Features Archive
Archive of features from the global hoist industryFeatures By Date
September 2019
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Northern heights
John Bensalhia takes a look at the North American hoist market, and reports on its notable projects, products and innovations.
Backs and basics
Aching backs and pains in the joints are no longer acceptable as inevitable sideeffects of working life. Julian Champkin looks at how advances in ergonomic design and practice are helping to eliminating them.
Jumbo lifting
High-capacity lifting is in ever-increasing demand. Julian Champkin looks at the market for hoists with capacities of 5t and above.
Weir’d Science
A system for lifting boats past a hydropower dam on the Upper Rhine has been redesigned by Innokran, using Stahl CraneSystems hoists.
August 2019
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Going up down under
The crane market in Oceania has been going through hard times. But Julian Champkin finds an air of anticipation and a refusal to give in.
Through the roof
Digitalisation in hoist technology has brought us such things as antisway mechanisms, load monitoring, automatic speed control, and zone control. But as Julian Champkin reports, that is just the start.
Staying power
John Bensalhia investigates the latest developments in hoisting equipment and machinery for the power generation industry
Apprenticeship pathway to the lifting industry’s future
Baz Trewhella, learning and development projects specialist at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), was tasked in 2018 to initiate a project for establishing an apprenticeship standard for the lifting industry. He explains the progress and scope of the initiative.
Best supporting tractor
A combination of Erikkila light crane systems and Kito hoists were installed at an innovative tractor manufacturing facility in Germany.
July 2019
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Rigging it up
Julian Champkin looks at recent developments in the rigging and attachments sector.
On a roll
The paper and card manufacturing industry is on the up, and innovations in handling, logistics and maintenance are helping the sector to meet demand. Daniel Searle reports.
Middle east to move
The Middle East is oil-rich but unstable. Julian Champkin finds the market for lifting machinery has been on hold, but is poised to move upwards.
June 2019
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New possibilities for Crosby and Straightpoint
Daniel Searle visited Straightpoint’s Havant premises to find out more about how the business will be adapting under its new owners, US rigging manufacturers Crosby Group.
Sway away
Accomplished hoist operators can move a load without causing it to sway. But it is a skill acquired only with training and experience. Julian Champkin finds that anti-sway systems do even more than the name suggests.
Set the stage
The entertainment industry demands ever-greater spectacle, which means ever-greater demands on stage lifting technology. Julian Champkin is stage-struck.
Innovation showcase
Promat took place in Chicago in April, with crane and handling equipment manufacturers lining up alongside other members of the logistics industry. Daniel Searle attended.
May 2019
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Chains of success
The chain hoist has been around for many years. Julian Champkin finds modern additions to a design that works.
Going Nuclear
Both building and decommissioning nuclear plants imposes very special requirements on lifting gear. Julian Champkin finds the regulations as mountainous as the loads to be moved.
Mixed Growth
Africa’s manufacturing sector may have previously gone through tumultuous times, but with recovering global commodity prices the sector is set to register growth that will fuel increased demand for various load lifting equipment designed to maximize quality production and ensure high level material handling processes. Shem Oirere reports.
Engine Room
A jet engine maintenance facility in Brazil is using a highly automated system manufactured by Stahl Talhas for transporting engines.
