Where experience and innovation come together

Leading the way in load handling

With more than sixty years of experience in reliable and competitive lifting systems, DEMAN sets the bar high. Literally and figuratively, because the Belgian family business is a leader in load handling. With the latest generation of SWF Nova², this lead is once again confirmed, with a hoist that sets new standards in load handling. An absolute world first here is the option of a synthetic rope.

DEMAN has been building overhead cranes (called rolling bridges in Flanders) since 1969 and is an innovation market leader in Belgium. The company is also growing steadily in the Netherlands. "Since 1993, we have been a partner of SWF, a renowned German manufacturer with some 260 partners worldwide. We rank among the top five most important partners," says managing director Kurt Deman proudly. DEMAN is therefore one of the first partners to be able to supply and demonstrate the latest generation Nova² hoist. "It is the successor to the highly successful and reliable Nova series introduced at the turn of the century. Nova² sets new standards in load handling and offers an ideal combination of safety, efficiency and functionality."

Synthetic cable

Most notable detail of Nova² is the ability to equip the hoist with a synthetic rope. "You can now choose between a steel or synthetic cable," says Deman. "That is one of the biggest innovations and a world first in this class." It is not new, according to the business manager, because it does exist on tower cranes. "There it has already demonstrated its added value for a long time. The cable does not need to be lubricated and is stainless. As a result, it cannot foul the loads and the risk of damage is minimal." Matthieu Elebaut, CCO at DEMAN, adds: "In addition to being corrosion resistant, a synthetic cable is also highly resistant to chemicals, saltwater and other corrosive environments. Compared to steel cables, a synthetic cable is much more flexible, which reduces wear and tear. Not only of the cable itself, but also of the cable drum and conductor. In short, the lower maintenance requirements and long service life of synthetic cables can lead to significant savings in operating costs and high crane system efficiency."

Intelligent options

Nova² also offers numerous other innovations. For example, the newly designed hook block with maximum closed cable routing provides optimal finger protection. The ergonomic handles in the hook block make guiding the hook easier and more reliable. Furthermore, Nova² can be equipped with innovative systems such as Easy Following, Easy Centering and Easy Prevention. With Easy Following, the operator "controls" the overhead crane manually by moving the hook block. With Easy Centering, the overhead crane automatically centers itself above the load when lifting and with Easy Prevention, the crane automatically slows down and stops if the hook, lifting strap or load touches another object.

Powerful tools for data capture

According to legislation, electric hoists have a limited service life, depending on use and load, with a standard period of ten years. After reaching the so-called Designed Working Period (DWP), a complete overhaul is required by law. "In practice, however, we find that hoists up to 20 tons have often only used about 5% of their maximum service life after ten years," says Deman. "An overhaul at that point is not only technically unnecessary, but also not economically justified. This is why Nova² is equipped as standard with an intelligent system for lifetime recording. This system continuously monitors the actual load and gives a reliable indication of the remaining service life. In this way, you avoid unnecessary costs and plan maintenance at the right time - efficiently, transparently and forward-looking."

At the launch of the new series, DEMAN is offering models with load capacities of up to 20 tons. "Other sizes, load capacities and versions are in preparation and will follow," the business manager concluded.

Would you like to experience SWF Nova² for yourself? You can do so in DEMAN's demo center in Sint-Eloois-Winkel, near Kortrijk.