Wolff high-speed positioning assistance system now available

Cham, Zug-headquartered crane manufacturer Wolffkran has now made its High-Speed-Positioning-System (HiSPS), which was first seen at Bauma 2022, available for order,

together with Wolffkran's latest addition: the WOLFF 6523 Clear tower crane.

According to Wolffkran, the HiSPS enables loads on the crane hook to be moved virtually sway-free and positioned with millimetre precision.

Wolffkran says that from the start of 2024 newly manufactured Wolff trolley jib models will be equipped with the option of HiSPS and existing Wolff cranes can also be retro-fitted. 

The connectible HiSPS assistance system operates using two battery-powered sensors on the trolley and hook block of the crane hook. Connected to a control unit in the switch cabinet, it detects the rope’s movements and automatically adjusts the motion and speed of the slewing gear and trolley to it. “Ultimately, the crane operator controls more than the crane – they control the load with assistance from the system,” explains Viktor Mosolf, Head of the Digitalization Department at Wolffkran.

By activating the HiSPS, the load that was already swinging as a result of the crane movement is stopped within seconds. This can also be used to eliminate heavy wind effects. Since the trolley always assumes its position automatically via the hook block when HiSPS is activated, it prevents the load from being pulled diagonally. The trolley automatically moves as well or is always positioned precisely over the load when the hook is manually pulled or when the load is manually pushed by hand on the ground.

“HiSPS significantly reduces the risk of accidents and damage due to swinging loads or hooks,” summarises Viktor Mosolf. “Furthermore, the anti-collision system is optimised since not only the crane but also the load in the working range limitation is automatically stopped.” 

According to Wolffkran the HiSPS not only enhances safety at the construction site it also allows users to work more efficiently as the crane can be operated more easily and intuitively from the ground than before via remote control. Previously, the crane operator had to move the load slowly to prevent a strong pendulum motion, says Wolffkran. With the system connected, however, users can move the crane significantly faster. Moreover, the HiSPS allows hook positions to be saved and automatically moved to them. As a result, the load can be positioned precisely even with a limited view. Besides construction site cranes, the ability to automatically travel to saved positions also makes HiSPS attractive for ground-controlled Wolff cranes without crane cabins at storage areas, in mines, and in industry, Wolffkran adds. 

“However, HiSPS is more than just a digital assistance system and the building block for the autonomous driving crane,” says Dr. Mohamed Abouelezz, Head of Product Management and Business Development at Wolffkran. “The crane movement and position data that the HiSPS generates can be integrated into the modern digital construction site organization using building information modelling (BIM). With HiSPS, our cranes are ready for the progressive digitalisation of the building industry.” 

Wolffkran says it is also looking to make the high-speed positioning available for its luffing jib cranes, too.