Why Choose an Air Tractor Drive for Your Crane or Monorail System?
If you’re looking for a powered tractor drive solution for your bridge crane, hoist, or monorail system, the STD-AT Air Tractor Drive offers unmatched performance and flexibility. From ergonomic lifting assist systems to synchronized assembly line movements, this pneumatically powered tractor drive handles demanding applications with ease. Below, you’ll find key applications, performance features, and detailed specifications that make this unit ideal for modern material handling.
Powered Tractor Drive For Bridge Cranes
The STD-AT (Air Tractor Drive) is a friction wheel travel drive that moves a load along a bridge crane rail. Air tractor drives may be used to drive a hoist along a bridge, a bridge along a runway, a hoist along a monorail./ or a carriage along parallel rails. Unlike many friction wheel drives, the Air Tractor Drive is pneumatically powered and operated.
The air tractor drive has a very high-power density and is able to drive up to a 2000 lbs load along a level runway. The air motor provides high stall torque and can reverse direction nearly instantaneously.
Disengageable Air Tractor Drive
The force holding the tractor drive to the rail (the “tractive force”), is provided by an air cylinder. The air tractor drive can be disengaged from the rail remotely so that the load may coast freely if required. A regulator may be fitted before this cylinder to limit the tractive force of the drive (it is usually desirable for the tractor drive to slip when it encounters an obstacle).
The air tractor drive works with most brands of enclosed track including KBK/KLH/ALU. The air tractor drives can also accommodate curved sections in most enclosed track.
Explore What Makes the Air Tractor Drive a Smart Choice
Understanding the applications, features, specifications, and dimensions of the STD-AT Air Tractor Drive is essential when choosing the right powered tractor drive for bridge cranes or other crane drives. Whether you’re moving a hoist along an enclosed track, automating a monorail system, or enhancing an ergonomic lift assist, the details below will help you assess compatibility, performance, and power requirements. From pneumatic drive force to air consumption and stall torque, these insights ensure you get the most from your investment in air-powered material handling.
Air Tractor Drive Applications
- Moves any hoist along a bridge
- Moves any bridge along a crane
- Can be synchronized to an assembly Line (requires additional components)
- ‘Return to Home’ Function (requires additional components)
- Ideal for trolley mounted, ergonomic lift assists (such as a manipulator)
- Can be used to propel loads where operator effort would be too great. Air tractor drives can be installed in tandem to move even heavier loads
Air Tractor Drive Features
- Anodized aluminum chassis
- Air driven / operated, air motor provides full torque at stall
- Fast response, near instantaneous reversal of direction
- Integrated wheel/gearbox results in a compact package
- Drive wheel can be disengaged from the rail remotely
- Works with I-beams, most brands of enclosed track (KBK, ALU, KLH). Non KBKII & IIL rails may require extra trolley adapters
- Standard functions: Forward, Reverse, Automatic drive wheel engage/dis-engage, Manual drive wheel engage/dis-engage override. Control pendant available, but not included
Air Tractor Drive Specifications
| Drive Force @ Max Velocity | 140 lbs @ 3.6 ft/sec (100 psi) |
| Drive Force @ Max Torque | 190 lbs @ 0.4 ft/sec (100 psi) |
| Air Consumption @ Max Velocity | 30 cfm |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 100 psi |
| Mass | 62 lbs |
Air Tractor Drive Dimensions
Ready to Add an Air Tractor Drive to Your Crane or Hoist System?
Whether you’re upgrading an existing setup or starting from scratch, our air tractor drives for bridge cranes and hoists offer high torque, precision control, and compatibility with popular track systems like KBK, KLH, and ALU.
Need help selecting the right tractor drive for your application? Contact Givens Engineering today to speak with a specialist or request a quote.
Have any questions about our tractor drives?