LIFTING BEAM
Caldwell provides beam for balancing rolls The Caldwell Group has provided a 680kg (1,500-lb.) capacity roll lifting beam and levelling system for a company that manufactures various types of hygienic wipes. A major advantage is that one operator can now complete the application instead of two. The beam, which is 2.18 metres (86 in.) between the j-style hooks and 2.43 metres (95.75 in.) from endto-end, is designed for unbalanced loads. In the end user's application,
it is common for a roll to be slightly off-centre and the operator would previously have to handle the load or below-the-hook equipment to straighten it. These substrate rolls must be lifted into place during an important phase of the production process.
Caldwell was initially given the nature of the material handling problem, in addition to the weight, width, height of rolls, and distance between the cradle support. Based on this, it was decided that a combination roll lifting beam and leveller would best suit the user's requirements. The attachment works beneath the hook of Harrington Hoists' equipment, to which it is attached by a hook and latch system. The lifter's bottom hooks are not designed for side-loading, but they can pivot laterally. These j-hooks extend approx. 1.27 metres (50 in.) in length and are designed to handle a specific mandrel diameter. Darrin Noe, director of sales at Caldwell, said: “A red / green indicator light notifies the operator that the leveler has engaged and which direction the bail is adjusting to accommodate for the load’s center of gravity location. The leveler can be used to adjust the lifter bail as needed to find the center of gravity. Once the leveler indicates a level lift, the operator can continue to move, rotate, and position the load as needed.” Caldwell’s leveller, originally used strictly for the Posi-Turner product, is now used in multiple applications where it is beneficial to have a control system that senses when a load is out of level and automatically activates the levelling adjustment on the lifter to level the load. “Besides added speed and efficiency, the levelling option brings added safety to many types of lifting requirements by allowing the operator to stand a safe distance from the suspended load.”
Caldwell Group , info@cadwell.com, www.cadwell.com
EUROCHAIN VX-S is a new single-speed variation of the EUROCHAIN VX range A new single-speed model for loads of from 125 to 2000 kg is now available In VERLINDE's range of EUROCHAIN VX electric hoists. The VX-S hoist offers functions similar to the EUROCHAIN VX range but with new lifting speed advantages: design, robustness and safety for lifting. VERLINDE's EUROCHAIN VX electric hoists are delivered with various devices as standard including an UP/Down electrical safety limit switch, IP55 single-speed hoisting and travelling motor protection, 2 buttons pendant on a hook suspended hoist or with a manual trolley or 4 buttons pendant for hoist with an electric trolley. Also offered as standard, a new suspender compatible with existing trolleys was designed to facilitate hoist installation. The reduction of "C" dimensions
optimizes the height of lift, proposed as standard from 3 meters. For more precision, electric trucks are fitted as standard with a speed variation of from 5 to 20m/ min. Various options complete this standard equipment, including in particular 90° rotation of the suspension along with folding, fixed or automatic top hooks. For travel, two speeds of 20 and 5m/min together with a slow variable speed of 3 to 10m/min are proposed. Design The dimensions of the lifting unit have been reduced to enable improved approach data of hook. The new chain bucket design has led to an innovative assembly in two parts that increase the hoist's toughness and safety. These innovations fit in absolutely with the production environment. Toughness The travel limit switch is now tougher for operating in difficult environments. The hoist brake, too,
has been optimized. In addition to increased safety for the user, these elements do not require any adjustment and are low maintenance. Performance Many internal developments of the hoist motor have been achieved. Its operational characteristics now go further than those required by market standards. It is even more reliable and its lifespan has been lengthened. The flow of cooling air for the motor has been improved and overheat sensors are fitted as standard. The gearbox is now more powerful: its operability has been optimized with a wider range of ratios to align it with a greater scope of customer applications and improved productivity. Torque limiter settings are now more precise to offer greater security to the structure of buildings in the event of excess weight.
Verlinde, +27 (0) 82 852 9364, info@verlinde.co.za, www.verlinde.co.za
ELECTRIC HOISTS
The method employed by this end-user is unique, not because it utilises the beam, but in its incorporation of Caldwell's load leveller product. The concept, which balances the roll before a worker performs the next operation, is operated by two pendant push-buttons.