Advanced drive solutions for demanding crane operations
BMG has strengthened its offering to the crane and materials handling sector through the supply and support of Industrial Gear Units (IGUs) from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS. Nord MAXXDRIVE® XD and XJ IGUs offer application-specific drive solutions engineered for lifting, travelling and positioning functions in demanding crane environments.
“NORD MAXXDRIVE XD and XJ series form part of BMG’s complete drive systems that combine industrial gear units, high-efficiency motors and advanced drive electronics,” says Barry Stoltz, BMG’s Gears Regional Manager, Electro-Mechanical division. “This holistic approach enables crane manufacturers to source co-ordinated drive solutions from a single supplier, ensuring compatibility, performance optimisation and simplified system integration.
“The MAXXDRIVE XD series has been specifically engineered for lifting gear applications, where precision, reliability and load distribution are critical. The extended centre distance of this system allows for a U-shaped arrangement that positions the rope drum and motor on the same side of the gear unit. This configuration reduces mechanical stress, improves load sharing and enables more compact crane designs while also lowering overall system weight and energy consumption. The result is a drive solution that enhances lifting performance, while contributing to reduced structural requirements in crane construction.”
The MAXXDRIVE XJ series, which complements the XD series, is designed for travelling and cross-travel drives and features a distinctive J-shaped shaft arrangement that combines vertical and horizontal gear stages. This configuration enables space-saving installations without compromising torque capacity or efficiency, making it particularly suitable for trolley and gantry travel systems, where installation space is limited, but performance demands remain high.
Both series are based on NORD’s proven UNICASE housing design, which ensures precise alignment of bearings and gear components within a rigid, one-piece structure. This design minimises wear, extends service life and ensures quiet, reliable operation under heavy loads.
These gear units are engineered to operate efficiently in challenging environmental conditions, including dusty, humid and high-temperature environments typically encountered in crane and port operations.
Nord’s modular systems allow for extensive configuration options, including a wide range of shaft designs, couplings, brake systems and thermal management solutions. This flexibility enables drive systems to be tailored to specific crane applications – from heavy-duty lifting gear to travelling drives and synchronised multi-motion systems.
Advanced drive electronics further enhance performance through precise vector control, smooth acceleration and deceleration and synchronised operation of multiple drive axes.
Energy efficiency is another key advantage of the Nord solution. High-efficiency motors and intelligent drive control systems reduce power consumption, while maintaining consistent torque and speed control. Integrated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities support predictive maintenance strategies, helping operators minimise unplanned downtime and optimise lifecycle costs.
The introduction of the MAXXDRIVE XD and XJ series strengthens BMG’s position in the crane and materials handling sector by providing robust, efficient and adaptable drive solutions that address the demands of modern crane systems.
By combining global engineering expertise with local assembly and support, BMG ensures improved performance, reliability and efficiency in a wide range of crane applications. The company’s ability to significantly reduce lead times and respond rapidly to customer requirements is particularly valuable in the crane sector, where downtime can have significant operational and financial implications.
