CM LODESTAR ELECTRIC CHAIN HOIST, THE UNDISPUTED INDUSTRY WORKHORSE
By Renier Smit (Entertainment Lighting – CM Product Manager)
Electric Chain Hoists, or, ‘motors’ as they're commonly called in the entertainment industry, are used for lifting and securing overhead truss systems, lighting arrays and speaker clusters. The CM Lodestar electric chain hoist is recognised worldwide as the industry workhorse.
For the past seven years Electrosonic SA has been South Africa’s sole distributor for CM. CM Lodestar hoists are used in nearly every television production, live event, and theatre show in the country. Our clients, from rental houses to installation companies, love this trusty old workhorse, and some of their hoists have lasted 12 years, and with regular servicing will last another 12.
Over the years we’ve seen CM Lodestar innovate and improve their products, going from the Classic CM Lodestar range to the New Line Hoists. We’ve sold hundreds of motors, and our CM Motor Schools are popular with clients wanting training on how to operate and maintain their motors.
We pride ourselves in offering great service to our CM clients, and we carry ample stock and spare parts for back-up. We also enjoy a great working relationship with, and tremendous support from, CM Entertainment Technologies in the UK. With 2014 being one of Electrosonic SA’s most successful year to date with CM Lodestar, our future has been given a LIFT!!
Electrosonic SA is also the sole distributor of Kinesys, who offer motion control systems (which work well with CM Lodestar products) for the entertainment industry.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the range, in terms of load, of CM Lodestar’s motors?
Hoists range from loads of 250kg to 2000kg. The Prostar Electric Chain Hoist (250kg) is CM’s starter hoist, and is light and quiet - perfect for rigging small venues. This portable motor features standard overload protection, to help ensure structural and operator safety. New swivel hook suspension allows for easy attachment to slings and pick points.
How much can I lift with my CM Lodestar?
While the hoist has the capability to pick up more than its rated capacity, you should never attempt to load it beyond its safe working load.
What is the design factor of the Lodestar?
The hoist itself has a design factor of 5:1, and the chain has a minimum design factor of 8:1.
Does the Lodestar have something built into it to prevent overloading?
The hoist has a clutching device (Lodestar Protector) built into the gear train to prevent the operator from lifting gross overloads. The protector is not designed to be used as a weighing device to determine what load can be safely lifted.
When the Lodestar Protector is sensing an overload, how will I know it is working?
You will hear the hoist running, but you will see that the load is either moving very slowly or not at all. To correct the situation you must remove the excess loading, at which time the hoist will return to its normal operation. You may also hear a chattering noise coming from the hoist and/or see some vibration in the load chain. This is perfectly normal, and, unless the clutch is slipped for long durations, will not cause any damage to the hoist.
Can a CM Lodestar be used to hang loads over people's heads?
It is preferred that the load always be tied off (dead hung) with auxiliary chains or cable before access to the area beneath the load is permitted. As an alternative the system may be designed so that malfunction of one hoist's load bearing components does not cause load loss and/or overloading of any other hoist in the system. Note that in such a system hoist performance, and function, must be monitored visually, or with the use of load cells. However, both the CM Lodestar D8+ and CM Lodestar BGV-C1 feature a 10:1 design factor that allows them to be used for suspending loads above people without a secondary support.
How long does it take a 1 ton Model L Lodestar to go from a dead start up to full (16 fpm) speed?
When the hoist has full rated load on the hook, it takes about half a second to attain full speed.
How often do I have to inspect my hoists?
CM recommends that if the hoists are used for rental that they be inspected after each rental. If they are used for a tour they should be serviced at the end of the tour, or a minimum of once a year.