Cranes & Hoists

Crane and hoist systems require carefully engineered brake systems across both the hoist mechanism and the drive systems that move the crane. On hoists, the safest operation uses a dual braking method: brakes mounted to the high-speed side of the gearbox, plus additional brakes acting directly on the cable drum on the low-speed side, providing a failsafe in the event of a broken shaft or gears.

For traveling cranes and gantries operating outdoors, rail clamps or wheel brakes are also used to anchor the crane and prevent unintended movement in high winds. Johnson’s caliper disc brakes, thruster drum brakes, and DC magnet brakes are all used across crane and hoist applications, in electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuation to suit the power available on site.