A safe working environment is crucial, especially when it comes to the ever-expansive crane industry. Today, the industry needs cranes for several activities like lifting and transportation of heavy goods, picking and carrying operations on rough terrains, for projects at sea like oil rigs, construction of buildings, and roads, and so on. Go to any unusual construction site atop a mountain, and you will find a mammoth crane slowly picking heavy rocks and other objects. But the big equipment is not always easy to operate. Either an extra person is needed to guide the cab operator or via pendant control. Both methods are time-consuming and can pose a safety risk for many reasons. Radio remote control crane is a great technological advancement that allows a cab operator to handle the crane safely without putting himself or anyone else at undue risk.
So, how does a radio remote control for a crane work?
Like any other remote control system, the radio signal in a crane system is transmitted through a portable transmitter unit. The transmitter is connected to the motor controller of the crane. The receiver installed on the crane receives the signal via a radio signal or an infrared beam. Like any other electronics, the response time here is immediate. The circuits are so designed that they will receive the signals from a recognizable pulse format that is decoded. It is built to protect against any interference or unintentional code generation. The radio system can be installed on any crane that comes with a magnetic motor controller. The traditional cranes that come with drum controllers are not compatible with the system. Read more to know how a radio signal system is a great technological advancement over a manually driven crane system.
Benefits of a radio remote control device:
● Visibility: Visibility is a crucial benefit that comes with a radio remote control. The personnel/driver can easily move about the surrounding area and get a better view of the work in hand. He also gains a better assessment of any obstacles or dangers that may lie ahead for the equipment. Also, the operator does not need to operate from inside the crane in a hazardous environment. He can safely manage the crane system from a safe distance. The idea is to minimize an error or an accident and to maximize the efficiency of the crane. The operator views obstacles from a safe location and manages accordingly. The rigger can be easily reassigned for any other task as a cab operator can handle the function alone with a remote-controlled system. Better visibility and safety allows swifter work and greater accuracy. The on-site worker works at a swifter speed to load or unload heavy equipment, bringing operational efficiency.
● Easy to work in a hazardous environment: It is common to find a crane slowly moving atop a rugged terrain or a hotter location. An operator on-ground can easily assess and manage the exact positioning of the crane. The remote technology allows a cab operator to protect himself from a hazardous environment or an unsafe position. The idea behind technological up-gradation has always been to ease the life of the users!
● Multiple-crane radio remote system: The state-of-the-art equipment now comes with multiple-crane transmitters. A single operator can manage around 2 or 3 cranes and instruct via voice radio. The idea is to improve functionality and safety quotient of the materials to be loaded, on-site operator, and the crane itself. Any damage to property or person is a huge risk for a company. This is the reason that manufacturers are trying to build a crane system that is completely safe and efficient.
Now, the basic features of a wireless system for a crane are more or less similar. However, due to increasing industrial needs, customers frequently ask for smart features. These “smart features” increase accuracy and reliability quotient of the equipment. Manufacturers offer additional smart features like extended range speed, hoisting synchronization, sway control, sensors, data analytics, etc. Customers also demand more access to data analytics that can provide predictive maintenance in future.
The combination of a man and machine is here to stay and evolve. Nothing can work and should work in absolute isolation. The modern smart features create an amalgamation where the man and machine can work dynamically. The smart solutions can surely help take the crane systems to a more efficient, productive and safe future!
