First battery powered chain hoist from Columbus McKinnon for moving loads up to one metric ton

Wuppertal, October 2024 – Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) is a leading manufacturer of material handling solutions. In a further expansion of its lifting equipment portfolio, it has launched its first battery powered chain hoist under the Yale brand. The portable Yale® BatteryStar^TM does not require a power connection. It allows for variable speeds, to move and position heavy loads of up to one metric ton anywhere quickly, flexibly and precisely, without electricity.

Ready to operate anywhere in just a few minutes

The BatteryStar has applications in industry, in material handling, in logistics, on construction sites, in assembly, maintenance and also in the entertainment sector. It can be used either with a sling (hanger, loop or eye) attached to the hook or it can lift itself and the load up. The chain hoist has the capacity to lift loads of up to one metric ton with a height of lift (HOL) of 6 m, e.g. for outdoor work where electricity is unavailable.

The BatteryStar is compact and lightweight. Weighing less than 20 kg when 6 m of galvanised chain is included, it offers the flexibility of easy portability to the worksite, where it can be put into operation immediately. The lifting speed of 2.4 m/min increases operator efficiency 4x compared to using a manual hoist. It is also possible to pull loads horizontally if the chain hoist is attached to an anchor point.

Safe, remote operation with intelligence built in

The BatteryStar is designed for safety and user-friendliness – it works completely wirelessly. Its EMC-certified remote with a range of up to 20 m keeps the operator safe and away from the load, without the limitations of a control cable. The remote features built-in intelligence, alerting the operator with light-up icons for low battery, overcapacity, an over-temperature warning and a hoist inspection reminder. Safe operation is also ensured by a mechanical brake. Inspection windows on the top and bottom of the hoist allow operators to easily check brake wear, helping to facilitate preventative maintenance.

Durable and reliable even in rough conditions

An electronic clutch and secondary mechanical clutch provide dual protection from hoist overload. The BatteryStar is durable and reliable thanks to its brushless DC motor, integrated limit switches for highest and lowest hook position to extend the life of the slip clutch, and IP55 rated electronics.

The chain hoist is powered by an industry-leading M18 Red Lithium battery from Milwaukee Tool®. This weatherproof, easy-to-use battery was designed for mobile applications in harsh industrial environments. Even under full load, its 12 Ah capacity can operate for hook travel distances of up to 55 m. The smaller the loads, the longer the hoist can operate without recharging the battery.

About Columbus McKinnon

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) has a history of over 150 years and is a world leader in lifting and intelligent motion control technology. CMCO combines four business platforms under one roof: lifting solutions (custom-made hoists and crane systems), lifting distribution (standard hoists, hydraulics, load handling attachments), linear motion solutions (lifting columns, lifting systems and winches) as well as conveyance solutions (conveyor systems and conveyor belts). CMCO is a global organization headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Its global presence includes offices and manufacturing facilities in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. CMCO products are used in more than 50 countries. 3000 employees worldwide generate sales of over 1 billion US dollars (2024). The innovative product portfolio of high-quality brands such as STAHL CraneSystems, Yale, Pfaff-silberblau, Dorner and montratec, among others, addresses the needs of the CMCO customers by increasing safety and promoting growth and efficiency in their businesses. www.cmco.com

About YALE

The Yale brand is the leading brand in Europe for standard manual hoists. Supplied ready for use, the equipment is used worldwide in a wide range of industrial sectors: In the construction sector, mechanical engineering, transportation, energy and water management, oil & gas and paper manufacturing. The application-oriented range and all innovative new and further developments of Yale products constantly raise the bar in terms of quality, reliability and safety. The wide range of products includes hoists, spring rope hoists, pillar jib and gantry cranes, load handling attachments and weighing technology, hydraulic tools, heavy-duty trolleys, industrial trucks, textile slings and load securing equipment.