More scope for planning and operating cranes: Extended Demag KBK crane construction kit

With several new features, Demag has extended the possible applications and variations of its already universal KBK crane construction kit. The focus is on components with a higher load capacity, improved utilisation of the available space and less installation work.

The Demag KBK modular light crane system is the perfect construction kit to create tailored solutions for lifting, moving and handling components. Planners can match the system perfectly to working processes, the goods to be transported and almost any conceivable building situations. Demag KBK can be used to create ergonomic, single workplaces just as easily as end-to-end intralogistics concepts for complete production and assembly lines.

Single-girder cranes for up to 2,000 kg

The latest additions to the product range include a new, stronger suspension and improved trolleys. In future, they can be used for KBK single-girder cranes with load capacities up to 2,000 kg. Until now, the requirements in this load range could only be met by double-girder cranes. The single-girder design offers the benefit of lighter and more compact crane configurations.

Users of the new single-girder crane in the KBK system can save space in two ways, as one double trolley is now sufficient instead of the previously needed two double trolleys connected by a load bar. This means that the crane approach dimension can be significantly reduced, which also provides for improved utilisation of the available space.

Reduced approach dimensions can now also be achieved with single-girder cranes from the KBK Aluline range. The KBK A22 single-girder crane in this system can now be offered with a load capacity of 2,000 kg. Since the KBK light crane system allows several cranes to travel on the same crane runway, double crane trolleys will continue to be used to prevent collisions. A more compact design can be implemented for the cross-travel unit: The new single trolley per-mits lower approach dimensions and, therefore, better utilisation of the available space.

Larger distances between suspensions – greater flexibility

Another new feature in the KBK Aluline range is a suspension with a higher load capacity (up to 2,400 kg) for the largest A22 crane runway rail section. This extends the possibilities for planning with KBK Aluline in two directions: The system can now also be used with cranes that have a load capacity up to 2 tons and which can be implemented more easily in connection with the new trolley. Larger distances between suspensions can also be achieved on the crane run-way if several cranes travel on the track: This can be seen with a specific example of four 500 kg cranes on one crane runway: Until now, the maximum distance between two suspensions measured 1,841 mm. Thanks to the new suspension, this distance can now be extended up to 3,573 mm. This allows planners greater flexibility already in the project phase, and the installation work as well as the associated assembly costs can be significantly reduced.

Demag had already extended the possibilities offered by its online configurator. This allows double-girder cranes to be selected with a raised bridge in combination with an internal conductor line for electrically powered long-travel motions. This extension to the construction kit is aimed at KBK applications with limited headroom and a larger lifting path. Here, too, the benefits focus on optimum utilisation of the available space. This raised crane bridge design with a maximum useful hook path is also available for the KBK Aluline system.

Travel path limits easily installed

And a further new feature emphasises the modular principle of Demag KBK. Thanks to a travel path limit that can be installed in any position, owners can now limit the travel motions quickly and easily. If required, this enables the crane and trolley travel motions to be limited – also temporarily – and safe operation of the cranes can be improved to meet specific needs.

With these new features, Demag can provide the users of light crane systems with new and practical system modules.

Alfons Gruttmann, Director Demag Sales Germany: “Our customers appreciate the Demag KBK crane construction kit for creating ergonomic workplace crane solutions to meet their individual needs. They particularly value the high flexibility and modularity of the comprehensive construction kit system for all industries. Demag KBK is used for lifting and transport applications for loads weighing from 80 kg to 3.2 tons. With our KBK construction kit, we offer our customers optimum and sustainable solutions that can always grow with and be adapted to their production needs at all times.”