Cranes & Hoists

New hydro finish for hoist range

The J D Neuhaus C rail and light crane systems are suitable for use in explosion dust-laden areas

J D Neuhaus (JDN), the leading German manufacturer of pneumatic and hydraulic hoists and crane systems, is implementing a new hydro coating on its industry-leading hoist range. The coating  not only enhances quality and appearance, but is far more environment- friendly, the manufacturer said.

Moving from a standard hammer finish to the hydro coating will contribute to sustainable protection of the environment, it said. In fact, the new hydro coating features a percentage of organic solvents that is less than 3 per cent, which is significantly more environmentally-friendly than the former hammer finish. In addition, the coating is silicone-free, which means no wetting failures, an important consideration for automotive or coating plants.

A Profi 6 TI hoist shown in motor trolley, just one of the range of J D Neuhaus products to feature the new hydro coating

A Profi 6 TI hoist shown in motor trolley, just one of the range of J D Neuhaus products to feature the new hydro coating

Further benefits of the hydro coating include optimised adhesion, high resistance to corrosion and oil, and the potential to be diluted with water if required. It offers excellent surface quality, even when refitting, and complies fully with the VOC (volatile organic compounds) directive, it added.

JDN’s lifting equipment is designed to be used in the world’s toughest operating conditions, a fact supported by the company’s mantra of ‘engineered for extremes’. In sectors such as mining, offshore, energy, chemical and construction, safety is the number one priority. From an equipment perspective, this means reliability and robust manufacture, as the margins for failure are typically zero, particularly in long-lift and/or repetitive cycling applications.

In addition, the hoists are rated for use in explosion and hazardous dust-laden areas up to Atex Zone 2, with even higher classifications. This means that JDN equipment will not generate any sparks or electrostatic discharge.

JDN hoists are also required to offer full functionality at all times, regardless of the presence of contaminants such as dust, dirt, heat, cold or seawater. As a result, each component is actually manufactured to a level beyond its standard specification and rigorously tested to ensure that both performance and quality are maximised. In turn, this renders the hoists ideal for use in a wide variety of industries, from automotive, shipbuilding and steelmaking, through to food, glass, leather, printing and papermaking.

JDN’s hoists, such as the company’s class-leading air-powered Profi range is available with various control systems and load capacities from 250kg up to an impressive 100 tonne. Alternatively, JDN’s hydraulic powered Profi hoists can be deployed, which are available from 3 tonne up to 100 tonne in lift capacity. Alternatively, the Monorail hoist series is ideal for low-headroom as well as heavy-load applications. The pneumatic Monorail series covers carrying capacities from 10 tonne to 115 tonne, while units from 20 tonne to 100 tonne are also available with hydraulic drives.

Among the latest developments to the JDN range of hoists and cranes is a robust new control concept. The company’s JDN-RC (Radio Control) features a solid and extremely compact receiver to suit even hoists with low-carrying capacity. The receiver can be mounted on the hoist or trolley, or at a separate location, in line with specific customer requirements. It allows users to work at a safe distance from the load and take a better viewpoint during operations. Furthermore, the control is ideal for spanning long distances between the hoist and the operator, and represents a sensible alternative to applications demanding a long control hose. The receiver is suitable for use in harsh operating environments, including Atex (explosive atmosphere) zone 2/22 conditions.

A further recent innovation is the introduction of a range of C rail and light crane systems for operation with the company’s established and successful mini air hoist range. Both the C rail/suspension tracks and the light crane systems are rated for use in explosion and hazardous dust-laden areas up to Atex Zone 2, 22. Featuring high quality standard elements, the modular C rail systems/suspension tracks make for smooth movement of loads in accordance with individual customer requirements.

Also offering modularity, the light crane systems adapt easily to load and operating conditions, and are available in four standard profile sizes that provide smooth movement of the reinforced crane bridge.

With over 200 employees across the group, J D Neuhaus manufactures pneumatically and hydraulically-operated hoists and crane systems up to 115 tonne capacity from its state-of-the-art facility in Witten, Germany. This globally unique specialisation means that J D Neuhaus has set the quality standard for the market, a move that has seen the company become the established global leader in its technology field with customers in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Resilience and reliability are the key product differentiators, thanks largely to their explosive protection rating which makes them ideal for use even in the most challenging of operating environments. Extreme applications include oil and gas exploration in arctic temperatures as low as  45-deg C, along with underwater tasks such as ship hull repairs, and plenty of others in demanding sectors like mining, the chemical industry, heavy plant construction and many areas of logistics.

The wide portfolio of services provided by J D Neuhaus includes equipment assembly, inspection, maintenance and general overhaul, along with the supply of customer training courses.

Over 80 per cent of production from the Witten plant is exported, which is why the company has long-established subsidiary companies in France, Great Britain, Singapore and the US, all of which have helped create a tight-knit global network in collaboration with international partners.

J D Neuhaus has history that can be traced back to 1745, and is now in its seventh generation of family ownership.