Mining infrastructure systems supplier Becker Mining South Africa has sold its first Kito RX wire rope hoist to a processing plant in Rustenburg, in the North West, after launching the range in sub-Saharan Africa in September last year.

The reaction to the new range of Kito RX wire rope hoists, offered by Becker Mining South Africa, has been positive, with numerous enquiries received since the launch, says Becker Mining South Africa lifting sales manager George McMaster.

The 10 t, 525V Kito RX wire rope hoist, with a 25 m lift, will be supplied by Becker Mining’s Rustenburg distributor, Tech North, and will be used in maintenance procedures and for the installation of new equipment at the plant, explains Becker Mining South Africa senior consumables GM Rick Jacobs.

“The wire rope hoists are an important addition to our extensive range of Kito lifting equipment, which includes manual and electric chain hoists and lever hoists.”

The Kito RX wire rope hoists have a robust design and comprise advanced technology that allows for dependable operation and an extended service life in tough conditions. The hoists can be adapted for use with existing cranes and machinery, and are maintenance-friendly, as all components are easily accessible.

McMaster says the biggest driver behind interest in the new range is the renowned Kito name, as well as its planetary gearboxes with lifetime lubrication, multitooth gears designed to last for the lifetime of the hoist, insulation of up to IP 66 and double flanges on all wheels.

“RX wire rope hoists are suitable for many industrial applications, including production plants, plant engineering, production lines and workshops, as well as shipbuilding and maintenance,” adds Jacobs.

The Kito RX range offers lifting capacities of between 1 000 kg and 50 000 kg at speeds of 1.5 m/min to 12 m/min, with the option of single-speed, two-speed and frequency-control. The units are available with two or four rope strands; with 2/1, 4/1 or 4/2 reeving arrangements; and can operate in –10 ºC to 40 ºC and humidity of less than 80%.

Available in operating voltages from 380 V to 440 V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz and three phases, the hoists are supplied standard with IP 55 enclosures or users have the option of specifying IP 66 enclosures. Control voltages of 42 V and 110 V are standard, while 24 V, 48 V and 230 V are optional.

The hoists are powered by a three-phase asynchronous motor, while the option of a sliding armature motor is also available. A planetary gearbox ensures optimum power transmission between the hoist motor and rope drum.

For enhanced safety, an electromagnetic disc brake acts directly on the rotor shaft for effective braking force. Electronic overload protection, with two adjustable levels, offers protection to the hoist and all its components. There is also integrated overheating protection for the motor.

A notable design feature is the rope guide that consists of two parts – the guide ring and tension spring. The tension spring ensures that the rope lies correctly in the drum groove, while the guide ring always maintains the rope in the correct position, preventing it from moving off of the drum groove. Limit switches are activated for the highest and lowest hook positions by moving the guide ring along the drum.

The double-girder trolley is equipped with double-flange wheels, all with high-quality ball bearings. This construction, where driven wheels are connected directly to the self-braking gear motor, ensures efficient power transmission between the running wheels and the trolley rail. This design also ensures an extended service life, reduced wear and low maintenance requirements.

The hoist range includes a foot-mounted hoist without a trolley, which is designed for lifting capacities from 1 000 kg to 50 000 kg, and a hoist with a standard headroom monorail trolley, for capacities from 1 000 kg to 32 000 kg.

The trolley’s standard headroom monorail design enables the hoist to operate directly under and in parallel with the crane or runway beam. The hoist is directly connected to the trolley and components are positioned to allow for ease of maintenance.

Double-girder trolleys are suitable for 1 000 kg to 32 000 kg lifting capacities, either supported or suspended.

Units are available only in supported execution for 20 000 kg to 25 000 kg loads with two rope falls, and 40 000 kg to 50 000 kg loads with four rope falls. Double-hoist units can also be supplied up to 100 000 kg. The low-headroom monorail hoist trolley is designed for capacities from 1 000 kg to 16 000 kg.

Many options, such as radio remote control, customised painting and festoon cable systems, are available to suit specific application requirements. The user can also choose to include load spectrum monitoring and synchronisation, load display, summation and measurement, as well as anti-sway control.

Becker Mining supplies the full range of original equipment manufacturer accessories, which are designed to enhance the performance of Kito hoists.