In the fast-paced world of global logistics, container terminals are the critical nodes. The efficiency and safety of these terminals depend heavily on the performance of their container handling equipment, such as Ship-to-Shore (STS), Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG), and Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes. At the heart of each machine’s safety and precision is its braking system.
This technical guide breaks down the three critical braking functions on container cranes and introduces the robust, purpose-built solutions required to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
1. Hoist Brakes: The Ultimate Safety Net for Vertical Movement
The hoist is the most critical system on a container crane, responsible for lifting loads of up to 65 tons or more. A brake failure here is not an option. Hoist brakes must provide absolute, fail-safe holding power to prevent dropped containers.
- Challenge: Must provide extremely high torque, offer redundancy, and engage instantly upon power loss. They must also handle the high thermal loads of lowering heavy containers.
- Our Solution: We recommend high-performance electro-hydraulic disc or drum brakes for this application.
- YPZ2 Series Electro-Hydraulic Disc Brakes: These are the modern standard for high-demand hoisting. They offer superior heat dissipation, easy maintenance, and a compact design. Paired with an Ed Series thruster, they provide rapid, reliable, fail-safe engagement.
- YWZ9 & YWZ13 Series Electro-Hydraulic Drum Brakes: These are the heavy-duty workhorses of the industry. Known for their robust construction and reliability, they are often used in pairs on the high-speed shaft of the hoist gearbox to provide full redundancy.
2. Travel Brakes: Precision and Control for Horizontal Motion
Gantry and trolley travel systems are responsible for positioning the crane or hoist over the container. The brakes on these systems ensure smooth acceleration and deceleration, precise positioning, and safe parking.
- Challenge: Must provide controlled, smooth braking to prevent load swing and be durable enough for constant, high-cycle use.
- Our Solution: Our general-purpose electro-hydraulic drum brakes are the ideal choice for cost-effective reliability.
- YWZ4 & YWZ8 Series Electro-Hydraulic Drum Brakes: These brakes are the industry standard for gantry, trolley, and boom travel mechanisms. They offer consistent performance, simple maintenance, and a long service life, making them a perfect fit for the demanding 24/7 operational schedule of a container port.
3. Storm Brakes: The Unmovable Force Against Nature
Perhaps the most dramatic challenge for large container cranes is high wind. A crane that is pushed along its rails by a storm can lead to catastrophic collisions and destruction. Storm brakes are specialized, powerful systems designed to lock the crane in place.
- Challenge: Must provide an immense amount of holding force, be completely independent of the main power, and engage reliably to anchor the crane against storm-force winds.
- Our Solution: We offer a portfolio of dedicated storm braking solutions designed to secure both rail-mounted and rubber-tired cranes.
- YFX Series Electro-Hydraulic Storm Wedge Brakes: This active storm brake uses a powerful wedge mechanism that is driven between the brake shoe and the rail, creating a massive clamping force. It is a top-tier solution for STS and RMG cranes in high-wind regions.
- YJGQ Type Hydraulic Rail Clamps: These are powerful, spring-applied, hydraulically-released clamps that grip the side of the rail head. They are a highly effective and widely used safety device for anchoring rail-mounted cranes.
- YLBZ Series Hydraulic Wheel Brakes: For RTG cranes that run on tires, these powerful brakes are applied directly to the wheel rims, acting as a secure parking and storm brake system.
Quick Selection Reference Table: Container Handling Brakes
| Crane System | Hauptproblem | Recommended Solution(s) | Hauptmerkmale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hauptwinde | Fail-safe load holding, high energy dissipation, redundancy. | YPZ2 Series Disc Brake oder YWZ9/YWZ13 Series Drum Brakes | High torque, fail-safe (spring-applied), fast response, excellent thermal capacity. |
| Gantry & Trolley Travel | Smooth, controlled stopping, high cycle durability. | YWZ4 / YWZ8 Series Drum Brakes | Reliable performance, easy maintenance, cost-effective, long service life. |
| Storm & Wind Protection (Rail-Mounted) | Extreme holding force against high winds, independent safety. | YFX Series Storm Wedge Brakes oder YJGQ Hydraulic Rail Clamps | Massive clamping force, fail-safe design, independent of main brakes. |
| Storm & Parking (Rubber-Tired) | Secure parking on concrete surfaces, wind resistance. | YLBZ Series Hydraulic Wheel Brakes | High static torque, direct wheel application, reliable holding. |
A Complete Braking Portfolio for Port Machinery
From the precise control of a 40-foot container to anchoring a 1,500-ton crane against a typhoon, every movement in a container terminal relies on the right braking technology. A comprehensive strategy that addresses hoist safety, travel control, and storm protection is essential for any modern port. At HMIC, we provide the complete range of specialized braking systems needed to ensure your container handling operations are safe, efficient, and reliable.