Palfinger has acquired the marketing rights for a new system for uncoupling loads by remote control to increase safety and save time.
Most accidents involving cranes actually happen to riggers working around the load. Gaining access to unhook a load or sling can often be the riskiest part of a lift. The Fix-de-fix uncoupling system is designed to eliminate these risks.
It was developed by German forestry equipment company Zopf and exclusive marketing rights have been sold to loader crane manufacturer Palfinger for the whole world, except North America, where rights are shared by Palfinger and attachment specialist Kinshofer Liftall.
With the Fix-de-fix system, the load is fastened using a regular lifting accessory that can then be loosened using a two-button Hetronic remote control unit, independent of the crane remote control. Safety systems ensure that the load cannot be released inadvertently. When the crane is raised again the lifting sling is threaded out by the return chain system, releasing the load, while the Fix-de-fix remains attached below the hook ready for the next lift.
The patented and TÜV-certified system is being particularly targeted at steelwork contractors and roofing companies.
Zopf developed the prototype in 2001 and since September 2002 there are 50 units in the field across Europe and the USA. It is initially available for 2t and 3.15t lifting capacity for single line operation (multiple line operation is possible as well).
As well as being designed for smaller loads, Fix-de-fix is also much lower cost than other remote release systems on the market that are aimed at the offshore market. Palfinger is selling the system with its cranes for an additional cost in the region of 4,000 euros.
