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Tough crane provides a gentle touch for turbine equipment

By Paul Dvorak | April 23, 2010

The ISL Model gantry crane is a heavy duty model engineered for higher duty cycles due to increased hoisting drum speeds, as well as increased ground speeds. The cranes, from Shuttlelift, Sturgeon Bay, Wisc,

A 180° swiveling operator's chair on the Shuttlelift model ISL lets operators position themselves at a vantage point to view each load. The feature reduces fatigue caused by "craning and twisting" to adequately view a load.

have fully traversing hooks, those that move the entire width of the crane for easy loading and unloading.

Each ISL Model is engineered to solve particular material handling challenges. The company says every solution it proposes is designed around specific measurements and job related requirements. Standard features include a lift capacity that starts at 15 tons and goes up to 150 tons. Higher capacities are custom engineered. If the load must traverse (move your load from side to side), the company says the ISL is the most economical solution.

The main crane structure is high strength, low-alloy steel of box-section design which differs from other cranes. Diesel engines propel all models. A pivot-trunnion joint lets the frame move independently, thus neutralizing frame stress under load on uneven surfaces. This feature prolongs the structural life. Hydraulic tubing of powder-coated steel gives superior durability and corrosive resistance for all exposed hydraulic lines.

The hydraulic system sports two main pumps and one auxiliary section, driven off the engine flywheel.  Quick disconnect pressure check points reduce downtime for service. The cranes come standard with a hydraulic oil cooler to keep fluid cool even under high duty cycles. The feature also lengthens oil life and reduces downtime by decreasing the frequency of hydraulic fluid changes. Built in hydraulic-fluid level monitor shuts down the engine should hydraulic fluid levels drop too low.

Hydraulic planetary hub drive ensures smooth, reliable operation under load. Smooth operation reduces load swings and increases safety.

Hydraulic braking includes a motion control valve to inhibit “freewheeling” on grades. The parking brake is spring applied and hydraulic released. Emergency or “E-Stop” buttons are mounted at each column just above the wheel fenders. Administers complete crane shut down and effective accident avoidance.

Hydraulic steering, for smooth operations, is built around the Ackerman steering principal and a 90° pivot steering for greater maneuverability. Controls are situated ergonomically on the drivers arm rests to lessen fatigue and improve sensitivity. Controls are “electric-over-hydraulic” for ease of operation and specificity of control.

Hoist drums on the lower side beam provide operators visibility and safe load control. A direct planetary gear drive on the hoist has an enclosed spring-applied brake with a hydraulic release. Forward blocks can be set at fixed locations, or an optional hydraulic adjustable block system is offered for varying hook points, without suspended loads.

Large diameter hoisting drums with grooves assure uniform cable spooling and to keep the cable from crushing. For safety, loads are held in a “rest” position by automatic brakes and backed up by load-hold check valves. Custom lift accessories can be added to any of the cranes to further enhance their overall lifting capabilities.

And an enclosed operators cab includes a heater for cold weather work includes a defroster and windshield wipers. Window tinting filters the sun yet provides clear view of load and ground riggers.


Filed Under: Blades, Hydraulics
Tagged With: crane, gantry, ISL, Shuttlelift
 

About The Author

Paul Dvorak

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