The companies of Altra Industrial Motion offer many critical drivetrain products utilized in crane and hoist applications including brakes, gearing, geared motors, couplings, sheaves, controls and sensors.

1. Applications & Innovations
Crane & Hoist Market

2. We’re committed to the
Crane & Hoist Market
The companies of Altra Industrial Motion offer many critical
drivetrain products utilized in crane and hoist applications including
brakes, gearing, geared motors, couplings, sheaves, controls and
sensors.
Altra Brands Deliver Value Throughout the Drivetrain
Altra Industrial Motion is positioned to provide OEMs with
exceptional drivetrain value by ensuring component compatibility
and optimized performance combined with time-saving,
single-source convenience.
Extensive Technical Experience in Crane & Hoist
Applications
Major OEMs routinely rely on the vast crane and hoist application
knowledge of Altra’s engineering teams that collaborate to
thoroughly analyze specific customer applications and then apply
the latest technologies in design, materials and manufacturing.

3. Application Profile
Steel Mill Overhead Crane
Problem:
Kranbau Köthen, a major European overhead crane OEM
needed a series of drives for a new crane being built for use in a
scrap yard at a global steel producer’s mill in Luxembourg. The
crane’s high speed and heavy loads required a high service factor
for a reliable and sustainable drive solution.
Solution:
Modified Bauer BK Series helical bevel geared motors were
selected for this rugged application due to their proven
performance in tough environments.
• Multiple BK80 geared motors serve as the crane’s travel drives
• BK90 units were supplied for use as the crane’s trolley drives
• Units featured specially reinforced torque arms and heavy-duty
encoders
BK Series Geared Motors

4. Steel Mill Charging Crane
Problem:
Charging crane hoist drive gear boxes were failing prematurely at
a large steel mill in Northeastern U.S. The failures were causing
unfavorable outages and expensive periods of downtime.
Solution:
Due to their desire and reputation to solve problems, Delroyd
was called in to help analyze the situation and develop a
solution. Delroyd engineers developed new worm gear sets
utilizing
aluminum bronze gears and redesigned the bearing mountings
to enhance strength and durability.
• Carburize hardened, ground and polished alloy steel worm
• Fabricated steel housing design for superior rigidity
• Extra-heavy side plates connect the worm and gear shaft
bearing supports, assuring proper meshing of the gear
• Redesigned lubrication system
• Delroyd design changes resulted in extending the gearbox life
by over five years.
Application Profile
Hoist Worm Gear Drives

5. Steel Bar Mill Cranes
Problem:
A leading steel producer needed a robust replacement braking
solution for the overhead cranes at its bar mill in the U.S. The
mill was experiencing repeated problems with the existing drum
brakes and thrusters installed on multiple cranes throughout the
mill. Each crane utilizes two to four thrusters. The thruster seals
were leaking because they couldn’t withstand the harsh mill
environment. The brakes often failed, causing an excessive
amount of unplanned production stoppages.
Solution:
Stromag supplied Series SDB/SAB drum brakes with electro-
hydraulic thrusters sized for drum diameters between 13" and
30". All units featured Stromag’s exclusive “Steel Makers
Option” which is designed to withstand high temperature and
dusty mill environments. SDB units meet DIN 15435 & DIN
15430 Norms.
SAB units meet AISE N.11 - 63.120.
Application Profile
Series SDB/SAB Drum Brakes with Thrusters

6. Steel Mill Cranes
Problem:
China Steel, one of the largest steel making plants in
Taiwan relies on brakes to provide safe crane control
within their vast mill line.
Solution:
Twiflex installed over 150 EMX type calipers as they can
be used to cover a wide range of power ratings and
provide standardization and cost savings.
• EXM calipers are fail safe with electro-mechanical
release
• Rated between 110 to 200 kW
• Operate on a 910 mm diameter disc
Application Profile
EMX Caliper

7. Bridge Cranes
Problem:
Over 140 bridge cranes are required to operate in adverse
conditions with dust and heat being the main problem.
There is little time for routine maintenance and much
communication and planning are needed for rare
maintenance to be effective.
Solution:
The hoist brakes on the cranes were changed to an
electrically operated Twiflex EMX brake, which is similar to
an automobile disc brake. These brakes are self adjusting
and produce less heat during stopping.
• 1.5 times the stopping power of an equivalent drum brake
• Easy installation with few modifications required
• No air gaps or basic lubrication
• Application times range from 0.15 to 0.4 seconds
• Release times range from 0.1 to 0.2 seconds
Application Profile
EMX Disc Brake

8. Boom Hoists
Problem:
In the event of a power loss or failure of the transmission
drive from the gearbox to the boom hoist drum, dependable
braking is crucial for this industry leading designer and
manufacturer of cranes.
Solution:
Two “failsafe” spring applied, hydraulically released VKSD
disc brakes act directly on the flange of the drum.
• Brakes lock and hold a maximum load of 70 tons some 90m
above the dockside
• Capable of generating a braking force of 119kN
• Requires a pressure in excess of 160 bar to effect release
Application Profile
VKSD Disc Brakes

9. Drilling Rig Lifeboat Winches
Problem:
A leading manufacturer of lifeboat systems needed a reliable
winch brake solution that could withstand the extreme conditions
on offshore drilling platforms. The lifeboats are suspended from
dual cables hooked to the fore and aft of the enclosed vessel.
The disc brakes are positioned on the winch’s cable drums to
keep the stored lifeboats locked in place. In an emergency, after
the boat is loaded, the brake is released to allow gravity to safely
lower the boat. The brake also engages to prevent free fall in the
event of a power failure to the electric winch by providing
controlled braking as the boat continues to descend.
Solution:
Svendborg Brakes provided BSFI 200 Series spring applied,
hydraulically-released caliper brakes. The brakes spring packs
are sized to meet individual application requirements, up to
12,920 N clamping force.
Application Profile
BSFI 200 Brakes
Application Profile

10. Jackup Oil Rig
King Post Cranes
Problem:
A major manufacturer of offshore oil and gas rigs needed
robust disc brakes for king post cranes installed on one of its
larger mobile, self-elevating (jackup) platform models. Each rig
features five DC motor-driven cranes with available lifting
capacities up to 68 metric tons. Each crane’s triple redundant
braking system includes a disc brake and a drum brake
combined with dynamic motor braking. The disc brake provides
parking/holding and emergency braking functionality.
Solution:
Upon careful review of the application, Svendborg supplied
BSFH 520 mono-spring applied, hydraulically-released caliper
disc brakes for each of two hoists on each of the five cranes.
• 49,008 lb. (218,000 N) clamping force
• Operating range between -20˚C to +55˚C (-4˚F to 131˚F)
• DNV certified
Application Profile
BSFH 520 Brakes
Application Profile

11. Offshore Flat-Top
Tower Cranes
Problem:
COMANSA, a leading global manufacturer of tower cranes,
needed special braking systems for five models in its flat-top
crane line that will be used on a special offshore application
project. The crane models for the project vary in size with lifting
capacities from 6-18 tonnes and a maximum reach of up to
262.5 ft. (80m). Offshore lifting operations involve unique
challenges caused by irregular waves. These “freak” waves
can actually lead to higher loads on a crane than expected.
Solution:
Stromag provided its Manual Overload Protection System
(MOPS) to meet the challenging offshore crane requirements.
The MOPS was designed specifically for offshore applications
and complies with the NF EN 13852 standard. Each MOPS is
comprised of an SIME fail-safe, single-spring hydraulic caliper,
a hydraulic power pack and an electrical control unit.
Application Profile
Manual Overload Protection System (MOPS)

12. Drilling Platform
BOP Winches
Problem:
A major global oil and gas OEM needed a caliper braking
solution for blowout preventer (BOP) cranes installed on
offshore drilling platforms. The cranes raise, lower and store
the large, heavy BOP stacks that are comprised of a series of
high-pressure valves. The crane’s winch travels along the top
of twin parallel beams. Multiple caliper brakes act on a disc
flange-mounted directly to the low speed side of the winch’s
cable drum. The brakes provide emergency stopping and
holding of the load in case of a power failure.
Solution:
Stromag supplied Model SH25 disc brakes to meet the fail safe,
emergency, braking demands. Each of the spring actuated,
hydraulically-released brakes provide 250 kN of dynamic
braking force. All SH Series brakes are ATEX certified and
have DNV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register type approval certificates.
Application Profile
SH25 Brakes

13. Offshore Drilling
Rig BOP Winch
Problem:
A leading crane OEM required caliper brakes for blowout
preventer (BOP) winches utilized on offshore drilling rigs. The
overhead cranes raise, lower and store the large, heavy BOP
stacks comprised of a series of high-pressure valves. The
crane’s winch travels along the top of two parallel beams. The
brakes provide emergency stopping and holding of the load in
the case of a power failure. Multiple caliper brakes act on a disc
flange-mounted directly to the winch’s cable drum.
Solution:
To meet the emergency braking requirements, Stromag supplied
Model SH18 hydraulic caliper disc brakes with 180 kN of dynamic
braking force. The spring actuated, hydraulically-released brakes
feature lining wear indicators and opening proving switches. All
SH Series brakes are ATEX certified and have DNV, ABS and
Lloyd’s Register type approval.
Application Profile
SH18 Brakes

14. Drilling Platform
Pedestal Cranes
Problem:
A leading global crane OEM needed high quality limit switches
for use on its line of heavy lift offshore cranes with lifting
capacities up to 2000 tons. The specialized cranes are mounted
on a kingpost and pedestal that supports the crane’s rotating
upper structure. Each crane features a primary (main) hoist and
auxiliary hoists with lower lifting capacities than the main hoist.
Solution:
The OEM selected Stromag Series 51 limit switches based on
the unit’s high quality and competitive cost. The switches are
installed on each of the crane’s hoists as safety devices that set
the precise travel range of the hoist. The switches ensure the
safe stopping of the cranes cable (rope) preventing potential
load and rig damage. The upper limit of hoist travel is set using
a hook-operated limit switch. A limit switch mounted to the cable
drum sets the hoist’s lower limit of travel.
Application Profile
Series 51 Limit Switches

15. Drilling Rig OAC
Gantry Cranes
Problem:
A reliable limit switch solution was needed for use on offline
activity cranes (OACs) installed on oil and gas drilling rigs.
Positioned away from the paths of the platform’s heavy lift
cranes to avoid interference, OACs lift and rack drill pipe, tubing
and casing. The gantry crane’s trolley system combines lifting
and lateral motion to save time and increase productivity. The
limit switches provide safe emergency stopping of the crane’s
hook as it raises and lowers during operation.
Solution:
Stromag Series 51 limit switches were the ideal choice to meet
the crane application requirements. These geared cam limit
switches are universal, mechanical switchgear. They are often
used where angles or distances cannot be limited directly by
switchgear, but only indirectly on the basis of the measured
angle of rotation such as limiting the hook lift of a crane hoist.
Application Profile
Series 51 Limit Switches

16. Heavy Lift Offshore Cranes
Problem:
A leading global heavy lift crane OEM needed an economical
braking system for large mast cranes typically installed on
semi-submersible and surface crane vessels. The brakes,
installed on the crane’s drum, provide emergency stopping and
holding functionality on the main hoist, auxiliary hoist and boom.
Solution:
Stromag designed an economical braking solution comprised of
Model SHD1 caliper brakes along with a balanced disc and hub.
A hydraulic power pack is often included. The new system
offers many advantages that provide quick and easy installation
for the engine manufacturer and the OEM. The braking system
is mounted directly to the rear of the motors.
• Modular Stromag SHD1 braking systems are factory-tested
and delivered with 1 or 3 calipers.
• If crane load or speed needs to be increased, up to 5 calipers
can be mounted on a 445 mm dia. disc
Application Profile
Model SHD1 Modular Braking Systems

17. Offshore Platform
King Post Cranes
Problem:
A major global manufacturer of oil and gas drilling rigs and
equipment required a winch braking solution for its king post
cranes with lifting capacities up to 2,720 metric tons. The
heavy-lift cranes are used to transfer equipment from support
vessel decks to the platform deck. They also raise and lower
equipment to and from the seabed. The brakes are used for
static holding and emergency stopping.
Solution:
Wichita Clutch provided spring-set, air released 136H brakes to
meet the winch application requirements. Positioned on the
winch cable drums, the brakes have a slip torque capacity of
400,000 in.lbs. (45,193 Nm). Spring-set actuation assures quick,
smooth stops. Units feature cast iron construction and thicker
friction discs for longer wear life. Brakes were supplied with
materials traceability documentation and Charpy impact test
results.
Application Profile
Spring-Set Brakes

18. Gantry Crane
Problem:
A global producer of engineered steel and concrete pipe systems
required a replacement brake for a large gantry crane that
transports the pipe sections. The crane’s existing clipper brake
was no longer operational and a new stopping and parking brake
was needed for the crane’s bridge as it travels along the runway
rails. The brake needed to be spring-applied so that it
automatically engages when power is off at night.
Solution:
Twiflex provided an MXEA spring-applied, electrically-released
caliper brake together with an AC5 controller to meet the
application requirements.
• 6 kN max. braking force
• Patented, self-adjusting mechanism maintains a constant air gap
• Modular design and compact size allowed brake to fit within
the crane’s limited space available
• AC5 solid state controller provides a controlled and accurate
stop
Application Profile
MXEA Caliper

19. Application Profile
Assembly Crane on World’s
Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge
Problem:
The world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, rising more than 70m
above the water, with a central span 1104m long, is located
near Vladivostok, Russia. A special crane was needed to lift
the enormous 23,000 ton central span panels from barges to
the 70m elevation and into position.
Solution:
Mostovik Crane Factory turned to Bauer Gear Motor to provide
gear motors for a custom-designed derrick crane which was
installed on the bridge center span deck. Bauer supplied BF
Series geared motors with torques from 10100-13400Nm.
BF Series models feature:
• Hardened wear sleeves and spray rings
• Completely enclosed, sealed against dust and moisture
• Corrosion protection CORO1, CORO2, CORO3
BF Series Geared Motors

20. Application Profile
Rotary Log Cranes
Problem:
A major manufacturer of woodyard equipment needed gear
drives for use on its rotary log cranes. It had been using a
competitor’s overhung planetary inline gear motor configuration
on its crane drive wheel trucks that was costly and created
significant bending moment issues. As the center of the crane
pivots, a pair of
2-wheel drive assemblies ride on a circular track. This allows the
crane to stack logs at any point around the crane’s perimeter.
Solution:
Bauer engineers designed a custom BK90 gear drive with a
C-face motor collar/flange that is mounted vertically to a rigid
shock coupling that connects directly to the drive wheel axle. The
unique mounting assembly utilizes a solid output shaft with a
rolled shear key that mates to the coupling. Bauer also supplied
BK60 geared motors for use on the crane’s upper gantry trolley
drives and hoist drives.
BK Series Geared Motors

21. Nuclear Waste Handling
Crane
Problem:
A reliable coupling solution was needed for a crane used at a
European nuclear waste reprocessing plant. A special overhead
crane is used to raise and lower the heavy flasks of the waste
material at various reprocessing stations throughout the plant.
The coupling connects the output shaft of the drive gearbox to
the hoist’s cable winding drum.
Solution:
Bibby supplied a stainless steel Series II size 45 gear coupling
to meet the critical nuclear application requirements.
• Full nuclear documentation was required
• 41.8 kNm (30,830 lb.ft.) torque rating
• Double engagement design to accommodate high parallel
and angular misalignment
• 3200 rpm maximum speed
• High torque-to-weight ratio
Application Profile
Series II Gear Coupling

22. Material Handling
Crane/Manipulator Arm
Problem:
A major material handling manipulator and crane OEM was
looking for a brake solution for their multiple swivel arm product
used worldwide on automotive and industrial assembly lines.
The brake is needed to stop the crane’s cantilever arms from
rotating freely causing potential damage and injury. An electric
brake was desired as it is more economical when compared to
the high energy consumption profile of pneumatic activation.
Solution:
Warner Electric engineers supplied an ERC100 spring-applied
caliper disc brake featuring an over-excitation coil that reduces
the power in the open position to just 22W, and in the closed
position to none.
• A fast-acting CBCx power supply was also provided which
allowed the customer to connect to 230V-400V without a
neutral wire
Application Profile
ERC100 Brake & CBCx Switch

23. Application Profile
North America’s
Largest Barge Dredge
Problem:
A leading U.S. dredging company required a variety of reliable
hydraulically-released brakes for use on a new 1,500-ton harbor
dredger. The dredger is equipped with a crane and two huge
clamshell buckets that dig from two directions. The brakes
provide parking and emergency stop functionality on the crane’s
main winch, vertical slew drives and three spud winches.
Solution:
Industrial Clutch worked closely with the customer’s engineering
team to design various LKB spring-set, hydraulically-released
brakes for each specific application on the vessel.
• A custom 17" brake, with an integrated heater, was designed
for the crane’s main winch
• LKB units with 5,850 in.lb. torque cap. for the crane’s four
rotation/slew drives
• 11” brakes with 9,800 in.lb. torque cap. for three spud winches
LKB Hydraulically-Released Brakes