Demag DH hoist unit relaunch

“Permanent” with new functions and options:

Demag DH hoist unit relaunch

• Introduced 40 years ago and continuously developed
• Complete range for “Special & Heavy Mission” lifting applications
• New size: DH 400 for lower load ranges
• Revised drive concept

Wetter, Germany, 11 March 2025. At LogiMAT 2025, Demag will, among other things, be presenting the current and extended DH series range. This hoist was developed for "Special & Heavy Mission" applications in lifting technology and for the past forty years has been the first choice worldwide for many systems that require precise and reliable lifting and positioning even in extreme environments. The current relaunch includes the introduction of another size, a revised drive concept and doubling the service life in the largest size.

The DH series that Demag is showcasing at LogiMAT is not entirely new. First introduced in 1985, this hoist unit is one of the tried-and-tested product series in the Demag range in addition to the KBK crane construction kit. It has remained “forever young” during this time, has also maintained its position in internal competition with other Demag hoist series and has now become even more versatile in its application possibilities after a comprehensive relaunch.

DH hoists are used worldwide. They impress with their robust and compact design, long hook paths (up to 104 metres) and versatile mounting options. Examples include numerous applications in crane construction and mechanical engineering. The range of applications extends, for example, from use in electroplating operations under extreme conditions to horizontal movements, e.g. in architecture, where roof structures weighing several tonnes are moved safely, or in underground mining with belt tensioning winches spanning several kilometres.

Now in four sizes

A new addition to the standard DH range is the 400 size for load capacities of 1 tonne or more. Like the other three sizes (DH 600 to 2000), it is available in various basic designs: as a compact foot-mounted hoist, as a standard-headroom monorail hoist (for monorail suspension and other applications), and also in curved design, as a short trolley with optimised hook path and as a double-rail crab.

Drive systems: optimal monitoring

There are also program extensions for the drives. The use of high-quality conical-rotor motors, 100% developed and produced for demanding use in hoists and “made in Germany by Demag” at the Uslar plant, remains unchanged. As you would expect from DH hoists, they are available in different versions: as pole-changing motors with mechanical creep lifting and as infinitely variable drives. The standard versions include standard temperature monitoring and a DGS 4 limit switch with four switching points integrated into the electrical housing and driven directly by the drum.

ZBA motor for speed-controlled hoist units

Anyone who opts for a DH hoist unit with speed-controlled drive can now benefit from the advantages of the Demag ZBA hoist motor. This cylindrical-rotor motor (also “made in Germany by Demag”) operates highly efficiently and can be integrated into state-of-the-art control concepts such as closed loop with encoder feedback. Other (safety) functions of the ZBA motor include a separately controllable brake with brake release control and brake adjustment monitoring as well as the option of integrating an impulse generator. In combination with a frequency-controlled control system, this enables variable lifting speeds for highly precise positioning tasks in all sizes.

For demanding, harsh environments: package options

The relaunch also includes the new package options. They each combine different functions and features for defined applications – for example, for high humidity, arctic or tropical climates or corrosive environments, such as those found in electroplating plants.

Demag has put together a total of eight equipment packages in which the hoist unit, motor and coating are adapted to the application profile by means of 16 performance features. This gives the user the certainty that they are selecting the right hoist even in adverse environmental conditions and can expect a long service life.

Outlook for 2025: the relaunch continues

As comprehensive as this relaunch is, the expansion of the DH hoist unit range is not yet complete. Soon, an improved hoisting gear will enable the DWP of the largest DH 2000 hoist to be doubled. This means that this model series will achieve an FEM classification of M8(5m) at a load capacity of 20 t and M4(1Am) in the upper load capacity range (up to 100 t). In this way, a proven and high-quality concept is continuously kept fit for the future and also for new requirements and areas of application.