New Thruster Brake’s Unique Design Features Even Brake Pad Wear

Force Control Industries, the industry leader in oil shear brakes, clutches, and clutch-brakes, introduce a new, American-made AC Thruster Brake that meets BABAA requirements. Force Control’s HT series of thrusters are designed for 8-16” frames with force ratings ranging between 50-180 pounds and various stroke ratings. In addition to thruster actuators, Force Control is also offering weldment and cast brake frameworks. Force Control has improved upon the proven shoe brake technology with a pair of slotted arms which eliminate shoe drag and ensure that the brake pads wear evenly. Shoe drag is a common problem with other thruster brakes, resulting in one brake pad wearing out prematurely, thus requiring replacement of both brake pads plus the downtime for service. Unlike competitive models that utilize mineral-based transformer oil, Force Control has standardized on an environmentally friendly, ester/plant-based transformer oil which is ideal for sensitive areas like shipping ports, deck machinery, bridges, and more. Further improvements include a sealed auto-adjustment device that is impervious to the elements, ensuring a long service life in harsh environments. The addition of this new line makes Force Control the only U.S. manufacturer of thruster brakes which are commonly used for overhead cranes in steel mills, portside cranes for container handling, on movable bridges, as well as for marine deck equipment, mining drag lines, and more.

“We’re excited to introduce the HT-2 and provide a domestically made thruster brake option,” said Force Control VP of Sales & Marketing Tony Stoner. “With some unique design enhancement backed by millions of cycles of testing, we’re eager to prove this technology in the field. This new addition gives us a more robust line of braking technology to offer to our customers.”

www.forcecontrol.com