Max Stable makes its move

Kalmar launches an anti-sway system able to perform quicker, more accurate spreader movements

The new spreader design from Kalmar, Max Stable, features an eight-rope reeving system without auxiliary ropes for faster, no-sway micromovements, thus making cycle times quicker and more efficient. Customers who choose the Max Stable anti-sway system for their rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) operation will experience better load stability control due to the fact that all eight ropes are hoisting the spreader's cargo.

Max Stable's design is comprised of a spreader attached to a more rigid rope reeving system by means of two hoist drums. A new angular sheave scheme has been developed that, in combination with the eight-rope design, naturally stabilizes the load allowing faster, more accurate positioning of the spreader.

Many factors were considered when developing Max Stable as Rene Kleiss, VP of Kalmar Cranes, explains:

"Our customers have unique expectations of crane productivity, but many of them are seeking more efficient stacking movements and better lifting speeds with higher capacities for their operations. The new Max Stable meets these needs as its rigid rope reeving system ensures stability because the main components - hoist ropes, drums and sheaves - are completely integrated.

"This design is unique to the market but is the result of good feedback from our customers. They have been promoting an even more productive, stable spreader and hoist system, and we are happy to deliver. Max Stable is derived from a system employed on Kalmar's automatic stacking cranes. As a full-service equipment provider, Kalmar is constantly improving its product lines using common knowledge and experience."

The new design of Max Stable allows operators to perform all micromovements, including skewing, trimming and sideshifting in both directions. The joystick-controlled spreader micromovements offer ± 5º skewing and optional trim with automatic centring, also contributing to reliability and operating efficiency.

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Notes to editor:

Press information can be found on Kalmar's website: www.kalmarind.com. Simply click on News Room to be taken to a list of recent press releases. A photograph to accompany this release is also available on the Kalmar website, by clicking on Press Pictures. The caption for the photograph reads:

"Kalmar offers customers the ultimate crane solution for enhanced productivity with the launch of its redesigned E-One+ RTG and newly engineered anti-sway spreader system called Max Stable."

Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world's leading supplier of cargo handling equipment to ports, terminals and intermodal facilities.

Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine. The company also supplies a wide range of machines to demanding industrial customers for applications as diverse as handling steel and paper to shunting road trailers at distribution hubs.

Kalmar is also leading the way in port automation applications with its application of unmanned container handling technology, on-board smart features and remote maintenance products developed in co-operation with customers and partners.

Kalmar's product range is complemented by a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management. Production plants are situated in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, China and the USA. Kalmar's net sales were EUR 1.2 billion in 2006.

Kalmar is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world's leading provider of cargo handling solutions, which are used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centres, and ships. In 2006 Cargotec's net sales were EUR 2.6 billion. Cargotec's class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.