Synthetic rope: a great choice for lifting

A bold new approach

In 2019, we launched the Konecranes S-series hoist with synthetic rope instead of traditional steel wire rope. Since then we've sold hundreds of S-series hoists to customers around the world who are thrilled with the cleanliness and durability. And we just recently introduced a low headroom version of the popular S-series hoist and the revolutionary Konecranes X-series crane.

We’re the first company to produce overhead cranes with synthetic rope as a default and we’ve put it through extensive lifetime tests to ensure safety, strength and durability. The synthetic rope we use in our hoists is made with Dyneema®—one of the world’s strongest fibers—which has been used for more than 30 years in demanding rigging applications such as lifting slings, mooring and towing large sea vessels. Lives also depend on it during search and rescue operations and mountain climbing. So keep reading to learn all about synthetic rope and how it compares to steel rope.

Strong and durable

The synthetic rope has a 12-strand non-rotating structure that is hollow inside. The stable structure of the rope removes or substantially reduces the risk of certain rope defects that steel ropes are prone to like birdcaging, waviness, core protrusion and kinks.

And while steel rope has multiple variations such as rotation resistant, heavy duty, left and right hand, galvanized and stainless steel, or for different lubrication—there is only one variation of the synthetic rope to fit the same applications.

The lightweight rope is easy to handle and doesn't fray or produce sharp barbs, minimizing the risk of cuts on the hands of anyone handling the rope. There's also no need to worry about broken steel wires contaminating the area or load.

It’s a perfect combination when the rope is clean and there are no sharp edges, barbs or grease like in the steel rope. It is very user-friendly rope material.

No need for lubrication

The strands, yarns and fibers of the synthetic rope slide easily against each other so there’s no need for additional lubrication and the hoist drum is pre-coated to prevent corrosion.

You'll save time during maintenance as there's no need to wash away lubricant for inspection or add lubricant. There's also no need to worry about lubricant from the rope harming the process below the crane.

It may just be lubricant - but the small details add up.

We have really appreciated the cleanliness of the rope and the fact that it does not stain our valuable process or crane operators' hands.

Increased lifetime of reeving components

Synthetic rope sits evenly against the reeving components, minimizing surface pressure and leaving virtually no imprints that can potentially decrease the useful lifetime of the reeving components. The rope also slides easily against the guiding surfaces of the reeving components helping increase their useful lifetime. Easy sliding also means less heat loss and improved mechanical efficiency of the whole reeving system.

Another one of those little details - dust. Unlike steel rope, synthetic rope doesn't attract and collect dust that can cause accelerated wear of rope and reeving components.

We are proud to show our factory to our own customers who are paying a visit when there is such high technology and modern synthetic rope in our overhead cranes. Gives a good impression that we care and want to have the best technology in our processes!

What kind of applications can synthetic rope be used in?

Synthetic rope suitability chart In general, synthetic rope is suitable for any normal indoor overhead crane lifting application—within temperature range—such as general manufacturing, automotive, metals production, paper and forest and food production.

It offers excellent resistance against most chemicals and it doesn't attract and collect dust like steel rope. The expected lifetime of synthetic rope is at least as long as a comparable steel rope and it is very difficult to unintentionally damage a synthetic rope.