ERGONOMIC DESIGN The lever and crank design of the Yale ERGO 360 ratchet lever hoists enable the operator to control the unit safely and effectively
Lifting equipment supplier CMCO Material Handling is preparing for increased demand for its Yale ERGO 360 ratchet lever hoist when the full range of the equipment arrives in South Africa this month, meeting the evolving needs of the mining industry.
CMCO Material Handling GM Trevor Herbert explains that, as mining companies continue to focus on large-scale projects and high production rates in a competitive market, and underground development extends to unmatched depths, the demands on hoisting systems have intensified. Therefore, many miners are seeking hoists with larger capacities that can perform lifting requirements more efficiently.
The Yale ERGO 360 ratchet lever was launched in Europe, the US and South Africa in November and is available locally in 750 kg and 1 500 kg capacities, with the addition of the 3 000 kg and 6 000 kg versions imminent.
Demand from the mining industry for high quality and service continues, especially in the crucial area of safety, says Herbert, adding that “market response to the Yale ERGO 360 in South Africa has been slower than expected; however, we are confident that we will see an increase in interest with all capacities available, complete with overload limiters”
.CMCO, the South African subsidiary of Germany-based multinational Columbus McKinnon Corporation, notes that, coupled with the need to offer high- efficiency hoists was the desire to improve the ergonomic grip of the operating handle. As a result, the operator can manoeuvre the unit more effectively.
The lever hoist is the first of its kind on the market, offering an ergonomic design that increases efficiencies and safety in lifting and pulling applications. The hoist enables operators to work up to 12 times faster and uses up to 30% less pull force than conventional ratchet lever hoists, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency when lifting and moving loads.
Herbert explains that the angle of the arc through which a user can apply reasonable force to a traditional lever is limited because of the natural wrist position on the grip. To address this, Columbus McKinnon Corporation introduced a 360º-rotating lever with a fold-out revolving crank at the end. Subsequently, the arc over which force can be applied is no longer limited and an operator can realise the full potential of a 360º rotation while working in a safe and ergonomic position, where the wrist is kept at a comfortable angle, avoiding the repetitive wrist action experienced with traditional lever hoists.
The crank handle can also fold away for easy storage and transportation, and be used when needed on either side of the lever. The lever’s double reduction gearing and high-quality bearings decrease the pull force required when lifting or pulling a load, decreasing operator fatigue, compared with conventional ratchet lever tools.
With a lightweight aluminium construction, the Yale ERGO 360 is, moreover, built with longevity in mind and allows for easy and smooth free chaining or attachment of a load, adds CMCO. Additional features include a robust housing design for the hoist, with recessed bolts for protection, a zinc-plated load chain and a convenient protected directional indicator.
Load limiters, which prevent severe overloading, are also offered as an optional extra on the hoists.