Features Archive
Archive of features from the global hoist industryFeatures By Date
August 2020
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Renewed Interest
Energy production used to mean coal, oil and gas, with nuclear as an adjunct. Not any more: alternative sources are set to overtake fossil fuels, and the lifting equipment they will need is as varied as the sources. Julian Champkin reports.
R&M App allows remote data access
US-based R&M Materials Handling has launched its Overhead Lifting Information (OLI) app, which enables operators to remotely read real-time usage and condition data from the accompanying HoistMonitor system.
Automation for container handling from Kalmar
Kalmar, part of Finland-based Cargotec, has introduced Kalmar One, designed to be the first truly open automation system for the container handling industry, says the company—adding that it has the potential to make the adoption of automation easier for terminals of all kinds by removing existing barriers and mitigating risks.
Jaso and Tecnalia convert industrial cranes into robots
A new development from Spain’s Jaso Industrial Cranes opens up a wide range of possibilities for automating manual and precision processes, such as the automatic polishing of wind turbine blades.
Quick and Easy Digitalisation from Columbus Mckinnon
The first element of Columbus McKinnon’s Intelli-Crane suite of digital motion control systems, Intelli-Protect, was introduced earlier this year, with the next—Intelli-Lift— due for launch this month.
Computer Love
Digitalisation is enhancing performance and safety across the lifting sector with a raft of innovations. Daniel Searle looks first at Condra’s move into semi- and fully-automated cranes.
July 2020
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Carry it off
Portable cranes are generally hand powered and can be lifted or moved by one person. Julian Champkin looks at these light but useful lifters.
Forward thinking
With the 2020 Hannover Messe exhibition postponed until next April, Daniel Searle rounds up some of the latest innovations from Europe.
June 2020
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The height of entertainment
When entertainment events resume around the world, specialist stage lifting manufacturers will be ready for them. Julian Champkin looks at latest products and some recent shows that took place prior to Covid-19.
States of the art
This year’s Modex show took place in Atlanta, USA, just before international travel began to be curtailed by Covid-19. Daniel Searle caught up with some of the exhibitors remotely to discuss their key developments
Flight delays
The sale of hoists to the aerospace industry was booming before the COVID-19 pandemic grounded the majority of international air travel. Tom Woerndl talked to the key players in the sector.
Observe the skies
An Australian space surveillance project is using Konecranes equipment for installation and maintenance of the telescope and building.
May 2020
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Until next time
Logimat is a European showcase of new products from the lifting industry. Scheduled for March in Stuttgart, this year it was, as with almost all public events, cancelled. Julian Champkin presents some groundbreakers that would have been on show there.
Training carries on
Training is of course essential, but what specific benefits does it bring? And how can technology help it to continue during the current crisis? Julian Champkin investigates.
April 2020
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Linked In
Chain hoists, manual or powered, have been around for many years. They tend to carry smaller loads than wire rope hoists, but their convenience and easy-to-handle nature makes them ubiquitous. Julian Champkin looks at the latest offerings.
International growth for Reid Lifting
UK-based Reid Lifting was acquired by Pure Lifting in mid-2019. Daniel Searle spoke to the company about their plans for the business under the new ownership.
Easy Street
Street Crane, based in the UK, has developed a web-based tool that will revolutionise how the company, and its global network of distributors, take and produce orders. Daniel Searle visited the company.
Container enthusiasm
Ports need to handle ever-growing volumes of container traffic, carried in ever-larger ships. Julian Champkin looks at how terminals are installing equipment to cope.
March 2020
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Under the Sea
There are very few harsher environments than those in the depths of the ocean. Daniel Searle reports on the latest lifting technology for subsea applications.
Magic Clamp
With hoists handling a wide range of loads, having the most effective hook or lifting attachment is key for operators. Tom Woerndl reviews recent developments in the sector.
