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New remote load management device to improve crane safety

A new remote load-management system designed to improve safety in crane operations and boost productivity has been delivered to a national crane hire company.

A new remote load-management system designed to improve safety in crane operations and boost productivity has been delivered to a national crane hire company.

The system is the world’s first remote load management system, according to Brisbane-based developer Verton Australia.

It removes the need for human held taglines to control suspended loads, significantly improving safety and efficiency for crane operators. The system can be used across all sizes and industries, including engineering, construction, general cargo shipping, resource development, defence and mining.

The system uses a single pair of gyroscopic modules and a handheld remote controller. The unit is able to manage loads of up to 20 tonnes and is attached to the load, with it orientation controlled with the remote.

Universal Cranes is the first company to use the system and expects to dramatically reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring no human contact is required for managing suspended loads.

Universal Cranes Group Managing Director Albert Smith said crane operations currently still require workers to collect and guide the taglines, which increases the risk of serious or fatal workplace incidents.

Verton Founder and Chief Technology Officer Stanley Thomson said the system would increase productivity and profitability of businesses operating or relying on cranes and hoists for orientating heavy loads.

“The R-series will reduce hook time (the time each load needs to be suspended in the air) by 50 per cent or more and the overall cycle time by 25 per cent,” he said.

“This is the biggest improvement in productivity since the crane was invented. We estimate that implementation of the R-series will save worksites millions of dollars over its lifetime with payback possible within a year. These are significant advantages in our increasingly competitive industries.”

Verton CEO Trevor Bourne said the company has received federal and Queensland Government financial support to develop the unit.

“This world-first technology will revolutionise suspended load-management for the transport, construction and mining industries and also many other sectors,” he said.

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