Material handling product manufacturer and marketer Columbus McKinnon has improved its CM-ET Lodestar Classic electric chain motor, gaining an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP66.

An IP66 rating indicates that the CM-ET Lodestar Classic offers protection from dust and high-pressure water, making this unit ideal for use in outdoor environments.

To achieve this rating, the company made various design improvements, including: High-performance composite cord grips that prevent water from entering the motor body at the pendant and power cords’ point of entry; continuous gaskets that create a waterproof seal between the gearbox assembly and the back frame and motor covers; O-rings on the lift wheel bearing that prevent water from entering the motor body through the lift wheel opening.

In addition to weatherproofing, the company made improvements to the drive shaft to prevent grease migration.

 “We improved the serviceability of this industry-leading motor by simplifying the wiring schemes, adding hardwired jumpers on the contactor and utilizing hex-style screws throughout the motor,” the company said.

The CM-ET Lodestar Classic now comes equipped with a standard external chain guide to help extend chain life.

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