Hoist Special Features That Maximize Your Application’s Performance

At R&M Materials Handling, we’re proud to include many features as a standard part of our offering that many other lifting equipment companies consider extras. However, the overwhelming demand for hoists across diverse industries and applications means some hoist and crane applications require more, so we offer a spectrum of hoist special features you can choose for your specific application.

We can develop engineered, custom solutions for your crane by selecting from our broad range of special features to create a complete system with all the necessary functionality.

Precision Controls for Picking & Placing

Many industries and applications require extreme accuracy for handling high-value materials, operating complex production processes and maintaining high safety and efficiency standards. Precision controls ensure accurate and careful handling of materials, prevent damage and waste and enhance productivity by reducing errors and downtime. These operations often involve repetitive and delicate tasks that benefit from automation and advanced control systems to maintain consistent quality and performance.

Special features for precision picking and placing include:

ControlMaster® Anti-Sway system removes load swing and the need for an operator to try to control this manually, speeding up processes and enhancing operator and load safety.
Variable speed controls in trolley and bridge travel motions allow flexibility in speed control, reduced brake wear and smooth ramp-up and ramp-down to prevent load swing. At R&M this is included in our standard offering at no additional charge.
Inverter hoisting controls improve load handling efficiency, reduce downtime and increase productivity. With infinitely variable controls and extended speed ranges, inverter hoisting allows operators to choose the right speed at the right time.
Load stabilization with load floating smart controls enhances accuracy in positioning and improves safety.
Smart controls like inching and micro-speed controls increase positioning accuracy and minimize potential damage to delicate loads.
Load-turning features protect the hoist from side pull outside the allowable range, increase speed and safety during load turning and reduce the risk of equipment damage.

To learn more about R&M's hoist special features for precision controls, check out our Precision Controls Case Study: New York Blower | Load-turning

High-Speed & Heavy-Duty Class Operations

Equipment used in high-speed and heavy-duty class operations is subject to extensive wear and tear, which affects safety and productivity. R&M offers special features that improve productivity and ensure equipment durability and performance under demanding conditions. These features help industries meet high production demands and maintain competitive advantages.

Special features for high-speed and heavy-duty class operations include:

Inverter hoisting controls improve load handling, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Extended speed ranges and infinitely variable speeds give operators more options to maximize efficiency with load handling.
Heavy-duty hoists like R&M’s PDW ensure durability in demanding environments and provide reliable performance.
Class H motor insulation enhances motor performance and longevity, essential for high ambient temperatures or heavy-duty use.
HoistMonitor® Enclave offers overload protection, duty class monitoring and shock load prevention, improving safety and extending the hoist’s lifespan. Coupled with a gateway modem, it provides wireless monitoring of parameters that enable predictive maintenance and troubleshooting, limiting unplanned downtime.

Check out our High-Speed & Heavy-Duty Class Operations Case Study to learn more: Engineered Systems, Inc. | Crane Manufacturing

High-Risk & Extreme Environments

When operations extend into high-risk and extreme environments, standard equipment often fails to meet the rigorous demands imposed by these challenging conditions. These environments require equipment that performs reliably and ensures workers' safety and operational continuity. By incorporating special features into hoists and cranes, industries can ensure that their operations remain efficient, safe and productive, even in the most demanding conditions.

Special features for high-risk and extreme environments include:

Smart controls and safety features for critical lifts enhance safety and ensure precise lifting.
Secondary braking features act as a redundant holding brake, which acts as a backup in case the hoisting brake were to fail.
The Spacemaster® EX hoist is available with Class I, Division 2 or Class I, Division 1 explosion-proof ratings and has non-sparking options for increased safety in hazardous environments.
Dust and moisture resistance features, such as IP66 protection, bottom-side drum covers and rail sweeps, allow equipment to remain functional in extreme environments.
Resistance to dust and moisture indoors or to outdoor weather conditions includes features like rain covers, IP66 protection for motors and electrical panels; rail sweeps, special paint thickness and anti-jump catches. These features protect the equipment from damage and improve performance in inclement applications.
High altitude features, such as upsized motors and components, maintain lifting capacity and efficiency at high altitudes where air density is lower.
Corrosive environments and galvanizing operations could require special paints and coatings, as well as specialty cast iron motor housings, to extend equipment lifespan.
Features such as standby heating to prevent condensation build-up, special materials for extremely low temperatures, and air-conditioned cooling for very hot temperatures, safeguards equipment in extreme temperatures

To learn more about these hoist special features, check out our High-Risk and Extreme Environments Case Study: U.S. Gypsum | Indiana Mine

Extreme Dimensions – Lifts, Spans & Runways

Standard equipment often falls short when it comes to managing extreme dimensions. Specialized solutions are necessary to ensure precise handling, enhanced operational efficiency and improved safety. These advanced features support the safe lifting and movement of heavy loads, optimize workspace utilization and streamline processes, ultimately driving productivity and reducing operational costs.

Special features for extreme dimensions – lifts, spans and runways include:

Cantilever cranes extend spans on either or both sides, optimizing existing runway structures and extending the crane’s reach.
Specialty hoist drum lengths can allow for longer than standard heights of lift. Adding more rope to a standard drum and increasing its headroom can also increase a hoist’s reach in a cost-effective way.
Multiple runways allow for very long open spans and, when paired with RaCon® radio controllers, provide optimum floor coverage and ease of operation, increasing operational flexibility.
Long spans can be accommodated with bogie end carriages and box girders that enhance load distribution on the runway rail and improve installation safety and efficiency.

To learn more about R&M's hoist special features for extreme dimensions - lifts, spans and runways, check out our Extreme Dimensions Case Study: Papé Machinery | Forestry Equipment

Reconfiguring Existing Building Spaces

Reconfiguring existing building spaces to keep up with an ever-changing array of production needs helps facilities to remain competitive. These reconfigurations drive significant productivity and operational performance improvements by optimizing space utilization, ensuring flexibility, integrating the latest technologies and enhancing safety.

Special features for reconfiguring existing building spaces include:

Space optimization with customized crane designs and the low headroom Spacemaster SX hoist improve floor coverage and maximize available space – making more room for production changes on the floor, without a need to retrofit the crane.
Flexible trolley configurations offer a quick solution to replacement hoists, ensuring seamless integration and operation.
Gantry and stooled up cranes offer an opportunity to recapture unused ceiling space during a crane retrofit by optimizing the space above an existing runway and squeezing crane components in to a space-efficient design.

Check out our Reconfiguring Existing Building Spaces Case Study to learn more: Bohl Crane | Custom Engineering

Adding the right special features to your hoists and cranes ensures they meet specific operational needs and perform reliably in various environments, making them a valuable investment for any lifting operation. Which special features are suitable for your application? Contact us online or call 800-955-9967 to talk with an expert.

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Special Features for Better Performance