Taking to the Skies with HELUCHAIN
RUTHMANN relies on cable carrier chains from HELU.
Made for use at dizzying heights, mobile aerial work platforms carry people to places that would normally not be accessible. A reliable power supply for the controls and hydraulics of these machines is essential. To overcome challenges such as ever-increasing distances and tight working spaces, the market leader RUTHMANN depends on robust, high-performance, installation-ready, and pre-assembled drag chain assemblies from HELU.
Whether for maintaining gigantic wind turbines, precise tree pruning above narrow city streets, or cleaning the facades of high-rises, RUTHMANN aerial work platforms are in demand for challenging jobs. Jobs that take people places where they otherwise couldn't reach—high up in the air or above deep holes. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and reliably, these mobile machines must be constructed by experts according to strict quality standards, down to the smallest detail.
In this challenging sector, RUTHMANN is one of the most successful and innovative suppliers on the market, and they are able to draw upon a wealth of experience. Founded in 1901, the company is located in the city of Gescher-Hochmoor in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. RUTHMANN developed their first aerial work platforms in 1954 under the brand name STEIGER, a popular name which is still in use today. Since 2021, they have been part of the globally active TIME Manufacturing Company, which is an international group of work platform manufacturers with approximately 2,500 employees. Alongside RUTHMANN, brands such as VERSALIFT, France Elévateur, and MOVEX are also members.
Always in Need of More Height and Reach
STEIGER machines are one of RUTHMANN's top sellers and, in many places, the name is synonymous with lorry-mounted aerial work platforms. In developing the product family, new milestones have been achieved that push the boundaries of what is possible. "Our largest machines currently reach working heights of up to 100 metres and have a reach of more than 40 metres," explains Engineer Nico Wessels. These giant machines were used, for instance, in the 2019 restauration of the fire-damaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. "We even regularly outfit our smaller models with new innovations to further improve their functionality and versatility."
The majority of STEIGER models produced in Gescher-Hochmoor are compact with working heights up to 30 metres. The work platforms are then mounted onto the bed of a 3.5 or 7.5 tonne lorry. Their customers include municipalities, construction and commercial enterprises, electric utilities, and commercial machine rental companies. "Every STEIGER has a steerable work basket that can be precisely controlled using a hydraulic-powered, telescoping boom system," says Wessels. The stable and failureproof supply of electrical and hydraulic energy is vital, as users, especially those at great heights, depend on the reliability of the work platform.
Protection Against Mechanical Influences
The electrical control cables and hydraulic hoses are located on the inside of the hollow boom shaft.
The electrical control cables and hydraulic hoses are hidden inside the hollow, steel profile of the boom and feed into the work basket. To protect them from mechanical loads such as abrasion, bending, pinching, or kinking, they are securely housed within drag chains which guide the sensitive components through each movement of the boom and prevent damage that may lead to expensive downtimes or even safety risks. "We have relied on HELUKABEL for these critical assemblies for many years," reports Wessels. The specialists in electrical connection technology supply RUTHMANN with custom, installation-ready drag chains that are pre-filled with the required cables and hoses.
The requirements for these drag chains are high: maximum stability at the lowest weight possible. "We construct our boom systems to be as light as possible to achieve better performance," explains Wessels. "Of course, the energy supply also plays a role." Due to the limited assembly space, these drag chains must contend with tight bending radii over self-supported distances spanning multiple metres. They must also be able to easily handle temperatures ranging from -20 to +50 degrees Celsius, as they are found in STEIGER machines sold around the globe and are therefore used in both bitter cold and tropical heat.
Optimising for Stability and Weight
Successful team: (from right) Purchaser Christoph Dierker and Engineer Nico Wessels from RUTHMANN with Area Sales Manager Thomas Thomae and Sales Manager Solutions Helmut Grzybowski from HELU.
For this demanding application, HELU supplies their tailor-made HELUCHAIN PLASTIC LINK 4-PK. This positive-interlocking, plastic drag chain proves its mettle with its wide spectrum of applications and is suited for not just long travel distances and high speeds, but also for long, self-supported distances and tight bending radii. Crossbars in each bracket improve the chain's lateral stability and provide improved guidance for cables with smaller diameters. "The chain provides an exceptional stability-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for this application," emphasises Helmut Grzybowski, Sales Manager Solutions at HELU and long-time contact partner for RUTHMANN.
The cables installed in the drag chains have an oil-resistant, PUR outer sheath and are UL/CSA certified, which means RUTHMANN doesn't need to worry about whether a machine is being constructed for use in the EU or overseas. The complete system is delivered pre-assembled and only needs to be attached and connected to the boom system, saving valuable time. "When we make repairs or service machines, instead of replacing individual cables or hoses, we exchange the entire module," Engineer Wessels adds. "It's simpler, more efficient, and allows our customers to be back up and running sooner." Due in large part to the hydraulic hoses used, exchanging the modules is a preventative measure, and actual damage rarely occurs.
Sky-High Supplier Performance
HELU has also impressed the decision makers at RUTHMANN with their reliability. "Their supplier performance is demonstrably consistent and top quality, going above and beyond," praises Purchaser Christoph Dierker. The products they need are typically available on short notice and on time. "And if we ever need something new—for improving one of our models for instance—communication with HELU is always constructive and uncomplicated," adds Nico Wessels. "We are happy to have such a competent partner on our side, who provides us with comprehensive support for all matters dealing with energy supply."
In applications thus far, the HELUCHAIN drag chains have proven themselves, and this valuable experience is being directly applied toward the continual optimisation of the overall system. This is just one of the reasons why RUTHMANN is eager to continue this efficient collaboration in the future. "We know we can rely on the quality and service that HELU provides," Wessels emphasises. "And, ultimately, we're not the only ones who benefit—our customers do, too."
You can find this article as well as many more exciting stories in our issue of POWER #18. Take a look now!
About RUTHMANN
RUTHMANN Holdings GmbH is an international aerial work platform manufacturer. Founded in 1901, the company is especially known for their brand STEIGER, and is globally recognised as a technology leader in their industry.
Learn more at ruthmann.de
