Industrial equipment supplier Becker’s Kito electric chain and manual hoists have been designed for dependable use in materials handling applications in diverse industries.

These include mining, construction, shipbuilding, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals processing, manufacturing and general industry, as well as in chemicals and petrochemicals plants and the wind power sector.

Kito electric chain hoists and manual hand chain blocks and lever hoists, which are manufactured in Japan to stringent quality and safety specifications, are suitable for demanding applications in wind turbines.

“Wind power, which is gaining popularity globally as a dependable source of renewable energy, is a growing business sector for our Kito range,” explains Becker Mining South Africa consumables senior GM Rick Jacobs.

While traditional coal mining for energy production requires hoists that can operate safely in confined and dust-filled conditions underground, the available space in wind-farm nacelles (which house the drive train and other tower-top components) is also confined. These hoists are often hundreds of metres above the ground and spray sea water rather than dust, which is the usual environmental hazard.

He adds that the strictest safety standards are vital during the construction, maintenance and operation of wind turbines. Dependable, industry-approved equipment is vital and must be correctly used by trained workers.

“Specialists in the wind power sector have specified stringent requirements for hoists, including the need for their service life to be at least 20 years, to match that of most wind power generators. “It is also important that hoists are able to deliver reliable operation in arduous environments, like corrosive coastal conditions and precarious mountainous areas,” he stresses.

He adds that the robust Kito range – which meets and exceeds industry requirements – can be customised by Becker specialists to suit exact requirements of every wind turbine installation.

Optional components also include a radio remote control, foam hook protector and plain, geared or motorised trolleys.

Kito standard ER2 electric chain wind hoists – with a maximum load capacity of 800 kg, a lifting height up to 150 m and 3-phase 400 V to 690 V – are available from Becker with higher load capacities, greater lifting heights and special voltages on request.

Notable features of these wind hoists include an IP55 Ingress Protection rating to guard against the ingress of dust and water, a fan-cooled motor system for optimum cooling and a thermal overload limiter to prevent the motor from over-heating.

The aluminium die-cast body ensures a stable structure, and a friction clutch protects components that are subjected to stress against overloading. Added to this are five or six pocket load sheaves that, depending on the product model, ensure smooth operation.

Other important design features include a top hook or connector that can be easily assembled and disassembled for reliable suspension. The load hook pivots by 360º to avoid kinking and twisting of the load chain. Internal connectors enable direct cabling for easy connection and helical gears reduce operating noise.

For enhanced safety, upper and lower limit switches stop the hook when the highest or lowest positions have been reached and an electromagnetic brake or a pull rotor brake ensures powerful braking, holding the load securely at all times.

The convenient display of operating data – including operating hours and load cycles – allows maintenance intervals to be planned effectively.

Kito single-phase ED electric hoists – which are lightweight, weatherproof and corrosion resistant – are also suitable for use in wind turbines. This robust series, with load capacities between 60 kg and to 480 kg, has an operating voltage of 1 PH 230 V/ 50 Hz and a lifting height up to 100 m.

Other features include hook suspension, a high-performance mechanical brake with a friction clutch and single or dual lifting speeds up to 20.1 m/min.

Kito manual chain hoists are used in wind turbines to lift components to the machine room, during assembly and maintenance procedures. These robust hand chain blocks offer load capacities up to 50 000 kg, while lever hoists safely move loads up to 9 000 kg.

A major advantage of these compact manual chain hoists is they can be used in areas with limited space and in applications without electricity.

The extensive range of Kito hoists is available exclusively in Southern Africa from Becker Mining South Africa and a network of carefully selected distributors, which offer a technical advisory, repair, test and back-up service.

To ensure hoists are in pristine condition and operate effectively at all times, it is critical they are tested regularly at Becker Mining South Africa’s workshops, or at any certified repair centre.