Welcome to the JMA Newsletter

In this edition of the JMA newsletter, we highlight a product and offer some helpful information on air hoists. The KBK Freestanding Work Station system from Demag is discussed, and Jim in our parts and service department offers some helpful hints on how to properly maintain your air hoist. We hope you find the information useful! We appreciate your time and continued support – thanks!

KBK Free Standing Work Station:

The KBK Free Standing Work Station is an overhead modular crane system kit that can be installed just about anywhere to provide lifting assistance or ergonomic handling capabilities in workstation or work cell environments where loads are less than 7,000 lbs. KBK loosely translated in German means “crane builder kit” and is just that, a system that you design and build to fit exacting requirements and needs, especially where precise loading, balancing or positioning are needed. Some of the system attributes - easy to install uses bolted connections (no field welding needed) and pre-designed kits for standardization of components; bolts to the floor (only 6” of concrete needed, floor quality needs to be verified to support loads); flexible – can be designed to fit into an array of work areas, work stations, departments; existing or new; versatile – KBK comes in different sizes to handle loads from 175 lbs to over 6,000 lbs to offer exactly what you need but not more.

Some of the accessories for the system include – Demag DC-Pro and DC-Com electric hoists, Demag Manulift system (which allows for one-handed operation in high volume assembly operations) and Demag air balancers. System components include KBK trolleys which utilize nylon wheels for smooth, quiet and wear-free operation (also eliminates the need for motorized trolleys and components in most cases); KBK hanger suspensions to attach to most wide flange support structures. KBK hanger suspensions pendulate to reduce stress on support structure and offer threaded hanger rods to adjust for different heights. Festooning is accomplished by sliders that run on the inside of KBK track for smooth movement and protection. The KBK track system comes in standard, pre-designed modular systems that are lightweight but strong to allow you to design a system to fit your system parameters and cost constraints precisely. These are just some of the qualities of the KBK Free Standing Work Station System; please contact us for more information or to discuss a specific application you may have in mind.

Proper Air Hoist Maintenance:

Did you know that all air hoist motors require some lubrication? This includes vane, gear and piston motor powered air hoists. In general, 1 – 3 drops of light grade machine oil should be added to the hoist motor per each minute of operation (please refer to the mfr’s recommendations). The lubricator should be connected to the air inlet of the hoist, and as close to the hoist as possible. Problems arise from too much or not enough oil. If oil is dripping from the hoist exhaust, then there’s too much and simply adjust the lubricator. While too much doesn’t really hurt anything its costly and makes a mesh. Too little lubrication is actually worse. You can adversely affect the motor and shorten its life if its under lubricated. You can visually verify by checking the site glass on top of the lubricator. Oil droplets will form in the site glass and then “drip” into the air stream where they are atomized prior to the motor. Following these simple rules will help ensure that your air hoist will run efficiently and repair free for years. One note – due to the presence of atomized oil in the exhaust of the air hoist this type of equipment should not be used in areas that are sensitive to oil contamination.

If you have any questions, comments or need further information please go to our contact page or call us at 1-800-745-6750 – we’d love to help!