This add-on system provides complete safety for cranes working in tandem by coordinating speeds and restrictions. It can be mounted without modifying the cranes’ electrical controls.
This add-on system provides complete safety for cranes working in tandem by coordinating crane and hoist speeds and restrictions, and can be mounted without modifying the cranes’ electrical controls. When the leading crane passes its slow-down or stop limit, the trailing cranes will also slow down or stop.
When working in tandem mode, it is possible to by-pass the anti-collision protection, allowing the cranes to travel at high speed, even though the proximity to each other would normally limit them to low-speed travel. Monitored trolley and hoist motion is available as an option. Through laser detection, mechanical issues can be identified, forcing the cranes to a safe state.
There are two standard versions of tandem protection. BASIC protection covers only travel motion. On both cranes, an i-C4C monitors limit switches and anti-collision. Both units communicate with each other through a radio frequency (RF) connection.
By extension, the tandem functionality can also safeguard the distance between the cranes. It will stop the motion when the distance deviates from the set value. Note that it will not adjust the speed of the cranes to ensure they stay together.
In the EXTENDED tandem functionality concept, trolley and hoist motion is also monitored. Through a wired CAN bus connection, the data are fed into the crane’s master i-C4C.