Electric variable frequency drive (VFD) tractors

Overview

The Knight Global KET3000 electric VFD tractor tows fixtures, bridges and heavy loads along the rail with full positioning control. Drive wheel engagement options: 24VDC clutch, pneumatic and all-electric Power and Free.

The KET3000 Electric Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Tractors are equipped with Knight’s proven tractor mechanics using a worm gear reducer that is reliable and maintenance-free. They provide a way to easily tow fixtures, bridges, and heavy loads in manufacturing environments, giving the operator complete control of positioning.

Knight’s VFD tractors have many programmable functions, as well. The KET3000 Series has a modular assembly design for easy installation and set-up. 

Different configurations are available depending on the type of Knight rail you are using. The VFD Electric Tractor can also be configured to run on different manufactures’ rail systems.

Knight’s new “Power and Free” All-Electric VFD is a hybrid of the best of both the clutch driven and the pneumatic engagement style of VFD tractors. Combined with Knight’s patent pending ERail, it provides true power and free motion without the need for festooning.

General Information

Features

  • Maximum Speed: 180 ft. per min. [1.3mph].
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,000 lbs. [1,360kg].
  • Integrated Load Trolley
  • Dual Rubber Drive Wheels: rides on bottom of rail.
  • Clutch Drive Wheel Engagement 24VDC
    • Drive wheel is always engaged with rail (Over Center Clamp can disengage tractor if required).
  • Pneumatic Drive Wheel Engagement
    • Drive wheel engages rail when a forward or reverse command is received.
  • All-Electric “Power and Free” Control Drive Wheel Engagement
    • Drive Wheel is engaged only when a forward or reverse command is received.
    • When the VFD is not receiving a command, it is free to roll along the rail, providing a true power and free traction option.
  • Programmable speeds, acceleration, and deceleration rates.
  • Standard Inverter Motor: 1/2 HP
  • Standard VFD controller: FLA 6amps at 240VAC, Single Phase, for variable speeds on board.
  • (2) Year Warranty.
  • Over Travel Limits (ramps sold separately).
  • Product Weight: Varies by each model

Benefits

  • Provides ease of towing fixtures, bridges, and heavy loads.
  • Ergonomically assist the operators when controlling the position of loads.
  • Programmable functions
    • Acceleration
    • Deceleration
    • Speeds
    • Controlled start and stop.
  • The Dual Rubber Drive Wheels provide positive traction between the tractor and the rail.
  • Knight’s proven tractor is designed with a worm gear reducer, which is highly reliable and maintenance free.
  • VFD tractors have a modular assembly for ease of installation.
  • Produced with off-the-shelf electrical components.

Options

Options

  • End of travel shocks
  • Pendant cables with tether
  • Tow Bars
  • KCA1020 Two Speed Pendant with Run-Stop Button.
  • Wireless pendant controls package
  • Over Travel Limits Ramps
  • Optional Custom Tractors:
    • Non Standard rail
    • Nema 12 enclosure
    • Complete fixture integration
  • Combined with Knight Engineering VFD Tractors can provide:
    • Return to home function.
    • Wireless capabilities.
    • Custom interface.
    • Coordinated dual interface for large spans
    • Coordinated with hoist
    • Interface with other hoists
    • Remote programming ports

Videos

Electric VFD Tractors

Accessories

Tractor Controls 2
Wireless Remote Control KCA1004 / KCA1005 / KCA1006
KCA1004 / KCA1005 / KCA1006Wireless Remote Control
Weight
Varies
Details

The KCA1004, KCA1005 and KCA1006 Wireless Remotes by Enrange FLEX® are used to control Knight Servo Systems where wireless control is preferred. They are set-up and programmed to simulate the control functionality of a remote pendant control handle. Each wireless system consists of (1) one transmitter handset and (1) one receiver unit. Other standard-equipped accessories include a transmitter belt, spare transmitter power key, clear vinyl pouch and "AA" alkaline batteries.

The Wireless Remotes are available with up to (8) eight programmable operation/ function push-buttons (As Shown). Float, Lift, UP and DOWN are standard push-button configurations. Wireless signal distance is good up to 900 ft. [300m].

Full Compliance: All systems are fully compliant with the FCC Part-15 Rules, European Directives (Safety, EMC, R&TTE, Machinery), and Industry Canada Specifications (IC).

(Previously EBA1054)

  • Wireless Remote.
  • Wireless Signal: Up to 900 ft. [300m].
  • Ultra-Durable Nylon and Fiberglass Composite Enclosures.
  • Up to (8) Eight Function/ Operation Buttons.
  • (62) User-Programmable Channels.
  • Automatic Channel Scanning Receiver.
  • 32bit CRC and Hamming Codes.
  • Reliable Push-Buttons. – Rated for more than one million press cycles.
  • Power Consumption: (2) “AA” Batteries, 100 hours plus.
  • Durable Construction.
  • Compact and Lightweight.
  • Custom Push-Button Labels.
  • Improves Material Handling Operations.
  • Low Power Consumption.
  • KCA1004 – (4) Button.
  • KCA1005 – (6) Button
  • KCA1006 – (8) Button.

CAD drawing

Two-Speed Pendant Handle with Run-Stop KCA1020
KCA1020Two-Speed Pendant Handle with Run-Stop
DetailsKnight's KCA1020 Two-Speed Pendant Handle with Run-Stop allows an operator to enable and control forward and reverse motion of the KET3000 Electric Tractor. It can be paired with the KCA1045 Pendant Cable Kit to tether the handle to the KET3000 (kit sold separately).
  • Enables forward and reverse motion of the KET3000.
  • Run-Stop button.
  • Can be paired with the KCA1045 Pendant Cable Kit to tether to the KET3000 (kit sold separately).
General 6
Pendant Cable Kit KCA1045
KCA1045Pendant Cable Kit
Lengths
15 ft
DetailsKnight's KCA1045 Pendant Cable Kit tethers the KET3000 Tractor to the KCA1020 Pendant Handle in order to relieve stress on the communications cable (5m). Includes KCA1032 Mount Bracket, 15ft long cable, (2) barrel clamps, (2) wire thimbles, and a spiral wrap.
  • Tethers the KCA1020 Pendant Handle to the KET3000.
  • Relieves stress on the communications cable (5m).
  • Includes:
    • KCD1032 mount bracket
    • 15 ft long cable
    • (2) barrel clamps
    • (2) wire thimbles
    • Spiral wrap
Limit Ramp Assembly MRAA7171-24 / MRAA7171-36
MRAA7171-24 / MRAA7171-36Limit Ramp Assembly
DetailsKnight's 24" and 36" Limit Ramp Assemblies are used to limit the KET3000 movement from within a predetermined work area. (2) are required.
  • Limits movement of the KET3000 Tractor from within a predetermined work area.
  • 2 required.
  • Available in 24″ or 36″ options.
Tow Bar Assembly ETA1018
ETA1018Tow Bar Assembly
DetailsKnight's ETA1018 Tow Bar Assembly connects Knight's KET3000 Tractor to a carriage trolley. It can also be used trolley to trolley, as well.
  • Connects Knight’s KET3000 to a carriage trolley.
  • Can be used trolley to trolley.
Tow Bar Assembly ETA1059
ETA1059Tow Bar Assembly
DetailsKnight's ETA1059 Tow Bar Assembly Connects Knight's KET3000 Tractor to a Knight End Truck.
  • Connects the KET3000 to a Knight End Truck.
Mid-Rail Stop with Shock MRAA7022
MRAA7022Mid-Rail Stop with Shock
Weight
4.3 lbs. [1.95kg].
Details

The MRAA7022 Mid-Rail Stop with Shock mounts inside of the RAD7510 series rail. Typically used to separate the working area of a bridge or runway and/ or to prevent the bridge from over travel. The MRAA7022 Mid-Rail Stop with Shock absorbs up to 141 ft. lbs. [192Nm] of striking force from the load trolley to reduce the impact on the mid-rail stop.

  • Mounts inside of the RAD7510 Series Rail.
  • Separates the working area of a bridge or runway and/ or prevents a bridge from over travel.
  • Dampens the impact force of the load trolley striking the mid-rail stop.
  • Located mid-rail to halt movement of a KET3000 Tractor.
  • Shock Diameter: 1.00 in. [25.4mm].
  • Shock Length: 8.06 in. [205mm].
  • Shock Absorbs up to 141 ft. lbs. [192Nm).

CAD drawing

Redundant End Cap MRAS7533
MRAS7533Redundant End Cap
Weight
5.1 lbs. [2.31kg].
Details

Knight Global's MRAS7533 Redundant End Cap attaches to the end of the RAD7510 series rail. It is primarily used to prevent an end truck or load trolley from exiting the rail. Knight recommends the MRAA7022 End Cap with Shock for applications with high cycle times and/or all Telescoping Bridge and Servo System applications.

  • Inner MRAA7511 Mid-Rail Stop.
  • Prevents an end truck or load trolley from exiting the rail.

CAD drawing

Electrical Cables 4
8-Pin Micro Switch Cable CALL
CALL8-Pin Micro Switch Cable
Lengths
1m [3.28 ft.] to 6.0m [19.68 ft.]
Details8-Pin Micro Switch Load Cell Cables are a DC Single Key, AWM PVC Grey, 8x24 AWG, 105°C, 60 VAC/75VDC, 2 A, 7.3 mm OD, TPE, Male / Female, shielded Cord Assembly. They come in various lengths and are also available with either Straight or Right Angle connector ends.
  • 8-Pin Micro DC Single Key.
  • PVC Gray.
  • 90° Male / Female Connectors.
  • 22 AWG, 4A, 300V Cord.
  • Available with Straight or Right Angle Connector Ends.
4-pin Micro Switch Cable CALL
CALL4-pin Micro Switch Cable
Lengths
1m [3.28 ft.] to 6.0m [19.68 ft.]
Details4-Pin Micro Switch Load Cell Cables are a DC Single Key, AWM PVC Grey, 8x24 AWG, 105°C, 60 VAC/75VDC, 2 A, 7.3 mm OD, TPE, Male-In-Line/ Female, shielded Cord Assembly. They come in various lengths and are also available with either Straight or Right Angle connector ends.
  • 4-Pin Micro DC Single Key.
  • PVC Gray.
  • Male-In-Line/ Female Connectors.
  • 22 AWG, 4A, 300V Cord.
  • Available with Straight or Right Angle Connector Ends.
Electrical Coiled Cable KCA1040
KCA1040Electrical Coiled Cable
DetailsThe KCA1040 Electrical Coil cable provides a robust method of communicating from the OCI (Operator Control Interface) module on the floor level, to the servo controls up on the rail. The coil cable is made up of a high resistant PVC and has proved the test of time. The four inch coil connects the In-Line Handle or (LMM) Load Monitoring Module in a clean and compact package by wrapping around the Servo Hoist Chain. The KCA1040 Coiled Cable is made exclusively for Knight with 19-Pin Military style connectors and is available in various cable lengths. Knight's KCA1040 coiled cable is provided in many lengths, with specified lengths being the total. For example a 3ft coil will stretch to 3ft. See product features for all part numbers.

Previously EBA1011

  • Electrical Coiled Cables are made exclusively for Knight Global.
  • Connects a Servo Hoist to a load monitoring module by wrapping itself around the Servo Chain.
  • 19-Pin Military Bayonet Style Connectors.
  • 90 Degree Male to Female Connectors.
  • Optional Straight Cable configuration.
  • Available Lengths:
    • KCA1040-2 (2 ft. [60.9 cm])
    • KCA1040-3 (3 ft. [91.4 cm])
    • KCA1040-4 (4 ft. [121.9 cm])
    • KCA1040-6 (2 ft. [182.9 cm])
    • KCA1040-8 (8 ft. [243.8 cm])
    • KCA1040-10 (10 ft. [304.8 cm])
    • KCA1040-12 (12 ft. [365.7 cm])
    • KCA1040-15 (15 ft. [457.2 cm])
    • KCA1040-20 (20 ft. [609.6 cm])
Electrical Straight Cable KCA1041
KCA1041Electrical Straight Cable
Lengths
• KCA1041-2 ( 2 ft. [61.0 cm] ) <br /> • KCA1041-3 ( 3 ft. [91.4 cm] ) <br /> • KCA1041-4 ( 4 ft. [121.9 cm] ) <br /> • KCA1041-6 ( 6 ft. [182.9 cm] ) <br /> • KCA1041-10 ( 10 ft. [304.8 cm] ) <br /> • KCA1041-15 ( 15 ft. [457.2 cm] )
DetailsThe KCA1041 Electrical Straight cable provides a robust method of communicating from the OCI (Operator Control Interface) module to the LMM (Load monitoring Module). The cable is made up of a high resistant PVC and has proved the test of time. The straight cable connects the In-Line Handle or (LMM) Load Monitoring Module. The cable is made exclusively for Knight with 19-Pin Military style connectors and is available in various cable lengths.

Previously EBA1009

  • Electrical Straight Cables are made exclusively for Knight Global.
  • Connects a separate control handle pendant to Servo Hoists.
  • 19-Pin Military Bayonet Style Connectors.
  • 90 Degree Male to Female Connectors.
  • Optional Coiled Cable configuration.
Disconnects 7
Fused Disconnect Assembly KCA1019
KCA1019Fused Disconnect Assembly
DetailsKnight's KCA1019 Fused Disconnect Assembly is a disconnect power box for power to the KET3000 VFD Tractor. It can be mounted to Knight's KCA1102 Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand, or it can also be mounted to an I-Beam column with Knight's KCA1100 Column Mounting Kit. Stand and column mounting kit not included.
  • Provides disconnect for power to the KET3000 Tractor.
  • It can be mounted to the KCA1102 Enclosure Stand.
  • It can be mounted to an I-Beam column with the KCA1100 Mounting Kit.
I-Beam Column Mount Kit for Disconnect Boxes KCA1100
KCA1100I-Beam Column Mount Kit for Disconnect Boxes
DetailsThe KCA1100 I-Beam Column Mount Kit is designed as a universal solution for mounting Knight's Electrical disconnect boxes. It is ideal in cases where mounting options for the boxes are limited due to spatial restrictions. The Column Mount Kit can be mounted directly to an I-Beam post in multiple orientations. It does not require any drilling into posts, but instead includes beam clamps.
  • Mounts directly to an I-Beam Post in multiple orientations.
  • Works with the KCA1018, KCA1019, and KCA1056 Disconnect Boxes.
  • No drilling into I-Beam required.
  • Disconnect boxes not included.
Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand KCA1001
KCA1001Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand
DetailsThe KCA1001 Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand is for the mounting of disconnect enclosures to provide an ergonomically positioned height for the flange disconnect handle. Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights. Mounting patterns set up for Knight's KCA1018 and KCA1055 transformer disconnect enclosure boxes. Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Box Not Included.

Previously EBA1145

  • Provides mounting surface for enclosures in open workstation environments.
  • Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights.
  • Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Box Not Included.
  • Air Prep option for the back side.
  • Floor Mounted.
  • Bolted Construction M10X1.5 w/ Nylock nuts.
  • Various enclosures mount to stand.
  • Wall mounted enclosures mount to stand.
  • Custom finishes are available. (Blue is Standard).
  • Foot Print: 30x21x62.
  • Floor Mounting Hole Pattern: 24×18.
  • Optional Pneumatic Lockout Mounting Plate.
  • Optional Dual Enclosure Configuration. (Front and Back).
Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand KCA1002
KCA1002Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand
DetailsThe KCA1002 Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand is for the mounting of Power Distribution Panels (PDP) to provide an ergonomically positioned height for access. It is equipped with an over-sized lower cross brace for front side air prep. Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights. PDP Not Included.
  • Provides mounting surface for enclosures in open workstation environments.
  • Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights.
  • Power Distribution Panel (PDP) Not Included.
  • Air Prep option for the back side or the lower cross brace.
  • Floor Mounted.
  • Bolted Construction M10X1.5 w/ Nylock nuts.
  • Custom finishes are available. (Blue is Standard).
  • Foot Print: 40x21x65
  • Optional Pneumatic Lockout Mounting Plate.
Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand KCA1003
KCA1003Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand
DetailsThe KCA1003 Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand is for the mounting of a PDP (Power Distribution Panel) to provide an ergonomically positioned height for the flange disconnect handle. It is equipped with an over-sized cross brace for front and side air prep. It also features an additional side plate space used to mount ancillary controls such as a lighting disconnect. The stand allows for multiple adjustment heights. PDP Box Not Included.
  • Provides mounting surface for enclosures in open workstation environments.
  • Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights.
  • Power Distribution Panel (PDP) Not Included.
  • Air Prep option for the back side.
  • Floor Mounted.
  • Bolted Construction M10X1.5 w/ Nylock nuts.
  • Custom finishes are available. (Blue is Standard).
  • Foot Print: 56x21x66
  • Optional Pneumatic Lockout Mounting Plate.
  • Optional Dual Enclosure Configuration. (Front and Back).
3KVA Electrical Disconnect Enclosure KCA1018
KCA10183KVA Electrical Disconnect Enclosure
DetailsThe KCA1018 3KVA Electrical Disconnect Enclosures converts 480VAC to 240VAC for powering the Knight Global servo hoists. This panel comes with an industrial flange disconnect and provides a means to lock out the system when time for maintenance. It also includes a 3KVA finger safe transformer and primary and secondary fusing for all your single chain servo products. (i.e., Knight's KSH250S, KSH350S, KSH500S, KSH750S and KSH1000S Servo Hoists). Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stands Not Included.

Previously EBA1003

  • Used with: KSH250S, KSH350S, KSH500S, KSH750S and KSH1000S Servo Hoists.
  • Flange disconnect.
  • Transformer Disconnect, 3KVA.
  • Enclosure Size: 21 in. X 20 in. X 10 in.
  • 480VAC – 240VAC, FLA 6.25.
  • 15A Primary Fusing.
  • 15A Secondary Fusing.
  • Enclosures are mounted at a ergonomically correct height.
  • Optional Dual Enclosure Configuration. (Front and Back)
  • Stand not included.
Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand KCA1102
KCA1102Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand
DetailsThe KCA1102 Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Stand is for the mounting of disconnect enclosures to provide an ergonomically positioned height for the flange disconnect handle. Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights. Mounting patterns set up for Knight's KCA1019 transformer disconnect enclosure box. Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Box Not Included.
  • Provides mounting surface for enclosures in open workstation environments.
  • Stand allows for multiple adjustment heights.
  • Electrical Disconnect Enclosure Box Not Included.
  • Air Prep option for the back side.
  • Floor Mounted.
  • Bolted Construction M10X1.5 w/ Nylock nuts.
  • Various enclosures mount to stand.
  • Wall mounted enclosures mount to stand.
  • Custom finishes are available. (Blue is Standard).
  • Foot Print: 19x21x62.
  • Optional Pneumatic Lockout Mounting Plate.
  • Optional Dual Enclosure Configuration. (Front and Back).

Technical documents

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