Light lifting equipment workstation for production lines
April 2026
Motion Control & Drives
Light lifting equipment plays an important role in the automotive sector, particularly at workstations where components and vehicles require precise movement and positioning and where it is inefficient to move them manually.
“Our Konecranes KBK steel and aluminium light lifting workstations offer a faster installation and removal of components, thereby speeding up assembly line operations, which assists in reducing production downtime. The Konecranes KBK aluminium system is about 50% lighter than steel, which helps reduce rolling resistance and makes manual operation almost effortless. Meanwhile the Konecranes KBK steel profiles are made of cold rolled steel with a smooth surface finish for easy bridge trolley travel, as well as dust and dirt protection,” said Ian Grobler, sales manager for Konecranes, South Africa.
The Konecranes KBK steel workstation light lifting system can reliably and safely meet the stringent requirements of the automotive sector for workplaces and production lines. The KBK system offers a lifting capacity of up to 2000 kg and offers multiple standard options for different needs. This KBK workstation can also improve productivity, efficiency and enhance operator safety in industrial environments where such precision and repetitive handling is common.
The KBK aluminium light lifting equipment workstation satisfies the demanding elements of clean workplaces and production lines while also offering a lifting capacity of 2000 kg. Both the KBK steel and aluminium systems are available as ceiling mounted or freestanding, single or double girder or monorail.
“The KBK light lifting workstation is manufactured from high quality components that produce an ergonomic operating environment, offers smooth travelling and minimal noise. With less operational distractions, the operator would be able to focus more intently on load control. A variety of lifting devices can be chosen to create a more operator friendly and efficient workstation so that the operator may experience less workplace discomfort such as back strain and other musculoskeletal injuries,” commented Grobler.
The Konecranes C-series hoist for everyday processes, the Konecranes belt hoist for electronic, pharma and food industry applications, and manual hoist products for heavy duty operations can all be utilised with the KBK workstation with ease.
The Konecranes KBK light lifting equipment workstation lifting runways can be attached to ceiling supports such as concrete pillars or steel beams near the wall, or can be assembled around a free-standing wall. The KBK trolleys and bridges enables the working area to be maximised due to their compact design. The double girder trolley lies between the girder for flexible headroom under the crane.
Ergonomic controllers, operated from a distance via a portable radio control or with a pendant controller hanging from the crane structure control the Konecranes KBK workstation, and both types maximise safety and load control. Power supply options include festoon, internal busbar and energy chain.
“Our KBK workstation cranes can be used when loads and spans are small or large, or within a complex system. The design and focus of the KBK workstation cranes is to offer a maximised workspace, durability, enhanced safety and productivity and serviceability, all elements that contribute to making them a great fit not only for the automotive sector, but also for the food and pharmaceuticals, general manufacturing and maintenance sectors,” concluded Grobler.
For more information contact Konecranes and Demag South Africa, +27 11 898 3500, [email protected], www.konecranes.co.za
Further reading:
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...
Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...
Drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Motion Control & Drives
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...
Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Motion Control & Drives
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...
Keep your turbines spinning
Motion Control & Drives
No turbine is immune from wear and tear. Unexpected downtime or poor performance can quickly degrade its value and lifespan, but strategically maintained turbines can deliver decades of performance.
Read more...
Linear drive architectures deliver versatility without complexity in medical technology
Motion Control & Drives
Linear drive architectures provide a straightforward, configurable way to deliver precise linear motion, making it an increasingly valuable solution in medical motion designs.
Read more...