Innovation as standard
Demag Cranes not only has a reputation in the market for high performance and quality as a leading supplier of crane technology, but also for continuous further development and innovation. The latest innovation in the line of developments produced by Demag Cranes is an equipment option for all radiocontrolled Standard Cranes that includes an energy chain system made of durable plastic for powersupply lines and control cables for the hoist unit. The proven trailing cable arrangement continues to be used for cranes operating outdoors and for cranes with cable-connected controls and a control pendant that travels independently from the hoist unit.

Available for all types
The energy chain system can be supplied for all single and double-girder cranes, cranes with rolled I-beam and box-section girders as well as overhead travelling and suspension cranes equipped with rope and chain hoists. The system can also be used for double-crab operation. In these applications, the power infeed point is arranged in the middle of the crane girder. The range is rounded off by energy chain systems for Demag crane sets, which are packages of components tailored to meet specific customer requirements and which can be assembled together with locally fabricated steelwork to make up a complete crane. Demag customers can be supplied with the energy chain system as a fully preassembled and tested unit with all cables and plug connectors already installed.

Global market launch
For the development of the energy chain system, Demag Cranes worked together with the acknowledged leading manufacturer of such systems. This alliance not only guarantees that first-class quality is achieved for the design solution and the materials employed, but also that lasting functional reliability and global availability are ensured. Now that the energy supply concept has proved successful with many customers in Germany, the global market launch will gradually take place in the coming months.

Energy chain for uninhibited travel
The improved clearance dimensions are a significant advantage of the energy chain system compared to conventional trailing cables. This provides additional safety if the crane has to travel over obstacles, such as high workshop equipment or parts of machinery, for example. The use of an energy chain system eliminates the need for a cable accumulating section, particularly for large crane span dimensions. The lifting height and the area covered by the crane are significantly increased. Removing trailing cables arrangements also eliminates the need for their C-rail support brackets. This benefit pays off wherever cranes have to operate on different levels, for example.

Fully cable protection – easy to install with low maintenance requirement
The cables are fully protected by the energy chain system. When the installed cables are guided in this way, little wear occurs, which consequently minimises the need for maintenance. The energy chain smoothly runs in a specially designed channel mounted on the side of the crane girder. The underside of this channel is partly perforated. This feature enables dust, accumulated dirt and any moisture to escape. In addition, Demag Cranes employs special multi-function channel brackets which, together with the matching attachment system, not only make them easy to install, but also enable other cables to be laid out of sight behind the channel.

Simple configuration
Demag Cranes already provides its customers with support in the planning phase with a number of tools and services. For example, the Demag Crane Designer system available on the corporate website at www.demagcranes.com provides access to all data required for interactive configuration of Standard Cranes – now also with the new energy chain. This enables a crane installation to be specified to meet individual customer needs in a minimum of time.