Three new overhead cranes for Dongen site

In Dongen, we test lifting equipment daily for its intended working load or breaking force. We do this using a large tensile testing machine with a capacity of over 14,000 kilonewtons (kN). The lifting equipment is carefully hoisted into the tensile testing machine using cranes. Marcel Sips is a tensile testing machine operator and explains: ‘The two cranes we used for this purpose dated from 1975 and, after inspection by our own inspectors, were found to be in need of replacement.’

Synchronised operation

The Mennens site in Groningen – where overhead cranes, among other things, are assembled – therefore set to work for Dongen. Marcel: "We now have two new, advanced cranes, each with a capacity of 5 tonnes, for the tensile testing machine. A major advantage is that they can be operated synchronously. We had to operate the previous cranes separately. That is no longer the case. This makes hoisting much more efficient. Each crane also has two hoists, which we can operate simultaneously. There is also a tilting module, which simplifies rotation."

Fine hoisting and shock protection

The two new cranes offer greater ease of use in various ways, explains Marcel. ‘For example, the cranes have a fine hoisting function. This allows us to hoist objects very gently and position them in a controlled manner.’ Another advantage is the shock protection. ‘There is a run-out on the crane that minimises shock movements during lifting. All this makes the whole process even safer.’

Third crane for lifting in the workshop

In addition to the two cranes for the pull bench, colleagues in Dongen use a crane to move steel cables through the workshop. Ben Haarsma, Test & Repair Manager, explains: "This crane had also been rejected and needed to be replaced. The new crane has a working load of 20 tonnes. We use it to hang very heavy reels, so that we can move steel cables safely through the workshop. With this new crane, we are set for years to come."

Come and take a look

Would you like to see our new overhead cranes in action? Are you curious about the possibilities for testing your hoisting equipment? We would be delighted to welcome you in Dongen. Please contact us to make an appointment.