Complete LMI Replacement
Experts in Full-Replacement Crane Computer Systems*
LMI Computer Replacement Options
Simple to Use, Rugged Reliability, Cost Effective
Telescopic Mobile Crane
Usually a Grove, Terex, Shuttlelift or other mobile/RT crane that has an old LMI such as a PAT DS350 or a Greer Microguard that is failing. Often times the computer is in override because its impossible to operate the crane due to constant error codes. The crane is usually in good condition and a new computer provides years of trouble free use.
Boom Truck Crane
The vast majority of these installations are on National or Manitex boom trucks. Some of these have older PAT DS50 systems in them, some dont have anything and the owner wants a basic system for safety. These are very easy and fast projects due to the simple nature of the boom truck.
Lattice Crawler Crane
The majority of our lattice crane work seems to be on older Link Belt cranes, especially with older PAT DS350 vertical consoles. A new system for these is relatively simple with a wired angle sensor and linerider on the base section and wireless A2B and Wind on the boom tip, though fully wired/wireless systems are available.
Carry Deck Crane
Because of their smaller size the carry deck crane systems are also pretty simple. Usually a proportional cable reel is used in conjunction with a load pin at the boom tip. We have completed a number of Broderson and Shuttlelift carry deck crane systems.
Offshore & Marine Crane
Offshore and marine crane systems usually involve an ATEX or CSA designation for explosion proof work. There are several options for systems that satisfy this need and have potted electronics that are completely encased in resin to protect them from the harsh marine environment. We usually provide a few of these marine tanker or offshore drilling rig systems a year.
Side Boom Crane
Though we provide fewer of these there is a system specifically made for these pipe laying cranes. Usually these involve trim and list indicators to make sure all the work is even.
Spider Crane
Spider cranes are a relatively new type of crane on the market that is growing in popularity due to its versatile use. Much like a carrydeck crane, we provide smaller systems for these.
Recent LMI Computer Replacement Projects
We have provided LMI computer replacement options and/or parts for hundreds of customers over the years. Here are a few of the most recent complete LMI computer replacement system jobs. Most of these jobs involve the replacement of an aging LMI system that has become unreliable however the crane itself is in great shape and continues to be used. Some of our customers come to us without any LMI on their crane and we work with them to get a complete new system for them.
Grove TM1300
- Full replacement of old PAT DS350 LMI
- Load on both main line and auxiliary
- Anti two block on both main and whipline
- Full load chart programming
- Retain full lockout capabilities
Grove Crane Computer Project Overview
This customer was a large builder in the northwest focusing on large commercial facilities as well as custom build homes. Their crane was in overall good condition as it had been well maintained and had conservative use in their construction projects. The crane's old PAT DS350 LMI system however had deteriorated significantly and was giving constant E95 error codes (undetermined error). We worked with this customer to find an LMI replacement system that was in their budget but with functionality on both main and auxiliary line and was rugged enough to withstand the northern winters and provide years of trouble free use.
Link Belt HC248H
- Full replacement of old PAT DS350
- New graphical display
- Load on main line
- Anti Two Block on main line
- Wind speed sensor at boom tip
- Full load chart programming
- Full lockout capabilities
Link Belt Crane Computer Project Overview
This customer is a large concrete construction provide in the mid Atlantic east coast region. They approached BTS about a replacement for their PAT DS350 Vertical RCI console. Unfortunately the lead time to get a replacement from Europe was about 4 months and cost around $15,000. The customer was not able to wait that long, nor did it make any sense to spend that amount of money to replace one component of such an aging system. In the end we were able to provide a complete new RCI system to them for less than the price it would have cost for the replacement display.
Grove RT528C
- Full replacement of old PAT DS350 GW
- Load on main line
- Anti Two Block on main line
- Full load chart programming
- Full lockout capabilities
Grove Crane Computer Project Overview
This customer operates an excavation and construction company in the midwest providing highway and bridge construction services as well as support to the oil and gas pipeline industry. This Grove crane was from the mid nineties however like many others, was in great shape and well cared for. The computer system however was an old PAT DS350 GW system that had outlived its useful life. This project was a simple swap out of the old system for the new. The customer got full load carts and will have years of trouble free use of this crane computer system.
National Boom Truck Crane
- Complete new crane computer
- Wired dynamometer secured at top of main section
- Reuse current A2B switch
- New cable reel with integrated angle sensor
- Full load chart programming
- Full lockout capabilities
National Boom Truck Crane Computer Project Overview
We usually complete several of these boom truck systems a year for customers, many of whom are in the tree service industry. The National boom truck is particularly simple as it requires only a load sensor and a cable reel. The original anti two block system can be reused if it is in good condition, thereby saving that whole expense.
Shuttlelift CD5540F
- New display with full load chart capabilities
- Load pin on main line as sensor
- Anti Two Block on main line
- Mini cable reel for boom extention
- Full lockout capabilities
Shuttlelift Crane Computer Project Overview
This customer provides commercial and residential contracting services along the great lakes. They had a Shuttlelift utilized for smaller projects and for work in their yard. They wanted a compact option for the smaller crane. We were able to work with them on a smaller system using a mini cable reel and load pin configuration. The small unobtrusive system will give the years of safe use of this smaller crane.
Sumitomo SC500
- Complete new crane comptuer
- Wired linerider load on main line
- Wireless anti two block at boom tip
- Wireless wind speed at boom tip
- Full load chart programming
- Full lockout capabilities
Sumitomo Lattice Crawler Computer Project Overview
This customer provides steel erection, precast concrete structures, and concrete pours in the south. They needed a complete new installation for this lattice crawler crane. This was a simple installation with display and linerider for load as well as wireless anti two block and windspeed at the boom tip. This system will provide the owner years of simple and safe crane computer operation.
Experts in the LMI Crane Computer Industry
The founder of BTS has been in the LMI crane computer industry since 1984 as an engineer at PAT-CTI in England, then as a founding team member of PAT Hirschmann in Chambersburg PA, and later as an independent business owner specializing in complex service repairs on large Demag and Liebherr cranes. BTS technicians have completed work all over the US, South America, Africa, and Europe. Our customer base truly does span the entire globe
As experts in the crane LMI computer industry, BTS has often been asked to publish advice in Crane & Rigging Hot Line magazine
Aftermarket Crane Safety Products
BTS has always been on the forefront of advocating for crane safety through crane LMI or RCI computer systems. This is one of the earliest industry articles highlighting the need for aftermarket crane computer systems for those with aging or non existent systems.
Water & Electronics Dont Mix
Preventing unnecessary crane down time due to water intrusion is one of the main goals of the BTS service team. Undoubtedly water in the LMI cables or system boxes themselves has been the number one cause of failures or erratic crane computer behavior.
Wiring & Insulation Issues
Addressing two key issues of insulation and wire gauge on live wires in the crane computer LMI system. Especially prone to neglect are wires and cables that run between the sensors and the main console / central unit computer. Over years of weather exposure there can be significant deterioration that results in incorrect sensor readings and unreliable error code messages
Crane LMI Computer Replacement Kit
The crane LMI Computer replacement kit is a computerized crane monitoring system, designed as an operator aid. It comprises sensors fitted to the crane and a display located in the cabin of the crane. This version measures the boom cylinder pressure or the tension in the hoist rope, the boom angle and length, and it indicates safe or critical conditions, while performing an authorized lift of loads.
All the sensors are linked through a single CAN Bus (Controlled Area Network). The pressure sensors or a dynamometer provide electrical signals that are proportional to ther load lifted. An inclinometer provides a signal that is proportional to the boom angle and a reeling drum provides a signal that is proportional to the boom extension. The radius and the load are calculated from these signals with the
dimensional crane data preprogrammed in the i4300 system.
During operation the load lifted by the crane is calculated from the measured boom cylinder pressure and is automatically compared with corresponding data related to the maximum permissible crane loading.
The actual load is expressed as a percentage of the permitted load (% SWL). If this percentage exceeds a preset value, alarms and safety functions are activated. The values of the hook load, the permissible load, the main boom angle and the radius are displayed in a digital form on a graphic liquid crystal display (LCD).
The required crane duty charts are stored in a non-volatile memory and can only be modified with the approval of the crane manufacturer. The calculated crane parameters and calibration data are stored in an additional non-volatile memory. The calibration of the system is performed only with the use of known loads, boom angles, and other pre-determined data.
All the sensors are linked through a single CAN Bus (Controlled Area Network). The pressure sensors or a dynamometer provide electrical signals that are proportional to ther load lifted. An inclinometer provides a signal that is proportional to the boom angle and a reeling drum provides a signal that is proportional to the boom extension. The radius and the load are calculated from these signals with the
dimensional crane data preprogrammed in the i4300 system.
During operation the load lifted by the crane is calculated from the measured boom cylinder pressure and is automatically compared with corresponding data related to the maximum permissible crane loading.
The actual load is expressed as a percentage of the permitted load (% SWL). If this percentage exceeds a preset value, alarms and safety functions are activated. The values of the hook load, the permissible load, the main boom angle and the radius are displayed in a digital form on a graphic liquid crystal display (LCD).
The required crane duty charts are stored in a non-volatile memory and can only be modified with the approval of the crane manufacturer. The calculated crane parameters and calibration data are stored in an additional non-volatile memory. The calibration of the system is performed only with the use of known loads, boom angles, and other pre-determined data.
Who are these replacement LMI systems for...
Crane Manufacturers
- Grove
- National
- Manitex
- Link Belt
- Broderson
- Libherr
- Terex
Old LMIs
- PAT DS 350
- PAT DS50
- Hirschmann DS160/Maestro
- Greer MG Series
- LSI LS Series
- None / No LMI
Load Moment Indicator
Understanding what an LMI is and the limitations of a crane computer system are critical to crane safety
A Load Moment Indicator LMI system operates on the principle of reference/real comparison. The real value, resulting from the pressure measurement and geometric sensors, is compared with the reference data stored in the central processor memory and is evaluated in he microprocessor. An analog indication of % capacity is displayed via an operator’s console. When limits are reached, an overload warning signal is generated. At the same time, the crane movements that increase load moment such as hoist down, telescope out, and boom down will be locked out. The fixed data regarding the crane, such as dimensional data, capacity charts, boom weights, and centers of gravity are stored in memory chips in the central processor unit. This data is the reference information used to calculate the operating conditions. Boom length and boom angle are registered by the length/angle sensor, located inside the cable reel, mounted on the boom. The boom length is measured by the cable reel cable, which also serves as an electrical conductor for the anti-two- block switch. The crane load is measured by pressure transducers attached to the piston and rod side of the lift cylinder. Controls on the operator’s console allow the operator to select the operating mode (main boom, jib, etc.) as well as the parts of the line currently in use. The system will then limit operation to the capacities on the selected load chart, or the maximum permissible line pull in that configuration. After the engine is started and the PTO is engaged, the LMI powers up and conducts an automatic test of the complete system. After two successful system tests without errors, the system is ready for operation. In case of a system error, both the overload and anti-two-block lights on the central unit will illuminate. The interactive user guidance considerably simplifies the input of operating modes as well as the setting of geometry limit values
Limitations of a Load Moment Indicator (LMI)
The LMI is an operational aid that warns a crane operator of approaching overload conditions and over hoist conditions that could cause damage to equipment and personnel. The device is not, and shall not, be a substitute for good operator judgment, experience and use of accepted safe crane operating procedures. The responsibility for the safe crane operation shall remain with the crane operator who shall ensure that all warnings and instructions supplied are fully understood and observed. Prior to operating the crane, the operator must carefully and thoroughly read and understand the information in this manual to ensure that he knows the operation and limitations of indicator and crane. Proper functioning depends upon proper daily inspection and observance of the operating instructions set forth in the operators manual
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