Sea-Fit Inc. introduces its new heavy lift shackle (patent pending), the “Super Shackle.” According to the company, this shackle is an advancement in shackle design and is designed to surpass the primary features of existing wide-body shackles.
The Super Shackle has 10% more radius in the sling contact area for greater D/d ratio. Also, the sling/rope bearing surface is completely smooth through 240° of contact area versus 137° for existing designs. This means the load distribution on the shackle and sling or rope is greater and this better protects expensive slings from damage, the company says. The smooth contact area also eliminates chafing currently experienced by synthetic ropes or slings caused by edges that concentrate loads on existing wide body shackle designs.
To facilitate easier handling, the Super Shackle has lifting lugs cast into the body where smaller shackles can be attached.
Sea-Fit Super Shackles are offered in sizes from 30 tons through 2,150 tons. Later this year, two of the 2,150-ton models are expected to be produced and would then become the largest shackles ever built, the company says.
As with all Sea-Fit products, each Super Shackle is individually serialized. In fact, the body, pin and nut are all individually serialized for maximum traceability. In addition to this, the pin and body are fitted with RFID chips that can be scanned to download material certificates on the spot.
Sea-Fit, based in New Orleans, is a new provider of rigging fittings whose product designs incorporate input from end-users and operators. All Sea-Fit products are made in the USA by Ulven Co.s in Hubbard, Oregon.
