Because Mitsubishi Electric is not the Mitsubishi you think you know. We build purpose-driven motion control for industries that depend on smooth lifts, steady loads, and zero downtime. And yes, that absolutely includes crane and hoist.
Why Cranes and Hoists Need a Fresh Approach
Cranes are doing more than ever. Plants are growing. Warehouses are packed. Skilled operators are harder to find. And older cranes keep aging whether we want them to or not.
That combination creates a perfect storm of challenges.
- Loads swing when inexperienced operators tap buttons too fast
- Mechanical wear skyrockets
- Maintenance teams chase nuisance faults
- Panel shops lose hours on VFD setup and start-up trips
- OEMs struggle with supply chain surprises and inconsistent components
In short, the industry wants more control, more reliability, and more support.
That is where Mitsubishi Electric steps in.
Meet the VFDs That Were Built for Crane and Hoist, Not Adapted for It
A lot of drives in this industry are general-purpose units with a few crane macros tacked on. Mitsubishi Electric took a different path. Our FR-E800 and FR-A800 VFDs (variable frequency drives) were engineered with real crane behavior in mind. That means smoother starts, steady stops, fewer faults, and better support for both new builds and retrofits.
Here is what makes them stand out.
Anti-sway that does not need extra sensors
The load stays steady because the drive anticipates the motion and adjusts. No add ons. No complicated programming. Just smoother, safer lifting.
Infinitely variable speed control
Operators can inch into position instead of bouncing the hook around. Great for newer workers. Great for seasoned pros. Great for equipment life.
A footprint that fits real world panels
Panel space is tight. The FR-E800 is compact, cool running, and designed to fit where other VFDs simply do not.
Diagnostics that help maintenance stay ahead
Corrosion alerts, life tracking, and fault histories help teams catch problems early. Less guessing. More uptime.
Five-year warranty
Yes, five. It sends a pretty clear message about our confidence in the hardware.
Why OEMs Are Standardizing on Mitsubishi Electric
Crane builders and integrators want components that are consistent, available, and easy to work with. Those are the areas where Mitsubishi Electric really shines.
1. Faster builds and cleaner startups
Crane-specific functions are built in, which cuts commissioning time and reduces common setup mistakes.
2. Reliability that holds up year after year
We design and manufacture our own core technologies. That level of control delivers some of the lowest failure rates in the industry.
3. Support that makes a difference
Our Field Engineering Support Group, distribution network, and extensive documentation give OEMs and end users confidence before and after installation.
4. One product family that fits most crane sizes
Standardizing is easier when a single VFD series covers hoist, trolley, and bridge. Training gets easier, too.
A Better Fit for End Users Too
Maintenance teams love the convenience of modernizing older cranes without ripping out the entire control system. With Mitsubishi Electric drives, they can:
- Reduce unexpected downtime
- Improve safety and smoothness
- Extend the life of mechanical components
- Troubleshoot faster with built-in tools
A retrofit can take a crane from choppy and unpredictable to smooth and consistent. The difference is obvious the first time someone hits the pendant.
So Yes, Mitsubishi Electric Is in the Crane and Hoist Game. And We Are Very Good at It.
Whether it is a new OEM build, a retrofit on aging equipment, or a plant that wants to eliminate load sway once and for all, Mitsubishi Electric delivers a level of quality and motion-control intelligence that lifts more than just loads. It lifts confidence, uptime, and safety.
Not the Mitsubishi you think you know. But definitely the one you will want on your next crane project.
Speaking of the game, we have developed our own Anti-Sway Crane game. Test your skills and let us know your results!
