Back To Newsroom
Warner Electric Modified Model PK35 Brake for Aerial Boom Lifts
Ashwoods, a leading European electric motor manufacturer, needed a custom brake solution
for use on a new line of aerial boom lifts. The motor/brake assembly, developed for one of its
transmission OEMs, was designed to combine with a gearbox and sold as a complete drive
package to a major aerial platform lift manufacturer. Multiple compact wheel drive assemblies
are installed on the two- or four-wheel drive boom lift vehicles. The brake provides parking and
emergency functionality.
The challenge was that Ashwoods’ motors rotate at up to 8,000 RPM, much faster than
competitor units. A robust brake friction material was needed to handle the high-speed motors.
After discussing the application requirements with several brake manufacturers, Ashwoods
partnered with Warner Electric.
While the other brake OEMs could not offer a solution, Warner Electric engineers took on the
challenge and designed a standard compact, PK (Pan-Cake) Series electrically-released brake
that incorporated a custom high-coefficient friction material. The PK 35 units supplied featured
a static torque rating of 75 Nm (55.3 lb.ft.).
Single-piece PK brakes are pre-assembled on/off, dry failsafe electromagnetic brakes used for
parking and emergency only. The brake’s custom friction material and powerful coil combine to
optimize torque in a low-profile package particularly suitable for multiple drive configurations
such as boom lifts.
Highlights
- Dual-function, parking and
emergency braking
- High torque in a compact
envelope
- Low-profile, space-saving
design
- Multi-step braking versions
available
- Dust cover (optional)