Load technologies aid operators in safe lifts

Whether operating a boom truck or a huge crawler crane, the operator needs as much information as possible to safely lift and place the load. Load Moment Indicator (LMI) and Rated Capacity Limiter (RCL) technologies lead the way in providing this critical information. While some crane manufacturers have developed their own LMI/RCL systems, others procure these systems from a variety of companies that specialize in producing these systems for crane OEMs.

Voice of the customer

“We will always listen to our customers and build to their requests and requirements, if it’s a standard system or completely custom system we are willing to assist in any way we can,” said Joel Francis, sales director for Rayco Wylie.

Rayco Wylie continues to advance its i4500 series technology that has capabilities to outfit any style of cranes or other machines, Francis said.

The i4500 series display is an all-in-one display. It can be utilized as a simple load only system or a complete RCI or LMI with camera options, outrigger-monitoring options, wind speed option, ground bearing pressure, zoning and many other options. This is what

makes it an all-in-one system. With the Rayco Wylie i4500 series display, multiple displays are not needed in the crane cab.

The i4500 series utilizes a full color display in 4.3-inch, 7-inch and 10-inch models, and options to suit a variety of customer needs. It features self-diagnostics, operator usability and ease of calibration. The systems utilize the CAN bus protocol to communicate with each interface, constantly monitoring all the cranes sensors to give clear, accurate information to the operator. The CAN bus network also allows huge amounts of flexibility with the ability to add or remove sensors when required at any time throughout the life of the equipment.

The i4500 series offers a way of rethinking security on construction sites and can be the new definition of safe load indicators for mobile, tower, overheads or any type of crane in which the operator plays the key role of his own safety.

Perfectly adapted for the OEM and retrofit markets, the system includes the data logging feature to track parameters and crane usage.

“We provide the complete turnkey crane indicators for many types of cranes, and we offer many other solutions that can include, monitoring of an elevated work platform, man-baskets, tele-handlers, under-hook weighing, wind monitoring solutions and many others options for the crane and lifting industry needs,” said Francis.

Flexible display size

The Hirschmann MCS qSCALE Ix load moment indicator provides the operator with a graphic display of the crane’s current load and geometric information, including the actual and allowable load, boom length, boom angle and load radius. The display also includes an integrated bar graph that provides the operator with information regarding the crane’s utilization.

The system offers the flexibility of a 4.3-inch (qSCALE I2) or 7-inch (qSCALE I3) color graphic display that features a superior HMI graphic interface for easy operation, the company said.

The qSCALE Ix supports both wireless and hardwired sensors and was designed with an IP66/67 protection rating which is suitable for use either inside or outside of the cab. Setup of the crane parameters and LMI functions are done through an easy to use Configuration Tool. The system also features a simplified calibration procedure through a menu-driven process to reduce calibration time. The qSCALE Ix meets the requirements for OEM and aftermarket applications.

Pocket friendly

For quick, handheld or cab-mounted wireless monitoring of crane sensors, Trimble’s MBR Series Displays can monitor load, wind speed, wind gust, A2B, boom angle, trim angle, list angle, rope payout, rope speed and/or pressure for many crane and lifting applications.

The MBR Series Displays are “efficient, simple and precise,” said Olivier Desrochers, crane operator at Grues Laurier, a Quebec-based crane rental and construction company. The MBR Series includes a handheld, battery-powered version (MBR100) or a cab-mounted, vehicle-powered version (MBR105). Both display models can monitor one analog and one digital sensor simultaneously. The battery-powered MBR100 operates with four ‘AA’ cell batteries; the MBR105 operates with a 9-30V power connection. Unlike other portable displays, the MBR100 has a long battery life, up to

90 operational hours using alkaline batteries or 125 operational hours using lithium batteries.

“The compact size and long battery life from standard off-the-shelf ‘AA’ batteries alone are a great solution, but the MBR100 takes it even further by simplifying the sensor ID programming and taring a load, making this a perfect product for load testing applications with the flexibility to check and monitor standard sensor data,” according to Adam Hyla, branch manager Offshore & HALO Smart Crane at Hoist & Crane Service Group, Inc., a national provider of lifting equipment inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs based in Louisiana.

The MBR100 is portable and lightweight (0.95 pounds or 430 grams), allowing free mobility on the jobsite while providing comfortable, in-hand monitoring of Trimble’s Lifting Solutions wireless crane sensors. With a wide line-of-sight wireless communication range of 4,260 feet (1,300 meters), the MBR Series Displays can monitor sensors using Listening Mode without modifying the current RF network hierarchy. Users can set limits for alarms and view the peak load during use when programmed with a load sensor.

“The MBR Display Series has been designed to be utilized by a range of customers,” said Dawn Cirkl, business area director for Trimble’s Lifting Solutions Division. “Whether it’s an OEM wanting to test a machine’s design, a crane supervisor wanting to monitor a load or an inspector certifying a crane during its annual inspection, the MBR Display Series offers a wide variety of applications to suit the needs of our customers in a rugged, pocket-friendly case.”

The MBR Series has an ambient operating temperature range of 5°F to 122°F (-15°C to 50°C), an IP65 rated composite enclosure and features an ISM license free radio optimized for communication in industrial environments. The MBR105 Display has an available lockout function. Both MBR Series Displays have a hinged lid that opens and closes for safe storage and screen protection. An optional neck lanyard and wrist strap is available.

Controller technology

Inter Control has long offered electronic control systems in Europe and the company is increasing its footprint in the U.S. market. Inter Control’s core business is a safety controller.

A specialist in providing electronics for off-highway machinery, Inter Control designs and manufactures heavy-duty controllers, I/O-modules and displays. Its products are based on open standards, and the company provides installation support as well as training for all levels of integration and service. Its controller for the American market is the Digsy Fusion LMI/Controller. The standard controller has 48 I/Os available. It can be expanded to 240 I/Os with additional controllers

The new controller includes CANopen Safety communication for sensor-to-safety controller, Ethernet to router/modem, sensors via analog/digital inputs, data logging and the optional SAE J1939 to engine. The control and monitoring solution for hydraulic cranes includes a safety controller, sensors and a 4-inch or 7-inch display.

No programming is required and the operator can achieve such functionality as LMI/RCL, boom monitoring and control, data logging, wind speed measurment, calibration of sensors and setting of geometry limitations.

Inter Control, based in Nuremberg, Germany, has provided systems toTerex Demag, Terex Comedil, Tadano, Liebherr and Hidrokon. The company is a member of the EN 13000 standardization work group.