Found in the Magazine Recycling Product News: ‘700 Series equilibrium crane at Stelimet, Belgium improves efficiency, emissions and safety’
Stelimet is a Belgium-based, family owned company with over 80 years’ experience in ferrous and nonferrous scrap. The company, which has a long tradition of reducing CO2 emissions, through initiatives such as using waterways as much as possible, says with their new electric-powered, environmentally friendly E-Crane, they are now reducing their footprint even further.
At the end of December 2016, E-Crane commissioned a new 700 Series, Model E4290 PD-E at Stelimet, Genk, Belgium. The company was looking for a crane to feed their shear and for stockpiling scrap, and says they prefer to stockpile as high as possible in order to optimize the use of their storage area. Plus, because their shear is operated by remote control, an excellent view into the shear was absolutely necessary. Also, the liability, safety, energy consumption and service reaction time of the supplier were important issues for Stelimet.
After initial meetings, E-Crane suggested an E4290 PD-E, a balance crane with 29.7 meters outreach, mounted on a pedestal with a main pivot height of 15 meters and a 132-kW electric engine. This configuration makes it possible for the operator to have good visibility into the shear while covering a visual area of about 2,000 square meters.
According to E-Crane, by utilizing the principle of equilibrium, where the stick is connected to the rotating counterweight by means of a connecting rod, loads can be moved from point A to B at a fraction of the energy usually required and energy savings accomplished using hybrid systems is insignificant in comparison.
On an E-Crane, the center of gravity of the machine always stays within the slewing ring, as the movement of counterweight and stick are synchronized. As a result of this, a balanced state is maintained and guaranteed at all times. When working with lighter loads, the movable counterweight moves the stick out almost spontaneously as it pulls the boom up. When working with heavier loads, the movable counterweight assures that smooth lifting is possible at low hydraulic working pressures.
“Stelimet’s on-site safety has been brought to a higher level, as there is a much reduced need for rolling equipment,” said Hans Kraaij, area sales manager for E-Crane International Europe. “And the elevated position of the operator adds to safety, as he/she always has the best possible overview while working.”
According to Kraaij, the unit’s layout, along with the use of only a 132-kW electric motor and A-brand components, as well as 100 percent spare parts availability at the E-Crane location in Adegem, Belgium, and service availability, is why Stelimet chose the E4290 PD-E E-Crane.
