Columbus McKinnon launches first chain hoist with remote monitoring

Columbus McKinnon, a designer and manufacturer of intelligent motion solutions for material handling, has revealed that its Intelli-Connect Diagnostics and Analytics technology is now available on the CM Lodestar VS Electric Chain Hoist.

The Intelli-Connect Mobile app is available as a free download on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

When Intelli-Connect is paired with the Lodestar VS and its variable frequency drive (VFD), this hoist is the only chain hoist that allows operators to wirelessly program the hoist and access detailed diagnostic and analytic information right from the plant floor on a smartphone or tablet, the company said. 

“By combining the capabilities of Intelli-Connect with the Lodestar VS, we’ve made it easier than ever to program, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot your hoist,” said Bryan Holby, senior global product manager, powered chain hoists. “Customers can get insight into how their hoist is operating to easily and proactively monitor performance and schedule maintenance, helping them address issues more quickly, keep operators safer and ultimately reduce downtime.”

Intelli-Connect eliminates the need to connect a tablet or PC to the hoist with a cord. Users can access information wirelessly through the Intelli-Connect Mobile or Mobile+ apps from their mobile device. Intelli- Connect is available as an option on all new Lodestar VS units or in retrofit kits for units already in the field.