Maintaining contamination-free and compliant cleanrooms is essential for industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, laboratories, electronics, and related sectors—especially as South Africa’s industry anticipates annual growth through 2030. The Konecranes belt hoist, engineered specifically for cleanroom applications, features lubrication-free, fully sealed pulley bearings, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
“The Konecranes belt hoist is quickly becoming the preferred solution for these specialized settings, and for any environment where abrasive dust, powders, or flour are present, since these substances won’t stick to the unlubricated belt. Its distinctive white Dyneema belt makes it easy to spot dirt or emissions, enabling swift corrective actions,” said Ian Grobler, Sales Manager for Konecranes, South Africa.
Grobler added, “This belt hoist, recently launched, is now chosen as a replacement for traditional chain and wire hoists handling up to SWL 2000kg. Since the belt needs no lubrication, concerns about oil or grease contamination are eliminated. The design is highly resistant to harsh environments—including acids, bases, mineral salts, solvents, and oil—and offers protection for customers’ equipment and processes.”
The hoist installs easily across various lifting systems, including overhead traveling cranes, Konecranes KBK workstation systems, jib cranes, monorails, and stationary setups, with a load capacity up to 6.3 tons. It stands out for its outstanding UV and chemical resistance, and features high-strength polyamide guiding pulleys that are completely corrosion-free. Unlike some alternatives, the pulleys and belts produce no metal particles that might detach and contaminate products.
The Konecranes belt hoist uses an electromagnetic self-adjusting brake to minimize maintenance and can be equipped with optional stainless-steel hooks, hook blocks, wheels, frames, and cubicles. With securely sealed bearings, the hoist remains easy to clean. It’s available in two frame sizes: BH2, from 125 kg up to 2 tons; and BH5, up to 6.3 tons.
For protection against water and dust, the belt hoist meets Ingress Protection (IP) standards: IP66 for the motor, IP65 for the pendant, and IP55 or IP66 for the control panel. Features include an electrically isolated hook block, self-adjusting brake, and a geared limit switch for precise upper and lower hook positioning. Safety is maximized by the hoisting motor’s thermal protection and overload device, safeguarding both equipment and operators from overheating and overloading risks.
The versatile configuration options include a stationary hoist for applications without horizontal movement, a normal headroom hoist when every centimeter of lift is needed, and an articulated hoist (BH5) offering manual or motorized operation along curved tracks. “Konecranes recognizes the vital importance of minimizing contaminants and enabling rapid action to remove particles so required cleanroom standards are met. We’re confident our belt hoist fulfills our customers’ criteria,” concluded Grobler.