Balancer

A balancer generates in the rope or chain exactly the force that equals the weight of the load. The load then floats: light hand pressure is enough to raise or lower it, and it stays where it is when the hand lets go. Unlike a hoist, a balancer is not operated by up and down buttons – the operator moves the load directly.

That makes it fast. The lifting movement follows the hand without a detour through a control, and the person sets the speed.

Balancers differ in where the compensating force comes from and how it is matched to the load.

The simplest case is a load that is always the same: the balance is set once and switched between “loaded” and “unloaded”. If weights change from part to part, the unit has to adapt the balance itself – by sensing the weight after lifting or through control at the handle.

The critical moment is setting down: if the weight suddenly disappears, the load attachment must not shoot upwards. Balancers have devices limiting the upward movement; these are among the points checked at the periodic inspection.

A rope transmits tension only. The balancer holds the load but does not guide it: pushing a rope-suspended load against a stop means pushing against a pendulum. It does not absorb lateral forces, joining forces or the reaction torque of a nutrunner.

The centre of gravity sets another limit. If the load does not hang beneath the rope, it tilts. The gripper must therefore be built so that the centre of gravity lies under the suspension point – or the task calls for a rigid arm.

The balancer itself only lifts. Its reach comes from what it hangs on: on a slewing jib it serves a circle, on a rail system a line or a whole area. The more easily trolley and bridge run, the less the operator feels when travelling – the mass of the load still has to be set in motion and brought to rest.