Have this Project 1500 winds just installed as a replacement for my old Progress 2. Normally only the time shows how good a product is, but here the difference to the previous model is manageable and the old model list me after 10 years of intensive use familiar to the smallest detail. To anticipate the winds is quite good, otherwise I would not have taken the almost same successor model. The old has our heavy crockery, (50kg Bruce and up to 100m chain), surely have to catch up a thousand times. This of course not without some failures and necessary maintenance. The final end came as the thrust bearing on the worm broke and the axle which was then pushed out also destroyed the rear bearing support in the engine. There had been, because also worn out all around, a repair was no longer worthwhile. The successor model comes in two versions: Project 1500 and Project X3. The X3 has the same motor as the old model, with an external relay box. The 1500 has integrated the relays in the motor and a cable about 1m long with the control leads comes from the rear extended engine. On the large terminals of the motor comes the operating voltage, with me 24V. The 1500 has also a built-in sensor of the impulse for the chain counter supplies. Both models are available with or without spill and over deck now also in nickel-plated bronze or stainless steel. The old model was still aluminum over deck. Below deck, there are no differences between Progress 2 and X3, the 1500 has as already said the integrated relays. I wanted as a replacement actually the X3 and had so synonymous with SVB discussed, unfortunately the 1500 was delivered and because of the expensive air freight I had to be comfortable or bad. SVB is unfortunately not so reliable. The new winds have some improvements and some worsening. But first times the weak points of the old: aluminum drum drum is useless because the aluminum on the axle already at small load runs out. Had to change soon on a bronze drum. The new one already has a bronze drum and the force transmission surfaces of the shaft are now much larger. (Bladed on two sides, instead of groove and spring wedge.) Top bearing rusts. Although this has a lip seal at the top, the moisture from the bottom can be released from the bearing. Have to replace the camp every three years. The new one still has no seal at the bottom, but the bearing is now stainless steel. Let's see. The transmissions are identical. The cover screws corrode in the aluminum housing and then travel off easily when opening. This will probably remain so. The pressure bearing the broken is also identical, I will now routinely check it and always have to renew. The engine is not as tight as it claims. With my first engine, moisture has penetrated and has partially decomposed the inner aluminum frame, which carries the brushes. Also with the second engine was now some corrosion to be seen. The new 1500 has now a plastic cover, full of the Nirostadeckel with rubber seal. Whether the dense is one can doubt. The version with the integrated relay is in my opinion a deterioration: The relays are now also in the wet chain box. The coal abrasion can short-circuit the contacts of the relays and lead to arcs and fusing. When dismantling the winch, (one every three years), you have to free the control cable from the connectors and remove it. The operating voltage and the uninsulated terminals are permanently present in the wet chain space. Therefore, in order to avoid leakage currents, always switch off the main switch. It is also questionable whether one for the engine spare parts gets or with Relaisproblemen the same engine must order. I could not get the carrier frame for the brushes with the old winds and in the new spare parts list only the complete engine is listed. The integrated sensor also does not work with the older counters because the pulse sequence is much faster. The longer engine could also be a problem when installing in narrow chain boxes. Despite these changes, the motor itself is identical and could be re-wired in an emergency (for external relays). This option is available for an emergency. The engine is also identical to the old one and has not the asymmetrical winding of the new 1000s, which makes double speed when lowering. As far as countering is concerned, everything is the same. This also means that, due to the design, the free-fall for high-cambering by hand also allows a very weak force in the downward direction. This is always a problem when the chain pyramids fall over and the chain has to be pulled up under a heavy stack. Here, horizontal winds are better. So a few improvements and a few worsening, at least as far as the 1500, the X3 would surely be the better choice. Despite all the criticisms, I would give the wind just 4 stars, although the comparable electrical shields of Andersen are much better and more reliable, but they cost so much more. So price-performance is the Lofranswinde OK. A tip for installation: The engine and gearbox are very heavy and usually only one person has space to raise the heavy part and align it on the axle. It helps a line through chain hole and around the motor flange. On top of a case, a helper can pull the heavy part slowly with the fall winch and you just have to balance out under deck and get the axle correctly. Then you can install the nuts and washers at all times.
7/14/2010
