What is believed to be the world’s first air operated hoist with a lift capacity of 125t has been manufactured by materials handling and lifting specialists J D Neuhaus. This is the most powerful unit in its EH range of handling equipment.

Designated as an EH 125 monorail hoist, the unit operates from a 6 bar air pressure and is equipped with 10kW and 2.8kW rated motors for the lifting and traverse functions respectively.

In standard format, the hoist is supplied with a six double-chain mechanism providing a 3m lift at speeds of 0.30m/min within a full load, and 0.38m/min on lowering. Horizontal travel speeds of 6m/min are achieved with maximum load and 8m/min when unloaded. A 2m length flexible connection is supplied with an ergonomic multi-function pendant controller for precise, infinitely variable control of the lift/lowering and traverse operations for safe, accurate load placements.

The hoist is designed for operating within heavy industries such as steelworks, cement, chemical, power generation and shipbuilding plants as well as the oil and gas markets. The low-headroom design ensures that the hoist can be used where minimum operating space is available, while an Ex rating ensures suitability for use in hazardous areas where there is a potential risk of explosion.

The product is 100% duty rated while also being insensitive to humidity and dust laden atmospheres, and can operate within a temperature range of -20°C to +70°C.

As with all the JDN high-performance lifting products, standard safety features include a fail safe brake to hold the load in the event of air supply failure, an emergency shut-off valve, anti-climb and anti-drop devices together with an emergency lowering device.

Optional accessories include overload and increased spark protection, two-speed trolley travel control and rack and pinion drive. Non-standard lift heights and remote radio-control operation can also be accommodated.