GETZVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Columbus McKinnon Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCO), a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of motion control products, technologies and services for material handling, today announced its CM ® Lodestar ® VS electric chain hoist is now available in higher capacities up to three tons. The CM Lodestar VS combines the company’s industry-leading hoist design with best-in-class adjustable frequency drive performance.

The Lodestar VS features CM HI-Tech™ (Hoist Interface Technology) – one of the easiest to use computer interfaces on the market developed exclusively by Columbus McKinnon. CM HI-Tech gives operators the ability to quickly and easily adjust hoist speed and performance parameters to deliver the precision load control their application demands. Using the interface, operators can easily set upper and lower hoist limits, enable additional electronic overload protection and instantly access hoist status and fault information.

“The Lodestar VS makes maintaining, monitoring and programming a hoist easier than ever,” said John Vander Linden, senior global product manager. “With a convenient, easy-to-access port, a tablet or computer can be connected to the hoist to instantly manage performance. Easy access to on-board diagnostics allows operators to identify and resolve issues through preventive maintenance. This increases productivity, uptime and safety for the operator and load.”

The Lodestar VS comes equipped with the Magnetek IMPULSE®•G+ Mini drive , a Columbus McKinnon brand. Utilizing Magnetek’s advanced programming features, the IMPULSE•G+ Mini is optimized for unparalleled performance with programming features that allow for monitoring of the lift, load, current and voltage. Combined, these features help decrease wear and tear on the hoist by lowering torque spikes and reducing overload faults, while ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration. Magnetek drives are backed by superior aftermarket support, available 24/7, 365 days per year.

The Lodestar VS, excluding 3-step models, comes equipped with the CM Rocket universal pendant, which features a unique, ergonomically designed rocker switch that reduces thumb strain and fatigue, while giving the operator ultimate load control for micro-positioning applications.

The Lodestar VS is available in capacities ranging from 1/8 to 3 tons with a 10 ft. standard lift. To learn more about the CM Lodestar VS, or any of our powered hoists, call Columbus McKinnon Channel Services at 800-888-0985 or visit www.cmworks.com.

About Columbus McKinnon Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of motion control products, technologies, systems and services that efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position and secure materials. Key products include hoists, cranes, actuators, rigging tools, light rail work stations and digital power and motion control systems. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how.

Contact: Christie Lagowski Senior Communications Specialist Columbus McKinnon Corporation 716-689-5648 christie.lagowski@cmworks.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...55bd170241