme the relay to toggling and/or interlocking functions.
The T80-leopard is designed for secure hoisting solutions. The system uses the same technology as system 860, although the receiver is developed with single hoisting and monorail applications in mind.
It has a large number of pre-programmed functions to choose from, for example, fixed relay configurations. T80-Leopard uses the licence free 433-434 MHz band with a total of 69 different channels. The transmitter has 10×2 functions and the possibility to control two receivers, independently or simultaneous.
“Even here,” Tele Radio explains, “the front foil is easily exchangeable between standard or custom prints. The receiver has six relay outputs and two safety relays,” it adds.
As an option it comes with internal horn. For ease of installation and connection to a hoist, it has added the “de facto” standard 10 pin connector and made the receiver small enough not to be noticed when installed.
As reported, Enrange LLC (3123) has been bought by Magnetek, Inc.
Enrange controls serve a broad range of applications, including overhead cranes, monorails, automatic guided vehicles, gates, doors, mining equipment and conveyors.
Enrange will continue to operate out of its Canonsburg facility. Current Enrange president Chris Dulin will lead product marketing and wireless controls research and development for all of Magnetek’s radio control product lines.
Enrange eastern regional sales manager Dave Watenpool will handle sales for both Enrange and Magnetek radio control product lines, reporting to Ben Stoller, Magnetek business development manager.
Magnetek material handling business vice president and general manager Perry Pabich said: “In conjunction with our current Telemotive and PulseStar radio control product lines, the acquisition of the Enrange business broadens the wireless control product portfolio we offer our existing customers and allows us to penetrate additional markets.”
He added that Enrange has a proven track record of developing state-of-the-art radio frequency products. “We will be able to expand the excellent service and technical support we are renowned for to Enrange customers,” he added.
Cervis Inc.‘s TM60 and TM70 series transmitters and receivers are specifically designed to offer ergonomic customised solutions for EOT crane and industrial equipment radio control applications.
It says its units “meet the highest level of control directives for safety in the world (EU directives 99/5 and 98/3).” Cervis will exhibit at booth 3422.
Control Chief (2846) will exhibit 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. The system has been engineered and designed to be modular in form, providing both analog and digital input and output capabilities for multiple voltage and current options.
The LJ45 “is a perfect fit for those in industry who need a solution that fits between standard product technology and custom engineered technology,” it says.
The Richmond, Virginia-based arm of German remote control firm NBB Controls, Inc. (324) will exhibit from its Planar range, surface mounted joysticks and stop button technology at booth 324.
New products include its Planar B, C, and D pushbutton transmitters, with up to three motions and two speeds for bridge crane applications.
Also new is its Hypro Transmitter, with single axis field replaceable joysticks, powered by AA batteries, and the Planar NL Transmitter also with field replaceable joysticks.
Also on show
Street Crane (booth 2941) will launch a new generation of mid-range hoists in the core 5-25t category. “The ZX6-8 series hoists will set new standards for safety, reliability and performance,” it says. Hoist recently gained exclusive access to the Street headquarters.
The David Round Company (819) will exhibit from its range of hoists, winches, sheaves, chains, replacement bottom blocks, tractor drives, jib crane motorisation packages, davit cranes, jib cranes, manual hydraulic floor cranes and full power floor cranes.
Vitali International Lifting Equipment Ltd. (3204), will show 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,” it said.
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 will be the Yal Type lever hoist, available in 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75t capacity.
Mazzella Lifting Technologies (3400) will show chain, wire rope, web, and high-performance synthetic slings, as well as bridge cables, crane and steel mill cables.
Hirschmann Automation and Control (3415) will exhibit from its overload protection and weighing system range, including the PSA 3/1 and BSA overload protection systems for overhead traveling cranes.
O’Brien Installations Ltd., (a licenced partner with Vetter of Germany), claims to have been North America’s leading manufacturer of superior quality, high capacity, multi-purpose jib cranes for more than 25 years.
The firm will be exhibiting its complete line of jib cranes at booth 2744 in the hope of finding new dealers within the US market. In finishing with a record year of jib sales within the US market in 2007, through existing loyal dealers, O’Brien is “looking forward to continued growth in 2008.”
Tawi USA (612) will exhibit from its vacuum lifting range up to 600lbs.
