Increased demand for safe, stable hoists

Technology supplier Becker Mining South Africa experienced a record year in 2023 in terms of sales and the success of Kito electrical and manual hoists, with a particular focus on Kito L5 lever hoists.

“Becker Mining has distributed and supported Kito electric chain hoists, manual hand-chain blocks and lever hoists in Africa since 1986,” states Becker Mining South Africa consumables senior GM Rick Jacobs.

He explains that, despite the recent challenges in the industry – including the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, an erratic power supply, the depreciating rand and its effect on exchange rates and ongoing strike action – Becker Mining recorded its best Kito sales numbers last year.

He notes that the growth in sales indicates an increased demand for “dependable and safe lifting equipment that is enhanced by reliable technical support services”. Jacobs attributes this success to Kito’s robust design and high safety standards.

“The Becker team takes great pride in the esteemed Kito range, which is manufactured in Japan to stringent quality and safety specifications. These robust hoists are designed for safe and stable operation in many light and heavy-duty applications in diverse industries,” states Jacobs.

He elaborates that the common applications are in mining, construction, shipbuilding, food, beverage and pharmaceuticals processing, manufacturing and general industry, chemical and petrochemicals plants, and the wind power sector.

Becker Mining South Africa experienced a particular growth in demand for Kito L5 lever hoists, which have been developed to improve efficiencies and enhance safety. In the event of excessive overload lifting, the integrated overload limiter is automatically activated and the lever slips, preventing injury and damage.

Additionally, other advantages of this low headroom series are reduced size and weight of the hoist which enables effortless handling and easy storage, while still being a much stronger unit than previous models. The L5 lever hoist is also easier to operate, even in confined working spaces.

Jacobs explains that there are seven hoists in this series, with capacities from 0.8 t to 9 t and a standard lift of 1.5 m. Non-standard lifts are also available.

Kito hoists are manufactured using high-grade alloy steel with increased material thickness for a high-strength frame.

Nickel coated, DIN-approved Grade 100 (1 000 N/mm2) load chains have been introduced for improved resistance against corrosion and wear and the improved design of the hook latches ensure the tight engagement of latch and hook, to guarantee operator safety.

The new shape and thicker material have created a strong lever handle, and cap nuts fasten the gear case and brake cover, protecting the screw from damage and enabling easy maintenance when necessary.

Kito’s original free chain adjusting mechanism improves the working efficiency and safeguards against inadvertent freewheeling under load. The “reliable” mechanical brake system incorporates two dry, asbestos-free brake pads and four braking surfaces. Further, for enhanced safety, two brake pawls are included as standard.

Becker Mining supplies a full range of Kito accessories as well, all of which are designed to enhance the performance of Kito hoists. These components include universal trolleys, available in plain or hand-geared configurations, to provide “smooth, precise and easy traversing and positioning”.

To ensure hoists are in pristine condition and always operate effectively, specialists recommend having the hoists tested regularly at Becker Mining’s workshops, or at any certified repair centre.

The company, which is committed to the highest standards in quality and safety, offers technical advisory, repair, test and backup services throughout Africa. A specialised consulting, training and support facility ensures optimum efficiency of a wide range of equipment and total safety for workers.

Becker Mining’s critical solutions encompass high-performance, fit-for-purpose energy distribution, automation and communication, as well as transportation and roof support systems.

Included in the range are intrinsically safe and flameproof underground electrical reticulation products, as well as fluid transfer, rigging, rope attachment, steel arch tunnel support and chairlift solutions.

An important feature, which forms part of all Becker Mining systems, is that the designs allow for the facilitation of future upgrades.