Konecranes new CXT Explorer brings overhead crane safety, productivity and cost advantages to remote and temporary locations
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio, March 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Konecranes stand-alone CXT Explorer is an overhead crane system that arrives in its own shipping container and can be assembled at an outdoor site in hours.
CXT Explorer is the newest idea from global lifting leader Konecranes for safe, cost-effective lifting in remote areas where overhead lifting capabilities are needed. It positions Konecranes proven CXT electric overhead wire rope crane on top of a rugged steel structure supported by two standard ISO shipping containers. This concept, originally developed for vehicle maintenance in the military, brings the advantages of a factory crane to remote or temporary locations.
Outdoor features include rain covers, waterproof electrics, and heating in the motors and electrical cabinets to avoid condensation. CXT Explorer is suitable for use in harsh conditions with temperatures ranging from -4 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit, or -20 to +50 degrees Celsius. The whole crane area can be covered with a special tent for additional protection if needed, and the unit can run on a generator if there is no source of electricity. The shipping containers that the crane rests on have a side door, and double as storage for crane components, service tools and spare parts. Best of all, it delivers factory-level lifting just a few hours after arriving on-site.
"The benefits that CXT Explorer brings to the table are substantial," says Doug Maclam, VP Industrial Crane Sales. "Compared to a mobile crane, the CXT is simple to operate and does not require a dedicated crane operator. It delivers true lifting capacity up to 5 metric tons (11,000 lbs) in a relatively small footprint. Companies who have traditionally rented mobile cranes with skilled operators are finding that this system will pay for itself in just a few months."
Maclam estimates that it would take a 15-ton mobile crane to match the 5 metric ton lifting capacity of the CXT Explorer.
"Mobile crane boom length, boom angle and radius all conspire to reduce capacity at the hook," he said. "With an overhead crane you get the rated capacity at the hook every time, with more precise control. It also has an overload limiter that prevents it from picking up more than capacity. And since it is an overhead crane you can't turn it over, which is another big safety advantage."
The CXT Explorer is finding a home in mills, refineries and factories performing onsite fabrication that requires precise control. Civil engineering projects like bridges and highway overpasses also benefit. The crane has a 5m (16.4 ft.) lifting height and moves in six directions like a factory crane. Its lifting footprint is 6m (19.7 ft.) along the rails and 5m (16.4 ft.) between the containers.
"This unit is perfect for the type of welding and fabrication that occurs during construction, outages and turnarounds–ductwork, pipes and elbows," said Maclam. "Unlike mobile cranes that require a signaller and rigger as well as an operator, the overhead CXT Explorer can be operated by one person in a defined area. There is no danger of encountering power lines, and with a cover, the unit can continue to work in rainy conditions. All of these factors save time and money as well as reducing potential electrocution hazards."
CXT Explorer can be assembled in just a few hours, with Konecranes record time for setup being 1 hour and 15 minutes. When the crane is no longer needed, it can be packed back in its container and moved to the next job.
Konecranes CXT Explorer package features the company's workhorse CXT Hoist, making it attractively cost-competitive. Even when used in a remote area, factory parts, service and on-call maintenance are available from 600 Konecranes locations in 48 countries.
Additional information:
Chelsea Wright, Marketing Specialist and Communications Coordinator, Region Americas
[email protected] or 937.525.5533.
About Konecranes, Inc.
Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment of all makes. The Group has 18,000 employees at 600 locations in 50 countries. Konecranes class A shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki (symbol: KCR).
This press release is available at www.konecranesUSA.com.
SOURCE Konecranes, Inc.
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