Electric braking added to the complete PowerLift line and a programmable control added to the push button model.
JR Clancy, the US-based manufacturer of theatre rigging systems, has announced significant changes to its line of PowerLift packaged hoists.
All PowerLifts now include an electric brake, replacing the Weston style brake previously fitted. JR Clancy’s international sales manager Charles Shatzkin explains: “The Weston style brake is extremely reliable but it is a ‘drive through’ brake – when lowering the load the brake is engaged and the load is driven through it. While this provides excellent protection it limits the top speed and load capacity of the hoist. Our new spring-applied, electric release brake allows us greater opportunity to ramp up the speed of the hoist without any compromise to safety. In addition the new brake is actually quieter, enhancing the already low level of noise produced by the PowerLift. In fact PowerLifts produce sounds no louder than those heard in a whisper-quiet library. Combined with our Quiet Idler loft blocks and Nylatron head blocks, Clancy PowerLift systems are extremely quiet – a vital consideration as lifting speeds increase.”
PowerLifts also feature dual brakes that provide complete coverage of the suspended load. “Clancy’s safety design requirements include brakes on both the motor and load sides. Unlike the dual motor brake systems prevalent from other manufacturers, our system ensures that should a transmission fail the load will not fall. We believe this extra level of safety is required whenever you are moving or suspending loads over people.”
Another change to the PowerLift line is to the entry level Model P0220T. Previously provided with push button control, it is ideal for situations where computer control was not required or considered too expensive. However the hoist was not able to provide repeatable moves to any given location because of the limitations of push button control. Clancy has resolved this problem by incorporating its SceneControl 50 control system into the P0220T. The SceneControl 50 has four user programmable and changeable presets.
Shatzkin continues: “Operators will no longer have to guess or put tape on the batten to ensure that the pipe has returned to its starting point. This means, for example, that they can bring in an already focussed electric, re-gel or re-lamp and return it exactly to trim. And because the presets are user controlled they can be changed on the fly and at will. This brings additional versatility to our workhorse PowerLift.”
Manufactured at JR Clancy’s facility in New York State, the PowerLift systems have been proven in installations across The America’s and Europe. The PowerLift’s dual brake technology protects the load on both the motor and transmission sides of the hoist, enhancing safety in the unlikely event of a hoist failure (whether with the motor or the transmission).
Shatzkin has just completed a tour of the UK with Hoist UK, demonstrating the benefits of JR Clancy’s systems. He is set to visit the UK again in September, when he will be demonstrating a range of the company’s products at the PLASA show in London.
All Clancy products in use in Europe are CE marked, as is required by law. While companies are able to self-certify Clancy chose to work with certification organisation Intertek to review and test its equipment, providing a more trustworthy result. This certification proves that the systems truly meet all the testing criteria. For more information about JR Clancy and its products, please visit www.jrclancy.com
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