Energy chains for reach stackers, straddle carriers, empty container stackers and spreaders

Which cable guidance and cables should be installed on industrial vehicles?

When particularly efficient container handling is required, manoeuvrable industrial vehicles have an advantage over large crane systems. When loading and unloading semi-trailers or stacking containers, ports therefore rely on reach stackers, straddle carriers or empty container handlers.
Unlike in cranes, energy chains will cover shorter travels and have to carry comparatively lower loads. Nevertheless, there is a demand for robust systems that function without failure during continuous use in port operations and minimise maintenance costs. In addition, the energy chains should be easy to handle, have a space-saving design and still offer plenty of space for cables inside.

What you will find on this page

Energy chains in container handling

A reachstacker lifts a container; an inset shows an igus cable chain.

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Cables in container handling

Forklift lifts a container between stacked shipping containers; detail shows industrial cables.

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Energy chains in container handling

E4.1 – For reach stackers and straddle carriers
The basic version of the E4.1 energy chain offers high stability with small dimensions and is therefore suitable for long-term use on straddle carriers and reach stackers in container handling. The daily stress and endurance tests that the E4.1 and other energy chains are subjected to over an area of 2,147m² in our in-house test laboratory also offer certainty. In addition, the E4.1 is always rust-free and maintenance-friendly when used outdoors.
The system can also be expanded in a modular way for special requirements: Glide pads for extremely abrasive conditions or rollers for high speeds or long travels.

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The specialists - find the right system for every requirement

E4 light series cable chain with plastic links and side mounting parts.

E4/light – Lightweight, slim

With slimmer side panels and a thinner crossbar, this version of the E4.1 has a particularly lightweight design and more interior space for cables. This makes it particularly suitable for shorter travels.

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E4.1L E4.48L e-chains in horizontal view with connected links.

E4.1L – Strong and simply assembled

The E4.1L combines the advantages of two energy chains: The robust design of the E4.1 and the easy assembly and simple accessibility of the E2/000. The result is a user-friendly and durable e-chain.

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e-chains E4Q energy chain with open segments for cable and hose routing.

E4Q – Robust and durable

With the E4Q energy chain, attention was paid to a very strong structure that also allows very long and unsupported travels. In addition, the energy chain can be opened and closed particularly easily without tools.

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Request free E4.1L sample

Are you interested in the E4.1L system, but would like to hold it in your hands before making a final decision in order to get the best possible impression?

Then you are welcome to order this free sleeve from us.

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e-chain with banderoles and connected cables for a linear guidance application.

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igus E2.1 cable chain in a container handling system.

E2.1 - For empty container stackers and spreaders
In the medium load range for industrial trucks such as container stackers or spreaders, we often recommend E2.1 energy chains. The extremely strong and space-saving systems are particularly easy to fill with cables and are perfect for long-term outdoor use.
Thanks to the advanced design, the service life has increased again compared to its predecessor, the E2/000 energy chain. This makes the E2.1 energy chain an all-rounder in the medium load range.

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Order sample energy chain E2.1 free of charge

Are you interested in the E2.1 series, but would like to hold it in your hands before making a final decision in order to get the best possible impression?

Then you can order a free sleeve of the E2.1 from us.

E2.1 sleeve

igus E2.1 cable carrier with an unfolded product banner and colored cables.

E2.1 sleeve

Several coloured chainflex control cables with different conductor constructions.

Cables in container handling

In harbour operations, cables are subjected to heavy loads. In industrial vehicles that operate continuously at container terminals, they will often be in motion around the clock. To make sure that there are no core breaks and the cables achieve the longest possible service life, we test all our chainflex cables extensively in advance in our in-house test laboratory with a total floor area of 3,800m².
All our cables are also UV-resistant, available as UL-certified versions and receive a blanket guarantee of four years.

chainflex control cables CF9 and CF10

Thanks to the different number of cores and outer jacket materials, our range of control cables offers the stability that is required for terminal vehicles as well as for longer travels such as on cranes.
Discover control cable CF9 | Discover control cable CF10

Discover all control cables

igus chainflex CF9 cable cross-section with a multi-core, twisted internal structure.

chainflex motor cables CF37/38, CF330/340

Our motor cables ensure reliable and failure-free operation in reach stackers, straddle carriers and other industrial trucks. And that at high mechanical loads and temperatures from -40 to +50°C.
Discover CF37 | Discover CF38 | Discover CF330 | Discover CF340

Discover all motor cables

chainflex bus cable CFBUS

We offer a wide range of bus cables for the common bus systems. Thanks to different outer materials and their tested durability, they can be used in industrial vehicles in terminals without any problems.
Discover CFBUS bus cable

Discover all bus cables

chainflex CFBUS bus cable with a multicore internal structure.

chainflex coaxial cable CFKOAX

chainflex coax cables are supplied with a TPE outer jacket and are UV-resistant. They enable reliable signal transmission in reach stackers and other terminal vehicles, even under high mechanical loads.
Discover CFKOAX coax cable

Discover all coax cables

Chainflex control cable with multi-core construction and shielding.

UL-certified

UL Verified Mark with identifier B129699.

We also offer a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) cable for every chainflex cable type.

UV-resistant

Suitable for outdoor applications: our cables are all UV-resistant.

Guarantee

Thanks to our daily laboratory tests at chainflex cables, we offer a 4-year guarantee without hesitation.

Discover all chainflex cables here

Application story: Safe cable guidance on the telescopic boom

Energy chains for telescopic boom and cab adjustment
Our energy supply systems enable light, corrosion-free and low-maintenance cable guidance on the telescopic boom as well as in the cab adjustment of this reach stacker. The energy supply's travel along the telescopic boom totals 11 metres, while the travel along the cab adjustment amounts to 1.5 metres. Two e-chains from igus are deployed for the cab adjustment in order to protect all the cables and ensure they move safely and securely. 4140C and H4.56 energy supply systems are used. The chainflex CF9, CF11 cables and hydraulic hoses are guided in them.

A reach stacker lifts a container with a crane arm.

Leading spreader manufacturers rely on E4 energy chains and chainflex cables.
Some of the world's leading manufacturers of spreaders use our energy chains and chainflex cables for cable and hose guidance on the spreader. This is also the case in this example, a series application in which an E4 series energy chain as well as chainflex CF37, CF9 cables and hydraulic hoses are used. The energy supply and cables travel 3.5 metres in length in this spreader.

Fewer failures in the spreader hub since replacement with e-chains
A leading straddle carrier manufacturer was experiencing increased wear with its previous cable and hose guidance for the spreader hub, resulting in a short cable and hose service life. Since the cable guidance in the straddle carriers has been taken on by our energy chains, the service life of the cables and hoses has significantly increased. The e-chains guide wear-resistant CF9 and CFBUS chainflex cables and hydraulic hoses.