Everything You Need to Know About Crane Pendant Control Stations

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At any given moment, over 250,000 people are at risk of accidents related to the operation of crane and hoist systems. Because of this, construction and factory workers must do all in their power to reduce the risk of injury.

Fortunately, with ground-level crane pendant control systems, it’s easy to operate this machinery safely and efficiently. Read on to learn what a crane pendant control station is and why it’s one of the most groundbreaking technologies in all manual labor industries!

What Is a Crane Pendant Control Station?

The majority of overhead cranes are operated electrically. Like any electrical appliance, they need a person to operate their controls and ensure that they function in an intended manner.

Crane pendant systems are the control boards that construction or industrial workers use to operate and direct the movement of a crane. Specifically, they ensure that the hook (or pendant) of the crane moves appropriately and can be positioned purposefully. With these controls, you can cause the crane to automatically lift and maneuver the objects that you’re working with.

What Can Be Controlled?

Crane pendant controls are used in three primary ways:

  • Directing crane motion (moving the machine itself up and down runways and around cites)
  • Hoist positioning (horizontal/lateral side-to-side movement of the pendant, good for positioning the load)
  • Hoist lifting motion (vertical movement of the hook to move loads up and down)

How Does the Operator Control the Crane?

There are also three main ways that an operator can control the pendant of the crane.

The first and historically most common method requires multiple people. An operator sits in a cab that is attached to the body of the crane and controls its movements. One or two coworkers will stand on the ground and use hand signals and walkie-talkies to tell the operator where to move the pendant.

This is not the most efficient method, however. A crane can also be controlled by an operator on the floor using a crane pendant system. This system is attached to the crane, which allows one person to move it and direct it appropriately without the help of other coworkers.

Some crane pendant systems are also wireless- the operator can use them to direct a crane all the way across a construction site. These controls use a radio transmitter and receiver to direct the movement of the crane. This is usually the ideal way to control a crane. It provides workers with a lot of range and easy, no-frills maneuvering.

Why Is This Important?

There are many benefits to crane pendant control stations.

First, operators can walk closer when setting and positioning loads. This allows them to easily maneuver around obstacles that are on the ground and to be more precise in where loads are placed. This is primarily a good idea when you use wireless radio-operated controls because the cord won’t become wrapped around things.

They also make your on-site work safer and more productive. You won’t run the risk of knocking into anything (or anyone) while in a cab attached to your crane. You also don’t need to worry about wires and cords snagging on large items and knocking them over.

Get Started

While maneuvering a crane is a challenge, initially, it becomes much easier over time. Crane controls are simple to understand and to ultimately master.

 Contact our experts to ask any lingering questions you may have about crane control. We also will give you a quote for the equipment that you need to make your project run as efficiently as possible.

 

 

 

The Top 10 List of Industrial Manufacturers of 2020

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If you’re looking for ideal ndustrial equipment, you need to find the highest quality manufacturers. 

Working with the right industrial manufacturers will take all of your projects to heights you’ve never realized. Read up on these top manufacturers. 

The Top Industrial Manufacturers

The top manufacturers specialize in everything from cranes and forklifts to bulldozers and oilfield equipment. Here are some of the top companies:

1. John Deere

John Deere has been around since 1837 and for a good reason. 

Professionals in the agricultural and construction industries have used an assortment of machinery that the company produces. They also contribute heavily to the forestry industry all over the world. 

2. Volvo

You’re probably familiar with the line of vehicles that Volvo puts out. However, Volvo is also responsible for parts that serve several industries, heavy machinery, demolition, and other areas.

They make some of the best excavators on the market and are responsible for a lot of heavy lifting. 

3. Hitachi

This Japanese manufacturer has been around since the early 1900s. 

They create machinery for a lot of different industries. For example, they provide wheel loaders, excavators, dump trucks, and hydraulic cranes for the construction field. 

Hitachi is also responsible for some substantial infrastructure, such as power plants, power grids, and wind power generation systems. 

4. Metso 

This is a relatively young company since they’ve been around since 1999. Metso serves several industries, such as mining and oil and gas. 

Headquartered in Finland, they bring in billions providing equipment to companies all over the world. They sell items like jaw crushers, ball mills, and slurry pumps. 

5. Terex

Terex is a materials handling company that specializes in quarrying and construction needs. They are based out of Connecticut and were founded in 1933. 

The company has lots of longevity due in large part to the fact that they were once part of the General Motors company. They rake in about $5 billion in revenue. 

6. Hyundai Heavy Industries

This is yet another company that is known for the manufacture of vehicles, but it has so many other products that make infrastructures run. 

They are based in South Korea and happen to run the most massive shipbuilding yard in the world. These contractors work with plants of all kinds, and engineers rely on a lot of the products they manufacture. 

The company has been around since 1972 and quickly emerged as a leader in the industrial manufacturing field. 

7. Sany

This Chinese based company was founded in 1989 and generates billions each year. 

They specialize in both high-end equipment and research and development. Sany manufactures everything from excavators to cranes for companies of all types. 

Shop With The Best Manufacturers on the Market

Shopping with these industrial manufacturers will help you to the fullest. These are some of the best brands and companies that you’ll want to do business with when you need these products. 

We specialize in everything from brakes and clutches to oil rig equipment, hoists, and transmissions. Browse our inventory to learn more about what we have to offer. 

Take time to contact us via our online form, or call us at (866)210-5897.

How to Choose the Best Industrial Clutch Brake

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Having already contributed over $2.2 trillion to the US economy, manufacturing is one of the most exciting and productive industries in the nation.

If your plant uses heavy machinery, you’re likely always looking for ways to improve your efficiency. Finding the right clutch brake for your equipment is essential to this goal. Here, we’re going to talk about how to select industrial brakes and clutches for your heavy equipment, so read on to maximize your efficiency!

Look at Clutch Brake Types

When selecting clutch brakes to improve the efficiency of your machinery, you have two primary options: disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brakes are simply a metal disc that is placed inside of the front wheels on a piece of machinery. When activated, they cause a hard pad to press down on the brake disc. This ultimately slows the machinery down until your equipment ceases moving altogether.

On the other hand, drum brakes are essentially a shoe that you install on a machine’s hollow wheel hub. When the brakes are activated, this shoe pushes into the wheel. The friction produced by this movement slows down the wheel’s rotation.

Disc brakes are the more long-lasting and durable option. They perform better and are quieter than drum brakes. However, they’re also much more expensive.

In many cases, your industrial machines don’t need the perfect brakes —  they just need something that gets the job done. Drum brakes are an affordable alternative that works well for heavy-machinery. They also are dependable, despite not being the most high-tech option.

Choose a Manufacturer

Once you know whether you want disc or drum brakes, it’s time to choose a reputable manufacturer for your brakes. This likely sounds like a daunting task- after all, there are so many industrial manufacturers out there!

Kor-Pak partners with the most reliable and high-quality industrial manufacturers out there to bring you the best machinery on the market. If you look here, you can see and assess the many manufacturers that we, as an authorized distributor, represent. 

This makes the process of selecting a provider much easier by narrowing down your options for you. It also ensures that you will be as satisfied as possible with the clutch brakes that you choose.

Consider Accessories

You also will want to consider the brake and clutch accessories that look the most useful to you. Options include:

These are just some of the accessories that you can choose from. Make sure that you choose a clutch brake that is compatible with the add-ons that you want.

Get an Industrial Clutch Brake Today

Many aspects go into choosing industrial brakes and clutches, and the decision ultimately will come down to your business’s values and needs.

Contact us to discuss your plant’s individual needs and get a quote on how much your new equipment will cost you. We’re committed to matching you with the ideal manufacturer and specific product that you need to maximize production and remain efficient.

2020’s Leading Manufacturers of Industrial Brakes and Clutches

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The global brakes and clutch manufacturing industry grows annually by about 2.5%, and within the next five years, it’s projected to hit $742.7 million. This makes sense- after all, industrial plants like yours need the most updated and efficient equipment to ensure both safety and production.

But who makes the best equipment on the market. Read on to learn about some of the best makers of industrial brakes, clutches, and other heavy machinery!

Antec Drum Brakes

Antec is a manufacturer of power release drum brakes that are also spring-applied. Because they have an optional scale for torque control, the brake torque is simple to adjust. This means that it has a greater variety of applications than it otherwise would, which makes it a versatile investment.

Additionally, all Antec brakes use a TURBEL- a three-phase AC electro-hydraulic thruster- for brake release.

These drum brakes are perfect for use with industrial cranes, but they also work in steel mills and material handling. If you want to ensure that conveyor belts or winches operate appropriately, Antec is also the company for you. 

Marland Clutch

Marland is primarily a clutch manufacturer specializing in sprag clutches, HBG clutches, and one-way CEBMAG backstops. Priding themselves on creating innovative clutch designs since 1931, Marland has over 100 different models of clutches and can accommodate machine shaft sizes of up to 600 millimeters.

Whether you want a high-speed clutch with dual-drive applications or cylindrical rollers in a cage that forces them to move simultaneously, Marland has you covered. 

Johnson Industries

Johnson Brakes is a manufacturer that Kor-Pak has worked with for more than 20 years. As a result, you can trust that they’re one of the highest-quality trustworthy manufacturers on the market.

This company makes a vast multitude of products, including pneumatic, hydraulic, spring-set, or manual disc brakes to engage conveyor belts and rotating manufacturer equipment. Additionally, they offer drum brakes to help your cranes and hoists to work as effectively as possible. Storm brake systems are also an option for rail and industrial wheel clamps.

Johnson offers every type of disc and drum brake under the sun! Assess your needs to ensure that you select not only the appropriate brake type but also a size that works for you.

Get Brakes and Clutch Equipment Today

There are many manufacturers of brakes and clutches on the market. So ordering through Kor-Pak is a must no matter which creator you choose. Our professionals look at and assess your equipment to determine the precise items that you need custom-made.

Now that you know the leading brakes and clutch manufacturers on the market today, it’s time to get started. Request a quote for the industrial equipment that you need for your manufacturing plant. Our experts will answer any lingering questions that you may have and ensure that you have the brakes, clutches, and other machinery necessary for your plant’s productivity.

The Top 5 Benefits of Wireless Crane Control

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The wireless trend has transformed a range of industries, and the construction field is one of them.

If you are responsible for moving materials around job sites or warehouses, then now may be the perfect time to make the transition to wireless crane control. This technology controlled by radio is increasingly capturing the attention of companies interested in upgrading their cranes to boost their productivity.

Here’s a rundown on the top five benefits of wireless and remote control for cranes.

 

1. Wireless Crane Controller Can Improve Productivity

Wireless controls offer the benefit of having multi-frequency capabilities.

This is important because it allows you to wirelessly operate several cranes simultaneously and not worry about dealing with radio interference.

2. Remote Control for Cranes Offers Greater Precision

As a crane operator, sometimes you need to move closer to a crane to achieve greater precision. Rather than having to stay in the cab of the crane, you can draw closer to the crane with the help of wireless crane control. 

For instance, let’s say that you need to maneuver loads through a tight space. Or, maybe you need to set a load onto a pylon or bolt. Wireless crane control can make this possible.

3. A Wireless Crane Controller Can Increase Safety

With wired crane controls, you have to move in the crane’s direction along the floor, and your speed must match the crane’s. This boosts your chances of fall and trip accidents.

However, with a wireless controller, following the load’s path is not necessary. As a result, wireless control makes crane operation safer overall.

In addition, let’s say that you need to move farther away from your crane to remain safer at the job site. For instance, perhaps your load contains hazardous materials, or it is very hot. Wireless controls allow you to stay back while still getting the job done accurately easily. 

4. A Wireless Controller Offers Better Visibility

With wireless controls, you can easily move around your job site or the floor to get a clear view of your crane. Thus, you can load without having to rely on a spotter. 

This makes wireless controls handy during and before crane operation.

5. Remote Radio Crane Control Is More Convenient

With wireless controls, you don’t have to deal with tangled cables. This can help with preventing problems for the operator and the load.

How We Can Help with Wireless Crane Control and Your Other Crane Needs

In addition to offering wireless crane control, we provide a wide range of other crane upgrades and modernization services.

For instance, we can help you to take advantage of a rubber-tired gantry crane for stacking or grounding containers. We also offer electrical overhead traveling cranes for maintenance and manufacturing applications.

We can also inspect your cranes and repair your existing crane equipment as needed. Furthermore, we can create custom crane equipment for your unique applications.

Get in touch with us to learn more about how our crane services can help you to take your projects to the next level in the months and years ahead.

5 Things to Know About Custom Rubber Products for Rail Applications

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Custom rubber products for rail applications play a pivotal role in the 140,000 miles of railroad tracks that line our country and the world beyond. 

We have the equipment required to manufacture custom rubber products for rail applications. Before moving forward, though, brush up on all you need to know about these unique rail products. 

1. It’s Not Like Other Plastic

Nearly 29 million tons of rubber are made every single year. 

Much of that plastic goes into generic, mass-produced items. But for rail products, rubber has to be custom-fit to the specifications of every project at hand. 

There is more than one reason for this, too. 

2. Custom Rubber Products React to Their Environment

The wrong rubber can be a big problem when it’s part of a railway installation. 

Before a professional can fit the right part, they have to know details about the environment in which the rubber will be used. 

What temperature can the rails reach? Are there any gases or chemicals that might come in contact with the rubber? It’s also vital to know if any light will hit it, as such a glow can compromise the rubber products, too. 

3. Rubber Doesn’t Just End Up On the Rail

We say we make custom rubber products for rail applications, but you won’t just find our creations on the tracks. 

There are plenty of other locomotive-centric places where custom rubber products are essential. 

For example, we make custom rubber installments for train bumpers, and we can seal engines with them, too. 

4. You Can Choose the Type of Rubber

Not all rubber is created in the same way. 

Some of the rubber for our custom rail products comes from natural sources. But 70 percent of the rubber used today is synthetic, human-made for use in railway applications and beyond. 

You can choose either natural or synthetic rubber for your rail products. Each option has its advantages, though. 

High temperatures and oil are no match for the incredibly resilient synthetic rubber. On the other hand, natural rubber makes for excellent grip — and it can last a while in the right conditions, as well. 

5. It Doesn’t Start and End With Rubber

Finally, know that your custom rubber products for rail applications aren’t merely made of rubber — at least, not in every case. 

Sometimes, you’ll need an installment that has a bit of rubber mixed with another material to complete your project. An end-of-car diaphragm may need rubber and metal for sturdiness and safety, as an example. 

We can fit your custom rubber products with these other must-have pieces in mind. 

Choose the Right Rubber Products — From the Right Supplier

Now that you know more about custom rubber products — and how they work with railways — you can make the right choice in purchasing them for your industrial project. 

Start with us and our custom creation of rail applications. You can check out our blog, too, for more information about rubber products and our other specialty items.

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Working with industrial equipment takes a keen eye and a great deal of precision. The biggest reason for this is safety because the smallest mistake or overlooked detail can mean a serious injury. 

Cranes have a very particular method of testing due to their broad reach over a construction site. Regular maintenance and inspections keep your cranes safe and secure. To do this well, you need to consider several things. 

Today we’ll break down five methods to consider when crafting a proper crane inspection checklist. Let’s dig in. 

Making Safety Count With a Proper Crane Inspection Checklist

The basics of any industrial equipment inspection come from the standards put out by OSHA. Going over these items and standards will give you the right specifics but not always the best method.

These five safety tips below will help you break down the right level of support your crane inspections should have. 

1. Making Frequent and Periodic Inspections

There are three types of inspections, all based on their frequency. 

The first type of inspection is the initial inspection. This inspection happens when the machine is brand new and helps to check for factory defects, damage in transport, or poor assembly. 

The second type is the frequent inspection. These often happen every day, week, or month depending on how much use the crane gets. These cover all the operational basics and checking on wear and tear. 

The last type is the periodic inspection. These happen from year to year or per business quarter. They involve a substantial and thorough rundown of every item on the checklist. These are even more useful if a crane has not been in use for a few months.

2. Noting and Adjusting Crane Operating Areas

Your crane has a great deal of reach that covers a wide operating area. Anyone can get hurt if not careful in these areas. 

To keep safety up, make sure that the noted safety areas around the crane are still evident. Check the signs and markings that note the area, make sure all of them remain easy to see. 

3. Checking Even the Smallest of Pieces

Never underestimate the danger of a loose bolt or a damaged cable. When going through any crane inspection, keep an eye out for damage on any part of the crane. There will be more out of the way areas that can get forgotten and may require replacing when you least expect it. 

4. Inspecting With Test Runs

Often to ensure that the crane is still operating at peak efficiency, you will need to run it through test runs. Have a crane operator perform some common crane tasks with a careful eye on anything that reacts inadequately or sluggishly. These can be signs of degeneration that comes with time. 

5. Using the Latest Diagnostics Test Software

There are several inspection apps and software that can help you ensure your inspections are thorough and in-line with OSHA regulations. These apps can range from a checklist reminder to a diagnostics test on any software your cranes may run. 

Upkeeping Safety With Quality Crane Inspections and Repairs

Keeping these five tips in mind, you can build a proper crane inspection checklist. Be vigilant and thorough, and you can keep both your workers and equipment healthy and happy. 

To keep your cranes in the best shape, you will need replacement parts as time goes on. We here at Kor-Pak excel at providing the best crane parts and service. Contact us today for more information. 

The Best Hydraulic Disc Brakes for Industrial Applications in 2020

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Hydraulic disc brakes have a slew of uses both personal and commercial. 

You might install them to make your mountain bike safer to ride. Or, you might invest in hydraulic disc brakes to power and pause a primary manufacturing setup. 

We want to focus on the industrial side of hydraulic disc braking systems. Perhaps you’re on the lookout for the best brands out there for your commercial installment. We know that different projects will call for different versions of the same great product. 

Here’s who to look out for — and why: 

Stromag

Stromag makes industrial brakes with the efficiency of their products in mind. And they’ve maintained the high quality of their products — and business — since 1932. 

They have long relied on the most innovative technology available to ensure their products work well and for a long time. This fact applies to industrial braking systems and the many other items that they sell to commercially focused clients. 

Scan-Pac

Scan-Pac has the ability to either mold or machine-make the items that their clients need. They know that some products will require rigid materials, while others beg for something more flexible. 

As such, the Scan-Pac team will custom-fit the hydraulic disc braking system that will slot into your design. They use all types of materials and methods to give you the perfect set of brakes for your manufacturing task. 

Marland

Marland has a simple goal when it comes to their industrial hydraulic disc brakes. It’s the goal that drives the company’s entire mission, which they’ve chased for nearly 90 years. 

They strive to produce products that beat industry standards. That way, you can install their hydraulic disc brakes and make the most of your operational uptime. 

SEW Eurodrive

Not all industrial installations are created equal.

You may want a hydraulic disc brake that works continuously, along with the rest of your machinery. Or, you might want it to have the power and strength to stop significant amounts of motion. Sometimes, precision is the most crucial element instead. 

No matter where your project falls, SEW Eurodrive has you covered. They know that every project is different — and they have the right brake to use for yours. 

Demag

Lastly, we have Demag, a company that describes its brake system in three words: reliable, robust, and simple. 

It’s one of the best industrial braking systems out there because it has consistently high performance. And they have a bespoke operating principle, which removes the need for any switching elements or otherwise separate controls.

Instead, you just get to enjoy the high-performance brakes that come with any Demag system.

Choose the Best Hydraulic Disc Brakes For You

Not all projects will require the same type of hydraulic disc brakes. 

The above companies are some of the best that 2020 has to offer you. So, figure out which of our favorite brands makes the model that’s your perfect match. 

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can partner you with the right resource, whether it’s hydraulic brakes or one of our other specialty items.

The Common Causes of Drilling Rig Accidents and Disasters

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Did you know as drilling increases, so do deaths—with deaths rising by 28% in one year? Working on oil rigs and platforms can have an increased risk for workplace injury and can be harmful to the surrounding environment.

An oil rig fire or explosion can happen and does happen in this field. Keep reading, and we will guide you through the common causes of drilling rig accidents.

Dangers of Working in the Oil Rigs

Oil rigs can be a dangerous place to work because you are drilling into flammable materials.

You want to make sure you are providing the best industrial machinery to keep your crew safe from brakes and clutches to the large cranes and vessels. Equipment failure is a common accident that happens.

The crew can take precautions, but some accidents are inevitable in this field.

Explosions, fires, and blowouts are other accidents that can happen on-site and are very harmful and dangerous.

Common Causes of Drilling Rig Accidents

We will walk you through the common causes of explosions, fires, blowouts, and equipment failure in oil rigs.

These accidents happen often, and you want to take as many precautions as possible because they can be deadly.

1. Equipment Failure

Maintaining your equipment in the oil field is essential. The fields rely on massive and sophisticated machines to operate correctly. If you don’t maintain your equipment, pipes and valves can be destroyed, and machines may malfunction or multiple other issues.

There can be accidents while working on or with the machine if it’s not working correctly. Kor-Pak Corporation provides overhead crane inspections that you should do routinely to ensure a safer work environment.

2. Blowout

Blowouts are when oil or gas erupts from the well. The system monitoring the pressure has stopped working when this occurs. A blowout can cause a fire or explosion.

3. Explosions

Extreme pressures from burning vapors cause explosions. When the pressure is too much, the top of the container can come off. Pressure systems are put in place to prevent this, but sometimes they don’t work.

4. Fires

Oil well fires occur when pressurized gas erupts from the well and comes into contact with sparks. The fire is hard to put out because of the large volume of fuel. Burn injuries can be severe because of the size of the fire.

Environmental Effects

One example of an oil spill is in 2010. The Gulf of Mexico was the victim of 210 million gallons of oil. It was called the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This spill was damaging to the fish and marine life because the oil is poison to them. Beaches, fisheries, and coastal communities that were along the Gulf also faced damage and had to be shut down.

The oceanic environment and eco-system are still facing the consequences today.

Take Precautions and Keep Employees Safe

If you are managing an oil rig, or are a part of the crew, be aware of the drilling rig accidents.

Take any precautions for explosions, fires, blowouts, or equipment failure that you can to be safe.

Kor-Pak corporation can help with your oil machinery needs. Check out our brake repair and reline services and machine inspections today.

What Traits Define Industrial Machines and Equipment?

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Industrial strength. What exactly does it mean for machines and equipment to be industrial strength? How are industrial machines and equipment different from common machines?

Keep reading to learn the differences, as well as a little about the current and future markets for industrial goods. 

What Are Industrial Machines?

Industrial machines are for use in large-scale business or manufacturing. In the same way, industrial equipment is used in a large-scale business setting for heavy industry. 

These machines and equipment are used for large, heavy operations that would otherwise not be practical.

For example, to build a skyscraper, you need an industrial crane and other equipment. Or, to dig for oil, huge industrial oil rigs are necessary. To provide wind power for whole communities, you need industrial wind turbines. 

We provide the parts, equipment, and systems to outfit these types of projects. 

How Are They Different Consumer Products?

The primary difference is that industrial machines are for larger-scale purposes than common products. 

You might say that any machine or equipment could be either industrial or common equipment, depending on its intended use. If you buy a ladder for personal use, it’s consumer equipment. If an industry manager buys the same ladder for use in a factory, it’s industrial. 

But that’s not what we mean when we specify industrial machines and equipment. 

Generally, when we refer to industrial machines, it means large, durable equipment. 

It is tougher, bigger, and can be used day-in, day-out in a factory or other industrial setting. 

A few of the machines and equipment we’re talking about here could occasionally be used at home, but usually describe huge equipment that large corporations utilize.  

Some examples of large industrial machines are oil rig equipment or industrial cranes. 

Market Forces 

The market worldwide for large, industrial equipment is valued at about $113 billion. New construction drives the demand for such equipment. Like many industries, it is very connected around the world.

As developing countries build up their infrastructure, the demand for industrial equipment increases. Also, more developing countries can start construction projects as technology improves.

As the world gets more connected, the demand for large industrial machines goes up with it.

The common trait of all these machines is that they are used in the large-scale production of goods. 

The Future

In the future, industrial machines will do more of the work. Some factories may even use the equipment in total darkness since robots don’t need light!  

But the demand for industrial equipment will keep going up as long as the world continues to build new things. This will be true even if some work becomes automated. The machines doing the work will still need industrial equipment to do the job. 

Whatever the future brings, industrial machines and equipment will always be needed. 

Contact Us

Please contact us today if you have any questions. We are ready to assist you in determining which industrial machines and equipment would be right for your company.