Masco Crane & Hoist sees demand for radio remote controls

The company says it is a question many customers ask when purchasing a new overhead crane system or retrofitting their existing crane.   

Pendant Control Stations hang from the hoist or separate festoon system/track of a crane and limits the overall mobility for the crane operator when hoisting a load. This limited mobility can introduce the chance for the operator to put themselves in poor positions such as pinch points, confined areas, and closer to swinging loads or the possibility of a dropped load. Operating with a pendant may also require an additional worker to act as a signal person or spotter when performing a lift. 

The wireless radio remote controls provide the operator with greater mobility, range of motion and they can also operate the crane performing their lifts from safe distances. Having greater mobility around hazards and obstacles in the facility such as benches, racks, machines, allows the operator to avoid unsafe positions, and prevents tangling and snagging of the pendant wire on these obstacles. 

“Radio remote controls have been proven through our customers feedback and experience to increase productivity, efficiency, and reduce operational costs when operating their cranes,” a Masco Crane & Hoist spokesman said.   

“The technology has improved and changed considerably with remote control systems. They are more durable, flexible, versatile, ergonomically designed and are proven in extreme working conditions. 

“Our customers believed remote control systems were an expensive upgrade; however remote-control systems are more cost effective compared to years ago.” 

He added, when purchasing a remote-control system on a new or existing crane, you receive two remote controls so you always have a back-up in the case the working remote is damaged. If for some reason both remote controls have been damaged, you still will have the option of using the pendant control station that is tied up on the crane bridge for emergency use.   

Remote controls are now quick, and easy to install, are easily programmable, and parts are readily available for repairs 

One improvement Masco Crane & Hoist  has seen is the move towards powering the remote-control systems with “AA” batteries.  This eliminates the chance of not charging or forgetting to charge the remote controls and finding they are dead when you need to use them.