In the realm of industrial applications, the RUD Forked Link Chains stand out as a robust and versatile solution. Engineered with precision, this forged chain link system is designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure smooth operations across various industries.
Understanding the RUD Forky
The RUD Forky is crafted from drop-forged material, ensuring exceptional strength and durability. RUD's unique heat treatment process guarantees consistent material quality, making the Forky a reliable choice for demanding industrial environments. The chain's optimised grain structure further enhances its resilience and performance.
One of the standout features of the RUD Forky is its sophisticated wear indicator. This visible indicator allows easy monitoring of chain wear, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns. This feature ensures operational continuity and significant cost savings.
Why does the RUD Forky stand out?
Why is it a Good Decision to choose the Forky?
Choosing the RUD Forky is a good decision for the following reasons:
Applications of the RUD Forky
Forked-link chains are suitable for transporting powdered, flaky, grainy, and fragmentary bulk materials but not sticky bulk materials. The RUD Forky is suitable for a variety of industries, including paper production, construction, woodworking, food and feed production, plastics, mills, chemical industries, agriculture, ports and cargo handling, and recycling.
The RUD Forky is a strategic decision for any business aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure smooth operations. Its robust construction, intelligent design, and versatile applications make it an asset in modern industrial settings. By minimising downtime and maintenance costs, the RUD Forky offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for various industrial applications.
Forky comes in 2 strand variants:
Article copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out a form here.
The modern construction landscape is dynamic and demanding, constantly pushing the boundaries of engineering projects. From towering skyscrapers to complicated infrastructure, success relies on efficient and reliable lifting solutions that can manage a wide range of challenges. This is where RUD steps in with a diverse range of innovative lifting solutions designed to tackle even the most demanding construction and infrastructure projects with precision and safety.
RUD - A Legacy of Innovation in Lifting Solutions
RUD has earned its reputation for excellence through decades of continuous innovation. Dedication to research and development has resulted in a comprehensive portfolio of lifting solutions meticulously engineered to meet the specific requirements of diverse construction projects.
Beyond the Traditional Hook
RUD's approach extends beyond the standard industry hook, offering a range of lifting devices tailored to meet the unique challenges in modern construction:
Heavy Lifting Specialists: For projects involving massive loads and demanding lifting capacities, RUD offers specialised lifting equipment like heavy-duty chain slings, shackles, eyebolts, and pre-cast lifting hoops. These components are crafted from high-strength steel, rigorously tested, and designed for maximum safety and durability under extreme conditions.
Be it our ICE Grade 120 chains, which are 30% lighter than the next nominal grade chain, or our VIP Maxi Construction Kit, which offers a WLL (Working Load Limit) of up to 126 tonnes for crane operators, choose from more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting points in load ranges up to 250t that meet maximum safety requirements in infrastructure projects.
Lifting/Spreader Beams: RUD offers a range of specialised products designed to handle specific challenges within the construction industry. Lifting and spreader beams are generally used where loads must be lifted and moved in a horizontal configuration and where the load is being lifted from a single lifting point. The load being lifted is spread over the length of the beam, giving an even distribution and a safer lift.
Addressing Unique Challenges in Construction Projects
RUD's diverse range of lifting solutions allows construction professionals to overcome a range of challenges faced in modern projects:
High-Rise Construction: Skyscrapers demand efficient and reliable lifting solutions. RUD's lifting solutions for construction cranes can handle the immense weight of structural elements, ensuring safe and controlled movement during the building process.
Prefabricated Construction: The increasing reliance on prefabricated components requires lifting equipment capable of handling large, pre-assembled sections with precision. RUD's spreader beams and custom lifting solutions are designed to lift and position these components, thereby streamlining the construction process.
Bridge Construction: Bridge construction involves lifting and appropriately positioning heavy structural elements. RUD offers Philipp Lifting Hoops, which are wire ropes that enclose a concrete core. Lifting hoops ensure the safe lifting and placement of bridge girders, decks, trusses, and other components.
Read how RUD Australia helped Universal Cranes with the Pacific Highway Exit 41 Upgrade here.
Wind Turbine Installation: Wind turbines' dizzying heights require sophisticated lifting equipment. RUD's specialised lifting solutions, including custom-designed lifting slings and Personal Fall Arrest products such as the PSA VRS-STARPOINT and the PSA INOX-STAR, ensure the safe and efficient installation of turbine blades, nacelles, and other key components.
Offshore Construction: Working in harsh marine environments demands robust lifting solutions. Weld-on products such as the INOX-ABA, made from duplex steel 1.4462, are corrosion resistant, provide reliable lifting capacity, and secure load handling for offshore projects.
Read how RUD Germany lifted a 25m long, 56 tonne lattice cage in Berlin here.
A Focus on Safety and Efficiency
RUD's commitment to safety is ingrained in every aspect of its operations. We adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring all our products are rigorously tested and certified to meet strict safety regulations. We also have a full engineering team at Brisbane who are experts in lifting solutions and offer compliance certification, including the capability to test fabricated goods and lifting devices with two 200-tonne tensile and one 500-tonne compression test bed.
Beyond safety, our lifting solutions are designed to maximise efficiency in construction projects. By providing reliable and adaptable products, we empower construction companies to streamline projects, reduce downtime, and complete jobs on time and within budget.
A Partner in Construction Success
RUD's innovative lifting solutions play a critical role in shaping the modern construction landscape, allowing contractors to tackle complex projects with confidence and efficiency. We provide a comprehensive range of lifting devices and manufacture bespoke solutions at our 6000m2 facility at Larapinta. We also provide testing and compliance services, including assessment and verification of engineered products and structures, third-party review, proof and destructive testing, materials analysis, major inspections, modifications, and repairs. Thus, you can be assured of our quality and certification, which exceed industry standards.
For specified products in construction and infrastructure projects, RUD can help with STEP or CAD files that integrate our products into your designs. Visit our Technical Downloads page to search for files or technical specifications. If you want to download our brochures or catalogues, you can also head to our Download Portal.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, RUD remains committed to developing innovative solutions that drive progress, enhance safety, and contribute to the successful completion of complex construction projects worldwide.
Article copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out a form here.
Western Australia's maritime industry faces unique challenges, particularly with vessel access due to the region’s extremely high tidal ranges, which can reach up to 11 meters. These high tides complicate the boarding process from jack-up barges or jetties, posing safety risks to personnel and impacting operational efficiency. Traditional methods of vessel access often prove inadequate and potentially unsafe in these demanding environments.
This is why the RUD TECDOS system is recommended as an ideal solution.
Exceptional durability:
The extreme conditions of Western Australia's coastal waters require equipment designed for exceptional durability and reliability. The RUD TECDOS system is ideal because it is resistant to corrosion and engineered for long exposure to seawater, contamination, and environmental wear and tear arising from the constant buffeting of waves. TECDOS systems ensure long-lasting performance even in the most challenging environments.
Compact and easy to install:
A key advantage of the RUD TECDOS system is its compact design and simple installation process. This minimises disruption to ongoing operations and reduces the time required to integrate the access system into existing infrastructure. Reduced installation time minimises operational downtime and maximises project efficiency.
Tolerance to misalignment:
The TECDOS system is tolerant of misalignment. Currents, wave action, and the limitations of floating platforms can affect vessel positioning and alignment. The TECDOS system delivers reliable performance even when equipment is shifted or not perfectly aligned.
The RUD TECDOS system offers a comprehensive approach to vessel access challenges in harsh marine environments. By combining exceptional durability, compact design, and adaptability to misalignment, the system empowers marine operators to navigate the complex tidal conditions of Western Australia.
By leveraging RUD TECDOS, marine operators can enhance safety, streamline operations, and ensure reliable vessel access, thereby mitigating risks and maximising efficiency.
Article copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out a form here.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
RUD Australia celebrated 40 years in November 2024. From humble beginnings in 1984 in a garage on the south side of Brisbane to a 6000m2 facility in Larapinta QLD, including an office and warehouse in Perth, we have come a long way as one of the most trusted companies in the lifting, lashing and material handling industry.
Our journey continues:
We celebrated our 40th anniversary with a gala dinner event in Brisbane. The evening was filled with fun, entertainment, camaraderie and speeches, going down memory lane of the 40-year journey.
With a 40-year history in Australia, RUD is committed to excellence in chain technology. We strive to be at the forefront of technology and innovation, such as our latest 9-axis robotic welder, which will drive our growth through continuous improvement for the future.
You might have seen the well-known slogan printed on trucks: "Without trucks, Australia stops". The rumble of diesel engines has always been the soundtrack of Australian highways, and diesel trucks have long been an integral part of the economy, moving goods across the country's length and breadth.
As vehicle manufacturers display their latest electric vehicles, the question arises - How will the heavy industry change, and what challenges will the future hold? While electrification promises a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient future, transitioning comes with real challenges.
Heavy Loads require Stronger Roads
Due to their heavy battery packs, electric trucks and buses tend to be heavier than their diesel counterparts. Hence, there is a push to increase axle weight limits on certain roads. Higher axle loads carry the risk of quicker road deterioration and will require greater investment in road maintenance and upgrading.
This means:
Maintenance and Repair Challenges
There will also be changes in maintaining and repairing electric heavy vehicles, such as:
Read more on How long do electric batteries last (Opens into a new website page).
The Workshop of the Future
Maintaining and repairing electric heavy vehicles requires a different skill set. Mechanics must understand high-voltage systems, battery technology, and sophisticated diagnostics. Workshops will need to invest in specialised tools, safety equipment, and ongoing training for their staff.
Read more on How workshops will need to adapt to electric vehicle repairs and services (Opens into a new website page).
This change presents both opportunities and challenges. It could be an opportunity to upskill the workforce, attract a new generation of mechanics interested in technology, and create a better-skilled, more competitive industry. The government will have a supporting role as it funds the training programs and supports the development of a skilled workforce in this new field.
Breaking Down the Hurdles
One of the more significant challenges associated with the general use of heavy electric vehicles is the building up of sufficient charging infrastructure. Long-haul routes will require high-powered charging spots, while areas such as cities can accommodate charging needs based on the requirements of delivery trucks and buses.
Read more on Everything you need to know about heavy vehicle charging (Opens into a new website page).
This means heavy investments in the public and private sectors. Government incentives, partnerships with energy companies, and private investment in charging infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring this transition is seamless for the trucking industry.
The Human Element
This switch to electric trucks will also affect truck drivers. Though the initial investment might be higher, the long-term operating costs of electric trucks are bound to be lower. This could increase trucking companies' profitability and potentially higher wages for drivers.
It is also important to understand the transition from diesel to electric driving. Not everybody likes change. Experienced drivers should feel comfortable with the training and confident about operating electric-powered vehicles. Other support measures may also be required to ease drivers' transition to new technologies and the changing trucking industry landscape.
A Sustainable Future
The future is not just about technology; it also means Australia will have a greener future. Lower emissions and cleaner air allow healthier lives. A transition from diesel to electrical will require government, industry, and community cooperation. The future is indeed exciting for the heavy vehicle transport industry.
References:
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out a form here.
RUD Australia will be closed from Monday, 25th December, until 1st January inclusive.
For emergencies, please call our main line at 07 3809 1300, and one of our team will assist you.
Christmas/New Year Trading Hours:
Normal Trading Hours | Monday 23/12/2024 - Tuesday 24/12/2024 |
Closure Period | Wednesday 25/12/2024 - Wednesday 01/01/2025 |
Normal Trading Hours | From Thursday 02/01/2025 |
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts - Janice Maeditere.
Christmas is the season of giving, and who does it better than an organisation that gives to kids? Sallyanne is very passionate during Christmas because she champions the Be An Elf charity, which proclaims its mission is to help transform lives, instil hope, and build a brighter tomorrow for children in need.
The #RUDstory is about our employees, the charities they support, the values they hold dear, and their experience of teamwork, challenges and motivation at RUD.
How many years have you been doing the Be An Elf charity?
My family has been supporting Be An Elf for the last seven years, and RUD Australia has been on board for the last six years. RUD's involvement has become a cherished tradition. RUD's commitment to Be An Elf has been long-term, with the team consistently contributing to the cause year after year.
The team at RUD plays a significant role in fulfilling the Wish Letters, gathering donations, and ensuring that the gifts are delivered to families in need during the holiday season. Their participation has made a meaningful difference to the children and families served by BE AN ELF and the larger community.
Can you tell us a bit more about the charity?
Certainly! Be An Elf is a community-driven charity that operates primarily during the Christmas season. It aims to help children and families in need by fulfilling their wishes and providing essential items. The charity connects local children, some of whom are dealing with homelessness or extreme poverty, with businesses, organisations, and individuals who are willing to donate.
Each year, Be An Elf collects "Wish Letters" written by children or their parents, detailing their requests for holiday gifts. These requests are often for basic necessities like shoes, bedding, clothes, or hygiene products rather than toys or luxury items. The goal is to help families who are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the festive season when the pressure to provide for children can be overwhelming.
Volunteers, including individuals and company employees (like the team at RUD Chains), read the letters, match them with donations, and assemble gift bags filled with the requested items. Volunteer Deliverers then distribute the gifts to families, ensuring they receive them before Christmas Eve.
The charity’s impact goes beyond just material support; it brings awareness to the hidden issues of poverty, domestic violence and homelessness that many Australians face, particularly those who live in marginalised communities. Be An Elf encourages people to reflect on the importance of community and the profound impact that simple acts of kindness can have. It's a powerful reminder that Christmas isn't just about celebration - it’s also about giving back and helping those who are less fortunate.
Through the initiative, Be An Elf fosters a sense of connection and compassion, reminding us all of the power of community in making the holiday season brighter for everyone, no matter their circumstances.
We have been seeing a lot of cost-of-living issues recently. Have you seen an increase in requests?
The rising cost of living has significantly increased the number of Wish Letters received by Be An Elf as more families are struggling to make ends meet. With soaring expenses for essentials such as food, rent, and utilities, many parents are left unable to afford even the simplest gifts for their children. This year, we have seen an influx of requests for necessities like school shoes, warm bedding, clothing, and basic hygiene products - items that should never feel like luxuries but have become unattainable for many.
Families who might not have sought assistance before are now reaching out due to financial pressure, and the stories in the letters reflect the hardships faced by everyday Australians. These letters give us a powerful glimpse into how the cost of living crisis is impacting children. Requests like "a can of Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner," "a proper pillow," or even "some snacks like biscuits" highlight the heartbreaking reality of what families are forced to prioritize just to get by.
How does RUD get involved in Be An Elf?
RUD gets deeply involved in Be An Elf by mobilising its employees to help fulfil the charity's mission during the Christmas season. Here’s how they typically get involved:
Do you have any additional comments?
I take great joy in leading the Be An Elf initiative and inspiring my colleagues at RUD to contribute more wish letters. It fills me with pride to work alongside such generous people, all united in making Christmas the most magical day of the year for everyone.
Interested to join the team?
Check our current vacancies on Seek.
We are always looking for people in engineering, fabrication, welding, sales or marketing who believe that customers and culture are important. If there are no suitable roles, click here to send us an expression of interest.
It has been a big month for RUD in Oct 2024.
We participated in two major conferences in Adelaide.
🔹IQA 2024 from the Institute of Quarrying Australia.
🔹CICA 2024 from the Crane Industry Council of Australia.
IQA is Australia's premier conference for the quarrying industry. The 2024 theme of Innovate and Create was coined to drive innovation as a key strategy to create growth opportunities.
It was terrific to showcase our tyre chain solutions and connect with industry leaders.
🔹Tyre Protection & Traction Chains: Keep your operations moving safely.
🔹Lifting & Lashing: Reliable solutions for handling heavy loads.
🔹Engineered & Drive Technology: Innovative solutions for optimising your equipment.
We also participated in CICA 2024, the biggest conference for the crane industry in the southern hemisphere. The theme of Building a Sustainable Tomorrow resonated with the world-class lifting and lashing solutions we exhibited at the conference.
🔹 Lifting & Lashing Solutions: Reliable solutions for handling heavy loads.
🔹 Engineered Solutions: Innovations to optimise crane equipment.
🔹 ICE 120 Chain Range: The popular Grade 120 chain range.
At CICA, we also provided more details about our new products to be launched in 2025 - CCS-FASTLOX and PIP-RAPIDO, as well as our cool apps, Confitron and BUDDYtron.
If you want more details about our chain solutions, call us at 07 3809 1300 or email us here.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
The National Bus and Coach Show 2024 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 17 to 18, 2024.
This show will bring together the latest technology in the bus and coach space, including zero-emissions, bio-fuel and autonomous vehicles.
RUD is known for Endurequip Portalift, the only Australian-made, chain-driven mobile heavy vehicle hoist manufactured in Brisbane. It symbolises quality and technology for the most arduous Australian applications. In 2024, RUD is offering a high-quality German wireless mobile heavy vehicle hoist, Finkbeiner, which is reputed around the world for quality and innovation.
Some of the solutions we provide in the heavy vehicle workshop industry are:
Endurequip - Australian-Made Chain-Driven Mobile Heavy Vehicle Hoist
Finkbeiner - German-Made Wireless Hoist
Heavy Vehicle Hoist Accessories
Lifting & Lashing Solutions
Streamline your efficiency and minimise downtime with our mobile heavy vehicle hoist range, which provides a solution for every workshop application across Australia. Whether you operate a large fleet or a specialised repair shop, our heavy vehicle hoists deliver the lifting capacity and portability so your heavy vehicle servicing can operate smoothly.
We also offer a range of premium accessories designed to seamlessly integrate with your hoists, such as vehicle stands, vehicle ramps and small wheel adaptors.
Visit our booth DB33 in Hall 3 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17-18 Sep 2024 to discuss our automotive workshop solutions.
For more information on RUD Heavy Vehicle Hoist Solutions, click here to fill out our form or visit our contact page to send us an enquiry.
The best of the defence industry will be on show at Australia’s largest and premier land defence expo, Land Forces 2024, in Melbourne from 11-13 September.
Land Forces 2022 attracted 20,000 visitors over 3 days, with 810 exhibitors from 25 countries.
The RUD Group is a globally certified supplier for defence systems and equipment for land, air and sea. We provide standard and customised applications for the defence force that meet and exceed the industry's exacting standards.
Some of the solutions we provide to the ADF and defence contractors are:
RUD is also involved in the ongoing maintenance of defence vehicle equipment. Whether it’s peacekeeping missions, field studies, tactical assessments or high-risk military projects, our defence clients can rely on our solutions to see their work through to completion.
Visit our booth E175 in the Queensland Govt Pavilion at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 11-13 Sep 2024 to discuss our Lifting, Lashing, Drive and Engineering Solutions.
For more information on RUD Solutions for the Defence Industry, click here to fill out our form or visit our contact page to send us an enquiry.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
RUD’s apron conveyors are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as high-temperature materials, waste, aggregate, dry ash handling, mineral processing, and kiln applications.
RUD apron feeders increase the efficiency of bulk material handling in high-temperature and high-abrasive applications. They are extremely versatile and can convey bulk materials without causing spillage or degradation.
The advantages of a RUD Apron Feeder Conveyor are:
Project:
RUD Australia was tasked to design, build and install an apron feeder conveyor for an automotive recycling operation. The scope of the project was to offer a complete solution to solve issues around moving shredded auto parts.
Challenges:
The outdated handling process had individual aprons with rollers installed that required constant maintenance. The goal was to increase production and reliability while minimising maintenance and unplanned shutdowns.
Available data at the engagement stage:
The RUD Solution:
RUD designed, manufactured and commissioned a workable solution as part of the improvement project. The RUD-engineered round steel chains proved to be a successful improvement over the plate and bushing pin-type chains.
The Result:
Comments:
Technical Details:
Specifications | Dimensions |
Horizontal Conveying Length | 8.2 Metres. |
Hopper Capacity | 24 m3. |
Inclined Conveying Length | 7 Metres. |
Horizontal Conveying Length - Top | 0.65 Metres. |
Linear Speed | 0.1 m/s typical speed 0.2 m/s maximum. |
Conveyed Material | 50mm average height of material, 900Kg/m³ average density, process 50T p/hr. |
Chain Capacity | 566kN (break load). |
Apron Pans | 89 pieces at 480 centres, each weighing 120kg. Minimum 1550mm wide. |
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Mining in Chile is concentrated in the Norte Grande region spanning most of the Atacama Desert. The Atacama Desert lies 60 km southeast of Calama and is known as the driest desert in the world. The biggest challenge for mining companies is the lack of water, which is vital to the mining processes for concentrating and leaching. Most mining companies extract water from aquifers located high in the Andes Mountains, while some get it pumped from the coast.
The mine that requested a solution from RUD, extracted copper and molybdenum ore from depths of 1000 mts. This mine used a pump that transported water through 144 km of pipes from the coast to the mine site.
The pump to transport water was huge, and its size and weight over several tonnes posed several challenges during maintenance and repair work. The mining company could only use shackles rated at 40kg per shackle and the weight of the total number of shackles to raise the pump made it impossible with this option.
To solve the weight problem, RUD offered a solution of using adjustable ICE endless chains with a nominal thickness of 16 mm. ICE endless chains are used to lash an object directly without lashing or lifting points. The advantage of ICE endless chains is that it can be secured and opened without tools and the chain can be adjusted in its loop diameter. The ICE endless chain can be used with an ICE multi-shortening claw to form a closed chain.
A safe solution weighing only 11 kg per chain with the overall weight reduced by 70%.
For more details on how RUD can help with your lifting requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Sources:
The reliability and safety of our products are central to our business. Our quality commitment is reflected in our integrated QM / UM-System, which ensures all RUD employees comply with the high quality and environmental standards set by us.
1953 marked a turning point in the history of the hoist industry when RUD became the first company to receive the H stamp for high-strength chains. The H stamp, which symbolises quality and safety, has revolutionised the world of lifting and lashing. RUD is the first manufacturer of new quality grades and carries the H1-stamp for Grade 60, Grade 80 and Grade 100. Seven decades later, RUD is still at the forefront of innovation.
Watch the new video, which looks at the stamp's origins and its role in quality and safety.
RUD Australia will be closed from Monday 25th December until 2nd January inclusive.
For emergencies, please call our main line on 07 3809 1300 and one of our team will help you.
Christmas/New Year Trading Hours:
Normal Trading Hours | Monday 18/12/2023 – Friday 22/12/2023 |
Closure Period | Monday 25/12/2023 - Monday 01/01/2024 |
Normal Trading Hours | From Tuesday 02/01/2024 |
Established in 2008 by now co-Directors Ben Rose and Mitch Atkinson, Hulk Lifting seeks to supply high-quality engineered lifting solutions to whoever engages its services. Collaborating with German manufacturer and global supplier RUD Chains, Ben goes in-depth about the quality of RUD’s products and their impact on the lifting and rigging equipment industry.
In 2006, Ben Rose worked alongside his two colleagues Mitch Atkinson and Dan Bell in the gear locker for P&O Ports. The trio, doing their time in the stevedoring industry maintaining and inspecting lifting equipment, worked hard to keep all the products that came across their path up to a high standard while constantly seeking new ways to further develop the equipment on the Queensland port for cargo handling.
“Of course, it was at P&O Ports that we brainstormed and developed a self-equalising flat chain,” said Ben. “That was the inception of Hulk Lifting.”
Officially beginning in 2008 and now run by Ben and Mitch in the Brisbane suburb of Newmarket, the duo has expanded Hulk Lifting to distribute its lifting solutions across Australia. Designed predominantly for cargo handling in the stevedoring industry, Hulk Lifting products are capable of standing up in any environment: or, as Ben said, “to whoever wants to engage in our services and finds value in what we do”.
“We pride ourselves on creating innovative, engineered lifting solutions that are dependable, durable, and quality,” he said.
To supply the market with high-quality, bespoke lifting solutions, Ben is well aware that the foundation products need to come from high-quality manufacturing. As luck, fortune, serendipity, or - most likely - the importance of maintaining good relationships in the industry would have it, the team at Hulk Lifting already held a relationship with one such manufacturer: RUD Chains.
Globally renowned for its technical expertise in manufacturing and recently receiving a high appraisal from SureLift Crane Hire owner Mark ‘Chopper’ Read in the October issue of Cranes and Lifting as the “only products” he’ll use for lifting and lashing solutions, the German-based manufacturer’s product range features more than 700 lifting slings and lashing points. For Ben, the introduction to RUD’s products came in 2004 through Product Manager Stuart Nolan.
Since then, akin to SureLift’s experience, Hulk Lifting has consistently turned to RUD for any lifting and lashing solutions it needs, according to Ben.
“Knowing that we’re using RUD’s products provides us with a sense of comfort and reassurance,” he said.
“RUD really is ‘best-in-show’ for us: through the design, manufacturing and final build stages, everything is simply top-notch.”
Supplying its products across the country and, in some instances, globally, Ben is well aware of the importance of providing equipment that is structurally and physically sound, not least because of the safety element involved in the lifting, stevedoring and bulk-handling industries.
At the forefront of its products is the “globally renowned” flat chain sling that inspired the inception of Hulk Lifting; at the core of its flagship product is RUD’s Grade 120 chain.
RUD’s ICE Grade 120 chain carries 30 per cent less weight than the next nominal grade chain and a 60 per cent higher breaking force than a grade 80 chain, which offers a significant safety
advantage to anyone using its products. Designed and manufactured back at the company’s home base in Germany, the chain slings are then assembled and proof load-tested at its Australian facility in Brisbane, where the products go through a rigorous testing process to ensure the chains meet Australian Quality, Environmental and OH&S standards. On top of this, the global manufacturer also holds LEEA and NATA accreditation, ensuring it is part of the movement in the lifting and rigging industry that focuses on supplying the market with internationally accredited, quality products. For Ben, this gives the team at Hulk Lifting better peace of mind.
“We sleep easier at night with RUD’s engineering because, in our experience, it really is the safest,” he said. “We’ve worked with other products, and we’ve seen RUD’s chains consistently exceed others in their performance.”
Supplying the Australian lifting and rigging market with high-quality, durable, sustainable products comes at a price compared to its single, two-time, and maybe three-time use counterparts. The price, however, is one well worth paying, according to Ben, with the environmental, financial and operational benefits all paying large dividends to those who decide to invest.
“People who’ve worked with high-quality lifting and rigging equipment know the value of manufacturing such as RUDs,” he said. “Safety needs to be paramount in the lifting and rigging industry, which RUD’s chains provide to anyone using them.”
It’s not, however, just the ICE Grade 120 chains that put Ben and Mitch’s minds at ease. As a manufacturer, RUD also designs and creates a host of lifting beams, spreader beams and lifting and lashing points, with over 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting point variants featuring load ranges all the way up to 250 tonnes. Working with RUD to provide customised lifting solutions,
Ben points to the first production lug in the world, which was the 31.5-tonne capacity ABA, which the manufacturers shipped to Australia for Hulk Lifting to weld onto a lifting beam. As Ben was
quick to highlight, it’s that high level of commitment to anyone using RUD’s products and services that ensures the German manufacturer remains a high-quality partner, from product through to post-sale service.
“Whenever we get something in from RUD, there’s always an engineer coming afterwards to inspect the product and ensure that it’s performing exactly as it should,” he said. “RUD gives a top-end
service supplied by top-end people providing a top-end product to the Australian market.”
Have you checked our YouTube videos? Click here to visit the RUD YouTube channel.
Article copyright to Cranes & Lifting; this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.
For more details on how RUD can help with your lifting requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Sources:
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality - Washington Irving.
Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. It is the season of giving, and who better to talk about giving than a charity? Our December Charity Champion is Sallyanne, who is very passionate about giving to the community through the #BeAnElf organisation.
The #RUDstory is about our employees, the charities they support each month, the values they hold dear, and their experience of teamwork, challenges and motivation at RUD.
How many years have you been involved with the Be An Elf charity?
I have been supporting the BE AN ELF charity for 6 years, and RUD Chains has been participating for the last 5 years. This is my favourite charity which I support as I love doing the shopping and giving back to the community.
What inspired you to continue advocating for this charity?
My children have been very fortunate to receive gifts on Christmas morning, and I wanted to teach my children to give back to the community. The Byrne family has been part of the BE AN ELF charity for the last six years, and we love making some local children happy on Christmas Day. This is RUD’s fifth year supporting the charity, which is exciting. One thing I love about this charity is the “Elves” deliver the gifts on Christmas Eve so the children receive their gifts on Christmas Day.
Why is this charity important to you?
I think the big smiles on the children say it all. Being given the gift ‐ granting the very longed-for item and brand from the top of their Wish Letter to Santa' is incredible. We've gone and done it ‐ granted that first wish ‐ bought a new pair of black school shoes, the next Wish Letter for a most desired Barbie, then a really longed-for 'new undies' that weren't holey and pre-worn. RUD and I want to make a difference, contribute to our local community and put smiles on children's faces.
How does the charity serve the community?
For the last 16 years in December, BE AN ELF volunteers read letters written by children to Santa and arrange gift bags for distribution. The letters are mostly written by local kids or their mums or dads asking for 'new shoes', ' bed sheets’, ‘pillow' or other necessities. The children are referred from services such as Centre Link, Social Workers, Neighbourhood Centres, Family Services and GP’s. The BE AN ELF mission is to put smiles on the faces of less fortunate local Queensland kids on Christmas Morning. When times are tough, it’s the little people who are struggling that suffer the most, and being different can be a hard lesson to learn.
How does the RUD team help with the cause?
The difference we make at RUD through the BE AN ELF is an empowering contribution to society’s vulnerable and smallest members who, most of the time, end up neglected because they do not have a voice.
Any additional comments?
I love contributing to this cause, and every year RUD contributes more wish letters which makes me so proud to work alongside such generous people. All for the same cause of making Christmas the most magical day of the year for all.
Interested to join the team?
Check our current vacancies on Seek.
We are always looking for people in engineering, fabrication, welding, sales or marketing who believe that customers and culture are important. If there are no suitable roles, click here to send us an expression of interest.
A Tyre Protection Chain is ideal for creating a barrier between the tyres and the ground surface. TPCs provide maximum protection to sidewalls and tread areas, virtually eliminating tyre failures from rock cuts and staking. This guarantees maximum production from the loader and peace of mind with unplanned tyre maintenance expenses.
The Problem
Australian hard rock quarries have some of the most challenging environments in the world for rubber tyred machines. Boral Quarries' West Burleigh site has been providing road base and other quality aggregates into the Gold Coast and surrounding areas for many years. Maintaining uninterrupted supply is essential to the area’s economic growth and their rubber tyred CAT988G loader is a major asset in the quarrying process. Unplanned tyre failure can cause havoc to production schedules and require expensive and ‘hard to get’ replacement tyres.
The Solution
RUD Chains have been providing TPCs to West Burleigh for over a decade and have fitted a further four chains to their CAT988G wheel loader. The FELS Gigant Plus X19 close mesh ‘extra heavy duty’ Tyre Protection Chain has been proven in Australia and around the world as the best-performing chain for hard rock quarry applications.
More on the Gigant Plus X19
The Benefit
RUD’s Gigant Plus X19 provides maximum protection to sidewalls and tread areas, virtually eliminating tyre failures from rock cuts and staking. West Burleigh Quarry can now be confident that they will achieve maximum production from the loader and avoid unplanned tyre expenses.
West Burleigh quarry’s traction and fuel usage has improved, and tyre replacement has been reduced by up to 6 times.
What the customer says
“We see our long-term relationship with RUD Chains more as a partnership than supplier and customer. RUD’s product keeps our tyre costs down - a major expense for any quarry operation. With guaranteed production, our return on investment for the chains is exceptional.”
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only. For more details on how RUD can help with your crane requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Sources:
Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition is Australia’s premier commercial maritime and naval defence exposition which will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney from Tue 7 - Thu 9 Nov 2023.
This year's expo is on track to be the largest iteration in 23 years, with key players from the maritime and naval defence communities.
RUD Australia is also a certified supplier to the Australian Defence Force. Some of the solutions we provide to the ADF are:
What does RUD offer?
We offer bespoke solutions for the challenging conditions in the maritime industry. Forged from Duplex Stainless Steel 1.4462, our products are suitable for corrosive applications, including the subsea ROV-Hook, which has been developed specially for rigging with underwater robots.
ROV Subsea Rigging Hook
RORO Weld-On Lashing Point
INOX-ABA Weld-On Lashing Point
INOX-STAR Bolt-On Lifting Point
TECDOS Drive Technology
TECDOS Drives can be used in linear, rotating, horizontal or vertical applications to:
Click here to visit the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition website.
Visit our booth in the Defence Jobs Qld Area from 7-9 Nov 2023 at the International Convention Centre to discuss our Maritime Lifting, Lashing and Drive Technology Solutions.
For more information on RUD Solutions for the Maritime Industry, click here to send us an enquiry.
If there's one thing The Order of Mo is known for, it's this. Growing a Mo is our symbol for better men’s health. It also grabs attention and starts important conversations.
November is Movember for Leigh Dalton, who champions the month in our #RUDstory series. The RUD Stories are about our employees, the values they hold dear and the highlights of teamwork, challenges and motivation while working at RUD.
#meetLeigh - The RUD November Charity Champion promoting men’s health issues on prostate and testicular cancer and men’s suicide.
Leigh Dalton, based at our Perth office, has been an advocate for Movember and has been prioritising this charity in the RUD workplace since 2014. The People & Culture team sat down with Leigh once again to understand why he is passionate about Movember, how RUD is helping to create a culture of care and well-being and why mental health should be a priority in our daily lives and in the workplace.
The RUD Chains Tuesday Afternoon Moustache Club started in 2014 and is open for anyone to join.
How many years have you been involved with the Movember charity?
I did Movember with some of the lads I played basketball with a couple of times before starting with RUD. But since I’ve been here, I’ve captained the team every year and this is our 10th consecutive Movember campaign.
What inspired you to continue advocating for this charity?
The conversation around men's health is very important. I have two young sons who I hope get to grow up in a society where men speaking openly about their physical and mental health is met with positive conversation and compassion rather than the old school “just harden up” response of past generations.
Do you think employee well-being is critical at RUD?
Employee well-being should be human well-being, regardless of your occupation and workplace, whether you work full-time, part-time or are not in employment. Everyone’s well-being is important. That being said, RUD does a great job of putting the staff's well-being at the forefront, with plenty of opportunities for people to be involved in various and numerous activities throughout the year and advocating for open and honest conversation amongst everyone here.
What other programs do you get involved with?
I’m a supporter of The Cancer Council as I have a personal and family history of cancer in various forms, and I’m also a big supporter of The Salvation Army. Both organisations do great work in the community in supporting those in need in what is often the darkest times of their lives.
Why do you think others should join your team to raise awareness for mental health?
I understand not everyone wants to commit to growing a Mo or the move challenge, and that’s okay. I just hope people hear the message about open and honest conversation and looking after ourselves, speaking up when things aren’t great and going to the GP when something isn’t right. Over the years, I’ve had conversations with colleagues who were thankful they were encouraged to have those types of discussions and that it made a good positive difference in the lives of them and their loved ones. Click here to join or donate to the RUD Chains Moustache Club.
So give it a go - it shows the world you stand for healthier men and a healthier world.
Interested to join the team?
Check our current vacancies on our Careers page or on Seek.
We are always looking for people in engineering, fabrication, welding, sales and admin who believe that customers and culture are important. If there are no suitable roles, click here to send us an expression of interest.
A gangway is a narrow walkway or platform that provides safe access to a ship, truck, or train. Ship gangways are used for the passage of both passengers/crew and cargo. They must move in all directions and be height-adjustable for use with different ships. The gangways must also be robust, secure and safe under challenging conditions.
RUD’s TECDOS Drive system offers an ideal solution for a gangway, using calibrated steel chains fitting into complimenting sprockets. TECDOS drive systems are an ideal replacement for pinion gear and wire rope drives because they function reliably even under the most challenging conditions.
For gangways, RUD TECDOS drive systems can include:
TECDOS PI-GAMMA DRIVE
The PI-GAMMA drive system, with a fixed 180-degree angle (PI) or a flexible 90-180-degree (GAMMA), is suited for horizontal and vertical applications. The PI-GAMMA pocket wheel block can pull the load along the round steel chain or move it to a different location.
The advantages of PI-GAMMA DRIVE:
TECDOS PREMIUM ROUND LINK CHAIN
The core component of each TECDOS drive system is a highly wear-resistant, calibrated round link chain that can be used in challenging conditions or with abrasive materials. TECDOS chains have high-grade strength to ensure maximum operating safety. The Premium Round Link Chain is case-hardened.
TECDOS END CHAIN FIXING
The chain end fixing, which connects chains to supporting structures, transfers 100% of the TECDOS chain operating forces. Because of its adjustable axis, it also ensures maximum flexibility during use.
TECDOS LIFT LIMITER
The lift limiter prevents the chain from “passing through” by limiting the unloaded sides of the chain, working as a route limiter.
The Project:
RUD Australia was approached to build a passenger gangway for a cruise ship terminal in Western Australia. The client could not implement the standard method of using a hydraulic cylinder, as it was too expensive and not cost-efficient for the required lift height.
The Solution:
After understanding the project's scope and the solution that best met the client's requirements, RUD developed a dual-strand loop drive component package for this project.
The Result:
RUD implemented a TECDOS 65 component package. Gear motors independently drove the Pi Drives.
The Project Inclusions:
TECDOS systems are ideal for applications where materials or equipment must be swivelled, lifted, moved, or rotated safely and reliably. RUD quality is a result of years of research and development, creating bespoke drive solutions that are used by leading companies in maritime, engineering, automotive, and wind power and by military forces around the world.
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
For more details on how RUD can help with your crane requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Sources:
This is taken from the article published in Cranes & Lifting Oct 2023 issue. Click here to read the original article.
Director of SureLift Crane Hire Mark ‘Chopper’ Read discusses his business and why the company consistently chooses RUD.
“They’re the best chains in the industry,” says Chopper. “All of RUD’s lifting and lashing equipment consistently performs on safety and durability measures; it’s because of the way we’ve seen RUD’s products perform that we don’t buy anything but RUD.”
Chopper himself holds an extensive career in the mining industry; working in and around shutdowns in the mining industry before starting Surelift; he’s seen it all; and that’s why when he labels RUD’s chains and slings as the “best”, he’s worked with, there’s an added element of legitimacy to his words.
SureLift Crane Hire was conceived in the mining town of Moranbah and began its operations with just one 20-tonne Franna crane. Since then, the Queensland-based company has expanded its fleet to include seven Franna P&C cranes, seven all-terrain cranes, a 280-tonne crawler crane and a variety of truck and trailer combinations.
“Initially, when I started the business, I reflected on my time in the shutdown industry and I saw the potential for more crane hire in the market,” he says. “I decided to try it out, and we’ve eventually grown into the business we are today.”
At the core of its operations, SureLift provides crane hire and transport services to businesses and individuals in Moranbah and its surrounding regions. Frequently employed by contractors working in the mining, construction, maintenance and industrial sectors, Surelift’s team of 48 full-time employees is well-versed in the crane and logistics industry, thanks to the company’s 17 years of experience.
“The biggest problem that we experienced when starting SureLift was just attracting the work,” says Chopper. “But we kept our heads down and worked hard, and eventually, things fell our way; today, we own over 16 cranes and operate across a range of projects.”
Part of working across a range of projects in the crane industry requires versatile, durable, safe lifting and rigging equipment.
“Although we’re general hire, the chains consistently stand up for us no matter what environment they’re placed in,” he says. “I initially came across RUD’s chains early on in my career and they have not disappointed me.”
The other blatant testimony to the working capacities of RUD's products is the industries in which they appear. According to Chopper, working with a range of clients in the defence, infrastructure, energy and engineering industries, RUD’s chains offer “capacity, versatility, and unique features” that other chains “just don’t have”.
RUD ICE Grade 120 range of lifting chains weigh 30% less than the next nominal grade chain but possess 60% higher breaking force than the Grade 80 chains. Also, when used with a balancer, a RUD ICE 16mm chain can lift up to 48 tonnes, the highest in its class.
“The balancer is a huge point of difference when compared to other options on the market,” says Chopper. “It allows us to lift at a higher capacity with the same level of safety.”
Aside from using its range of lifting chains and slings, Chopper is also highly complimentary of the lifting and lashing points that RUD supplies to SureLift. The German manufacturer offers more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting point variants with load ranges all the way up to 250 tonnes. Stringently tested and certified according to LEEA and NATA standards, Chopper says the versatility offered by the products is “incomparable”.
“Working in the shutdown industry, it’s imperative to get things right with dependable, durable products,” he says. “The weld on lift-points that we use are exactly that; having versatile gear that holds many applications at many ranges is essential.”
All these products collectively feature for Chopper are safety and excellent post-sale service and support. Talking about his relationship with RUD Chains and its after-sale service, Chopper says no stone is left unturned for RUD when it comes to ensuring the company supplies the right product according to Surelift’s needs.
“Their post-sale service is excellent; anything you need to talk to them about – whether it be the maintenance of the product, a new range that’s just come out, or different lifting solutions – they’re there,” he says. “Additionally, if we need any advice for setting up new slings or purchasing any new items, RUD are always on the other end of the phone, ready and willing to give us a helping hand – or, in this case, a sling.”
For the team at Surelift, since RUD’s products are manufactured, tested and maintained in accordance with Australian Quality, Environmental, and OH&S standards, including LEEA and NATA accreditations, this is more important than RUD’s high-quality post-sale service. Chopper believes RUD’s products tick all these boxes.
“At the start of the day, everyone’s got a right to go to work; at the end of the day, everyone’s got the right to go home safely,” says Chopper. “We feel that using RUD’s chains embodies that message of safety.”
RUD will be exhibiting at the Crane Industry Lifting Conference - CICA 2023 from 26-28 Oct 2023. Visit us in Booth #27/28 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
Article copyright to Cranes & Lifting; this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Read More Articles on the Cranes & Lifting portal:
The CICA (Crane Industry Council of Australia) Conference is one of the biggest crane industry events in the southern hemisphere. CICA 2023 is being held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 Oct 2023. RUD will be showcasing solutions for lifting, lashing and engineering requirements of the crane industry.
RUD Australia is a certified supplier to the crane and infrastructure industry, providing solutions such as:
Check our blogs on the Lifting Kits for Cranes, Lifting & Lashing Solutions for the Wind Energy Industry and lifting the largest and heaviest lattice cage for a bridge pier in Berlin.
Read why Mark Read from SureLift Crane Hire Services based at Moranbah says RUD chains are the best chains in the industry and consistently perform on safety and durability measures. And why you need to consider RUD Chains for your next lifting purchase.
Read the original article on Cranes & Lifting October 2023 issue here.
Visit us on Stands #27 and #28 from 26-28 Oct 2023 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
For more information on RUD Solutions for the Crane Industry, click here to send us an enquiry.
Part 2 of the 2-part article. Click here to read Part 1.
Delivery Stage
RUD's lashing solutions are used to secure wind turbine components during transport. For example, the L-VLBG M36 lashing point is ideal for securing a nacelle.
Jens adds, "When it comes to reliable solutions for safe transport, you can depend on RUD technology. Poor quality load-securing products are the major contributors to accidents in the wind power industry. The cost of a new nacelle or postponing the commissioning of a turbine is costlier than investing in the right load-securing product”. ICE Grade 120 lashings reduce weight while keeping safety paramount. Products such as the ICE-CURT-GAKO ratchet tensioner prevent accidental release, which can happen from vibrations while driving.
Installation Stage
RUD offers custom lifting and handling solutions when installing heavy tower segments and rotor blades. Jens explains, “For lifting and erecting large and heavy tower segments, special attachment points are attached to the flanges of the segment. The RUD T-FRB (FLARIBO) flanged load ring was specially developed for such an application and features a patented thrust bearing washer incorporated into the lateral bearing for 90° loading."
Four FLARIBOs are mounted to the top of the segment and two FLARIBOs to the bottom to erect a tower segment. The segment is then lifted using two cranes and erected in the air. The sling chains move over the deflection rollers of the RUD VIP Chain Block (VCB). The VCB allows load balancing for the segment to be positioned vertically. The flange to flange can then be bolted together. When the four FLARIBOs are removed from the top of the tower segment, the deflection rollers of the VCB prevent the unloaded side of the chain from slipping through and falling.
After the tower is assembled from its individual segments, the next step is to mount the nacelle and hub assembly. "A lifting beam is used to lift the pre-assembled rotor blades for the hub assembly. The lifting beam has two generators and two hydraulic systems, which ensures safe assembly of the hub in the event of a partial failure of the system”.
Operation and Maintenance Stage
It is crucial to ensure personal safety mechanisms are in place while conducting maintenance operations. At such dizzying heights, there is no compromise on risk. The PSA-VRS STARPOINT has been specially developed to secure people by connection with the safety harness.
A RUD PSA-VRS STARPOINT can carry up to two persons, offering the advantage of safe securing of the victim and the rescuer in the event of an incident. The PSA can be rotated 360° and forms a compact securing unit with its special non-removable screw.
“The stainless-steel variant, PSA INOX-STAR, is designed for permanent outdoor use in challenging weather because of its corrosion resistance," says Christiansen.
Decommissioning Stage
Like installation and delivery, the same products can be used during dismantling and removal. For example, the flange load ring T-FRB (FLARIBO) and the VCB can be used to safely lift pipe segments. The L-VLBG M36 lashing load block, ICE-CURT-GAKO ratchet tensioner and ICE 120 lashing chains can be used during loading and transport.
Offshore plant?
Onshore wind turbines require products that are resistant to corrosion and challenging weather. The RUD ROV-HOOK, designed for subsea applications, is the first of its kind that can be operated with only one robot arm of a robot-operated vehicle, handling loads of up to 25 tonnes. Due to its integrated unique locking mechanism, accidental unhooking is impossible, which is a big plus point for safety.
RUD’s products offer safe and efficient applications in a wind turbine's life cycle from planning, production, transport and installation to maintenance and dismantling.
If you are facing challenges in the wind energy industry, RUD can keep your operations safe and efficient. Contact us today for more details on how we can help you.
RUD will be exhibiting at the Crane Industry Lifting Conference - CICA 2023 from 26-28 Oct 2023. Visit us in Booth #27/28 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
Article copyright to RUD; this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Sources:
This is a 2 part article.
Wind power is currently the cheapest source of large-scale renewable energy, which involves generating electricity from the naturally occurring power of the wind. Wind turbines capture wind energy within the area swept by their blades. The spinning blades drive an electrical generator that produces electricity for export to the grid.
The Australian renewable energy industry accounted for 35.9% of Australia’s total electricity generation in 2022, up from 32.5% in 2021. This is more than double before the boom started in 2017 (16.9%). While there is still a significant way to go if Australia is to meet its ambitious 82% renewables by 2030, there has nevertheless been encouraging progress.
There are currently over 3,000 wind turbines in operation in Australia, generating enough electricity to power over 2 million homes. Some of the largest wind farms in Australia developed over the last few years include the MacIntyre, Coopers Gap and MacArthur.
While the wind energy industry creates jobs and economic opportunities in Australia, employing over 10,000 people and an additional 10,000 jobs by 2030, it faces a lot of operational challenges, such as:
RUD Solutions for the Wind Energy Industry
RUD is a world leader in lifting and lashing and offers a wide range of solutions for the wind energy industry to increase safety and efficiency in the design - manufacturing - logistics - installation and maintenance processes.
Reliability and Safety are Key in the Supply Chain
According to Jens Christiansen, RUD Slings Division Sales Manager for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, "Logistics already starts with the design. The designer must plan how the component will be assembled, transported on the road or ship, and installed on-site in the design stage itself. As we know, wind energy includes components that are large and very heavy, which makes the job complex. As the leaders in lifting and lashing technology, we offer versatile solutions for all stages in a wind turbine life cycle”.
Where can RUD help?
RUD’s products and services are used throughout the life cycle of a wind turbine, from the design phase to decommissioning.
Idea and Design Stage
RUD lifting points are reputed for top quality, ergonomics and safety in lifting technology and load securing for more than 35 years. We offer more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting points in load ranges up to 250t, which meet maximum safety requirements. Our engineers can work with wind turbine manufacturers to design lifting and lashing solutions that meet the specific requirements of each project.
Production Stage
Whether lifting or moving small components or huge rotors, RUD has a solution for every task in the production process. Lifting, handling, or moving during production can be made more efficient using standard products. For example, the VLBG-PLUS Load Ring is suitable for lifting, rotating, and turning operations due to its large load-bearing capacity, excellent material properties (temperature/corrosion resistance) and ideal design. A VLBG-PLUS can be rotated 360° or swivelled 180° in the direction of the load. This makes it extremely easy to hook the sling into place, saving time and money.
RUD has also developed a Tool Mover with a capacity from 2.5 tons to up to 64 tons. RUD tool movers are widely used and accepted safety devices to guarantee the safe rotating and turning of turbines and critical components. Click to read how Enercon, a German wind turbine manufacturer is using RUD Tecdos Tool Mover to lift, move and turn large rotors of wind turbines.
RUD will be exhibiting at the Crane Industry Lifting Conference - CICA 2023 from 26-28 Oct 2023. Visit us in Booth #27/28 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
To be continued ...
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.
Sources:
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