Bromma adds headblock to Tandem range

The added mechanical functions of the dual-hoist block make it closer in nature to a spreader than a crane, says the Stockholm-based company. These features include the ability to separate containers up to 1.6 m, providing the flexibility for the headblock to be used in straddle carrier operations. At full 1.6 m extension, the headblock can handle container height differences of up to 300 mm, while on vessel operation it can handle differences of up to 700 mm. It also features fast connect/disconnect for easy transition from single to dual-hoist operations, while retaining full SCS functionality.

Bromma reports continued expansion of Tandem sales and operation worldwide. In China, the Tandem 45 spreader in service at Yantian International Container Terminal has passed the 500 operating hour mark, with an average performance of 20 moves per hour. Another Tandem spreader is set to begin operations this summer at Bandar Abbas, the leading container terminal in Iran. In Q1 2006 the Swedish company sold 400 telescopic crane spreaders, following a record 2005, when it sold nearly 800 in total – a 31% increase over the previous year.

Meanwhile, Bromma – which has a 30-strong R&D team dedicated to crane spreader design – is supporting the efforts of the non-profit users’ and manufacturers’ group CiA (CAN in Automation) to standardise the communications systems that connect cranes and spreaders. Andreas Lewis of Bromma has been named chairman of the Crane/Spreader Special Interest Group, which was established by CiA earlier this year.