Alimak’s all-new Scando 650 hoist offers improved performance, durability and lifting capacity, with lower energy consumption and reduced cost of ownership and by doing so the Swedish manufacturer says it has taken construction hoist technology to unprecedented levels.

“The Scando 650 is a modular system that can adapt to different applications using relatively few modules and components,” says Mats Hedlund, Alimak’s marketing manager. Available in single or twin-car configuration, the hoist offers payloads of 1,600 to 3,000 kg/car and has a standard maximum lifting height of 200 m, which can be increased to 400 m on request.
The Scando has a freestanding mast height of 32 m when equipped with an optional pipe support. Two VFC frequency control  or DOL (direct on line) motors drive the system through a high efficiency gearbox. The Scando 650 operates at speeds up to 65 m/min and provides more hoist power, while using as much as 40 per cent less power than previous Scando models. Higher speed versions with three drive motor will be available in the future, says Hedlund.
“In an industry with cut-throat competition and minimal margins, it’s not enough just to make the hoists a bit better. We wanted to create a concept where it is the customer who reaps the benefits. With Scando 650, those benefits include reduced costs for owners and users due to flexibility, durability and accessibility, plus lower maintenance costs and improved productivity,” he adds.
The focus of Alimak’s engineers was to develop a concept that offers improved ergonomics and economics, and creates new conditions for long-term profitability of owners and leasing companies, he says.

Smooth operator
The new-generation VFC frequency control gives extremely smooth starting and stopping, thereby reducing the starting current and reducing wear and tear on the hoist components.
The Alimak ALCII, a microprocessor-based fully collective control system, manages control of the Scando 650. Capable of controlling up to six hoists, ALCII brings the efficiency and ease of use normally associated with hotel lifts to the construction site.
Explaining the benefits of the control system, he says: “The system remembers all calls from the landings and sends the hoist that is nearest to a landing to pick up passengers. It gets around a typical problem at construction sites, where workers push the call buttons at different landings on the same landing level to bring the hoists up as soon as possible, but actually end up waiting longer because the hoists are doing a lot of unnecessary trips.
“With ALC, there is less stop time and greater availability for all the hoists. The system, which requires only one call station on each landing, ensures accurate levelling at landings and requires no limit cams at intermediate landings. It also includes a built-in fault diagnostics programme and a moveable control panel that can be located on either side of the car.”

Choice
Cars, measuring 1.5 m wide by 2.3 m high internally, will eventually be available in lengths of 3.9 to 4.6 m. Door options on the Scando include strong, light and easy-to-open aluminium door blades, a dual entrance at base landing and C-gate on the side of the car. A wide range of ramp units is also available to optimise performance on different installations.
Simple configuration saves time on installation and dismantling, and the Scando 650’s compact base design makes transportation easier and cheaper, he says.
The hoists, which comply fully with the EN12159 and ANSI 10.4 code requirements, can be moved between markets and projects with minimal modification, he adds.

Mast
Another new feature of the Scando 650 is the A-50 mast section and module 5 rack. With 4.2 mm-thick tube walls, stiffer diagonal members and improved lattice work, the A-50 mast sections are lighter than previous masts but allow the Scando 650 to climb higher without the need for additional reinforcement. The old and new sections can, however, be combined, and an adaptor plate makes it possible to use older mast ties and accessories with the A-50 mast section, says Hedlund.
The module 5 rack improves involute teeth engagement, which increases friction surfaces, reduces wear and gives smoother travel. Alimak has tested the rack on the A-50 mast to a breaking load of 48 tonnes, he adds.
Alimak is a wholly-owned subsidiary  of Intervect, Sweden. Alimak develops, manufactures and markets passenger/materials hoists for the construction industry, permanently installed goods/passenger lifts for industrial environments and a range of equipment for underground mining and civil engineering.
Alimak equipment is available through a worldwide network of Intervect subsidiaries, regional offices and distributors, Hedlund adds.