Alimak claims to have taken construction hoist technology to unprecedented levels with Scando 650 – a modular system that can adapt to different applications using relatively few modules and components.

The hoist offers improved performance, durability and lifting capacity, with lower energy consumption and reduced cost of ownership, says a company spokesman.
Available in single or twin car configuration, the Scando 650 offers payloads of 1,500 to 3,000 kg/car, has a standard maximum lifting height of 400 m – which can be increased on request – and has a free-standing mast height of 32 m when equipped with an optional pipe support.
Driven by two or three FC frequency control or two DOL motors system through a high-efficiency gearbox, the Scando 650 operates at speeds up to 65 m/min and provides more hoist power, while using 40 per cent lesser power than previous models. Higher speed versions will be introduced shortly.
The Scando 650 has been put to use for the construction work on Dubai’s Al Rostamani Tower. The hoist, ordered by Khansaheb Civil Engineering through local distributor Inma, is the first Scando 650 for the Middle East.

Smooth operator
The new generation FC frequency control gives extremely smooth starting and stopping, thereby reducing the starting current and reducing wear and tear on the hoist components.
Scando 650 is managed by an Alimak ALCII – a microprocessor-based fully collective control system capable of controlling up to six hoists – which brings the efficiency and ease of use normally associated with hotel lifts to the construction site.
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,” says the spokesman. “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
Two car frame sizes – 2.8 m and 3.5 m long by 2.3 m-high internally – are available with extension parts to provide additional length cars at 3.2 m, 3.9 m and 4.6 m. Door options include strong, light and easy-to-open aluminium door blades, with an entrance at either end of the cage. A wide C-gate measuring between 2.8 m and 3.2 m is also available along the side of the car, as is a wide range of ramp units that will help 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. Complying with EN12159 and ANSI 10.4 code requirements, hoists can be moved between markets and projects with minimal modification.
The modular Scando 650 system offers complete flexibility with more than 60 standard configurations available for virtually every type of application, the spokesman says.

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 latticework, 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.
“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 explains.

Focused
The focus for Alimak 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.
“In an industry with cut-throat competition and minimal margins, it’s not enough just to make the hoists a bit better,” says marketing manager Mats Hedlund. “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.”
Alimak is a wholly-owned company of Intervect AB, Sweden, which 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.