Geda’s new 2PK crane operator hoist has proved itself on site in Italy. To demolish a redundant 180m high chimney in Ostiglia contractor Despe Spa used a Potain MD 265 tower crane erected to 120m and fitted with a Geda 2PK.

The demolition was done in shifts over the winter. Due to snow, cold, fog and ice using conventional ladders for the operator to access the crane cab would have been too dangerous. The Geda crane operator hoist gave safe and quick transportation of personnel up the crane to a height of 120m.

Geda’s Combilift 2PK is a rack and pinion hoist with an aluminium track that can be installed on any crane. It is available as standard to a height of 120m but taller versions are possible.

It transports 200kg or two people at a speed of 25m/min. An overspeed safety device is to guarantee safety and electrical security elements prevent improper operation. The hoist is controlled from a console inside the lift cage but this can be interchanged with external operation. When the lift cage is opened, a small ramp with lateral protection tilts open, forming a safe transition between the lift cage and the access gate at the crane. Switches top and bottom limit the lifting path and a redundant end switch increases safety.

Design is modular which enables quick and safe installation. Track sections can be installed through the cage’s opening roof so the 22kg, 2m long track elements can be installed simply and safely. Instead of screws to connect the track sections a Geda patented fast locking system with specially developed fasteners is used for no-stress attachment to the crane. Track sections make use of an integrated cable channel that guides the trailing cable along its entire length.