NORD Elevates Crane, Cargo Applications With Drive System Solutions

Thu March 13, 2025
NORD Drivesystems

Cranes are highly complex transport systems where loads must be safely lifted, precisely positioned and gently set down again, combining the motion sequences of lifting, travel and cross-travel simultaneously.

This requires specialized drives, integrated brakes and intelligent variable frequency drives to ensure soft starts and braking via defined adjustable ramps. Whether lifting gear drives, cross-travel drives, jib cranes, swivel drives or other crane types, NORD Drivesystems offers complete, modular drive solutions with a focus on reliability, safety and flexible configuration options to meet specific application requirements, according to NORD.

MAXXDRIVE XD industrial gear units are developed specifically for crane and hoist applications. The parallel shaft UNICASETM housings are FEA-optimized for overhung loads, especially with downwards forces and feature an extended center distance to accommodate a U-shaped arrangement of the motor and rope drum on the same side of the gearbox. Compared to standard, compact MAXXDRIVE gear units, the XD series center distance has been increased by 35 percent and also includes an inspection cover on top of the unit for easy maintenance and service access. When paired with NORD's high-efficiency electric motors and intelligent variable frequency drives, MAXXDRIVE XD gear units form a specialized solution capable of high precision, smooth operation and dynamic control, according to NORD.

MAXXDRIVE XJ right angle industrial gear units are ideal for use in travel and cross-travel drives thanks to the special J-shaped shaft arrangement that can handle high demands in small installation spaces. Like the MAXXDRIVE XD series, MAXXDRIVE XJ gear units also feature a UNICASE housing optimized for external loads. They also offer significant flexibility with various input and output shafts adaptable to application dimensions, foot-mounting or shaft-mounting, brake attachment via input flange or brake console, as well as drum couplings available for rope drum drives, according to NORD.

Standard MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units provide high output torque up to 2,495,900 lb.-in. and are ideal for heavy-duty applications. They are available as parallel shaft gear units or right-angle gear units and are made from robust UNICASE housings for excellent load capacity, long service life, quiet operation and low maintenance. Their robust housing also enables them to withstand a wide variety of ambient conditions where cranes are often located such as dusty environments, coastal areas and environments with high humidity, heat, or large temperature fluctuations, according to NORD.

UNICASE helical bevel gear units are often used for winches due to their low operating cost, ease of maintenance, high efficiency and operational safety. They provide a large torque range up to 442,537 lb.-in. and powers up to 200 hp. The enclosed gearing decreases the possibility of operator injury as well as extends component life as the internal parts are not exposed to harsh environmental conditions. These gear units also offer various shaft designs, mounting options and bearing concepts that make them highly versatile and adaptable to a wide range of applications, according to NORD.

UNICASE parallel shaft gear units are extremely robust while delivering quiet operation and long service life. Their compact design allows for installation in confined spaces and requires less maintenance compared to traditional belt drives. Various heavy-duty bearing concepts enable high axial and radial load capacities for reliable crane operation with minimum downtimes. With 14 case sizes, NORD parallel shaft gear units cover a torque range from 974 – 680,200 lb.-in. with powers from 0.16 to 200 hp, making application-specific versions possible, said NORD.

With a multi-encoder interface and an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, NORDAC PRO SK 500P variable frequency drives act as a communicator to reliably direct drive components in the field. Smooth, steady operation for swivel drives is achieved through full PLC functionality for configurability of each drive parameter while POSICON delivers high precision control. The drives can also be synchronized for gear units to work in tandem to hoist and move loads for trolley or travel applications. Functional safety options such as STO and SS1 are also available to offer further protection to operators, materials and entire systems.

For more information, visit www.nord.com.