Columbus McKinnon Redefines Lever-Operated Hoists with New CM Tornado 360°

GETZVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 29, 2016 -- Columbus McKinnon Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCO), a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products, systems and services, has redefined ratchet lever hoists with the introduction of the new CM Tornado 360°™ featuring the revolutionary Sidewinder™ lever handle. Ergonomically designed for increased safety, the patent-pending CM Tornado 360° allows the operator to be more productive with significantly less effort compared to conventional ratchet lever tools.

Redefining lever-operated hoists, the CM Tornado 360°™ features the revolutionary Sidewinder™ lever handle that allows for efficient operation in both lifting and pulling applications. Ergonomically designed for increased safety, the patent-pending CM Tornado 360° lets the operator to work up to 12 times faster and with as much as 30% less pull force than with conventional ratchet lever tools.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30a16bd0-9736-4cb5-90af-b10a811b0485

“To create the best ratchet lever hoist on the market, Columbus McKinnon started by asking a simple question: how do people use ratchet lever tools to perform their job?” said Andre Schon, Senior Global Product Manager – Manual Hoist Products. “A global team of CMCO engineers and application specialists performed extensive research and customer interviews to engineer and build a first-in-class product that exceeds the ergonomic and performance expectations of our customers around the world.”

The CM Tornado’s Sidewinder lever handle features a 360-degree rotating lever and a fold-out revolving handle. Working in unison, these integrated components allow the operator to realize the full potential of 360° rotation while working in a safe and ergonomic position. This unique design reduces repetitive wrist action experienced with traditional lever hoists, letting the operator utilize a full 360˚ range of motion to work up to 12 times faster. The Tornado’s double-reduction gearing and high-quality bearings decrease pull force by up to 30 percent, minimizing operator fatigue as compared to using conventional ratchet lever tools.

The innovation behind the CM Tornado 360 is another example of Columbus McKinnon’s continued commitment to designing and manufacturing the safest and most efficient equipment for lifting, positioning and securing loads. The Tornado is available in 3/4 and 1-1/2 ton capacities with standard lifts up to 20 feet. Additional lifts are also available. The hoist features an industry-leading lifetime warranty and meets ASME B30.21 manually operated hoist standard. The CM Tornado 360° joins the CM family of hoist products, including the CM Hurricane 360° hand chain hoist, which harness the safety and versatility of 360-degree engineering.

Outside of the North American market, this hoist is available to customers under the Yale brand as the Yale Ergo 360 ratchet lever hoist. To learn more about the CM Tornado 360 or any of our products, 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 material handling products, systems and services, which efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position and secure materials. Key products include hoists, cranes, actuators, rigging tools 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.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

Contact: Christie Lagowski
Communications Specialist
Columbus McKinnon Corporation
716-689-5648 
[email protected]