“Smart” lifting technology: don’t bolt, just click.

RUD expands its portfolio with the first clickable clevis shackle.

Monday, 08:30 a.m. – In the production hall, the mood is tense. Mechanical engineer Fisher is under time pressure. The reason is the shackles he needs to attach the load to the lifting beam. First, he could not find two of the nuts. His apprentice probably put them in the wrong place. Now that he has finally found the nuts, a split pin has slipped out of Mr Fisher's fingers and disappeared without a trace. Production is at a standstill, the Head of Production is anything but impressed. A one-off? Hardly.

A classic with potential for improvement

After all, shackles like those used by Mr Fisher every single day are some of the most common connecting elements. Clevis shackles are unique because, unlike other shackles, they remain permanently attached to the chain suspension and serve as a type of hook replacement. They are only connected to the load during the lifting operation; they are typically used with horizontal through holes fixtures, but can also be used with component-based lifting points. All of this makes them a simple and effective solution for frequent lifting operations that require the chain suspension to be quickly attached and detached. However, the need to use a bolt, nut and split pin to secure standard clevis shackles has been a drawback until now. Mr Fisher and his colleagues often spend several minutes per shackle making the connection, which can result in more than one hour of lost time per day when lifting operations are carried out in quick succession and several shackles are used per load. To counteract this and to make work processes a lot faster and more efficient, RUD has developed the innovative CCS-FASTLOX clickable clevis shackle.

Innovative quick-lock mechanism for improved efficiency and safety

The new CCS-FASTLOX allows for completely tool-free handling. The traditional nut and splint fastener has been replaced by a new locking mechanism that simply involves pushing the bolt into the shackle bails. Correct engagement of the bolt is confirmed by an audible click. Thanks to this innovative quick-lock fastener, Mr Fisher and other users can install the shackle by hand in seconds without any complications – no splint, nut or other tools necessary. Accidental opening during the lifting operation is ruled out. The safety mechanism is released by manually pressing two small levers together – so the bolt can then be pulled out very easily. This innovative locking technology reduces assembly and disassembly time by up to 80 percent, significantly increasing process efficiency, especially when lifting operations are done in quick succession. In addition, the tool-free assembly makes handling the shackle in hard-to-reach places simpler, meaning that it is noticeably easier for Mr Fisher to attach and detach the shackle in confined spaces or uncomfortable working positions.

Robust quality with intelligent features

The RUD CCS-FASTLOX features a universal clevis joint that is largely insensitive to bending and comes in grades 12 (ICE) and 10 (VIP) and in nominal sizes from 4 to 16 (ICE) or 6 to 22 (VIP). This wide product range makes it possible to cover a number of applications. The strength of the steel, combined with the lightest possible weight of the chain suspension, ensures maximum safety when lifting the heaviest loads. Additionally, the shackle provides exceptional stability in extreme environmental conditions: the lifting points can even withstand temperatures ranging from -60°C to 200°C (ICE) or -40°C to 200°C (VIP) without any limitations. This means that safe lifting is possible in both extremely cold conditions and the high-temperature environments of the steel industry. Mr Fisher would only have to deal with a reduction in WLL at temperatures above 200°C. For example, the WLL is reduced by 10 percent in this temperature range and by 40 percent at ambient temperatures between 250°C and 300°C (ICE) or between 300°C and 380°C (VIP). Use of the CCS-FASTLOX is no longer permitted if temperatures exceed these levels.

Users such as Mr Fisher can access information on these limit values and many other product details at any time directly on site via the built-in RFID transponder on the shackle – as well as on almost all RUD products. The RUD BUDDYtron smartphone app or NFC reader can quickly and easily read the individual identification number of a lifting point, allowing you to access relevant information, such as data sheets and operating instructions, stored in the RUD product database.

Multiple usage options

The CCS-FASTLOX offers Mr Fisher fast assembly, maximum safety and flexibility when carrying out lifting operations. To meet the requirements of a wide range of lifting and lift projects and expand the number of possible applications, the clevis shackle can be combined with the new PIP-RAPIDO lifting point by RUD. RUD’s first plug-in lifting point is designed for easy, tool-free installation in through hole fixtures and undercut holes. Thanks to its self-locking fastening mechanism, any user can install the lifting point much more quickly and easily than conventional lifting points. The PIP-RAPIDO can remain permanently attached to the shackle, allowing both components to be used together as a flexible connecting element in these application scenarios.

Thisnow gives Mr Fisher and his colleagues a versatile clevis shackle, which is easy to use and facilitates demanding lifting and lift operations, even under difficult environmental conditions. Lost nuts and splints, as well as time-consuming bolting, are now a thing of the past.