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Adapting existing equipment to a changed task or to current technology instead of replacing it. Typical cases are a new load attachment, a renewed control, more reach or retrofitted explosion protection. Almost always the cheaper answer, because the load-bearing structure is long-lived and a different make brings modifications at the workstation with it. What has to be settled beforehand is whether the work counts as a substantial modification – in which case the operator becomes a manufacturer.
A repair restores the condition the equipment once had. A retrofit goes further: it changes the equipment – for a new task, for better handling or to bring it up to current safety technology. The structure stays; what is outdated or worn is renewed.
The idea behind it: pillar, jib and rails age slowly; controls, drive and load attachment age fast. Replacing only what ages fast gives an up-to-date unit without rebuilding foundation, workplace and workflow.
The range runs from exchanging one assembly to an extensive re-equipment.
A retrofit only pays off on a sound basis. The structure is assessed first: welds, bearing points, anchoring, corrosion. On serial hoists, the portion of the theoretical service life used up shows whether the hoist unit can continue or needs an overhaul. If documents such as the operating manual, circuit diagram or proof of capacity are missing, they have to be recreated before anything is changed.
Then the structural analysis: more capacity or more reach increases the load on pillar, anchoring and floor. That has to be calculated, not estimated.
Every change raises two questions. First: does it require inspection? Under German rules the equipment is then inspected by a competent person before it returns to service, and the risk assessment is updated. Second: is it a substantial modification? Then the equipment counts as new machinery, and whoever modifies it takes on the duties of a manufacturer.
Both questions belong at the start of the project. Asked after the modification, they can only be answered at high cost.
What Entracon offers here is on the matching page.
See what we offer| Criterion | Points to retrofit | Points to new equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Sound, documented, adequately sized | Cracks, heavy corrosion, missing proofs |
| Task | Similar load and reach as before | Much higher load or different envelope |
| Spare parts | Available for the remaining assemblies | Core assemblies discontinued |
| Workplace | Foundation and surroundings are to stay | Layout is being replanned anyway |
| Downtime | Conversion possible in short windows | A long interruption is planned anyway |
Not automatically. If the modification stays below the threshold of a substantial modification, the original conformity remains; the operator updates risk assessment and documentation. If the modification is substantial, a new conformity assessment has to be carried out.
Yes. What matters is the documentation and condition of the equipment, not the make. Missing documents are recreated before the modification.
Only with calculated proof for structure, anchoring and hoist unit. An increase in capacity is also a typical trigger for checking whether the modification is substantial.
The unit is already there. The task has changed.
View GuidesOne unit at eight stations beats eight units.
View GuidesCE is not a badge. It is a file.
View GuidesOn paper everything fits. On the floor, centimetres count.
View GuidesThe most expensive part of a new unit is rarely the new unit.
ViewOne short conversation usually settles more than three quotations. Call or write — you will reach an engineer directly.
Start typing – for example “balancer”, “SAP” or “pipe stress”.
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