Storm Brake

What is a Storm Brake?

A Storm Brake, also known as a windproof brake or anti-wind brake, is not a brake in the traditional sense of stopping motion. Instead, it is a powerful, static anchoring system designed for one critical purpose: to prevent large, rail-mounted machinery from moving under extreme wind loads. It functions as a specialized, high-force parking brake that acts as the last line of defense against storms, typhoons, and sudden high-wind events.

Why is a Storm Brake Essential?

Imagine a massive gantry crane at a port or a large stacker-reclaimer at a stockyard. With their vast surface areas, these structures act as giant sails in high winds. Without a dedicated system to lock them in place, the wind can cause uncontrolled movement along the rails, leading to derailment, collisions, and catastrophic damage to both the equipment and surrounding infrastructure. Standard motor brakes are simply not designed to withstand these immense, sustained external forces.

Key Features and Types of Storm Brakes:

The primary objective of a storm brake is to generate immense holding force, reliably and automatically. Key characteristics include:

• Massive Holding Force: These systems are engineered to provide hundreds of tonnes of clamping or holding force to resist the powerful shearing effect of the wind.
• Fail-Safe Operation: Storm brakes are fundamentally “spring-applied, power-released.” They are designed to engage automatically and mechanically in the event of a power failure—a common occurrence during severe weather—ensuring the equipment is secured when it’s most vulnerable.
• Multiple Mechanisms: To suit different equipment designs and requirements, storm brakes come in several forms, including:
  • Rail Clamps: Powerful jaws that clamp directly onto the head of the rail.
  • Wedge Brakes: A wedge mechanism that engages with the rail to create an incredibly strong locking force.
  • Wheel Brakes: Systems that apply braking force directly to the equipment’s wheels.

Primary Applications:

Storm brakes are non-negotiable safety components for any large-scale, outdoor, rail-mounted equipment, such as:

• Port Machinery: Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes, and shipunloaders.
• Shipyards: Gantry cranes and other large lifting equipment.
• Bulk Material Handling: Stacker-reclaimers, bucket-wheel excavators, and transfer cars.

The articles and products gathered here showcase our comprehensive range of storm brake solutions, including our YFX Series Wedge Brakes and YJGQ Rail Clamps. Explore these resources to understand how to protect your most valuable assets from the unstoppable forces of nature.