Crane manufacturer Condra Cranes has secured an order for a replacement overhead crane at a millhouse in KwaZulu-Natal.

The new double-girder electric overhead crane spans 21 m and is equipped with two hoists: a 35 t main unit as well as a 5 t auxiliary unit, both mounted on the same crab and delivering lifting heights of 15 m and 16 m respectively.

Condra, which received the order on June 6 from authorised Condra distributor Natal Cranes after the distributor won a tender to replace a machine that had failed inspection and load testing, has committed to a delivery date of six weeks from drawing approval.

The crane’s maximum long travel speed will be 31 m a minute, with 15.4 m/min on the cross travel. Control will be by mobile pendant.

It will feature a full-length walkway, dual- speed controls on all functions, binder brakes, stainless steel panels and IP65 dust and waterproofing for the motors, while the paint finish will be to high-specification anticorrosion standard.

The new crane is replacing a deteriorating crane which is adversely affecting production in the millhouse where it is installed, says Condra MD Marc Kleiner.

After installation and commissioning, the replaced crane will be scrapped.

In the same millhouse, he points out that Natal Cranes has been servicing a 10 t Condra maintenance crane installed in 1987.

“The 10-tonner is still working reliably after 36 years,” Kleiner comments.

He explains that, while Condra’s tender price may, in many cases, not be the lowest, the product represents a first-rate, top-quality offering and the longevity, robustness and reliability of the crane manufacturer’s installations globally justifies the investment made in them.

“Condra’s product quite simply has more depth and durability. Our sales pitch might sometimes not be as polished as our rivals, but the mettle of our products is wellproven,” says Kleiner.

A complete range of spare parts remains readily available, he adds.