Southco provides robust access for Liebherr Cranes

These lockers are outer panels close storage compartments where crane operators store clothes, tools and other equipment. Due to the dusty and humid working environment of the cranes, Liebherr enhanced the requirements for the latches by specifying a number of essential features. Dirk Hermann, Key Account Manager at Southco, explains: "Liebbherr was looking for robust latches that would be dust-tight and waterproof according to IP 54 and also highly protected against corrosion. Furthermore, Liebbherr wanted them to have the ability to be combined with a locking cylinder belonging to the Liebherr's lock set used in every part of the vehicle. Additionally, they required locking and non-locking styles, incorporating a red protective cap for the locking version, with prominent release buttons. It was also essential that the latches could withstand a temperature range from minus 40 to plus 80 degrees Celsius."

Southco demonstrated that the C2 lever latch could outperform the extensive and challenging specifications provided by Liebherr, including a tested dust and water proofness to IP 65. The company was also able to supply its C5 latch, a sealed version of the C2 compression latch. This was developed with an O-ring seal for added protection against water and dust. Additionally, a prominent release button, which could be used equally for the versions with or without locking cylinders, had been developed in robust die-cast zinc. This provided protection from vandalism and, due to its high quality powder coating protects, also provided protection from scratches on the surface. As far as visual appearance is concerned the "new' latch is identical to the old one as regards the mounting dimensions, grip range and mounting style and can therefore be integrated easily into existing applications. Furthermore, the new latch has been provided with a dampening and material protecting Neoprenkappe on the adjusting screw.

Before installing the latches on its cranes, Liebherr carried out extensive tests of the latch regarding its dust and waterproofness. Also, the company undertook extensive salt-spray test that successfully confirmed the corrosion resistance of the C2 latch, as well as tests of the required operating temperature.

To find out more about access hardware products, including C2 and C5 lever latches, please visit www.southco.com.