YDGZ-40 Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Rail Clamp

That is an excellent and crucial question. You are correct that the effective horizontal braking force is what ultimately secures your equipment.

The 400KN is the rated vertical force our YDGZ-40 clamp applies to the rail head. Our high-wear-resistant steel friction blocks are designed to achieve a stable and conservative friction coefficient (μ) of 0.25 under typical dry rail conditions.

Therefore, the nominal horizontal braking force per clamp can be calculated as:
Braking Force = Clamping Force × μ = 400 KN × 0.25 = 100 KN

This 100 KN value is the figure you should use in your wind load and safety calculations. We recommend using this conservative value for maximum safety. For applications involving oily or wet rails, or for a more detailed analysis, our engineering team is ready to assist you in calculating the precise number of clamps required for your specific operational environment.

Absolutely. Determining the correct quantity is critical, and we can certainly guide you. The primary calculation involves ensuring the total braking force from all clamps exceeds the maximum potential wind force on the crane.

The basic formula is:
Number of Clamps = (Total Wind Force × Safety Factor) / Braking Force per Clamp

Calculate Total Wind Force (Fw): This depends on your crane’s total surface area exposed to the wind, its shape, and the maximum design wind speed at your location according to local standards (e.g., EN 13001, ASCE 7).
Select a Safety Factor (SF): We typically recommend a safety factor of at least 1.2 to 1.5, depending on the criticality and local regulations.
Use Braking Force per Clamp: As established, this is 100 KN for the YDGZ-40.
Example: If your crane has a calculated max wind force of 750 KN and you use a safety factor of 1.2, you would need: (750 KN × 1.2) / 100 KN = 9 clamps. In this case, you would likely install 10 clamps for symmetry and redundancy.

We strongly encourage you to provide us with your crane’s specifications and local wind speed requirements. Our technical team can perform a detailed calculation for you to ensure a fully compliant and safe configuration.

This is a vital point for ensuring a safe and lasting installation. Due to the significant weight (1110 kg) and the powerful forces involved, the mounting structure is critical.

Mounting Surface: The clamp must be mounted on a solid, flat, and machined steel surface on the crane’s end carriage or bogie. We provide a detailed mounting footprint drawing with all required bolt hole dimensions and locations.
Structural Integrity: The crane structure at the mounting point must be sufficiently reinforced to handle both the static weight of the clamp and, more importantly, the dynamic reaction forces during braking. The structure must be able to withstand the full 400KN clamping force without deflection.
Alignment: The clamp must be installed perfectly perpendicular to the rail to ensure the friction blocks make full contact. We provide clear alignment procedures in our installation manual.
Before you purchase, we can provide you with the complete installation drawings. We recommend having your structural engineer review these drawings to verify the compatibility with your crane’s design and plan for any necessary reinforcement plates or brackets. Proper preparation ensures a smooth installation and the full performance of the brake.

We designed the YDGZ-40 for maximum durability and minimum downtime.

Service Life: The high-wear steel friction blocks have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional composite materials. In a typical parking brake application with a limited number of cycles, their mechanical life can extend for many years. The primary factor for replacement is wear. Each block has a clear wear indicator, and replacement is only needed when the thickness reaches the minimum specified limit.
Ease of Replacement: The friction blocks are designed as modular components. Replacement is a straightforward process that can be performed in-situ without removing the entire clamp from the crane. It involves releasing the brake (manually or hydraulically), unbolting the worn block carrier, and installing the new one. The entire process for one clamp can typically be completed within a couple of hours by a qualified technician.
Spare Parts: Yes, we maintain a full inventory of all critical spare parts, including friction block assemblies, seal kits, and limit switches. We guarantee their availability to ensure you can keep your equipment running with minimal delay.