Energy chains for reach stackers, straddle carriers, empty container stackers and spreaders

Which cable guidance and cables should be installed on industrial vehicles?

When particularly efficient container handling is required, manoeuvrable industrial vehicles have an advantage over large crane systems. When loading and unloading semi-trailers or stacking containers, ports therefore rely on reach stackers, straddle carriers or empty container handlers.
Unlike in cranes, energy chains will cover shorter travels and have to carry comparatively lower loads. Nevertheless, there is a demand for robust systems that function without failure during continuous use in port operations and minimise maintenance costs. In addition, the energy chains should be easy to handle, have a space-saving design and still offer plenty of space for cables inside.

What you will find on this page

Energy chains in container handling

To the energy chains

Cables in container handling

Go to the cables

Energy chains in container handling

E4.1 - For reach stackers and straddle carriers

The basic version of the E4.1 energy chain offers high stability with small dimensions and is therefore suitable for long-term use on the straddle carrier and reach stacker in container handling. The daily stress and endurance tests that the E4.1 and other energy chains are subjected to on an area of 2,147m² in our in-house test laboratory also offer certainty. In addition, the E4.1 is always rust-free and maintenance-friendly when used outdoors.
The system can also be expanded in a modular way for special requirements: glide pads for extremely abrasive conditions or rollers for high speeds or long travels.

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The specialists - find the right system for every requirement

E4/light - Lightweight, narrow

With slimmer side panels and a thinner crossbar, this version of the E4.1 relies on an exceptionally light design and more interior space for cables. This makes it particularly suitable for shorter travels.

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E4.1L - Strong and easy to assemble

With the E4.1L, the advantages of two energy chains have been brought together: The robust design of the E4.1 and the ease of assembly and accessibility of the E2/000. The result: A user-friendly and durable e-chain.

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E4Q - Robust and durable

With the E4Q energy chain, attention was paid to a very strong structure that also allows very long and unsupported travel. In addition, the energy chain can be opened and closed particularly easily without tools.

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Request free E4.1L sample

Are you interested in the E4.1L system and want to see it yourself before making a final decision?

Then you are welcome to order this free sleeve.

Ask for a free sample now

E2.1 - For empty container handlers and spreaders

In the medium load range for industrial vehicles such as container stackers or spreaders, we often recommend E2.1 energy chains. The extremely strong and space-saving systems are very easy to fill with cables and are perfect for long-term outdoor use.Thanks to the advanced design, the service life has increased again compared to its predecessor, the energy chain E2/000. This makes the E2.1 energy chain an all-rounder in the medium load range.

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Order sample energy chain E2.1 free of charge

Are you interested in the E2.1 series but would like to see it yourself first before making a final decision?

Then you are welcome to order the free E2.1 banderole.

▶ Find out more here

Cables in container handling

Cables are heavily used in port operations. In industrial vehicles that operate continuously at container terminals, they will often be in motion around the clock. To make sure that there are no core breaks and the cables achieve the longest possible service life, we test all our chainflex cables extensively in advance in our in-house test laboratory with a total floor area of 3,800m².
All our cables are also UV-resistant, available as UL-certified versions and receive a blanket guarantee of four years.

chainflex control cables CF9 and CF10

In the range of control cables, thanks to different numbers of cores and outer jacket materials, we offer the strength that is required on terminal vehicles but also for longer travels such as on cranes.
Discover control cable CF9 | Discover control cable CF10

Discover all control cables

chainflex motor cables CF37/38, CF330/340

Our motor cables ensure reliable and failure-free operation in reach stackers, straddle carriers and other industrial vehicles. And that with high mechanical loads and temperatures from -40 to +50°C.
Discover CF37 | Discover CF38 | Discover CF330 | Discover CF340

Discover all motor cables

chainflex bus cable CFBUS

We offer a wide range of bus cables for the common bus systems. Thanks to different outer materials and their tested durability, they can be used in industrial vehicles in terminals without any problems.
Discover CFBUS bus cable

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chainflex coaxial cable CFKOAX

chainflex coax cables are supplied with a TPE outer jacket and are UV-resistant. They enable reliable signal transmission in reach stackers and other terminal vehicles, even under high mechanical loads.
Discover CFKOAX coax cable

Discover all coax cables

Your advantages with chainflex cables

UL certified

We also offer a UL cable (Underwriters Laboratories) for each chainflex cable type.

UV-resistant

Suitable for outdoor applications: Our cables are all UV-resistant.

Guarantee

Thanks to our daily laboratory tests on chainflex cables we offer a four-year guarantee without hesitation.

Discover all chainflex cables here

Application story: Safe cable guidance on the telescopic boom

Reach stacker with igus® e-chain® and chainflex® cables

Energy chains for telescopic boom and cabin adjustment

Our energy supply systems enable light, corrosion-free and low-maintenance cable guidance on the telescopic boom as well as in the cabin adjustment of this reach stacker. The energy supply's travel along the telescopic boom totals 11 metres while the travel along the cab adjustment amounts to 1.5 metres. Two e-chains® from igus® are deployed for the cab adjustment in order to protect all the cables and ensure they move safely and securely. 4140C and H4.56 energy supplies are used. The chainflex CF9, CF11 cables and hydraulic hoses are routed in it.

Picture of spreader application with energy chain

Leading spreader manufacturers rely on E4 energy chains and chainflex cables.

Some of the world's leading manufacturers of spreaders use our energy chains and chainflex cables for cable and hose guidance on their spreaders. This is also the case in this example, a series application in which an E4 series energy chain and chainflex® CF37, CF9 cables and hydraulic hoses from igus® are in use. In this spreader, energy supply and cables have a travel of 3.5 metres in length.

Straddle carrier application with energy chain

Fewer failures in the spreader lift since replacement by e-chains

A leading straddle carrier manufacturer complained of increased wear with the previous cable and hose guide system for the spreader lift and therefore a shorter cable and hose service life. Since the cable guidance in the straddle carriers has been taken on by our energy chains, the service life of the cables and hoses has significantly increased. The e-chains guide wear-resistant CF9 and CFBUS chainflex cables and hydraulic hoses.

» Discover more application examples in the crane industry here

Tested for real-world applications in the industry's largest test laboratory

A look at the e-chain and chainflex test laboratory Take a look at our e-chain and chainflex test laboratory, where 10 billion cycles are tested annually. Test laboratory for energy chains | Test laboratory for chainflex cables