The latest crane intelligence ‘smart features’ will be on display at crane, hoist and mechanical lifting equipment company Pro Crane Services’ (PCS’) stand at this year’s Electra Mining Africa exhibition.

Sales director Sean Hale says visitors to Stand G18 in Hall 6 will be introduced to crane features such as sway control, A & S motor technology, tandem operation and shock load prevention, among others. With the use of frequency inverters, there are 11 new smart features, which enhance safety and improve productivity.

Hale explains that sway control helps crane operators with load control by monitoring all movements, lifting height, speed of travel and the load carried. The system uses these values to regulate acceleration and braking curves correspondingly, thus preventing sway on the load suspended.

A & S motor technology involves the use of frequency inverters for the hoisting process, which increases productivity. Hale says the technology helps to extend the life of motors and brakes, cutting down on the cost of maintenance work and spare parts. “Furthermore, the hoist works in a far more energy efficient manner than a conventional contactor-controlled solution. Hoisting speed is increased when lifting loads up to 25% of the full load,” he states.

In terms of tandem operation, PCS will show how an electronic crane interlocking feature improves safety when two cranes are in shared use. Hale says the smart feature involves constant radio monitoring and exchanging of relevant data. Relays in an additional control panel for each crane ensure that messages are processed to communicate between the two systems.

The shock load prevention feature on display ensures a smooth load pick-up. The hoist drive monitors the load and when a quick load change is detected, for instance, when slack chains or slings become tight, the system slows down until the load is lifted and then returns to normal operating speed.

Hale says PCS has become one of the market leaders in crane technology in South Africa and neighbouring countries.

“We operate to suit the diverse requirements of multiple industries within Africa, having a history of producing solutions to suit numerous industrial sectors, namely, mining, steel, petrochemicals, utilities, glass and general maintenance,” he states.

Many years of experience in a variety of fields has allowed PCS to provide “high-quality, high-speed and optimum flexibility” in lifting technologies.

Further, PCS’ sales and after-sales departments, which Hale and MD Ken Watridge oversee, have proven crucial in the highly competitive crane market, successfully securing and completing a number of multimillion-rand projects in recent months.

“With more projects still to complete, 2014 promises to be another record-breaking year,” Hale says.

The company has branches and agents countrywide, with fully trained service engineers on call 24 hours, seven days a week.

PCS is the sole licensee in sub-Saharan Africa for global crane company SWF Krantechnik, with partners worldwide in over 54 countries. The company was awarded best partner for sales achieved in 2011 and in 2013.

Hall 6 Stand G18