Conventional small cranes, single-beam cranes, and simple hook weighing scenarios are fully compatible with pull-type load cells. The Longlv LCZ-204B S-type tensile and compressive force sensor is specifically designed for unidirectional tensile force measurement, enabling direct acquisition of lifting load tensile forces, real-time weight display, overload alarm, and lifting safety interlocking. However, large-tonnage port gantry cranes and multi-rope compound cranes have installation and range limitations, requiring selection based on specific working conditions. The following provides a comprehensive explanation of the compatibility logic, installation plan, product advantages, and usage precautions.

1. The underlying adaptation logic for selecting pull-type sensors for crane lifting monitoring

When a crane lifts a heavy object, the hook, sling, and fixed end of the steel wire rope are subjected to pure tensile load throughout the entire process, with a single direction of force. This perfectly matches the unidirectional force measurement principle of the LCZ-204B tensile sensor:

 Force form matching

 The lifting weight is fully converted into vertical tensile force, and the S-shaped elastomer only bears axial tensile force, without complex shear and lateral compression. The linearity of force conversion is high, and the weight conversion error is small. The sensor can be used in both tension and compression directions, and the signal output is symmetrical and balanced throughout the entire process of no-load, lifting, and landing.

 Install structure for adapting suspension and hoisting

 LCZ-204B features standard threaded connection holes on both ends, allowing it to be connected in series with lifting rings and shackles on the upper part of the hook and the fixed section of the steel wire rope. No modification to the crane's main beam is required. The retrofitting process for adding weighing capabilities to old cranes is simple, without the need for cutting or welding the main beam's bearing seat.

 Dynamic response adapts to lifting impact

 At the moment of lifting, cranes experience load impact and sway fluctuations. The S-shaped symmetrical elastomer resists instantaneous overload, with a safe overload capacity of up to 150% FS. It can buffer the impact force during lifting and material dropping, preventing permanent deformation and damage to sensors due to short-term overload.

 Easy-to-interface signal lifting automatic control system

 The standard millivolt-level strain signal, when paired with a weighing transmitter module, outputs 4-20mA and RS485 signals. These signals can be integrated into crane control cabinets and on-site digital display instruments to achieve real-time weight display, overload shutdown, audible and visual alarms, and meet crane safety standards.

II. Core Advantages of LCZ-204B Pull Sensor Adapted to Crane Monitoring

1. Wide range coverage for small and medium-sized lifting equipment

The measuring range covers 5kg to 5t, perfectly fitting workshop single-beam cranes, small gantry cranes, electric hoists, and simple hook scales. The elastic body is made of alloy steel and processed as a whole, with laser sealing protection for dust and moisture resistance. It can operate stably in the workshop's dusty and humid environment for a long time. The working temperature ranges from -20℃ to 70℃, with no significant temperature drift between winter and summer.

2. Symmetric S-shaped structure, resistant to eccentric load and interference from swinging of lifted objects

The swaying of the lifted heavy object from side to side generates slight lateral forces. The LCZ-204B, with its symmetrical shear beam structure, exhibits strong lateral anti-interference capability, ensuring that minor eccentric loads do not cause significant numerical drift. The overall accuracy of the device is ±0.03% FS, providing stable readings for lifting weights without frequent fluctuations that could mislead operators.

3. Integrated and compact structure, easy to arrange in narrow lifting space

Compared to plate ring and column-type tension sensors, it has a smaller size, allowing direct series connection in the narrow installation space of electric hoist hooks and small lifting beams. It does not interfere with the lifting and lowering of steel wire ropes or the opening and closing of hooks, and does not occupy space for lifting operations.

4. The cost of modification is low, and the new and old cranes can be retrofitted interchangeably

Without the need to modify the crane's main beam or drum structure, simply connecting LCZ-204B in series between the hook and lifting eye, along with a small weighing instrument, can complete the entire weighing monitoring process. Compared to adding pressure sensors to the main beam, it eliminates the need for a large number of auxiliary materials such as bases, pressure-bearing pads, and reinforcement brackets, significantly reducing the cost of modification.

5. It can be equipped with multiple safety interlocks to avoid lifting overload accidents

The sensor signal is connected to the lifting control circuit, with a custom weight threshold set as follows: when the load reaches 90% of the rated capacity, a pre-alarm is triggered; when it reaches 105% of the rated capacity, the lifting motor is automatically cut off to prevent overload, rope breakage, and object falling, thereby meeting the safety production inspection standards in the factory area.

III. Two standard installation schemes (LCZ-204B crane floor-mounted layout)

Option 1: Hook series installation (most commonly used for small electric hoists and single-beam cranes)

Connect the upper and lower ends of LCZ-204B to the lifting lugs and shackles respectively, ensuring that the load passes vertically through the central axis of the sensor, and directly collect the complete lifting weight;

Advantages: Accurate readings, convenient installation and disassembly, and no need to disassemble the steel wire rope for maintenance or sensor replacement.

Note: During lifting, the heavy object should be centered as much as possible to avoid generating lateral bending moments due to prolonged unilateral oblique pulling.

Option 2: Installation of fixed end of steel wire rope (without modification of crane and multi-ratio sling)

Place LCZ-204B at the fixed lifting point at the end of the steel wire rope, and convert the overall lifting weight based on the tensile force of the steel wire rope. This is suitable for old equipment where the structure of the lifting hook cannot be modified;

Advantages: The sensor is located far away from the suspended load, making it less prone to collision and impact, thus extending its service life; the disadvantage is that the weight needs to be converted based on the pulley ratio, and coefficient calibration is required during debugging.

IV. Lifting conditions where pull sensors are not suitable (model selection pitfalls to avoid)

 Large-tonnage port gantry cranes, tower cranes, and multi-rope counterbalanced cranes (heavy-load compound lifting over 5t)

 The upper limit of the measuring range of a single LCZ-204B is only 5t. For large tonnage conditions, a plate-ring type high-range tensile sensor should be selected. For equipment with multiple steel wire ropes under simultaneous stress, a single tensile sensor cannot distribute the load evenly, resulting in significant weighing errors. Therefore, it is preferable to use a network of multiple compressive sensors for monitoring.

 High-temperature metallurgical ladle crane

 High-temperature radiation can damage the internal strain gauge of LCZ-204B, necessitating the replacement with a high-temperature resistant isolation-type tensile sensor, rather than directly using the standard model.

 Outdoor sea breeze, strong corrosive chemical lifting equipment

 Standard alloy steel elastomers are prone to salt spray corrosion, necessitating an upgrade to stainless steel corrosion-resistant tension sensors.

V. Key specifications for on-site installation and calibration of cranes

 Strictly ensure that the tension is coaxial

 During installation, the lifting ring, shackle, and sensor should be kept in a vertical line. Oblique force or unilateral force is prohibited, as lateral bending moments will directly reduce weighing accuracy. Long-term eccentric loading can permanently damage the elastomer.

 Cable protection against pulling and crushing

 The sensor's outgoing cable is equipped with a metal corrugated protective sleeve to avoid the lifting path of the steel wire rope, preventing the cable from being pulled or squeezed and breaking during the lifting process. The cable is kept away from the motor and the power lines of the frequency converter to reduce electromagnetic interference and reduce the number of jitter.

 Zero-load calibration

 After installation, lift the hook without load and perform a zeroing operation on the weighing instrument to eliminate the self-weight of the hook and lifting gear, so that only the net weight of the material is displayed.

 Regular load calibration

 Calibration is conducted monthly using standard weights. For cranes that experience frequent lifting and high impact, the calibration cycle is shortened to ensure accurate weight readings.

 Avoid instantaneous overload exceeding the limit

 Lifting with a load exceeding 150% of the safe overload is strictly prohibited. Extreme impact loads can cause irreversible deformation of the elastomer, resulting in permanent sensor drift that cannot be repaired.