Crane Radio Remote Control Systems

Wireless radio controls for overhead cranes and hoists. Replace traditional pendant controls with a handheld transmitter, giving operators freedom to move around the load, choose the best vantage point, and work from a safe distance.

Why Switch to Wireless Crane Controls?

Radio remote control systems offer significant advantages over traditional wired pendants – for safety, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Safer Operation

Operators can position themselves away from the load path and at a safe distance from suspended loads.

Better Visibility

Move freely to find the best viewing angle for each lift – particularly valuable for precision positioning.

Reduced Personnel

With better visibility, operators can often work without a spotter or banksman, reducing labour costs.

Lower Maintenance

No pendant cables to replace. Cables typically need replacing every 2-3 years – wireless eliminates this cost.

Radio Control Systems We Supply

We supply crane radio remote control systems from two of Europe’s leading manufacturers, both known for industrial-grade reliability and comprehensive safety features.

Crane Radio Remote Controls

Autec Systems

Italian-made radio controls designed for demanding industrial environments. The AIR series offers push-button and joystick options with IP65 protection, dual-band radio, and fail-safe operation certified to EN 60204-32.

  • AIR series (A4, A6, A8) push-button handsets
  • Joystick controllers for complex applications
  • High temperature and chemical resistance
  • Master-slave and tandem lift capable
  • TÜV certified safety functions
Ikusi Crane Remotes

Ikusi (Danfoss) Systems

Spanish-made systems with over 40 years of experience in industrial remote control. The T70 and IK series offer highly customisable configurations with LCD displays, EEPROM SIM modules, and full-duplex communication.

  • T70 series compact transmitters
  • IK2, IK3, IK4 joystick controllers
  • Hall-effect proportional control options
  • Colour TFT displays on advanced models
  • Multiband frequency hopping
Cattron Radio Remote Controls

Cattron Controls

American-engineered heavy-duty systems built for the most demanding industrial environments. Cattron’s LRC joystick range is the standard choice in steel production and heavy manufacturing, known for extreme durability and modular repairability.

  • LRC-S1, LRC-M1, LRC-L1 bellybox joystick controllers
  • Excalibur compact push-button transmitters
  • TransKey™ RFID configuration for fast spares management
  • Modular component replacement – joysticks, buttons, boards
  • EN 13849-1 Category 3 PL-d safety certified

We also service and supply spares for IMET, Cattron, and Simbal systems.

Retrofit Your Existing Crane

You don’t need a new crane to benefit from wireless control. We can retrofit radio remote controls to virtually any existing overhead crane, hoist, or lifting system – regardless of age or manufacturer.

Compatible With All Crane Makes

Our systems integrate with cranes from all manufacturers:

Kone Cranes
Street Crane
Demag
Morris
Stahl
SWF
Verlinde
Yale
+ Many More

What’s Involved?

Survey

We assess your crane’s electrical system to confirm compatibility and specify the right receiver.

Supply

We source the transmitter and receiver to match your crane’s control voltage and functions.

Install

Our engineers install the receiver and integrate it with your crane’s existing controls.

Test & Handover

Full functional testing of all motions, speeds, and safety features, plus operator training.

Combine With Other Upgrades

A radio control upgrade is often combined with other crane modernisation work – such as VFD drives, new hoists, or control panel upgrades. We can advise on the most cost-effective approach.

How Radio Remote Control Works

Transmitter (Handset)

The handheld unit carried by the operator. Features push-buttons, joysticks, or both to control all crane movements: hoist up/down, cross travel, long travel, and additional functions.

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
  • 8-16 hours continuous operation
  • Emergency stop always active
  • Key switch prevents unauthorised use

Receiver Unit

Mounted on the crane and connected to the crane’s electrical control system. Receives radio signals and converts them into commands for the crane motors.

  • Compatible with 24V to 440V systems
  • Integrates with VFDs and PLCs
  • Diagnostic LEDs for troubleshooting
  • Fail-safe: stops crane if signal lost

Communication uses licence-free radio frequencies (433MHz or 2.4GHz) with automatic frequency hopping. Multiple systems can operate simultaneously without interference.

What Can Be Controlled?

Modern radio remote controls can operate far more than basic crane movements:

Crane Movements

Hoist up/down, cross travel, long travel – single or two-speed, or fully variable with VFD integration.

Tandem Lifting

Coordinate two cranes from a single handset for long or awkward loads requiring synchronised movement.

Lifting Magnets

Control electromagnetic lifting magnets directly from the remote handset.

Vacuum Lifters

Operate vacuum lifting systems for glass, sheet metal, and panel handling.

Load Rotation

Control powered rotation devices for positioning loads without manual handling.

Multi-Operator

Take & release functionality allows two operators to share control from different positions.

Repair, Spares & 24/7 Support

If your crane radio control develops a fault, we can help. Granada Cranes carries a comprehensive stock of spares for Autec, Ikusi, IMET and Simbal systems.

What We Stock

  • Replacement batteries and chargers
  • Transmitter housings and buttons
  • Receiver units and modules
  • Antennas and cables
  • Display screens and overlays

24/7 Breakdown Support

Radio control failure means your crane is out of action. Our breakdown team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Emergency line: 0800 376 27 27

Safety Standards & Certification

All radio control systems we supply meet rigorous European safety standards:

  • EN 60204-32 – Safety of machinery, electrical equipment for hoisting machines
  • EN 13557 – Cranes, controls and control stations
  • EN ISO 13849-1 – Safety-related parts of control systems (Performance Level)
  • RED 2014/53/EU – Radio Equipment Directive

Built-In Safety Features

Fail-safe operation – Crane stops if radio signal is lost

Emergency stop – Always active, prominently positioned

Safe Neutral Position (SNP) – Prevents unintended movement if buttons fail

Unique pairing – Each transmitter/receiver has unique code to prevent cross-activation

Key switch – Prevents unauthorised operation

What We Provide

New Installations

Radio controls fitted to new overhead cranes and hoists as part of your crane package.

Convert existing pendant-controlled cranes to wireless operation – any make, any age.

Retrofit & Upgrade

Repair Service

Expert repair of Autec, Ikusi, IMET and Simbal radio control systems.

Spare Parts

Batteries, chargers, housings, receivers, and components from stock.

24/7 Support

Emergency breakdown service for when your radio control fails.

Maintenance

Planned maintenance and battery replacement to prevent failures.

Explore Our Range

Other Lifting Gear Parts

Need a Radio Control System?

Whether you’re specifying a new crane, upgrading an existing system, or need repairs and spares, we can help. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Or call us: 0800 376 27 27