The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety, but also deliver a higher level of operator protection. “Skimping on crane and crane operator safety can lead to major accidents that no company wish to experience,” said Ian Grobler, sales manager for Konecranes and Demag South Africa.
“Smart features give you greater control of material handling in your production processes. From the moment operators take charge of the crane their work becomes easier and safer due to the reduced chance of human error,” said Grobler, adding that the S series hoist also features Konecranes’ world leading synthetic wire rope that offers advantages such as higher strength, reduced weight and increased durability, particularly in light to medium lifting applications where safety and less maintenance are key requirements.
Benefits of smart features
Konecranes, acknowledged as a leader in crane component design that translates into a safer and more productive lifting experience, offers a wide range of smart features that can be activated upon requirement, such as:
Slack Rope Prevention: When using a lifting device such as a coil tong, pressing tool tong or lifting beam, Slack Rope Prevention will prevent hoist ropes from becoming slack and the lifting device from falling or tilting.
Microspeed and inching: Heavy lifting in assembly can mean highly accurate positioning in a tight space as needed. Microspeed makes movement slow and exact, and inching allows the operator to move the loads in small increments.
Working Limits: Used occasionally when you have transport vehicles entering your facility, Working Limits builds temporary walls where the crane is designed to automatically stop.
Sway control and active sway control: Controlling the acceleration and deceleration of the bridge and trolley allows faster load handling and more precise positioning while reducing the risk of damage to the load, crane and surrounding area. Sway Control dampens existing load sway.
Snag Prevention: Stops crane movement if the hook, sling or load accidentally catches on something. Snag Prevention helps to prevent damage the load, crane and operational areas.
Target Positioning: Moves the load from one of eight possible home positions to one of 120 pre-set target positions. Target Positioning reduces cycle times and enhances safety.
Many other features such as Hook Centering, Follow Me, Advanced Speed and Extended Range, Load Floating and Hoisting Synchronisation offer safety elements in addition to their prime function of reducing wear on mechanical parts and increasing productivity.
Konecranes’ smart features are already installed in the S series and are easily activated. They can also be loaded onto existing cranes. “We can customise a package of the smart features that are required to suit a customer’s production and operational requirements. Ultimately, they enable the operator to have greater control of the crane which leads to a safer environment, increased production, less downtime and smart operator performance,” explains Grobler.
Consultative process
“Our goal is to get everyone home safe, every day. The S series with its smart features and synthetic wire rope is another way we showcase our experience and expertise and how it can make a difference on the factory floor. Our lifting equipment is designed with an operator’s safety being paramount. We engage with our customers through a consultative, open and transparent approach so that we can deliver measurable improvements that embrace safety, productivity and sustainability,” concluded Grobler.
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