Getting the balance right Bas Tolhuizen, E‑Crane, Belgium, explains how equilibrium-balanced cranes offer particular benefits for the bulk materials handling industry.
E
-Crane developed the first equilibrium‑balanced cranes 25 years ago. The design is based on an innovative parallelogram‑style boom that provides a direct mechanical connection between the counterweight and the load. This four‑bar mechanism system ensures that the crane remains in balance throughout its working range. Compared to conventional cranes, which require as much as 80% of their available energy just to move the boom, stick and grab, the equilibrium‑balanced crane works with, rather than against gravity, reducing horsepower requirements and power consumption by up to 50%, as well as reducing maintenance and operating costs. Flow‑on‑demand hydraulics also play a part in lowering power consumption, along with the modular design. This simple, balanced design with modular construction allows for off‑the‑shelf components for longer service life, but also enables custom solutions.
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