KRA Articulated Vertical Plate Clamp (500 kg - 12,000 kg WLL)

Maximise the efficiency and safety of your material handling operations with the highly versatile KRA Vertical Plate Clamp. Proudly Made in the EU and fully UKCA certified, this robust lifting clamp is engineered for the secure lifting, turning, and transportation of steel sheets and heavy sheet metal structures.

With a broad Working Load Limit (WLL) spanning from 500 kg up to a massive 12,000 kg (12 Tonnes), the KRA model is an indispensable, multi-functional tool for steel fabricators, shipyards, and heavy-duty construction sites.

Core Operational Advantages & Features

• Omni-Directional Lifting & Turning: Designed for maximum operational flexibility, the KRA safely lifts sheets and steel structures from horizontal, vertical, and lateral positions. It effortlessly allows operators to turn sheet metal up to 180 degrees without compromising load security.
• Articulated Lifting Shackle: Features a flexible, articulated handle design. This allows the clamp to be mounted and engaged in virtually any position, easily accommodating complex rigging angles.
• Traverse-Free Lifting for Long Sheets: Thanks to the articulated shackle, two KRA clamps can be seamlessly paired with a standard two-leg chain sling for handling longer steel sheets, completely eliminating the need for a bulky traverse or spreader beam.
• Proportional Self-Clamping: The internal gripping force automatically adjusts in direct proportion to the weight of the load, ensuring a dynamic, slip-free bite. (Note: To trigger this mechanism safely, the minimum weight of the lifted load must not be less than 10% of the clamp's rated WLL).
• Advanced Pre-Clamping Mechanism: Ensures positive initial engagement before the crane takes the weight, preventing the clamp from slipping on the material during the critical lifting and lowering phases.

Strict UK Safety & Statutory Certification

Safety is paramount in heavy overhead lifting. Manufactured to the highest European engineering standards, the KRA lifting clamp guarantees reliability and full legal compliance for use in the United Kingdom:

• UKCA Approved: Fully certified and regulatory-ready for legal trade and safe industrial deployment within Great Britain.
• Statutory Machinery Laws: Fully complies with the mandatory health and safety directives of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
• Comprehensive Traceability: Each clamp features clear, indelible product markings, including the manufacturer's mark, UKCA stamp, WLL capacity, unique factory serial number, and year of production.
• Harmonised Industry Standards: Designed, manufactured, and tested in strict alignment with:
• BS EN 13155: Cranes – Safety – Non-fixed load lifting attachments
• BS EN 13001: Comprehensive criteria for crane safety and general structural design
• BS EN 60204-32: Safety requirements concerning the electrical equipment of hoisting machinery

Order & Technical Enquiries

Upgrade your material handling operations with the ultimate in lifting versatility. Ensure your heavy steel plates can be lifted, turned, and transported with uncompromising safety.

To order the KRA Vertical Plate Clamp, request pricing, or discuss your specific rigging angles, please contact our expert team today: sales@craneplex.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use this clamp to lift a steel plate that is lying flat on the ground?
A: Yes. The KRA is an omni-directional clamp. Its articulated shackle allows it to attach to a horizontal plate on the ground and safely lift and turn it 180 degrees into a vertical position.

Q: What is the "10% minimum load requirement" and why is it important?
A: The KRA utilizes a proportional self-clamping mechanism, meaning the jaw bites harder as more weight is applied. To ensure the jaws engage deeply enough to prevent slipping, the load you are lifting must weigh at least 10% of the clamp's maximum Working Load Limit. (e.g., A 2,000 kg WLL clamp must be lifting a load of at least 200 kg).

Q: Can I use two KRA clamps on a two-leg chain sling without a spreader beam?
A: Yes. Unlike rigid vertical clamps, the articulated (flexible) handle on the KRA accommodates the angled pull of a two-leg sling, allowing you to safely lift long sheets traverse-free.

Q: What is the maximum material hardness this clamp can grip?
A: The gripping teeth on the KRA clamp are specifically engineered for use on steel plates with a surface hardness strictly up to 25 HRC (Rockwell C).

Q: Is this lifting equipment legally compliant for UK fabrication sites?
A: Yes. The KRA Plate Clamp is fully UKCA marked, features full traceability stamping, and strictly adheres to the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and BS EN 13155 standards.