The latest released 3DxTM Edge Lifting System from Reid has been well received by the precast, crane and lifting industries.
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Developed, manufactured, and tested in Australia by ReidTM, the 3Dx Lifting System provides high lifting capacities and increased levels of efficiency and productivity. The unique and patented anchor design distributes loads in the concrete in three dimensions, maximising capacity while reducing outward bursting loads and potential panel damage.
The 3Dx lifting system provides precasters with one lifting solution to cover over 90 per cent of types of panels. The patented forged design, made from tough Alloy Steel, allows for faster installation for Precasters. The compact design of the 3Dx is easier to manoeuvre around the mesh and fittings, yet delivers 10t WLL capacity.
Compliant to AS3850.1:2015 (+A1 2019) 3Dx has been designed to meet the needs of the Australian precast market.
Reid clutches were originally developed with a flame cut handle which was soon enhanced with a forged handle design that is now widely used within the industry.
An in depth review of the existing lifting systems available and the recurring difficulties users were experiencing on a day-to-day basis led to Reid approaching the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) and as well as range of crane companies and learning that many were cutting the handles off clutches and placing hammer locks on instead.
They did this to make using clutches quicker, simpler and better suited to the process of lifting and placing precast panels on site.
Reid examined that process and quickly understood the inherent risks and potential safety hazards this posed – not to mention voiding the warranty of their clutches.
The modification of clutches to include hammer locks is intended to alleviate binding and spalling during panel rotation and erection. With that as the major pain- point to address, Reid began looking at an articulated clutch design that would deliver a tested and certified proprietary system – creating a far safer solution to meet the needs of the industry.
Reid has developed the clutch to be articulated as opposed to previous models. When precast panels are lifted by a crane with a standard clutch, the position of the two anchors will cause the chain to rotate and come backwards over the panel’s edge.
So, lifting from a single point, the clutch would be pulled around the corner of the panel which would see the handle bend, the new Reid 3Dx 10t Articulating Clutch can move in any direction, as well as self-right; mitigating any damage to the panel or clutch.
The 3Dx 10t clutch also has the benefit of releasing quickly and remotely, meaning a user does not need to bring an EWP on site to quickly release the precast panel.
Reid’s intention was to hone in on designing the system that would satisfy the lifting requirements for over 95 per cent
of precast panel configurations commonly cast throughout Australia. Most commonly, precast panels in Australia are transported by truck, in pairs. That truck is limited to approximately 20 tonnes, hence Reid made the decision to develop a clutch that could safely lift 10t.
Reid Construction Systems is proud of its long-standing partnership with Melbourne based manufacturer Townley Drop Forge. With Townley being an independent ISO accredited, NATA certified business, it was the obvious choice in both the manufacturing and testing validation of the 3Dx Articulating Clutch.
As a design requirement, Reid wanted as much information as possible stamped on the clutch itself– such as a clearly stated WLL – that assures the riggers that they are using a genuine Reid, Australian Standards-compliant, quality-assured product. The clutch is beautifully forged and includes the item part number, load limit and its batch code all clearly stamped on the physical product, for user peace of mind.
With the new design, Reid and Townley have included contingencies on the clutch to make it quick and simple for users
to identify whether the clutch has been tampered with.
The clutch has a rivet which holds it together, complete with the Reid logo. It cannot be tampered with, or easily knocked apart like a hammerlock clutch could be.
The information pertaining to the clutch is not only forged onto the metal but also appears on the stainless-steel tags supplied with each and every clutch. The tag includes a serial number, a barcode matching the serial number and a QR code.
The QR code will take users to the Reid website and directly to the critical safety information for that clutch and any other associated Reid clutches. The Reid website has a wealth of information for a range
of stakeholders and users, including all safety and compliance statements, as well as Reid clutch and anchor compatibility and discard guides. The 3Dx Articulating clutch is traceable all the way back to the original raw material metal that arrived at Townley drop forge to ensure Reid has full traceability of material batch and heat- treatment certificates, should these be required.
The Reid 3Dx 10t clutch was developed in partnership with Townley, which is NATA certified – allowing Townley to conduct compliance testing of all the clutches Reid delivers to the Australian market.
What customers are saying
Graham Polley is the Production Manager at Advanced Precast. “We know Reid 3Dx 10t clutch is safe, we have never had a panel with Reid lifters fail. What’s cemented Reid as a standout lifting supplier is that their system gives us confidence. Confidence that not only is the system safe but also increases cycle time of precast panel production.
We also have the confidence to lift at early concrete strength which allows us to produce more panels in a safe and efficient manner,” he said.
George Maniatakos is the Construction Supervisor at Advance Precast and had this to say.
“The hole in the lever can be used to insert ground release ropes and the articulating clutch avoids human error and the compactness of the clutch allows more movement beneath protruding bars now that it has a shorter handle.
“They are the safest clutches I’ve ever used & I would never want to use anybody else’s. I’ve been using Reid for 28 years and the way they’ve designed this system is beautiful. Old clutches sometimes jam up or bend, with the new ones, the clutches self-right. There are no issues with them whatsoever,” he said.