Columbus McKinnon’s Automation Division introduces Intelli-Lift System

Columbus McKinnon Corp. (CMCO), Getzville, New York, has launched the Magnetek brand Intelli-Lift System. According to CMCO, as the second product in its Intelli-Crane family of automation products, the Intelli-Lift System furthers CMCO’s position as a leading designer and manufacturer of motion control products, technologies and services for material handling.

Leveraging automation technology to improve customers’ safety, uptime and productivity, the IntelliLift System helps prevent load swing caused by load misalignment when the rope and hook are not vertical, CMCO says. As an added layer of protection, Intelli-Lift also detects snagged conditions that can occur along the travel path or when moving hooks, slings and rigging to the next lift and stops all motions. To reduce the risks of swinging loads, Intelli-Lift alerts operators with a visible and audible warning before a load misalignment or snag occurs. Using sensors and a status control enclosure, the system activates directional lights and a programmable warning horn if it detects a side pull or off-center pick. Intelli-Lift will then assist operators, through manual or automatic adjustment, to center the bridge and trolley over the load before it is hoisted.

“Suitable for new installations or retrofit applications, Intelli-Lift enables precise load control, reduces stress on equipment and offers quick, easy installation,” says Peter Stipan, global director of the automation division. “Available in two configurations, Detection and Prevention, Intelli-Lift provides varying levels of control depending on application needs.”

According to CMCO, in the Detection System the status control enclosure provides notification of a misalignment or snag and allows the operator to manually correct the load position. The Prevention System offers two types of positional correction: Manual and Auto. In either Manual or Auto Correction, the load cannot be adjusted until the hoist motion is stopped. While using Manual Correction, an operator can use a Magnetek pendant or radio remote control to manually realign the load. In the Auto Correction System, software built into the Intelli-Lift System automatically recenters the hoist above the load by moving the bridge and trolley.