News – Condra

When an Overhead Crane Outlasts Everything Else: Condra’s 37-Year Testament to Engineering

Teo Georgiev — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:40:20 +0000

In May 1989, a South African business purchased a Condra overhead crane for just under R68 000, expecting a typical return on investment. Today, that same crane is still lifting on a local industrial site, crossing a 37-year milestone of continuous operation. It has outlasted economic cycles, technological change, and generations of industrial equipment, quietly proving itself a masterclass in long-term capital value. This exceptional service life reflects Condra’s engineering expertise and the dedicated after-sales support that keeps our machinery operating far beyond initial expectations.

Overhead Crane: An Investment in Long-Term Performance

The longevity of Condra’s overhead crane highlights an important consideration for industries: the true value of lifting equipment is measured over its entire working life, not only at the point of purchase. Since 1989, inflation has driven up the cost of virtually everything, including steel, fuel, vehicles, and industrial machinery. An equivalent overhead crane purchased today would require an investment of approximately R768 000, more than eleven times its original cost. Over the same period, everyday staples such as a loaf of bread have increased many times over in price, illustrating just how dramatically the value of money has changed during the crane’s working life. However, when machinery continues to operate reliably for decades, the long-term return on investment becomes undeniable. Many of the vehicles manufactured in 1989 have long since been traded in, scrapped, or retired from service. Yet somewhere in South Africa, this Condra overhead crane continues to perform the task it was originally built to do. By minimising unplanned downtime and extending operational life, Condra’s precision-engineered cranes prove that quality machinery can remain a valuable capital asset long after its purchase.

Built to Last: What We Offer Today

Our reputation for durability is built on decades of crane manufacturing experience and a commitment to maintaining control over the entire production process. Every crane in our range is manufactured to specification using approximately 250 sub-assemblies, all produced in-house. This integrated approach enables stringent quality control, consistent engineering standards, and parts availability, independent from third-party suppliers or discontinued product lines. Combined with an extensive range of overhead cranes designed for demanding industrial environments, our manufacturing philosophy helps ensure reliability throughout the equipment’s lifecycle. The continued operation of a Condra crane supplied in 1989 is clear evidence of our focus on durable engineering, serviceability, and long-term performance.

Keeping the Fleet Running: Our Service Division

Manufacturing quality is one-half of what keeps our cranes running; expert, ongoing maintenance and technical support is the other. Our dedicated service division provides after-sales service, parts, and maintenance, offering a support infrastructure that has proven to be as critical to longevity as the original manufacturing quality. Furthermore, Condra’s service division spans installations, upgrading and refurbishing older model cranes, annual load testing, inspections, and repairs, keeping every crane operating safely and efficiently. Our state-of-the-art training facility outside Johannesburg ensures technicians receive ongoing training and hands-on experience across all makes and types of cranes, remaining equipped to service both current and legacy machinery.

A Legacy Measured in Decades

The 1989 crane, still operating today, is a remarkable feat, but it is not the oldest Condra crane still in daily service. In fact, there are even older Condra cranes still operating on industrial sites throughout South Africa. Our first overhead cranes were manufactured in 1971, and there are vintage units still active, a testament to our unwavering engineering and manufacturing standards. or industries investing in lifting equipment, true value is measured over decades of reliable performance, and every Condra crane is built with exactly that in mind. If you need an overhead crane that will still be lifting reliably for the next 37 years and more, consult with our team.

The post When an Overhead Crane Outlasts Everything Else: Condra’s 37-Year Testament to Engineering appeared first on Condra.

Understanding South African Lifting Equipment Standards for Safety

Teo Georgiev — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:54:49 +0000

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of cranes and those who operate them goes further than mere operational practices and is a legal obligation in South Africa. Hoists and lifting machinery operate under intense loads and demanding conditions, making strict regulation essential. By aligning design principles, manufacturing and maintenance practices with legislation, industries protect workers, extend equipment life and reduce costly downtime. The lifting equipment standards upheld by Condra ensure safety is engineered into every stage of the process.

The Role of OHSA in Lifting Equipment Standards

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), together with the Driven Machinery Regulations (DMR), set out strict requirements for the inspection, testing, and ongoing maintenance of lifting equipment. OHSA and DMR place legal responsibility on employers and suppliers to ensure that lifting equipment standards are met and that the equipment remains safe for use. These regulations require that material handling machinery is suited to its intended duty, operate within their rated capacity, and receive regular ongoing inspection and testing. Compliance is not a once-off exercise but a continuous obligation that upholds safety standards.

SANS Codes and Their Practical Impact

SANS (South African National Standards) codes translate legal requirements into practical engineering and operational standards. These codes address design factors, material selection, manufacturing tolerances, and operational safeguards for cranes and lifting devices. Relevant SANS codes and associated lifting machinery standards outline expectations around structural integrity, braking systems, controls, and safety devices. By adhering to recognised SANS codes, manufacturers, such as Condra, provide assurance that equipment meets nationally accepted benchmarks. In addition, Condra designs and manufactures to international standards, including BS2573, the British Standard governing the design of cranes, ensuring equipment meets globally recognised engineering benchmarks.

Load Testing Standards

Load testing standards, such as SANS 10375 for in-service cranes, are critical in verifying lifting equipment performance under controlled conditions. Proof load testing confirms that cranes and hoists can safely handle loads exceeding their rated capacity without permanent deformation or failure. These tests validate design assumptions and manufacturing quality before the equipment enters service. Material handling machinery is required to undergo periodic load testing, typically conducted at defined intervals or after installation, repairs or modifications, to verify their ability to safely operate at their rated load capacity. Load testing is mandatory following installation, as well as after any repairs, alterations or modifications, to confirm the equipment continues to meet safety and performance standards. Understanding South Africa’s Usage Regulations

Regular inspection and testing

All lifting machinery in active service must undergo comprehensive examinations and performance testing by a certified lifting machinery inspector before being placed into operation. Ongoing inspections are required annually to confirm safe operations; however, additional inspections are mandatory after any disassembly and reassembly carried out for maintenance, repair, or refurbishment.

Load indicators and limiting device

On power-driven cranes, load-limiting devices are required to automatically prevent lifting operations that exceed the machine’s safe working load, providing an essential safeguard against overloading. Load limiters are a standard on all of Condra’s units. We exceed the legal requirement, as DMR 18 only requires hoists greater than 5 tons to have a load limiter.

Maintaining records

Employers are required to keep accurate and thorough records covering performance tests, statutory examinations, alterations, and repairs completed throughout the machinery’s service life. These records provide traceability, confirm regulatory compliance, and play a vital role in ongoing safety management. As the OEM of the equipment, we can assist with the records. We have the oldest records available compared to all of our competitors.

Trust the Compliant Engineering Expertise of Condra

Condra’s commitment to lifting equipment standards ensures the delivery of cranes and hoists that meet and uphold the industry benchmark in quality, value, and performance precision. Our cranes are designed and manufactured up to and including Class 4 and in accordance with ISO, SANS, BS2573, and other internationally recognised standards, and every crane we manufacture, install, commission, service, maintain, and upgrade is carried out in full compliance with OHSA requirements. Consult with our sales team or technical advisors for expert advice and professional assistance.

The post Understanding South African Lifting Equipment Standards for Safety appeared first on Condra.

From Design to Commissioning: What a Crane Installation in South Africa Really Involves

Teo Georgiev — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:48:54 +0000

The crane industry as a whole is a heavily regulated, engineering-driven process that extends further than lifting steel components into place. For industries relying on heavy-duty lifting equipment, a crane installation in South Africa becomes a long-term operational asset. Its performance, safety, and reliability depend on carefully managed implementation that begins at the concept stage and ends only after commissioning, certification, and post-installation inspections. Investing in overhead lifting equipment requires understanding the end-to-end process and highlights the value of working with an experienced manufacturer such as Condra.

Crane Installation in South Africa: Engineering Design and Site Considerations

The engineering design for a crane installation has to consider load requirements, duty cycles, span, lift height, and operational environment, as these factors all influence crane selection and configuration. Structural assessments of the building or support steel are essential, as cranes introduce dynamic loads that affect columns, beams, and foundations. The design also accounts for future operational needs. Provisions for crane upgrades, such as increased load capacities, changes to the operating environment, or the integration of additional enhancements, allow the crane system to scale dynamically.

Manufacturing, Logistics, and Planning

At Condra, our overhead cranes are manufactured in-house to a customer’s approved specifications, using around 250 individual sub-assemblies, including hoists, drives, end carriages, brakes, gearboxes, and motors, which work together to deliver reliable lifting performance. These components arrive on site ready for our technical team to install. Crane alignment is critical during the manufacturing process. The precise alignment of rails, wheels, and travel paths minimises wear, improves load handling accuracy, and extends component life. Incorrect alignment can lead to excessive stress on structures and mechanical components. Before delivery of the crane components, a detailed assessment of the site layout is carried out to confirm that the space is suitable and to identify any potential risks ahead of installation. Access points are carefully planned to allow safe movement of tools, lifting equipment, and crane components into the building, and staging areas are prepared to create adequate space for assembly. Local manufacturing enables faster delivery of components and spare parts, reducing downtime and improving long-term operational efficiency.

Assembly and Crane Alignment

Full site works typically takes place over several days, which includes: assembly, installation, cold and hot commissioning, load testing, and handover. Assembly involves positioning and securing the overhead crane components in accordance with the approved design specifications. If properly planned, the physical installation of the crane takes only one day. Once installed, Condra conducts a full Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). Should it be required, a site load test can be conducted to confirm full operational performance, ensuring the overhead system can safely handle rated loads and meets the required safety standards.

The Importance of Inspections

Scheduled crane inspections are critical in controlling costs by confirming compliance with local regulations and identifying potential safety or production risks early. The timeframe of these inspections is determined by the duty cycle of the crane. An annual compliance inspection is standard for 2m or 1Am light-duty units. Cranes that are used often require three monthly inspections. It is always advisable to consult with a technical expert at Condra to determine the best service interval for your specific duty cycle. However, this alone is not sufficient to ensure ongoing compliance, as regulations typically require a combination of preventative maintenance, corrective repairs, general overhauls, engineering assessments, and periodic load testing to maintain safe and reliable operation. Ongoing service support, including maintenance contracts, spare parts availability, and rapid technical response, plays a critical role in sustaining crane performance over its operational lifespan. At Condra, our dedicated service division delivers ongoing support, keeping heavy-duty lifting equipment compliant and operational.

Industry-Specific Solutions

We specialise in lifting equipment designed for demanding industries such as mining, processing plants, foundries, automotive manufacturing, power generation, and heavy engineering. These applications often require heat-resistant components, high-duty classifications, or advanced control systems that standard cranes cannot provide. A crane installation in South Africa relies on in-depth industry knowledge, local expertise, and long-term support. Condra combines all three, offering custom systems engineered for diverse operating conditions locally and globally. Partnering with us ensures safety, performance, and operational value that continues after the initial installation.

The post From Design to Commissioning: What a Crane Installation in South Africa Really Involves appeared first on Condra.

When to Use Portal Crane Systems Instead of Overhead Cranes

Teo Georgiev — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:20:11 +0000

Selecting the optimal lifting equipment for your operational requirements hinges on a clear understanding of the fundamental differences between overhead cranes and portal crane systems. Although both are engineered for handling heavy material loads, their structural designs and ideal use environments differ. To determine which option best aligns with your facility’s requirements, Condra Cranes explains the differences between the two.

Engineering Design Features of Overhead Cranes and Portal Crane Systems

The most significant structural difference between overhead cranes and portal crane systems has to do with how each is supported:

Overhead crane Often referred to as a bridge crane, these cranes are permanently installed within a building and operate from a structural framework for support. This allows the crane to move smoothly along its overhead fixed runway rails while maximising usable floor space below. Manufacturers can offer a wide range of configurations to ensure the system best suits the operating environment and the specific application demands. The most effective way to determine the right solution is by consulting a technical advisor who can provide expert guidance and carry out a site assessment if needed. Configurations may include single or double girder options, specialised end carriage mountings, and alternative rail interfaces, such as top riding or underslung.
Portal crane Also known as a goliath crane or gantry crane. A portal crane shares many functional similarities with an overhead crane, but it differs in how it is supported. Instead of being fixed to a structure,it is a standalone structure that moves on “portal legs” with end carriages that run along ground-level runway beams. Despite their structural differences, the basic movement and operating principles of both systems are remarkably similar. The key differentiators are where each crane is installed and how each is supported.

Important Selection Factors

Having established the structural differences between the two, the critical question remains: Which type is the better choice for your facility? Here are some essential factors to consider.

Operational span The span of a portal crane refers to the horizontal distance between the centre lines of the two rails and effectively determines the width of the crane’s main working area. Rather than asking how wide the crane can be, it is far more important to consider how wide it needs to be. This requirement is driven entirely by the layout and constraints of the site itself. The widest extents of the entire operating zone must be identified to allow additional clearance on both sides for safety and access.
Structural compatibility: Mounting options Evaluate the readiness of your existing facility. Is your building structurally capable of accommodating an overhead crane precisely where the lifts need to occur? If not, it is advisable to consult with a technical advisor about having a free-standing overhead or gantry designed and installed to suit your intended lifting zones and exact requirements.

Tailored Heavy-Lifting Solutions

For almost six decades, Condra has designed and manufactured cranes, such as overheads and portals, in-house for multiple industries. Our overhead and portal crane systems meet stringent industry specifications, including capacities up to and including heavy-duty Class 4, ensuring maximum durability and safety. Consult with the leading crane specialists, Condra.

The post When to Use Portal Crane Systems Instead of Overhead Cranes appeared first on Condra.

CHOPPER-CRANE

Designers — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:18:56 +0000

🎉PRESS RELEASE

📅 DECEMBER 9, 2025

This Condra 4-ton overhead crane with suspended helicopter fuselage accurately replicates helicopter motion in the hover, allowing simulated but realistic training of emergency rescue teams.

They are part of the University of Johannesburg’s newly opened Rescue Centre.

By lifting, rotating and tilting the suspended Eurocopter A365N3 helicopter fuselage above a five metre deep survival pool, the crane helps deliver an authentic, low-risk training experience at economical cost, allowing trainees to prepare for real world rescue conditions.

Officially opened in October 2025, the Rescue Centre is a four storey high, 3000 square-metre building equipped with a plethora of specialised machinery to immerse trainees in controllable air rescue conditions of high wind, rough seas and heavy rain.

Hundreds of hours of design work went into the integration of crane and helicopter through a complex system of electronics and control systems.

UJ’s Rescue Centre addresses a critical gap in regional training capabilities by providing an accessible environment to train and re-train coast guard teams,

oil-rig rescue and multiple other crews who execute land-sea emergency rescue missions.

It is the only facility of its kind in Africa, establishing Johannesburg as the continent’s hub for advanced rescue training. Teams that previously had to train abroad for mandatory certification can now train closer to home at lower cost and without any need to use actual helicopters in potentially dangerous weather conditions.

Visit Condra’s website: www.condra.co.za

________________________________________________________________

Issued on behalf of Condra (Pty) Ltd
Further information: Marc Kleiner (managing director)
Telephone: +27 11 776-6000
Fax: +27 86 669-2372
E-mail: sales@condra.co.za

P O Box 752639, GARDENVIEW, 2047, SOUTH AFRICA

Issued by The Press Agency
Further information: Alan Thrush
Telephone: +34 633 01 8008
E-mail: thrush.elpajaro@yandex.com
Calle Vázquez de Mella 18 4-D, Alicante 03013, Spain

The post CHOPPER-CRANE appeared first on Condra.

CASH PRIZES HIGHLIGHT LIFTING DURABILITY

Designers — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:02:27 +0000

🎉PRESS RELEASE

📅 NOVEMBER 10, 2025

💵💵💵 Condra is running a competition to find the company’s oldest working crane, showcasing product durability and offering cash prizes for the three longest-working machines discovered.

The contest is part of the run-up to diamond jubilee celebrations, aiming to reinforce a core company concept of delivering value over time. Open to hoists, original cranes and refurbished machines (to highlight the viability of upgrading veteran cranes to modern, fit-for-purpose standard), entry is free.

Condra will turn sixty in 2026.

Managing director Marc Kleiner said that buying new is not always the best option.

He listed the two principal advantages of crane refurbishment – an immediate realisation of cost savings, and the continued use of an as-new machine already familiar to operators. This avoids any need for retraining, he said. Production can continue as before, with no change to established procedures.

“We need about three weeks to refurbish to top standard,” said Kleiner. “The cost is almost always less than buying a new crane, and we can upgrade to incorporate any kind of modern technology the customer wants.

“Refurbishments carry a three year warranty if Condra-authorised agents service the crane, or one year if not.” Kleiner explained that Condra usually refurbishes only its own cranes because spare parts from rival firms are not always available. They are also expensive to import, whereas Condra manufactures all spare parts locally.

“If the crane is one of ours, then refurbishment is usually worthwhile,” he said. “We encourage it because new crane prices are about 60% higher today than they were ten years ago. If needed, we can change crane capacity and span. Even cranes twenty years or older can usually be improved by installing variable frequency drives to facilitate easily changeable speeds. “By refurbishing, we deliver back to the customer a crane much faster and lighter than before, and we can automate it, too, upgrading the mechanicals to work with new electrical equipment. “These options are offered during any refurbishment, from standard 2M workshop cranes to the higher performing machines such as Class 3 and Class 4,”

Kleiner added. Turning to the market for new cranes, Kleiner pointed to worrying examples of end-users buying cheap cranes from rival firms, then finding it impossible to timeously rectify breakdowns when they occurred.

“I believe it’s fair to say that the Condra product not only works, but also lasts because it has 60 years of manufacturing and service experience behind it.” Kleiner admitted the difficulty of competing with the sale price of imported machines in the absence of South African tariffs or other protective mechanisms. “It’s not easy,” he said, “but where we are more than competitive is in the overall lifetime cost of the crane, because imported parts are expensive and often not readily available. “We compete on product reliability and durability. Many operators don’t factor into their cost projections production losses caused by downtime. The purpose of an overhead crane is to move what the factory is producing. If the crane isn’t working, the factory isn’t producing. It isn’t making money. “Initial price is not what overall cost effectiveness is all about.”

2026 will mark sixty years since Condra’s formation as a general engineering company offering a range of locally made, competitively priced hoists. Crane manufacture began in 1971. Today the company is headquartered at a 22 000m² factory site in Germiston, with a second factory in Cape Town. There are subsidiary companies in Bulgaria and Chile.

Full details of the contest to find Condra’s oldest crane can be found at the company website: www.condra.co.za .

ENDS PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS: Oldest Condra crane? (When it was still new, of course.)

📍Visit Condra’s website: www.condra.co.za

______________________________________________________________________

Issued on behalf of Condra (Pty) Ltd
Further information: Marc Kleiner (managing director)
Telephone: +27 11 776-6000
Fax: +27 86 669-2372
E-mail: sales@condra.co.za
P O Box 2639, BEDFORDVIEW, 2008, SOUTH AFRICA

Issued by The Press Agency
Further information: Alan Thrush
Telephone: +34 633 01 8008
E-mail: thrush.elpajaro@yandex.com
Calle Vázquez de Mella 18 4-D, Alicante 03013, Spain

The post CASH PRIZES HIGHLIGHT LIFTING DURABILITY appeared first on Condra.

How to Choose the Right Overhead Cranes in South Africa for Your Facility

Designers — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:44:39 +0000

Industrial cranes replace manual labour for tasks involving immense weight or height. Their lifting power handles a wide range of construction materials, heavy machinery, raw materials, and finished products across multiple operational requirements. Selecting the right type of overhead cranes in South Africa for your facility requires a clear view of crane types, load capacities, and the engineering benefits offered by specialists like Condra Cranes & Hoists.

Considerations When Selecting Overhead Cranes in South Africa

Several parameters need to be factored in when choosing overhead cranes in South Africa:

Load capacity requirements: Assess the maximum weight to be lifted and moved. This determines the necessary rating capacity to ensure the crane can safely and effectively handle the heaviest loads.
Facility space and layout: Evaluate your facility’s physical constraints and floor plan. This dictates which crane configuration is the most appropriate fit for your operational space.
Frequency of operation: Ensure durability and sustained performance for applications involving continuous or heavy-duty operations with a sturdy option, such as a double-girder crane.
Operating environment: Consider using a bridge-type crane if it is to be used outdoors or within a hazardous or corrosive environment, as its structure is better suited to withstand external elements compared to typical indoor overhead cranes.

Double- and Single-Girder Cranes Explained

At Condra, we offer a wide range of cranes engineered for virtually any industrial application. Here are some of our preferred options and popular solutions:

Double Girder A double-girder crane incorporates two parallel beams upon which a trolley moves either between the beams or along the top. This configuration delivers superior rigidity, allowing for higher capacities, accommodating long spans, and facilitating increased lifting height. As the trolley can operate between the girders, the hoist is positioned higher, maximising the hook height, which is a distinct benefit in facilities needing to optimise headroom. Essential additions like maintenance walkways, service platforms, and auxiliary hoists can also be accommodated. This adaptability makes them exceptionally well-suited for demanding, continuous applications such as mining operations and large-scale processing plants.
Single Girder This type of crane uses a single main bridge beam that accommodates a trolley and hoist running along its lower flange, offering a straightforward, efficient solution suitable for lighter or moderate-duty applications. A single-girder crane provides advantages in ease of installation and simpler maintenance, coupled with lower overall weight and reduced demands on supporting structural elements. Their compact profile makes a single girder the ideal choice for retrofitting into existing buildings without requiring extensive or costly structural modifications. They are typically used in workshops or warehouses where space may be restricted and lifting cycles less frequent.
Specialised Bridge Crane Systems: EOTs An electric overhead travelling crane (EOT) operates along elevated runway tracks installed within industrial or manufacturing facilities. The bridge beam, or girders, together with the hoist, trolley, and end tracks, enable the crane to move heavy loads with precision, performing operations both vertically and horizontally. EOTs are electrically powered and operated through various interfaces, such as wireless remote systems or dedicated operator cabins. The cranes can be either single or double girder, depending on the loading capacity.

Your Trusted Crane Suppliers

Condra’s overhead cranes in South Africa are engineered and manufactured to meet rigorous specifications, including the capacity for heavy-duty operations up to and including Class 4 standards. Our commitment to quality is upheld through adherence to South African and internationally recognised quality standards and control bodies. For expert advice, consult with our qualified team.

The post How to Choose the Right Overhead Cranes in South Africa for Your Facility appeared first on Condra.

Understanding Electric Wire Rope Hoists: Performance, Maintenance, and Longevity

Designers — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:54:50 +0000

Industries that depend on the safe and reliable lifting, moving, and lowering of multiple materials to keep operations running rely on electric wire rope hoists. Operating as a motor-driven lifting system built to handle substantial loads with accuracy, safety, and dependable efficiency, these devices are a trusted solution for demanding environments. Condra Cranes & Hoists explains the main components of these hoists, how vital it is to adhere to load capacities, and the importance of routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Mechanical Design of Electric Wire Rope Hoists

Electric wire rope hoists comprise several critical integrated components that work together to lift and lower loads:

Motor: Supplies the electrical energy required to drive the wire rope over the drum. The motor is engineered with various power levels to match the required load weights and operational frequency precisely.
Gearbox: The gearbox ensures that the motor’s rotary motion is at the required speed and torque to control lifting and lowering.
Rope drum: The wire rope is precisely wound onto or unwound from this cylinder. The physical size and design of the drum directly influence both the maximum lifting height and the load capacity of the hoist.
Rope: A high-tensile steel rope physically carries the load. For safe operations, the rope must be subjected to regular, thorough inspection for any signs of wear or damage.
Hook: Attached at the end of the terminal steel rope is a hook or lifting attachment to safely secure the load.
Control unit: Hoists include a control unit that gives the operator precise management over the load’s direction and speed. It also allows the operator to make exact starting, stopping, and speed adjustments, ensuring maximum control and safety. The control unit can operate via pendant controls, wireless remote systems, or automatic, integrated systems.

Operational Safety

When engaging in lifting and lowering operations, loads must be moved evenly. Avoid jerky or sudden movements to prevent the materials from swinging or slipping, thereby ensuring maximum stability throughout the entire lift. The maximum load capacity specified by Condra must not be exceeded under any circumstances to prevent catastrophic accidents, structural failure, and damage to the equipment.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regularly maintaining an electric wire rope hoist is essential for optimal performance and longevity:

Lubrication: Ensure all moving parts are routinely lubricated. This minimises friction and significantly extends the components’ service life.
Rope inspection: The rope needs to be frequently checked for signs of wear, such as broken wires or deformed sections. Replace it immediately if damaged to maintain safe operation.
Electrical check: Inspect all electrical components for any loose connections or damage that can compromise safety or function.
Specialist servicing: Critical safety and performance components like gearboxes and brakes should be inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified specialist to guarantee reliable operation.

Keep detailed maintenance records and document all servicing work performed, as this will help with future troubleshooting.

Partner with Reputable Manufacturers

Condra’s in-house manufacturing facility ensures our K-Series and Titan Series electric wire rope hoists are specifically engineered to manage loads up to 250 tons. Our service division, established in 1982, delivers dedicated after-sales support, including essential parts, hoist spare parts, and ongoing maintenance. We are also the sole distributor of the Hitachi range of chain hoists. Furthermore, our training facilities provide technicians with continuous, hands-on training and expertise in all makes and types of cranes, ensuring unparalleled service competence. Partner with the reputable and reliable supplier of quality hoists, cranes and specialised materials handling equipment, both locally and internationally. It’s always the right move.

The post Understanding Electric Wire Rope Hoists: Performance, Maintenance, and Longevity appeared first on Condra.

CANADA, AUSTRALIA BET SOUTH AFRICAN

Designers — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:37:42 +0000

Consulting firms in Canada and Australia have placed multiple orders on a South African company to manufacture cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment for mine expansion projects in Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Namibia.

Condra, the company executing the orders at its Johannesburg factory, has revealed general details but declined to name either the customers or the mines because of non-disclosure agreements.

The cranes will work in general workshop and feeder-line maintenance applications, with capacities ranging from two to eighteen tons.

Sierra Leone’s order comprises one long-reach jib crane, three single-girder overhead cranes and a portal crane, while Tanzanian mines will receive two double-girder cranes, a single-girder machine, one portal crane and a long-reach jib crane.

Condra jib crane

Six Titan hoists, among them several fitted with articulated carriages to negotiate curved girder tracks, will go to Namibia along with two portal cranes, a long-reach jib crane, two single-girder cranes and a double-girder machine. Fifteen chain hoists and blocks will also be shipped to that country.

Condra’s Titan hoist range is versatile, comprising the Compact Series with capacities to 32 tons, and the SH (Short-Headroom) Series with capacities to 18 tons. All models are variants of the veteran K-Series hoists, but refined to offer a more compact profile with markedly reduced overall dimensions.

Among the cranes included in the international orders are several equipped with high-lift K-Series hoists, in one instance to a height of 40 metres. These hoists have a proven record in high-lift applications, with Condra widely recognised as Africa’s market leader in this specialised arena. The company’s installed base includes hoists with controlled lifts as high as 150 metres.

Hoist from Condra’s K-Series

A company spokesman said there had been close cooperation with the consultants to ensure that agreed prices could remain competitive without compromising the robust reliability required for harsh operating conditions.

Overall lifetime cost will remain lower than cranes offered by rival firms, said the spokesman, while inspection and testing will take place at defined stages during manufacture to ensure compliance with international quality control, safety, and lifting equipment standards.

Condra’s customers placed their orders in late August. Manufacturing is underway at the company’s Germiston factory, with delivery to be effected by road. A number of crane girders will be spliced to allow packing in standard 12 metre containers.

Shipping dates will be staggered to meet project timetables, with delivery scheduled for late 2025 through to mid-2026.

Technicians from Condra will manage installation and commissioning in Sierra Leone, while local agents will carry out these procedures in Tanzania and Namibia.

The post CANADA, AUSTRALIA BET SOUTH AFRICAN appeared first on Condra.

PORTAL CRANES FOR GHANA & SAUDI ARABIA

Designers — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:30:08 +0000

Mining engineering company FL Smidth (FLS) has decommissioned a 10-ton Condra portal crane in Mozambique to use in a company workshop in Ghana. Two new machines of similar design and capacity, recently completed by Condra Johannesburg, are to join it.

Condra has additionally shipped two portal cranes of 15 ton capacity to FLS Saudi Arabia.

The four newly completed cranes were dispatched mid-August, fulfilling orders placed in March by FL Smidth’s Sub-Sahara and West Africa Procurement Service.

Cranes under manufacture at Condra’s Raceway Industrial Park factory, outside Johannesburg.

Condra has a long-standing relationship with FLS, enjoying a reputation for reliable, robust machines efficiently serviced by maintenance crews pre-cleared to enter destination countries throughout Africa and the Middle East.

All three Ghana cranes, including the machine from Mozambique, will be used for maintenance. They will run on end-carriages customised with spaced nylon-treaded wheels to meet an FLS stipulation that floor loading at the workshop not exceed 5000 kilogrammes.

The de-commissioned Mozambique crane will have these end-carriages fitted upon arrival in Accra, Ghana, matching it to the twin 10-ton portal machines.

At the tender stage, FL Smidth requested maximum floorspace and lifting height within the constraints of the Accra workshop building. To achieve this, Condra used SH (short headroom) hoists from its Titan range, then mounted geared drives vertically on the end-carriages to achieve a floorspace saving of about half that required by conventional mounts.

Other features include digital loadcell hoist readouts, variable-speed drives on the long-travels, and pendant backup for hand-held remote control units.

The two 15-ton portal cranes for Saudi Arabia have a general configuration similar to the Ghanaian cranes, but will run on conventional steel wheels and rails. They will be installed in the FLS workshop in Dammam, an industrialised port city in the east of the country on the Persian Gulf.

The tight constraints imposed by limited workshop space on crane installation at Dammam posed a challenge during the design phase: box girders,15-ton hoists, girder legs and end-carriages had all to be capable of assembly and installation within a vertical plane measuring just 8,3 metres across by 5,4 metres high.

Short-headroom SH hoists from the Titan range helped meet this challenge.

Features of the Saudi cranes are similar to those for Ghana, with the exception of two-speed drives throughout, there being no variable-speed drives on the Saudi cranes.

Condra used 3D modelling software to prepare all four cranes for packing, virtually presenting them on-screen to digitised standard containers. Just two containers were needed for actual dispatch to each country.

Condra’s Titan SH hoists are designed to make maximum use of expensive factory space – headroom as well as floor – reducing the size of many constituent parts to take height out of the final crane assembly. They incorporate refinements such as automatic rope tensioning, smoother travel, built-in load limiter, standardised direct drive and universal carriage.

An SH (short headroom) hoist from Condra’s Titan range.

Installation and commissioning of the FLS cranes in Accra and Dammam is expected to take place late September.

The post PORTAL CRANES FOR GHANA & SAUDI ARABIA appeared first on Condra.