Morris Material Handling recently delivered two replacement crane rope drums to steel producer Corus, which at 14ft long and 5.5ft diameter, with spur gears of over 10ft in diameter represent some of the largest components of this type to be delivered by Morris.

Morris the UK's leading crane and hoist manufacturer, based in Loughborough, worked in close consultation with Corus engineers to produce the drums.

The order formed part of Corus' spares replacement programme. This programme maintains the operational reliability of their cranes, some of which are over 30 years old. The drums are critical crane parts and as such are held in stock by Corus. Each of Corus' 500 tonne cranes used to lift liquid steel are fitted with four of these drums.

"The cranes are an integral part of the steel plant operation carrying 350 tonnes of molten metal, any failure will cause the process to be interrupted resulting in large financial penalties. The crane parts need to be designed and manufactured to the highest standards to ensure the safety of operation. Morris were selected to supply the crane drums as a recognised specialist crane supplier capable of providing a quality engineering unit to the highest standards." Corus Engineering Department Representative.

The experience of Morris' in house engineering along with the company's unique specialist machining capabilities were crucial to the project's success. Morris engineers worked closely with Corus to refine the design of the original drum. The drums were manufactured to the highest standards, which included stress relieving of the complete welded assembly and the fitting of spur gears of over 10ft in diameter.

Morris Material handling regularly work with industry leaders on parts projects of this nature. The drums were supplied by Morris Allparts division. Morris Allparts is a specialist service for manufacturing and supplying parts for non-Morris cranes. Utilising its resource and expertise, Morris Allparts provides tailored parts solutions to meet customers complex and highly specific requirements.

"We regularly work on customers more unusual and complicated projects." Patrick Belcher, Morris Allparts Manager.

Morris Allparts is supported by a Swift Order Shop, a machining shop entirely dedicated to supplying engineered and assembled parts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.