Rope specialist Lankhorst Ropes, part of the WireCo family, is currently conducting tests on Lanko Lift S synthetic hoist rope, with the aim of supplying it to the crane market.

Lankhorst said the bright yellow rope consists of 12 braided outer strands made of the high-tech material Dyneema. It claimed the properties of these special fibres result in a breaking strength equal to a steel rope of the same thickness. The construction of the rope core is specially designed to achieve the required resistance to transverse pressures.

The rope has a light weight, offers good flexibility, and does not require much maintenance since synthetic ropes of this type are corrosion-proof and require no further lubrication, said Lankhorst. These characteristics would make handling of the product easier during installation and hook block changes, the company claimed. It also said it makes the rope suitable for higher payloads, especially with higher lifting heights and longer jib lengths thanks to its lighter weight.

Lankhorst revealed that laboratory tests have produced excellent results for both the breaking strength and for projected service life based on the reversed bending cycles completed during testing. In addition, a special coating has been applied to the fibres to reduce interior friction and increase UV resistance.

Lankhorst said Lanko Lift S would have a slightly higher price in comparison to conventional steel ropes, however this is offset by the cost savings and other improvements the rope would bring.

Lankhorst claimed that the entire crane industry is following these developments with significant interest and an industry-wide initiative is now under way to develop new industry norms for the calculation and establishment of appropriate discard criteria for synthetic ropes.  

Lankhorst now plans to conduct further laboratory tests and initial trials on the rope using crane equipment.