Because wire rope can be heavy and bulky and often spins under load, Mike Herbert, Manitowoc Inc.'s global product director for rough-terrain cranes, has long sought an alternative. Even with rotation-resistant designs, conventional wire rope produces some torque. Now, Wisconsin-based Manitowoc has teamed with Samson Rope, Ferndale, Wash., to create the first-ever synthetic hoist rope for mobile cranes.
The resulting KZ100 rope is torque-neutral and 80% lighter than conventional wire rope, improving speed and safety in reeving and installation and reducing damage from spooling. Michael Quinn, director of new market development at Samson, tells ENR the weight savings means crane operators have less weight below the boom tip and reduced overall weight, effectively increasing lifting capacity.