Konecranes redefines heavy lifting with new M-series winch

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global crane technology leader Konecranes has retooled its flagship heavy winch design, incorporating the best features of its Uniton and Smarton models into the new M-series winch.

Konecranes next-generation heavy-duty winch offers improved hook approaches and flange mounted motors for positive motor to gearcase alignment that reduces component wear. M-series’ updated trolley layout improves safety while better facilitating inspections and maintenance with the use of convenient and safe trolley walkways. These design features, combined with Konecranes purpose-built, crane-duty Core of Lifting components have resulted in a winch that can easily be configured to fulfill the needs of various production processes.

“The M-series was developed to capture all of the most reliable and proven elements of Konecranes market-leading lifting technology into a single hoist that answers the demands of our most severe process-duty customers,” says Juergen Gieske, vice president, crane sales. “This hoist delivers exceptional reliability through its robust construction and heavy-duty design, enhanced by a long list of updates and refinements that stem from Konecranes dedication to safety and extended equipment life.”

The M-series winch is available in capacities up to 70 metric tons, and CMAA ratings from D through F for service in a broad range of process duty applications. It features Konecranes own Core of Lifting motors, carburized and ground gearboxes, hardened wheels and control systems that are designed and manufactured to work together seamlessly as an integrated whole.

One standout innovation for the M-series is the relocation of the hoist brake. It is now situated directly on the gear case, a significant safety step forward from previous designs that attached it to the motor. In that configuration, if a motor shaft cracked the brake would not function. 

“This new brake location is as close as you can get to the drum without putting the flange brake on the drum itself,” says Gieske. “We relocated the brake for better safety, and it also delivers best-in-industry 200 percent motor torque braking.” M-series also offers an optional second brake on the motor if needed for the application for added safety or for hot/molten metal applications. 

M-series is built with Konecranes own Core of Lifting crane-specific motors designed for continuous reversing of direction and higher thermal loads. Motors have an extended speed range at two times (200 percent) the nominal speed at 20 percent of rated capacity or less for greater productivity.